Play Street Museum has officially opened the doors to its newest DC-area location: The Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Maryland! Play Street Museum offers a fresh twist on children's play spaces where families with young kids can explore and engage with an immersive city-themed museum and educational hands-on exhibits, bringing imagination to life. The new location joins existing ones in Ashburn, VA and Columbia, MD.
Read on to find out all of the fun to expect at Play Street Museum Gaithersburg. Then visit our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for more indoor fun in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, from the best kid-friendly arcades to fun bowling alleys.
Once inside the doors, you will be greeted by a warm and friendly staff, sign a waiver if it's your first time visiting, and receive a wooden coin/token for your child to exchange for a snack of their choice when it's time to leave. Play Street Museum is a sock-only, shoe-free space, so be sure to bring socks (also available for purchase on site).
Little ones will love exploring the miniature town.
Things To Do at Play Street Museum Gaithersburg
Wander through a miniaturize, interactive town where kids can order play food at a cafe, pretend to treat patients at a doctor’s office, save the day on a mini fire truck, provide veterinary care to cute stuffies, and even view a real live bearded dragon!
The incredibly popular LEGO DUPLO coding train table has plenty of space for little ones to play together.
In the building corner, kids can learn about and try their hand at constructing structures with blocks, bricks, and tracks.
Various tables feature experiments and learning opportunities in subjects such as art, magnetism, and aerodynamics. There are also sensory wall air tubes.
Add crafts to your playtime for an extra fee, which can either be done on site or arranged to be taken home. Options include pottery (there is an in-house kiln), canvas painting, a slime lab, dip-dying, or jewelry-making.
Play Street Museum staff is available and engaged in supervising, aiding play, and answering questions. Playtime reservations are timed, which helps ensure against overcrowding during your visit. My son is 5 years old and really enjoyed the air tube wall, construction corner and playing in the various make-believe areas such as the fire department. However, his favorite parts were the LEGO DUPLO coding train, and education stations. I had to promise that we could do one of the crafts such as the slime lab add-on next time! There is something for everyone within the age range its designed for at Play Street Museum. When it's time to leave, your child will get a kick out of "buying" their own snack. A small shop with specially curated toys and books is near the front desk for your perusal, if something in particular peaked your little one's interest that you'd like to bring home!
Kids can do experiments and other hands-on activities at educational stations.
What to Know Before Visiting
Play Street Museum is designed for children ages 1-8, but family members of all ages will enjoy engaging with younger onesI
Visits are available through "Playtime by Reservation" 90-minute sessions to ensure a safe and joyful experience for all guests. As of press time, admission cost $17 per child ages 1-8. Children outside of that age range can join for free if accompanied by a paying sibling. Waivers are required for each child.
Sessions are available at the following times:
Monday - Friday: 8:30-10am, 10:30am-12pm, 12:30-2pm, 2:30-4pm, and 4:30-6pm. Saturday & Sunday: 9-10:30am.
Facilities are cleaned between sessions.
Guest are encouraged to leave strollers at home if possible. Strollers are not allowed in the play space.
Food is not permitted in the facility, so make sure your children have eaten beforehand. Outside drinks are welcome and encouraged.
While staff is on hand, this is not a drop-off center. Parents and caregivers must remain in the play space and supervise their children at all times.
Play Street Museum Gaithersburg has free WiFi and clean bathrooms with diaper-changing stations.Themed events, late-night play sessions, birthday parties, and full-space rentals for educational groups are available for booking.
Play Street Museum Gaithersburg is a dynamic addition to the area that promises fun, learning, and memorable moments tailored for young children. The carefully crafted space allows for interactive, educational play that encourages creativity and big imaginations. Beyond open playtime, Play Street Museum offers a robust calendar of special events and monthly themes that range from arts and crafts to dinosaur digs and "Night at the Museum" sessions. Reserve your Playtime now!
All photos by author Catie N.S. Misleh