Take a thrilling final run down the water slide at Splish Splash in Calverton. Photo courtesy of the park

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The Best Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Suffolk County

It's bumper-to-bumper fun at Urban Air Adventure Park.

2/21/22 - By Thien August

Play spaces made just for kids are our go-tos during Long Island's wintertime, or anytime it's cold, wet, or even hot out. So we've rounded up the best indoor play spaces in Suffolk County, from bounce houses and indoor playgrounds to more low-key spaces such as a natural play room and spots for art. There are fun zones loaded with action sports that are best for bigger kids, and plenty more just right for toddlers and preschoolers.

Many of these destinations also double as party spaces, so call ahead to make sure they're open for public play. And don’t forget your socks—many do not allow shoes or bare feet, even for adults. Then get ready to let your kids loose to play there instead of in your living room. Be sure to warm up before and after with some toasty hot cocoa.

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And if you live in Nassau County, don't worry. We've compiled a similar list just for you. Whether you want to stay indoors or bundle up and enjoy the winter, check out our Winter Fun Guide for entertainment all season long. And for more indoor energy-burning, check out these indoor water parks for a warm getaway and our guide to sports centers and fun zones for kids across Long Island.

Great Indoor Play Spaces for Kids in Suffolk County

Bowlero — Multiple Locations

Kids will love more than just the light-up bowling at this local hotspot. A state-of-the-art arcade features a giant Connect-Four, basketball hoops, racing games, and skee-ball. Make a day of it by ordering off a great menu with kids' options, fun desserts, and shakes.

Engage the big imaginations of your little ones at the Children's Museum of the East End.

Children's Museum of the East End — Bridgehampton

The Children's Museum of the East End features a number of themed play spaces. Children can run a general store or soda fountain, enjoy a story inside an upside-down book, crawl through hollow logs and mouse holes, sail a ship, drive a fire truck or tractor, play mini-golf, and more. The museum's open arts-and-crafts studio features ongoing drop-in projects. Though the museum is aimed at kids 2 to 7, there is a special discovery area for pre-walking kids, and the museum also offers an array of children’s programming, special events, and more. Check out its Lego Club, where kids of all ages can create original designs every Sunday. There is also an iCamp, where on Sundays kids can develop STEM skills through coding, robotics, and drones. Sensory Friendly Mornings allow kids with special needs to enjoy a sound reduction in exhibits and quiet rooms. Space is limited and you will need to preregister on its website.

Dave and Busters — Islandia

Kids can tackle the arcade any way they see fit. Play against one another in multiplayer arcade shooters, carnival games like skee-ball, or racing games. Rack up the tickets and trade them in for a prize or test your skills with the claw machine. Dave and Buster's also offers up a diverse menu for even the pickiest eaters, and caregivers can induldge in an alcoholic beverage.

Flight Adventure Park — Ronkonkoma

Daily open jumps at Flight N Fit feature dodgeball, foam pits, and slam dunk basketball. Kids can enjoy Flight N Fit workout classes that can be purchased individually or bought in sets of 10 classes for a discount. Kids 5 and younger jump for only $10 with one parent assisting. A Kids' Flight is available exclusively for kids younger than 6 three mornings a week from 11am to noon. There is also an arcade, and holiday discounts are available.

Long Island Explorium — Port Jefferson

Long Island Explorium is perfect for little ones eager to exercise their brains and imaginations. Kids can interact with and touch everything in the exhibits. There is a maker station, where kids can choose from a host of materials, from cardboard and googly eyes to washers and buttons to make their own creation. A magnetic wall with PVC pipe pieces allows children to build a track for balls to travel down. There is also a communication station, Legos, large blocks and outdoor area with sand tables. Admission is just $5 per person.

With so much to do, it's hard to decide where to begin your play experience at Safari Adventure in Riverhead.

Safari Adventure — Riverhead

One of the highlights of Safari Adventure is Kilimanjaro Soft Play, a four-level maze with inflatable games, an obstacle course, a wavy slide, and a disco dome bouncer. There are also three giant inflatable bouncers and an arcade featuring 30 games, as well as a snack bar. There's a dedicated toddler zone, and a sensory area with a sand table, train table, and small toys. If the kids get overstimulated, retire to the sensory calming spa to wind down. Safari Adventure is geared for kids 1 to 10; there are no time limits or check-in times. Safari Adventure is a great place to drop in with little ones if you are also visiting the Long Island Aquarium in downtown Riverhead.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park — Deer Park, Mt. Sinai

Kids of all ages can catch some air at this trampoline park. Little Leapers is a program designed specifically for children 5 and younger to safely jump and explore, with many activities led by an instructor. For bigger kids, there are open-play sessions that feature the warped wall, harness-free rock climbing, trampolines and a foam pit. There is also a sensory hour offered twice a month for a toned-down experience for special needs children.

StrikeForce Sports — East Farmingdale

This facility gives children 10 and older a chance to play indoor airsoft games. In addition, there are Nerf parties available for kids 5-plus, and no-mess paintball for those 8 and older. In airsoft, competitors propel plastic pellets at opponents from specially designed electric or gas-powered replica guns. Sessions are four to six hours long and include about seven games. Kids should be prepared to be hit by pellets and must wear goggles and other protective clothing. Guns and other gear can be rented on site. Join in for public sessions on Thursday and Friday evenings, as well as afternoons and evenings on the weekends.

Get energized at Urban Air Adventure Park.

Urban Air — Lake Grove

Attractions at Urban Air are best for those 4 and older. Pricing depends on what attractions kids choose to participate in. A platinum pass features all attractions, including the sky rider coaster that travels above the park, bumper cars, virtual reality, ropes course, and climbing walls. The basic pass is best for younger visitors who might not reach the height requirement of the bigger attractions. Reservations are recommended. A new location is set to open in Dix Hills sometime in 2022.

Bounce, slide, and jump at Xplore. Photo by Thien August

Xplore Family Fun Center — Commack, Port Jefferson Station

Open play is available here each day from 10am to 7pm for children 12 and younger. On Fridays and Saturdays, children can bounce until 8pm. Inflatable slides and ball baths, a multilevel playground, and more than 30 video games keep tiny explorers busy and enthused all day. An inflatable climbing wall, three-lane wavy slide, and laser maze entertain as well. The center also just opened a new ropes course! Membership gets you unlimited open play, and can also be used at the affiliated Safari Adventure in Riverhead.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the venues

A version of this article was first published in 2014. It was updated in February 2022.