Photograph: Courtesy Mini Galaxy Play Café
Photograph: Courtesy Mini Galaxy Play Café

The best indoor playgrounds in NYC

Bad weather can't cancel playtime—take the kids to an indoor playground in NYC

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NYC’s playground game is seriously next-level. From splash pad-filled oases to sleek, STEM-inspired designs, these playgrounds let kids run, climb and learn while burning off all that wild energy. But what happens when the weather doesn’t cooperate? Don’t let a little rain—or snow—put a damper on playtime. These indoor playgrounds in NYC have you covered, offering the same epic opportunities to climb, slide and explore, minus the need for sunscreen or umbrellas.

These indoor play spaces are perfect for keeping the little ones entertained (and worn out) when the weather outside is doing its worst. Plus, if you’re looking to shake things up even more, NYC has no shortage of indoor kid-friendly activities. Explore the city’s coolest museums or turn the day into an adventure with laser tag battles or trampoline park bounces. Rain or shine, NYC knows how to keep the fun going.

Indoor playgrounds in NYC

1. Twinkle Playspace

Imaginations run wild in this custom-made 4,500-square-foot playspace, complete with interactive structures that’ll wow your little ones. There’s the stardust tree fort, which features a suspended tower with a netted bridge, plus a Red Hot Fire House that features a massive fire truck, stairs and a second-floor firehouse. Other special features include a graffiti studio, a construction play area, the General Store (a 1950s–style market complete with groceries) and a beauty parlor.

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  • South Brooklyn

This Park Slope hotspot is a win-win for the whole family. The cafe and playground hybrid will give parents the opportunity to snack and socialize—a much-needed break—while their kids run wild. Youngsters will be able to slide into a ball pit, create masterpieces in the LEGO station, test their agility at the angled climbing wall, run around the matted play area and explore the wonders of the magnetic wall.

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3. Flying Apple

Kids ten and under—even one-year-olds—will love this indoor playspace in Brooklyn. Let their imaginations soar while you kick back and relax. There are ball pits, slides, climbing walls, obstacle courses, swings and more. You can also pick up a toy or two from the curated toy shop on site.

4. Kidville UWS

At this Kidville location, you’ll find a supervised indoor gym, tons of weekly classes such in dance, arts, science and more, plus a boutique and a café. Pampered playtime at these  megaspaces is a bit pricey, but worth it.

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  • Long Island

This Long Island venue provides plenty of opportunity for kiddos to jump, climb, run and "xplore." It's the perfect location for them to release that pent-up energy, no matter what the weather looks like outside. The bright-colored room hosts inflatables perfect for bouncing, a multi-level soft playground, a laser maze that lets kiddos test their skills and even a wide selection of video games.

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  • Queens
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During two-hour open play, let your kids explore the colorful gym that features a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, foam pit, ball pit, basketball court, tunnels and slides. Looking for a birthday party location for your little ones? Kids 'N Shape Queens is an awesome venue for celebrations. It even provides camp programs with various themes each week.

More fun things to do

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There are plenty of outdoor activities for kids in New York City—many you'll even love doing as a family! When you're not busy cuddled up with our favorite family movies on Netflix and our list of the best kids movies (come on—it's time to head outside!), you'll love exploring the coolest family attractions and the other amazing outdoor activities this amazing city has to offer. 
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