Too cold, hot or rainy to play outside? Escape the elements and enjoy one of these local places and activities in Greater Lowell. Perfect to help your little ones burn off some energy and prevent you from going stir crazy! Many of the venues offer discounts for siblings and multiple visits, so be sure to check their websites for more info.
But first things first...check our EVENT CALENDAR to see all the local fun activities happening over the next couple of weeks.
Now, check our list below of our favorite indoor places in Greater Lowell (and a few beyond) for kid-friendly fun!
A - Acton Discovery Museum
This fantastic Children's Museum is open every day except Mondays and is free the first Friday evening of the month. Only 10 to 25 minutes from Greater Lowell, depending on where you live. Explore interactive STEM exhibits and hands-on learning activities designed for children of all ages.
B - Bowling at Wamesit Lanes, Bowlero Lowell or the smaller Collins Bowladrome
During the summer, Wamesit Lanes offers the Kids Bowl Free program. Be sure to sign up!
C - Chuck E. Cheese in Lowell
Indoor play area with a variety of games including video, skill type games and kiddie games. Fresh menu options including pizza, salad bar, sandwiches available for purchase. Ample seating. MacKid Tip: Coupons available online!
D - Drive to the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium or Children's Museum in Boston
Be sure to check your local library to see if a museum pass is available! You can book them in advance too. And use a parking app like Spothero to save a lot on a parking space if you're headed into the city.
E - Enjoy beautiful butterflies at The Butterfly Place in Westford
Make sure the kids know to be gentle with the butterflies and to stand still -- maybe one will land right on their shoulder! Note that The Butterfly Place is open from February to October and closed during the winter months.
F - Find lots of ideas for indoor fun at home in our article 40 Indoor Activities for Kids
G - Games! Host a family game day, teach the kids some card games, or try out new board games.
Some of our favorites -- Hedbanz, Mustache Smash, Uno, Tapple, Sequence for Kids, Set, and almost anything from GameWright
H - Have fun at an indoor pool
Check ResortPass for hotels that offer a day pass to their pool (currently, the Burlington Marriott is the closest). If it's a weekend day, Shawsheen Technical High School hosts a family swim -- check our event calendar for details.
I - Ice skating at the Chelmsford Forum.
Check our event calendar -- all public skating times are listed. You need to register in advance!
J - Jump and play at Altitude Trampoline Park in Billerica
Trampoline park with wall to wall interconnected trampolines and activities including a large main court, dodgeball area, basketball dunking lanes, foam pits, gymnastics “tumble tracks”, rock climbing wall and battle beam! MacKid Tip: Altitude offers a Toddler Time Monday to Friday (not including school vacations) from 10 AM to 2 PM! Fill out the online waiver in advance.
K - Kick back and enjoy a good book at a storytime
Local libraries and local playgroups run storytimes almost every day of the week. Check our event calendar.
L - Learn to rock climb
Metro Rock in Littleton offers indoor rock climbing lessons and climb time.
M - Magic Brush Pottery in Tewksbury has lots of fun craft projects to do
Try glass fusing, canvas painting, or painting a ceramic figure.
N - Nestle in your pajamas and watch some movies!
Plan a movie and snacks day, bake some cookies, and read a book together. Sometimes you just need to cuddle and relax!
O - Origami
Learn the art of paper folding at home with your kids, creating winter-themed designs like snowflakes and penguins.
P - Puzzles!
Pick a special puzzle and stay cozy inside putting it together as a family.
Q - Quest for adventure at an escape room
Try family-friendly escape rooms like Escapology in Tewksbury for an adventurous indoor challenge.
R - Roller skating at Roller Kingdom
Offers indoor roller skating/blading with rentals available as well as laser tag, arcade and a prize center. Enjoy the snack bar, ample seating and music. There is a center area of the rink for those learning to skate as well as “Refs” keeping things flowing and assisting and guarding those who fall. MacKid Tip: They offer many vacation day specials so be sure to check their website.
S - See a movie at AMC Tyngsboro, Showcase Cinema de Lux Lowell or O'Neil Cinemas in Littleton
Save some money by joining the loyalty programs at the theaters, such as AMC Stubs.
T - Tour the Boott Cotton Mills Museum at Lowell National Historical Park
The history in Lowell is fascinating! Ask a park ranger for a free Junior Ranger activity book to earn a badge as you explore the national park.
U - Unplug and make something crafty
We have lots of crafts and home activity articles on our website. Just go to our Articles page and choose the "Crafts and DIY" category.
V - Visit a nearby indoor garden
Enjoy the warmth of an indoor garden and learn about new plants and growing techniques.
W - Winter Farmers' Markets or Farm Stands
Explore local markets, like the Chelmsford Winter Farmers Market on Saturday or farm stands like Spring Brook Farm or Farmer Dave in Dracut, for fresh produce and homemade goodies.
X - eXtreme Laser Tag at Merrimack Valley Pavilion
Currently open on Friday evenings and weekends only (Google has the correct hours).
Y - Yarn, markers, beads, cake decorating...
Stop by Michaels or Joann Fabrics for some arts and crafts supplies and maybe learn something new!
Z - Zoo New England programs
Zoo New England offers indoor educational programs and activities for kids to learn about animals.
Macaroni Kid Lowell is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in the Greater Lowell MA area.
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