As the heat index soars in the DC metro area, I am madly, madly I tell you, trying to enter as many indoor, air conditioned activities for kids into the A Parent in Silver Spring calendar as possible. Please see the calendar for daily indoor play options.

For easy reference, here are some play ideas that I think are especially cool (pun intended) for children aged baby to kindergarten age:

Play N Learn Showrooms in Columbia or Gaithersburg
Although these giant swingset playrooms are not officially an open gym play space, the staff members I spoke to at both locations do not mind if you pick a hot summer day to do your Christmas or Hanukkah shopping, and any children you bring along are welcome to test drive the play structures.

Pottery Barn Kids Weekly Storytime and Sing-a-longs at White Flint & Tysons Corner Center
Weekly storytimes every Tuesday from 10-10:30, and children receive a free gift after they attend five readings. See individual locations for sing-a-long dates and performers.

musicKids Open Play in Rockville and Bethesda
Play and rock out in the air conditioning on Mondays in Rockville from 3:30-5, Tuesdays in Rockville from 11-12:30 and Tuesdays in Bethesda from 3:30-5.

Playwise Kids in Columbia & The Family Room on Capitol Hill
Just 30 minute drives from Silver Spring and worth every precious ounce of gasoline. Great for meeting DC and Howard County friends for playdates. Both are open daily and guarantee nice, big naps from your child. More info in an article I wrote here.

FunFit Open Gym in Derwood/Rockville on Wednesdays and Friday
Sweet, relaxed setting focused on fitness and learning play for children.