Rain or Shine Family Fun: 5 Places to Visit During Spring Showers

All photos courtesy of Frank Bolinsky
All photos courtesy of Frank Bolinsky
All photos courtesy of Frank Bolinsky

The unpredictability of spring and summer rain can dampen plans to get out and burn energy. It may seem to rain every weekend when there’s actually time to get out with the kids. To help when the rain does come, here are some ideas for rainy-day activities to get your family out and about:

DODGEARROWS ANNAPOLIS

DodgeArrows is a popular birthday party spot where you can go and shoot foam-tipped arrows at your friends. It is fun and appropriate for all ages. They often run open plays when parties aren’t scheduled. If you have a child who hates to “get tagged out,” they’ll love how the games here are run!

ANNAPOLIS MALL

The Annapolis Mall is a gold mine of free and paid activities for those rainy days. Jolly Yolly Kids recently opened and is an indoor play and learning center for children that has a multilevel premium indoor play structure. Slime Co. also recently opened where you can make your own colorful custom slime creation. Discoveries: The Library at the Mall is free and often has activities and plenty of toys and books to keep kids busy. Right across from the library is the SPCA where kids can see all the animals up for adoption. Next to the SPCA is AV Bounce that has multiple bounce houses to really help get the energy out. AMC Theatres is at the mall and often has a wide selection of movies playing with huge recliners and food offerings. The play area for younger kids is free, recently opened back up, and is always a great choice. Even just making laps and people-watching can be an enjoyable time out. Keep an eye on the mall’s website as they often post kid-friendly events.

KID’S LANDING PLAYCARE

On Kent Island, this new Chesapeake Bay-themed kids’ gym is perfect for ages 8 and under. You’ll find a lot of unique play spaces that pay homage to the local culture like a duck blind you can play in, a bait shop with toy fishing lures, and boats you can wheel around the gym. Program plans are also available for purchase on their website.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Each location is unique and offers different toys, events, and play spaces for kids. The Odenton, Severna Park, and Broadneck locations are tried and true and always free. The Odenton Library
has Magna-Tiles that are big enough to build a fort, along with various play stations mounted at the end of each row of books. The Broadneck Library has a train table and toy kitchen, and the Severna Park Library has a dollhouse with a vast collection of figurines. If that’s not enough, you can check out books and movies, and attend family-friendly events at any of the branches.

CHESAPEAKE ARTS CENTER

This is the perfect rainy-day Brooklyn Park destination for families, offering a creative escape with interactive exhibits, vibrant art galleries, and engaging workshops for all ages. Whether exploring the latest gallery showcase, catching a live performance, or joining a hands-on art class, kids and parents alike can spark their creativity while staying dry. The welcoming atmosphere and diverse programming make it a great spot to nurture a love for the arts and make lasting memories indoors.