They’re finally here: those glorious months when outdoor activities reign supreme. The kids get more fresh air and exercise, less screen time and our homes don’t have to take such a beating from their youngest inhabitants.
Insert a rainy day. What’s a parent to do when the great outdoors are a no-go and you’ve hit the limit on how many times you can watch the “Encanto” movie? We have a few ideas.
Annapolis Mall
There are multiple avenues for children’s entertainment at the Westfield Annapolis Mall without even opening your wallet.
For the little ones (42 inches and shorter to be exact), there is a playground on the first level, near Pottery Barn, where a tiny tot can run and climb until their heart’s content.
If you’re looking for lower-key fun, and if your allergies allow, take the family to visit the SPCA’s Paws at the Mall. Have fun playing and cuddling with sweet animals ready for adoption.
To round out your day of fun, there is a library at the mall complete with a play area called “Discovery Dock” where kids can enjoy toys and educational manipulatives.
2002 Annapolis Mall, Annapolis | www.westfield.com/annapolis
Anne Arundel County Public Library
The Broadneck and Severna Park branches of the public library offer story times for babies, toddlers and preschools many mornings each week – a great low-maintenance and free option for getting out of the house. Along with copious amounts of books from which to choose, every branch also has a “Discovery Dock” play area where children can play and learn.
Broadneck: 1275 Green Holly Road, Annapolis | Severna Park: 45 West McKinsey Road, Severna Park | www.aacpl.net
Rolly Pollies
The amount of energy a tiny human can possess is downright baffling at times, and overwhelming if you’re stuck inside with nowhere to go. Rolly Pollies has the equipment, and the staff, to help them burn off some of that energy — balance beams, a trampoline, uneven bars and a bounce house to name a few.
Four days a week, Rolly Pollies offers an open gym hour when families can drop in for $12 per child. For fully potty-trained children ages 3 to 8, parental supervision is optional.
476 Ritchie Highway Unit D, Severna Park | www.rollypolliesmaryland.com/severnapark
Severna Park Lanes
Whether you need to kill an hour or the better part of a day, Severna Park Lanes can keep the whole family happy. Grab a lane for tenpin or duckpin, depending on the ages in your party.
If bowling’s not on the docket for the day, you can still squeeze out plenty of fun at the arcade and hit up the snack bar.
840 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park | www.gobowlingsevernapark.com
Thrive Gym
When the littles are jumping off the walls and your furniture, Thrive Gym is ready to absorb their energy and give you (and your house) a break. Let your tiny gymnast climb, jump, tumble and more with new friends under the direction of an attentive staff.
For children 5 and under, Thrive hosts an hour of open play four days a week at its Annapolis location and once a week in Arnold.
451 Defense Highway, Annapolis | 1244 Ritchie Highway, Arnold | www.thrivegym.org
Totsville
Take a little drive to Glen Burnie and you’ll find the aptly named Totsville. Slides, crawl tunnels, an obstacle course and a ball pit all provide a great outlet for practicing those gross motor skills and releasing energy.
For the sensory-seeker who prefers a calmer vibe, there is a separate room featuring a large sandpit and toys — like a day at the beach minus the water and sunburn.
Totsville offers open play daily for $12.50 and posts those hours on its Facebook page.
7497 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, Glen Burnie | www.totsvilleplayground.com
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