Anonymous wrote:Badlands has great free running around space but often terrible theme rooms and activities (LEGO room has a single box of legos, the art bar was close to zero supplies and not user friendly, etc)

We have been to Badlands twice and each experience was better than the first. The key is to sign up for the activity event when you get there. The first visit was a LEGO challenge, and each child had their own set and challenged to make a few things. The 2nd visit was an art session where the instructor talked briefly about Jackson Pollock, and then they did a group art piece. They also had a dance event and did a cool science experiment with dry ice for the kids. On top of above, the mountain is a great play space. What I like about it is that it’s a combination of play space and enriching programming for the kids set in a great venue.

We just wished it was closer to DC. If so, we would get a membership. We live by H St/Capital Hill so it’s a good 25 minute drive. if you live much more north, it might not be as far.

We go to Hidden Oaks Nature Center reguarly. Yes, it's small, but our kids can easily spend an hour there. Longer if we play outside, too. Quicker trip for the under 1 yr age, though. I'd say it's best for 2+. They have an outdoor play area behind the building which is pretty fun and some kid friendly trails. The playground is meh, but is going to be replaced (by fall maybe?). They have great programs, but again in the 2+ range. The programs are great for older kids, too. Searching on ParkTakes (the registration system) isn't great, but the friends group maintains a calendar of programs which is easier to use. Once you know what you're looking for, it's easy to find on ParkTakes and register. www.fohonc.com

There is also a soft play room at Lee District Rec center in Alexandria. It’s $5 for kids and they say you get half an hour but they never check, so it’s possible to stay longer if there’s not a waiting list to get in. However it’s usually only open in the afternoons because the preschool uses it in the mornings during the school year, and the Parktakes classes use it in the mornings in the summers. You have to call the rec center main phone line to see the hours each day.

I hate badlands. So boring for the kids. They are ready to go after 30 minutes.

Badlands has great free running around space but often terrible theme rooms and activities (LEGO room has a single box of legos, the art bar was close to zero supplies and not user friendly, etc)

Port discovery is my own personal hell.

Scramble is great, and the Maryland science center is so much fun!

My 5 yo and 7 yo loved ClimbZone in Laurel. Tons of fun, themed climbing walls and a few bounce houses/slides.

Later in the weekend, we went to a PK bday party at Jumping Joeys. My 7 yo was bored but my 5 yo had fun.

We also have enjoyed ZavaZone. We didn’t like Sky Zone (too many people). My 7 yo was bored at Badlands but my 5 yo loved it. My 7 yo also loves Pinstripes bowling and ice skating at Kettler.

We go to jumpin joeys and pump it up indoor bounce houses a lot for open jump. My boys ages 3 and 5 love it and leave exhausted. More for ages 4+ I’d say (my 3yo needs a lot of supervision)