CALIFORNIA, Md. – As temperatures drop, St. Mary’s County families don’t have to look far for entertaining indoor options to keep kids active and engaged this winter. From creative art spaces to interactive museums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while staying warm.
St. Mary’s County Libraries
The St. Mary’s County Library branches in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, and Charlotte Hall offer regular events and activities throughout the winter, including storytime, crafting, and educational programs tailored to different age groups. With cozy reading nooks and children’s play areas, families can spend hours exploring books and engaging with local events at no cost. Registration is required for some events.
The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum
For aviation enthusiasts and curious minds, the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park is a perfect winter outing. The museum offers interactive exhibits showcasing naval aviation history, including real aircraft kids can see up close. It also features flight simulators, hands-on displays, and an educational play area. The museum hosts special events during the winter, adding new ways for kids to engage with science and history. General Admission is $10, Active Duty is $7, Children under 12 are $4, and Toddlers under 4 are free.
Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are an exciting and challenging winter activity for families with older kids in St. Mary’s County. These interactive puzzle experiences require teamwork, problem-solving, and a bit of creativity. Here are three options to consider:
Devil’s Den Escape Room: Located in Mechanicsville, Devil’s Den Escape Room offers a thrilling challenge for puzzle enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Go back to the medieval era in Devil’s Den Tavern, save the Camelot in The Search for the Holy Grail, or discover magic in The Other Side. The cost is $30-$40 per person and can accommodate up to eight people.
Escape From the Past: Located in California, Southern Maryland’s Original Escape Room offers a unique and locally owned adventure perfect for friends, families, and team-building activities. Each room is one-of-a-kind, ensuring an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Break out of Cell Block 99 as prison inmates or uncover the mystery of whether Moll Dyer was a witch before the people of Leonardtown confront her. The cost is $30 per person and can accommodate up to eight people.
Escape Rooms Southern Maryland: Located in Leonardtown, Escape Rooms Southern Maryland offers a fun and immersive experience designed to test your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Penetrate a billionaire’s mansion in the Cat Burglar, escape from the Rest Easy Motel, or solve the mystery of the Leonardtown Manor. The cost is $30-$40 per person, and depending on the room, you can accommodate up to eight people.
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
Explore Piney Point Lighthouse Museum and Historic Park’s festive holiday exhibits and take a tour of the lighthouse, keeper’s quarters, and Potomac River Maritime Exhibit. Or enjoy family-friendly events like the Holidays at Piney Point or the Nature & Forest Play for All Ages Series. Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, students, and military, and children five and under are free.
St. Clement’s Island Museum
The St. Clement’s Island Museum on the Potomac River explores Maryland’s colonial history, highlighting the 1634 Ark and the Dove landing. Exhibits include a mural of the landing, Father Andrew White’s account, and displays on the region’s early industries. Visitors can also see the Little Red Schoolhouse, a 19th-century one-room school, and the Doris C, a historic Potomac River dory boat. The museum offers a rich look at Maryland’s founding and maritime heritage. Admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for children ages 6-18, and children five and under are free.
The Old Jail Museum
The Old Jail Museum in Leonardtown, built in 1876, offers a glimpse into St. Mary’s County’s history. It showcases original cells and rooms that housed both criminals and freedom seekers. The jail operated until 1945 and features separate spaces for white men, women, and African Americans. The building, once part of the oldest sheriff’s office in the U.S., offers a unique look at the county’s past, including its connection to the Underground Railroad. Admission is free.
Above Par Golf & Entertainment
Above Par Golf & Entertainment in Leonardtown offers a unique experience with its Potomac Simulator. Here, golfers of all ages can enjoy a variety of world-renowned courses and a range of other sports. The simulator features interactive archery, baseball, basketball, football, and shooting options, allowing visitors to experience multiple activities in one place. The cost is $80 per hour per bay, with 25% off for two players and 50% off for one player. All reservations can be made in 30-minute increments. 10% Off Military Discount on Rentals.
Family Roller Skating at Leonard Hall
Recreation & Parks offers year-round public access to roller skating at Leonard Hall Recreation Center. The indoor arena provides the perfect space for users of all abilities to join in the fun! Family skate is offered every Sunday (*If a major holiday falls on a Sunday, skating will not be held) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $5 per entry and $2.50 for skate rentals.
Viking Axe Throwing and Rentals
Viking Axe Throwing and Rentals invites you to embrace your inner Viking and experience the thrill of axe throwing! Located at Action Lounge and Billiards in Leonardtown, this unique activity offers indoor and outdoor lanes for year-round fun. With a range of weapon options and training at the start of each session, Viking Axe Throwing is a perfect adventure for beginners and seasoned throwers alike. Call (240) 346-9654 for booking and pricing.
Play-N-Stuff
Play-N-Stuff in Callaway is the ultimate indoor play center designed for children and young adults. It offers a variety of fun activities for kids as young as 1 year old. This entertainment hub features an indoor playground, arcade games, a laser tag arena, and virtual reality experiences, providing something for everyone—reservation is recommended for indoor play. The arcade, laser tag, and virtual reality are walk-ins. Non-slip socks are required when using the kid’s indoor playground. The cost varies depending on the event or open play.
Great Mills Swimming Pool
The Great Mills Swimming Pool remains open year-round, covered with an air-inflated bubble from September to May. This 25-yard by 25-meter pool features six lanes and a zero-depth entry, offering a comfortable and versatile swimming environment during the colder months. Admission to the pool is $8 for adults, $6 for youth (17 and under) and seniors (60+), $6 for lap swimmers, and $3 for non-swimmers for residents. For non-residents, the rates are $10 for adults, $8 for youth, seniors, and lap swimmers, and $5 for non-swimmers.
These indoor activities ensure that St. Mary’s County families have plenty of options to keep children entertained, engaged, and learning even as the temperatures dip. With diverse options to suit different interests, there’s something for every child to enjoy this winter.
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