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12 Places to Play Indoors this Winter on the South Shore

By Laurie Corbett, Publisher Mom, South Shore Boston January 8, 2020
I love the snow, but there isn't much of it right now and without snow, I'm not the biggest fan of playing outside in the winter. So, we have rounded up a few great places to play indoors this winter. Information is subject to change. Please contact venues for the most up to date programming, hours and pricing. Don't forget to bookmark this article for easy access when you need it.

Have a great indoor play spot we missed? Send an email with the subject line Indoor Play to lauriec@macaronikid.com and let us know!

Hingham Rec Indoor Playground - Hingham Recreation Gymnasium, 201 Central Street, Hingham, MA

Love playgrounds but hate the cold? Hingham Rec has a solution for you with its indoor playground. They have ride-on toys, climbing structures, tumbling mats and more! Plus, a special area just for kids 0 - 2. Located within the Hingham Rec Gym on Central Street they are open now through March 17th on Fridays from 3 PM - 5:15 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 AM - 11 AM. Kids ave 0 to 5 are welcome with an adult and admission is $8 per child. 

Learn more at www.hingham-ma.gov.



Hull Lifesaving Museum - 1117 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA

Kids and adults alike can learn all about schooners and noreasters, shipwrecks, and rescues with hands-on exhibits including the children's loft. The Museum is open Thursday through Monday with varying hours. Adults are $5, Seniors are $3, and kids 18 and under are free.

Learn more at www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org/.


Kids World - South Shore Sports Center, 55 Recreation Park Drive, Hingham, MA

Opened this past fall Kids World is a great place to burn off energy. With multiple bouncy structures, ride on toys, balls, trucks, and more it is a great place to meet friends and have fun. Kids World is located within South Shore Sports Center and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM - 1 PM. Kids age 1 to 6 are welcome with an adult. Admission is $10 per child for the first child and $50 for additional children with a family max of $20. 10-pass and monthly memberships are also available. 

Learn more at southshoresportscenter.com.


KidZone - 175 Washington Street, Norwell, MA

Now under new management KidZone has jumping, climbing, obstacle courses and more making it a fun place active play on a winter day! Open play is open to kids age 2 to 12, and hours vary by day. They now offer memberships too!

Learn more at kidzonenorwell.com.



Mass Audubon's North River Sanctuary - 2000 Main Street, Marshfield, MA

The trails at Mass Audubon's many properties across the South Shore are lovely but, did you know they have an indoor Discovery Room at their North River Sanctuary too? Visitors are encouraged to learn about how rain gardens work, take a peek at shells under the microscope and more. During the winter they are open Monday - Friday from 9 AM - 4 PM. Admission is free for members, $4 for adults and $3 for children (2-12) and seniors ($65+).

Learn more at massaudubon.org.


Over the Moon Parenting - 15 Farrar Farm Road, Norwell, MA

Join Over the Moon Parenting their ZOOM! Playgroup ZOOM! PLAYGROUP is a drop-in play adventure for little ones ages 7 months to 4 years and their caregivers.  It is held on Saturday morning from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Pre-registration is required for this playgroup as space is limited.


Learn more at overthemoonparenting.com.


Paragon Boardwalk - 189 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA

When most people think of Nantasket Beach they think of summer fun but winter is a great time to stop into Paragon Boardwalk for a huge selection of new and classic arcade games, food, and lots of great live music. They are open Thursday - Sunday but their hours can be affected by the weather and other factors so be sure to call before heading out. 


Learn more at www.paragonboardwalk.com/.


Practice & Play - My Gym Children's Fitness Centers, 790 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Cohasset & 400 Washington Street, Norwell, MA

Kids up to age 6 are invited to free play at My Gym during their Practice & Play sessions with an adult. These sessions are open to members and non-members and a skilled teacher supervises the gym during these times. Time varies by day and location. Enrolled children may attend one Practice & Play each week at no extra charge. During some times of the year children may attend an unlimited number of Practice & Plays for no extra charge. Siblings that are not enrolled in a class may participate for $5. For families that are not enrolled at My Gym admission is $10 for the first child, the second and subsequent children are $5 each. 


Learn more at mygymsouthshore.com.



Public Libraries - Hanover, Norwell, Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, Hull, Marshfield, Duxbury, Pembroke, Whitman, Hanson, Rockland, and Abington

Public libraries are a wonderful place to play year-round, but they can be a very special place in the winter. In addition to their scheduled programming, many offer places to curl up and read a book, puzzles, blocks, board games, trains, puppets, and so much more. Plus, they welcome families from all communities so you can explore all of the local options and find the one that fits your family best!  

Meet the Children's Librarians on the South Shore in our Guides Section


South Shore Natural Science Center - EcoZone, 48 Jacobs Lane, Norwell, MA


Known for their wonderful hiking trails, children's garden and other outdoor areas the South Shore Natural Science Center also has a wonderful indoor space where children and adults alike can learn about the ecosystems of southeastern Massachusetts. The EcoZone is an interactive exhibit that allows guests to explore the Wetlands, Woodland, Meadow and Tidal Zone. EcoZone is open seven days a week with varying hours, and admission is $5 per person and kids under two are free. They also offer an annual family membership.

Learn more at southshorenaturalsciencecenter.org.


Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park - 645 Washington Street, Hanover, MA

When I think of Starland I think of mini-golf, batting cages, and go-karts but there is a lot to do at Starland in the winter too. They have a toddler time weekdays from 9 AM - 3 PM complete with a Hot Wheels course and inflatables. Plus there are indoor bumper cars and laser tag, an arcade and more. Toddler time open to kids age 1.5 to 6 with an adult and admission is $8/child and $4 for additional children in the same family. Pricing for other indoor activities is an additional cost. Prices and hours are listed on their website. 

Learn more at starlandsports.com/starland/.


The Wolves Den Sports Complex - 340 Oak Street, Pembroke, MA

The Wolves Den Sports Complex is your go-to spot for family fun! With the Wolves Den Kids Fun Factory complete with several large bouncy houses, 5 basketball courts, batting cages, turf, AAU basketball teams, birthday parties, a snack shack and more there's something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Learn more at www.wolvesdenpembroke.com/



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