Drop-In Indoor Play Spaces: For Boston Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

It’s that time of year: The weather is increasingly wacky and predictably unpredictable. What’s a parent with an energetic baby, toddler, or preschooler to do? On those days when the weather is a little iffy, head out to one of Boston’s wonderful, sanity-saving indoor play spaces. We’ve got the skinny on some pretty great ones for the under six set, so read on!

Kids Fun Stop

Blessedly, Kids Fun Stop is open 7 days a week. Catch up on emails (free Wifi) while your kids work off some energy on the climbing structures, big slides, and ride-on toys. There is an art table for when your child needs some down time, and a separate baby play area for ages 2 and under. The baby play area is adjacent to the regular play area, so you can keep an eye on your tiny tot and bigger kids at the same time.

Where: 1580 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132. See the website for directions and road construction info.

When: Monday –Wednesday 9:30 am-6:00 pm, Thursday 9:30 am-7 pm, Friday 9:30 am-5 pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:30 am-1 pm. Closed Saturday & Sunday afternoons for private birthday parties. Closed Christmas Day, but open New Year’s Day.

Who: Ages 6 and under (with adult)

How much: One child $12, two children $18, three children $24, four children $30. Various discounts and monthly passes available.

Contact: 617-325-0800 or use the online contact form.

Mama & Me Creative Playspace and Open Gym

During Creative Playspace, little ones have full access to Mama & Me’s wonderful main playspace, which features light tables, dramatic play areas, dress-up, puppets, and blocks. You can also take your wiggly worms to the movement studio and soft gym equipment to get their wiggles out.

Where:  Jamaica Plain Brewery Complex, 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130

When: See website for Fall and Winter schedules (closed for Christmas vacation through New Year’s)

Who: Children ages 6 months - 3.5 years (with adult)

How much: 1 child $10 Drop-In, 2 siblings  $12 Drop-In. Parent Passport punchcards also available.

Contact:  617-477-3432 or info@mymamaandme.com

Isis Parenting Drop-In Playgroup

Isis Prudential offers drop-in playgroups for non-mobile babies on Fridays from 4-5pm and 6:30-8pm, and Saturdays 6:30-8pm. For toddlers up to age three, playgroups are offered Mondays and Tuesdays 4:30-5:30, Saturdays 6:30-8pm, and Sundays 5-6pm. Drop-in playtime is free for Members (Isis Membership is $75) and $8/family each visit for non-Members.

Where: The Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199. Directions and parking info. (Classes also offered at Isis Arlington, Needham, and Merchants Row in Hanover.)

When: See Drop-In Playgroup Schedule on the Isis Parenting website for current schedules at each location.

Who: Non-mobile babies and mobile babies (up to age 3) with a parent.

How much: $8/family per visit for non-members, free for members.

Contact: 781-429-1500 or info@isisparenting.com

Inside Playground

You and your kids can walk into Inside Playground (pictured in the photo above) seven days a week and enjoy the inflated bouncers, play cars, a ball pool, gym equipment, books, puzzles, LEGO, miniature furniture, dolls, dress up, light & magnet exploration, computers, and games. They also have weekly special activities led by staff.  When you need a break, grab something from the vending machines or whip out your packed snacks and relax in the snack area. WiFi is available, and parking is free.

Where: Inside Playground Watertown, 100 Parker Street, Watertown, MA 02472 (other locations coming soon).

When: Monday – Saturday 9 am-8 pm, Sunday 10 am-8 pm (call in advance if you plan to arrive after 6 pm – they sometimes close early during slow days). See website for holiday hours – they are open Christmas and New Year’s! Check out the Events page for special events, like a Chanukah party and a visit from Santa.

Who: Ages 6 and under (with adult)

How much: $10/child, free for first adult. See website for pricing, discounts, and membership info.

Contact: 617-923-1772 or info@insidesideplayground.com

Together In Motion

You might have heard about Together In Motion Tumble Gym and Exercise Studio for classes and groups, but they also have drop-in open gym time. During these open hours, parents and children play with soft blocks and modules, balls of all sizes, tunnels, and parachutes – all on a padded floor. They offer regular drop-in play for 0 to 6 years and Tiny Tot Time for 0 to 24 months.

Where: 1 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474 (at the intersection of Route 16/Alewife Brook Pkwy and Broadway on the Arlington/Somerville line).

When: See schedule for Drop-In Play and Tiny Tot Times

Who: Ages 6 and under (with adult)

How much: Children under 12 months $6 each, children over 12 months $7 each, children under 6 months free with paying sibling. 14 visit multi-pass for $69 (no expiration date).

Contact: 781-643-1377 info@togetherinmotion.com

Note: Schedules and pricing change frequently. It's always a good idea to check the play space's website or call before you go. 

For playgroups in and around Boston, see our Playgroups for Little Ones in Greater Boston post.