Indoor Playgrounds in Clearwater-St. Pete
Your guide to indoor playgrounds and play spaces in Pinellas County
We live in Florida, sometimes it is just too hot or rainy to be outside. And in the summer heat, sometimes it can be unsafe to use outdoor playground equipment because it can burn you.
So what are you supposed to do when you’ve got kids climbing off the wall with energy to burn? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We rounded up all the indoor playgrounds in the Clearwater-St. Petersburg area that you can hit in the dead of summer.
We are two local moms with kids ranging from toddler age to late elementary school. Our goal is to help local families find all the best kid-friendly things to do in Pinellas County.
Below you’ll find indoor playgrounds for kids of all ages. We note play spaces designed only for little kids when applicable.
And if you’re looking for more things to do inside, don’t miss our list of fun indoor activities in Pinellas County!
Let’s dive in!
1. Highland Recreation Complex
Play World at Highland Recreation Complex in Largo is a massive climbing playground that is three-stories tall. Single admission costs $3 for members and $6 for non-members.
There is set hours for only children who are five and under each day from 9:00-10:30 (parents are allowed to climb during this time). It also has play areas designed for different age groups.
2. Great Explorations
Great Exploration’s is a children’s museum in St. Petersburg. In the middle of the museum, you’ll find a really cool inside playground with unique climbing structures, boat theming and slides.
The museum also has a smaller toddler area and a big sand box for digging.
Check out our review of Great Explorations
3. Glazer Children’s Museum
You can also find a similar climbing structure play space at the Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa. Glazer is like a bigger, scaled up version of Great Explorations.
In addition to the climbing playground, you’ll also find a room-sized water table and lots of cool STEM-style building areas (and a whole section dedicate to fort building!).
Check out our review of the Glazer Children’s Museum
4. Chick-fil-a
Chick-fil-a is basically the last fast food place that offers indoor playgrounds at many of their locations. They are also super convenient because you can order food from their app to be delivered to your table, without having to wrangle your kids out of the play area to go order.
5. McDonalds
Most McDonalds have removed their indoor play areas, but you can still find the rare remaining McDonalds playground. In our area, the McDonalds in Pinellas Park at 5170 Park Blvd still has an indoor play area. I called to confirm and was told the playground opens at 9am each day.
6. Munchkin Town
Munchkin Town is an indoor playground for kids under the age of 6. Their instagram post gives you a good view of the indoor play space. There are climbing structures, toys and sensory actitivies.
They have open play hours and also activities. Kids are required to wear socks. Note that they have 6-month memberships that are more affordable than a single visit admission.
7. We Rock the Spectrum
Like Munchkin Town,
We Rock the Spectrum Clearwater is an inside play space with open gym hours, private sessions, and art activities. It is not age limited like Munckin Town. It specializes in sensory play, including sensory swings, crash pads and a zip line.
Their single admission similarly priced as Munchkin Town but their membership passes are more expensive. Socks are required.
8. Little Explorers
Little Explorers is another indoor play space designed for small children located in Palm Harbor. Each visit includes a 30-minute class activity and an hour of open play.
Little Explorers is more expensive than Munchkin Town and We Rock the Spectrum, both for single entry and memberships (as of Feb 2024). Their annual pass is more expensive than my Disney annual pass…
9. Countryside Mall
Countryside Mall has a small toddler playground located on the ground floor near the JcPenny’s. This playground is best for the littlest kids.
That said, there are other fun things to do at Countryside for bigger kids. There are also quarter rides, a train you can ride and a big checker and chessboard (located on the opposite side of the mall from the playground on the ground floor).
10. Trampoline Parks
Also at Countryside Mall, you’ll find Bounce City. It is an indoor playground made from many different inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses.
For even more of a jump experience, check out Sky Zone Clearwater which is a trampoline park with an obstacle course, toddler area, foam bit and of course, lots of trampolines. We keep an eye on their Facebook page for special deals.
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Looking for more indoor fun? Check out our list of things to do indoors around St. Pete – Clearwater.