Get kids off the screens and out of the house at these Northern Virginia venues.
If you’re counting down the day to spring break, you’re not alone. Entertaining youngsters can feel exponentially more challenging when cold temps limit outdoor play options. To help, we’ve rounded up six indoor venues where kids can burn off energy and learn new skills.
The St. James
Being active doesn’t have to stop when temperatures drop. This 450,000-square-foot multisport complex offers field hockey, soccer, basketball, gymnastics swimming, ice skating and more — all indoors. Parents and caregivers can also get in a workout of their own at one of the facility’s group exercise classes. Or unwind with a spa service or grab a bite at Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s Vim & Victor restaurant. 6805 Industrial Rd., Springfield
Vertex Labs Academy
Part ninja warrior training facility and part STEAM center, this warehouse-style gym’s programs focus not just on physical prowess, but also self-awareness, strategy, and mental acuity. STEAM experiences include coding, 3D printing, and robotics. Buy a class pack or become a member, depending on what fits your schedule. 7406 Lockport Pl., Lorton
Ashburn Ice House
Ice skating is a quintessential winter sport, but brutally cold temperatures can make gliding around the area’s many outdoor pop-up rinks uncomfortable. Stay warm(ish) by taking to the ice at Ashburn Ice House. It’s home to two indoor National Hockey League-size rinks, where kiddos — and adults — can take figure skating lessons or join a youth house hockey league. 21595 Smith Switch Rd., Ashburn
Kidcreate Studio
Little ones 18 months to 6 years can get their creative juices flowing in weekly art classes such as Make, Play, Create, and Bubbles & Slime. The slightly older set (aged 5 to 12) might like The Messiest Science Experiments Ever or making 3D wonders in FANTastic. The chain has locations in Ashburn and Fairfax Station. 5616-A Ox Road, Fairfax Station, and 42775 Generation Dr., Ashburn
Hyper Kidz!
When your kid needs to burn off energy, head to this 17,000-square-foot indoor playground designed for babies through 13-year-olds. Littles can race down wave and spiral slides, boogie on an interactive LED dance floor, take a spin on motorized rides, and push through a ball pit. Walk-ins are welcome, and play time is unlimited. 7005 Manchester Blvd., Ste. 10B, Alexandria
Workhouse Arts Center
Sign kiddos up for a weekly class in painting, pottery, or glass-fusing, or let them explore new artistic outlets such as Irish dance. Guitar and drumming lessons are also available. 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
Children’s Science Center
If your little ones are fascinated by the natural world, bring them for a day of learning and fun at the Children’s Science Center. They can conduct experiments, try creating things in the Tinker Lab, and see real-life STEM demonstrations. Plus, it’s conveniently located in Fair Oaks Mall, so you can wrap it in with a day of shopping or grab a bite to eat when you’re done. 11948L Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax, $15
Mulberry Lane
Need to get in a few hours of work? This play café and coworking space in Del Ray allows kids to play while their parents work, eat, or mingle just steps away. Kids ages 1 to 6 can take part in supervised, imaginative play in Mulberry Lane’s Play Lane, which includes arts and crafts stations and role-play areas. Parents can eat, work, or relax in a connected café called Shorty’s. The open layout allows parents to easily keep an eye on their kids while they play. Several options for memberships and subscriptions are available. 2016 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria…