Best Indoor Playgrounds for Toddlers in Connecticut

Playhouse Fairfield —Norwalk

Playhouse Fairfield offers an amazing kids indoor playground option for younger children. With three slides, climbing options, endless balls from the ball pit, and more, Playhouse Fairfield has plenty of space for kids to explore. While kids are playing on the indoor playground, parents have several comfy seating options for nearby viewing. Tables and outlets are available, as well as complimentary hot coffee.

Newly opened, this is a play zone for kiddos on the young side (0-6). A very cute mock-Main Street lines the walls of this play area giving kids a chance to explore different comunity roles and jobs, like police station, fire station and supermarket. It also has a foam pit and corscrew slide and...a terrific little cafe for moms (and dads too). Have your kids work a shift at the pretend coffee shop, while you sip a coffee from the REAL coffee shop. 

My Gym — multiple locations

Kids will gain gross-motor confidence in one of My Gym's classes. From 4 months to 10 years old, choose from classes like Waddlers and Gymsters, terrific Tots, Mighty Mights, and of course, Ninja Training for the older kids. Maybe mom and dad need a date night. My Gym offers a Parents Night Out once a month and vacation programs. 

Busy Bees Playhive — Norwich

This adorable place believes in the power of play! The space is warm and simple with wooden toys, climbers, slides, and a fun, huge "hive" at the center. The hive is open daily and kids under 1 are free.

My Kid's Place — Colchester

Specifically for toddlers, this open, bright, clean play area is pseudo-Montessori and encouraged imagination and investigation. Enjoy Open Play Monday through Friday, book your time slot online.

Romp and Roll — Wethersfield

Play-based classes and open play times at this fun, energy-burning recreation zone. Open playtime is on Tuesdays (varied times) for multiple ages so that brothers and sisters can come too. Don't forget about this gem: Parents Morning Out, when mom can drop off the kids and go get a coffee!

Kidz Klub — multiple locations

Located in Milford, Danbury and Trumbull, Kidz Klub is a fun, brightly lit, and super-cushioned kids indoor playground and climbing area. Little ones will adore the child-friendly slides, ball pit, mini-trampoline, obstacle course, and more. There's even an area for the toddlers. This is a fun place for kids ages 1-10. 

Where Can Older Kids Burn Energy Indoors Too?

Funz Trampoline Park — Hamden

A 50,000 sq. ft kids indoor play space filled with fun things, like trampolines, kiddie court, foam pit and a playground for toddlers. Tickets start at $13 for toddlers, Funz is open most holidays for playing.

Bounce Extreme  — Milford

Bounce Extreme is New England's largest indoor, inflatable play area. From one end of the space to the other, the ground is covered in bouncy, shiny, springy inflatables kids can fall, climb and be silly on. This play area is for all ages but they also have a separated toddler area  (3 and under) for safe play.

Urban Air Trampoline Park —  Orange

Arcades,climbing, jumping, bowling, tumbling tunnel and more. Park attractions include things you can;t find at every trampoline park like climbing, bumper cars, go-carts, and a Battle Course. There is plenty to do at this all-in-one location.  

Chelsea Piers CT —  Stamford

This place has everything. Kids can do just about every sport here: indoors. Try out its two indoor ice skating rinks, adventure center, indoor water slides, a pool, batting cages, tennis, soccer, and basketball courts. You can bring the kids to the Adventure Center where they can exhaust themselves jumping from square to square in their wall-to-wall trampoline room and then by climbing the rock climbing wall. There are also drop-in classes and fun for kids including a Little Athletes Zone, gymnastics, and open volleyball. 

 IT— New Haven

Hope you're not afraid of heights!  A destination for every kid before they grow up, IT has two 60 foot high ropes courses, four zip lines, and a huge catwalk. There is also a smaller size ropes course for those who are under 48" called Little IT/Zip IT that is three feet off the ground and harnessed. 

Skyzone Trampoline Park — Trumbull

So much to do! Kids of all ages will love this place for its Ninja Warrior Course, free-climb area, trapeze, warped climbing wall, trampolines, foam pit, rockwall, and so much more. Little Leapers is Saturday mornings. Note: Glow is canceled until further notice.

 Flight Trampoline Park — Manchester

Bring your thrill-seeking child to jump, bounce and leap. Besides the trampolines, there is a bounce-basketball court, awesome ninja warrior court, climbing walls, and arcade. There is also a "Kids Zone" for your little ones (4 and under) with ball pits, slides,climbing structures and more. Opens daily at noon.

Nomads Adventure Quest — South Windsor

Nomads is a one-stop fun spot place for kids of all ages with a rock climbing wall, huge arcade, and laser tag. How about a teacup ride? Bowling? It's all at this one location. There are also inflatables and climbers for smaller kids. 

Which Indoor Places Have Opened in The Last Year in Connecticut?

Playhouse Sono - Norwalk

For kids 7 and under, it is a huge ball-pit with mini-slides and super cushioned see-saws for safe, stress-free play. And, best of all, there is a cozy tea cafe for mom to grab cpffe and some treats. 

Lava Island —  Manchester

Brand new! Try Lava Island for a couple hours of fun. The toddler area has a foam pit and smaller trampolines for safe fun and the massive Tike Track climbing cage will be the opportunity for bold and brave adventurers to get high in the sky. while safe (try the corkscrew tunnels!). 

Adventure Place - Meriden

Just opened! This is a massive indoor playground (30,000 sq. ft) which just opened at the Meriden Mall. It is brightly lit, has unique decor and areas to play for all ages 12 and under. The top activity in the playground is an indoor obstacle/zipline/ropes course. But there is also a climbing cage, tunnels, slides and more.

Perfect Playdate - Milford

Kids get to play in this very intentionally designed and minimalist play-space. They can come in for open play or a Mommy and Me class and listen to a story, play musical instruments, do yoga, dress up and more.

Which Indoor Play Spaces Are Good for Birthday Parties?

My Gym —  Multiple Locations

Have your birthday party at one of the My Gyms - even first birthdays! The party includes games, activities, circle-time, and their special Space Flight Zip Line and Birthday March.

Thrillz — Danbury

Super neon fun for kids with slides, free jump, climbing wall and more. Four different party packages to choose from, which include things like a private party room, lazer tag, jump time, rides and much more.

Bounce Extreme — Milford

This inflatable playground has two fun party rooms to choose from like the Jungle Room or the Hollywood Room. Parties include goody bags (that's always a help!), grippy socks, and lots of fun on the massive inflatables, at the arcade and what we call a "bounceground." 

Chelsea Piers — Stamford

Enjoy 2 hours of fun and a dedicated staff member for your party. Maybe your child would like a Splash Zone Party, or a Ninja and Parkour Party or maybe they are more of a Gymnastics Party kids. Chelea Piers has all of those and more. A great place to go with lots of things to do.

Connecticut Sportsplex - North Branford

Have a laser tag or a sports themed birthday party (6 and up). Have pizza, chips and a drink and play Soccer, Wiffleball, Flag Football, or Kickball, or any activity which is played on their artificial turf. Or play four games of laser tag and hit the arcade!

Fun Max - Simsbury

Another great place to get out the wiggles! Our more competitive kids will love the Dodgeball Arena while the little ones can play in the Four-Level Playground. They also have the pther standard fun things like foam pits, climbing walls and trampolines. This place is huge, clean and a great deal.

What Are Some Hidden Gem Indoor Play Spaces in Connecticut?

Småland at Ikea — New Haven

For something a little different, go to IKEA. Smaland is a play area where kids can entertain themselves with tunnels, ball pits, climbing, and imagination. While you shop, your child will be happily entertained by IKEA staff. 

While it is not the main attraction of the wonderful Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, their redesigned Discover Zone offers tons of hands-on fun and investigation. There are three centers of exploration: Beach Zone, Science Lab and Ocean Zone. The use of this space is included with the price of admission.

Imagine Nation - Bristol

Imagine Nation is a preschool and a museum. The museum portion is open M-F, starting at 9:30a for kids ages 1-8 to explore. At the museum, children can gets their hands on art supplies, STEAM activities, music, health and even play with the giant playground blocks. Parking is on the street and ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. 

The Cave - Bethel

Indoor with black lights and neon and lots of good times! There are three levels of glow-fun, including laser tag, minigolf, minibowling and a huge arcade. Ropes course starts at 34 inches tall, 36 inches tall can ride as a buddy in the bumper cars. Opening a cafe indoors in late 2026!

Fork and Band Slingshot - Bristol

Kids as young as 5 can play  (with adult supervision). Enjoy slingshot and other target precision games mostly Thursday through Saturdays. Kids can see how they do hitting a target or themed displays of moving things, stuffies and more. 

Family Zone at Foxwoods Resort — Mashantucket

Take a weekend trip and never leave the state. The Family Zone at Foxwoods Casino will definitely be memorable for your kids. Spread out over a few different on-site locations, kids can bowl in a twenty-lane bowling alley, try their hand at games in the arcade, shoot aliens at the Virtual Reality Arena and go ice skating at the winter rink! 

Cyber Quest — Uncasville

Located at the Mohegan Sun Casino, this arcade consists of "non-violent game content." This arcade is a little different as it's purposefully brightly lit, with staff constantly circulating to assist patrons and games for a wide variety of skill levels.

Are There Indoor Play Spaces That Are Affordable or Free?

McDonalds - Multiple Locations

So you have to grab lunch, but you also have some time to kill? Or maybe you want to meet another mom for a coffee and you are limited on time? Many McD's in Connecticut have a small PlayPlace for young children. Kind in mind, these spaces van vary between restaurants - use the parent grapevine to try and determine how clean it's kept and if it gets really busy in the morning.

Chik-Fil-A - Multiple Locations

There are many CFA's that have indoor play areas. Play areas are cozy (small) and pretty much standard with a slide, climbing area, and wall-mounted games. Perfect for kids under 5. 

Buckland Mall - Manchester

Buckland has a children's play space located near the food court and by the amazing, not to miss, carousel. It's a mall-style play around which is fenced in, padded with natural decor and things to climb on and slide down. It's generally clean and not too busy.

Danbury Fair Mall - Danbury

A really nice play area with kiddie rides, a play area and a carousel. There are two family restrooms at the mall, once conveniently located near the play area. There are also two private nursing aareas in the family bathroom. 

Grace Farms - New Canaan

Check the calendar and come in to play on the Imagination Playground. The playground is full of large, lightweight, foam blocks that kids can build, create and imagine with. 

Indoor Play Spaces in Connecticut FAQ

What are the best indoor playgrounds for kids in Connecticut?
The best places to play indoors are ones that are regularly cleaned, kept neat and are modern. They are soft, with short falls, no sharp corners, and aren't generally overcrowded.

Where can I take toddlers to play indoors in Connecticut?
Connecticut is growing tremendously with places for just toddlers to play. These places usually open in store front spaces or malls and utilize retail space to create a curated play area for little people. They tend to be minimalist in style, soft, simple and also cater to parents looking for a break.

Are there indoor play spaces suitable for birthday parties?
Many indoor play spaces offer party packages, private party rooms, pizza and a dedicated staff member. It's up to the parents and child to decide what sort of activity the child wants to do and in what sort of environment. There are quiet and very stimulating places and there are softer, more peaceful places.

Are there hidden or unusual indoor play spaces in Connecticut?
Yes, some offbeat spots offer unique activities like creative arts, climbing, or themed play areas that aren’t widely known.

How can parents make indoor play visits easier?
Mom and Dad can make a visit easier by by accompanying the child as you introduce him or her to the space - walk into the spaces with the child until they feel comfortable playing alone or with another child. Bring snacks with you in a spill-proof cup, plan your visit around naps, avoid peak hours, and check the website to familiarize yourself with the amenities at the location.

Originally published in 2011, updated in January 2024, February 2025, January 2027