Maryland’s unpredictable weather can sometimes put a damper on outdoor plans. But fear not! The state is brimming with fantastic indoor activities that will keep you entertained, educated, and engaged, no matter the season. From historic museums to thrilling escape rooms, there’s something for everyone. So, the next time the weather takes a turn, check out these top indoor picks in Maryland.
1. Earth Treks Climbing Centers
Addresses: 7125 Columbia Gateway Dr. Columbia, MD 21046 ; 1930 Greenspring Drive, Timonium, MD 21093 ; 1000 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
Unique Features & Attractions: State-of-the-art indoor climbing gym with plenty of climbing for every ability.
Amenities: Indoor climbing instruction, private instruction and parties, youth programs and teams, outdoor climbing and guiding, group fitness, personal training, and yoga.
Best Times to Visit: Weekends and evenings are typically busier.
Entry Fees: Varies depending on activity and membership type.
Website: https://movementgyms.com/rockville/
Phone Number: (410) 872-0060
“I’ve been climbing at Earth Treks Columbia for years and I love it! The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, the facilities are top-notch, and there’s always something new to challenge me with.“
2. Maryland Science Center
Address: 601 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
Unique Features & Attractions: Three levels of hands-on exhibits covering a wide range of scientific topics. A digital planetarium offering immersive shows about space and astronomy. An IMAX theater showcasing large-format films. Live science demonstrations and programs. Dinosaur Mysteries exhibit featuring dinosaur fossils and interactive displays.
Amenities: Gift shop, Cafeteria, and Locker rental.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Entry Fees: Adults: $24.95 ; Children (ages 3-12): $19.95 ; Seniors (65+): $21.95 ; Military personnel: $21.95.
Website: https://www.mdsci.org/
Phone Number: (410) 685-5225
“The Maryland Science Center is a fantastic place to learn and have fun! My kids loved all the interactive exhibits and the planetarium show was amazing. We’ll definitely be back again soon!”
3. Monster Mini Golf
Addresses: 1969 E Joppa Rd, Parkville, MD 21234 ; 9116 Gaither Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20877; 7351 Assateague Dr #380, Jessup, MD 20794
Unique Features & Attractions: Glow-in-the-dark indoor course with over 20 exciting obstacles, arcade games, and a DJ.
Amenities: Party rooms, food and drinks, and a gift shop.
Best Times to Visit: Weekends and evenings are typically busier.
Entry Fees: $13.99, Children (3-12): $11.99, Seniors (65+): $11.99, Military personnel: $11.99.
Website: https://monsterminigolf.com/locations/us/md/towson/
Phone Number: (410) 497-9704
“We had so much fun at Monster Mini Golf Towson! The course was super cool and challenging, and my kids loved the arcade games. We’ll definitely be back again soon!“
4. Calvert Marine Museum
Address: 14200 Solomons Island Road, Solomons, MD 20688
Unique Features & Attractions: Two historic lighthouses (Drum Point Light and Cedar Point Light). Two iconic Chesapeake workboats (Wm. B. Tennison and J.C. Lore). Extensive collection of Miocene fossils. Aquariums featuring local marine life (skates, rays, river otters, fish). Interactive exhibits on paleontology, maritime history, and estuarine ecology.
Amenities: Gift shop, Picnic areas, Boat tours and lighthouse tours, and Educational programs and workshops.
Best Times to Visit: Spring and Fall (mild temperatures, fewer crowds).
Entry Fees: Adults: $15, Seniors (62+): $13, Children (6-17): $8, Children (5 and under): Free.
Website: https://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/
Phone Number: (410) 326-2042
“The Calvert Marine Museum is a hidden gem! We loved exploring the exhibits, learning about the local history, and seeing the marine life up close. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, and the boat tour was a highlight of our trip.“
5. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Addresses: Gaithersburg: 7175 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21046 ; Timonium: 23 W Aylesbury Rd, Timonium, MD 21093-4102 ; Columbia: 1001 Hampton Park Blvd, Capitol Heights, MD 20743
Unique Features & Attractions: Freestyle jumping areas. Dodgeball courts. Foam pits. SkySlam basketball court. Obstacle courses. Special events like Glow Jump and Sky Zone Fitness.
Amenities: Locker rooms, Snack bar, Party rooms, and Wi-Fi.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays after school or work hours. Weekends (check for peak times).
Entry Fees: Varies depending on age, time of day, and special promotions.
Website: https://www.skyzone.com/
Phone Number: Gaithersburg: (240) 454-9768, Timonium: (410) 842-1661, Columbia: (410) 834-5717
“We try to be an active family. The membership is great for our needs. It gets us off the couch and jumping together multiple times every month.“
6. National Aquarium
Address: 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Unique Features & Attractions: Award-winning habitats showcasing diverse marine life. Floor-to-ceiling exhibits like the Blacktip Reef. Interactive experiences and educational programs. Animal encounters and feedings. Stunning architectural design.
Amenities: Gift shops, Restaurants and cafes, Restrooms, and Accessibility features for visitors with disabilities.
Best Times to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds. Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak visitor times. Consider visiting during special events and exhibits.
Entry Fees: Varies depending on age and time of year. Check the website for current pricing and discounts.
Website: https://aqua.org/
Phone Number: (410) 576-3800
“The National Aquarium in Baltimore is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The exhibits are amazing, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the animals. It’s a great place to learn about marine life and have fun at the same time.“
Want to learn more? Check out our guide for Planning Your Visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD, here.
7. Crystal Grottoes Caverns
Address: 19821 Shepherdstown Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21712
Unique Features & Attractions: The only show cave in Maryland. One of the largest caves in the state. Contains a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. The cave is kept at a constant temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The cave is illuminated by natural light.
Amenities: Gift shop, Picnic area, and Restrooms.
Best Times to Visit: The cave is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild.
Entry Fees: Adults: $20 ; Children (ages 5-12): $10 ; Children under 5: Free.
Website: https://www.crystalgrottoescaverns.com/
Phone Number: (301) 432-6336
“The Crystal Grottoes Caverns are a must-see for anyone visiting Maryland. The formations are absolutely breathtaking, and the guides are very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this attraction to anyone.“
8. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Address: 13 Canal Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
Unique Features & Attractions: Scenic train rides through the Allegheny Mountains. Historic train cars and steam locomotives. Themed excursions like murder mysteries, Polar Express, and dinner trains. Hands-on-the-throttle experiences. Opportunity to explore the mountain town of Frostburg.
Amenities: On-site dining options, Gift shop, Picnic areas, and Wheelchair accessibility.
Best Times to Visit: Spring and Fall for mild weather and beautiful foliage. Winter for holiday-themed events like the Polar Express.
Entry Fees: Varies depending on the type of excursion and seating class. Check the website for current pricing.
Website: https://wmsr.com/
Phone Number: (301) 759-4400
Email Address: info@wmsr.com
“My family and I had the most magical experience on the Polar Express! The train ride, the hot chocolate, the cookies, and the visit from Santa were all perfect. We will definitely be back!“
9. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Address: 401 S Atlantic Ave, Ocean City, MD 21842
Unique Features & Attractions: “Odditorium” filled with unusual artifacts and artwork. Mirror Maze. Laser Ace. Candy Factory. Over 700 exhibits featuring extraordinary people, unusual artifacts, and unbelievable things. Authentic shrunken heads, the world’s rarest egg, and two-headed animals. 12 extraordinary themed galleries.
Amenities: Gift shop and Food and beverage options.
Best Times to Visit: During the summer months (June-August) when the boardwalk is most active. Weekdays for less crowded experiences.
Entry Fees: Varies depending on the time of year and any special promotions.
Website: https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-believe-it-or-not-ocean-city
Phone Number: (410) 289-5600
“Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! in Ocean City is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The exhibits are fascinating and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It’s a great place to spend a few hours learning about the strange and unusual.“
“Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! in Ocean City is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The exhibits are fascinating and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. It’s a great place to spend a few hours learning about the strange and unusual.“
