8 Indoor Adventures in Arlington

Rainy day? Snowy day? No problem! Arlington, VA is packed with indoor adventures that keep the fun going no matter the forecast.

From scaling epic climbing walls to exploring world-class art galleries and catching a blockbuster show, there’s something for every mood and every season.

Credit | Movement Crystal City

1) Movement Crystal City

You can literally climb the walls at Movement Crystal City with more than 400 roped routes and boulders just begging to be climbed over more than 45,000 square feet. No such thing as being stir crazy in this place!

2) Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

With nine gallery spaces and a large lawn suitable for public art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington is one of the largest non-federal venues for contemporary art in the Washington, D.C. area. Spend some time inside admiring the various exhibitions from artists near and far. The museum is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m. and admission is always free.

3) DEA Museum

Arlington’s DEA Museum and Visitors Center, on the first floor of the Drug Enforcement Administration offices in Pentagon City, traces the steps of the war on drugs throughout history. It’s a great place for visitors 10 and older to learn more about the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Pictured | Pay a visit to the DEA Museum

4) Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Fashion Centre is one of the most popular shopping and tourist destinations in the area. The lineup of stores and restaurants includes some of the most sought-after names in retail. Avenues of fashion and boulevards of style await, including at Macy’s, Apple, Coach, Michael Kors, Tourneau and more!

5) Bowling & Arcade Games

Arlington has two places where you can let loose and get competitive: Lucky Strike in Crystal City and Punch Bowl Social in Ballston Quarter. Both establishments offer lanes of bowling, great food and drink options, and a plethora of classic and trending arcade games that make for hours of indoor fun.

6) Theater

Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre, located in Arlington’s Shirlington neighborhood, boasts a mix of blockbuster musicals and edgy dramas, with world-premiere productions each season. If live theater is not your thing, you can catch a live comedy show at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse or a movie at AMC Courthouse Plaza 8, Regal Ballston Quarter, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Crystal City, or AMC Shirlington 7.

Credit | Signature Theatre

7) Arlington Historical Museum

Located in the historic Hume School building, this museum features exhibits on Arlington County history, a permanent exhibit on the Civil War with period memorabilia and artifacts, and more. The museum is open to the public Saturdays and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., and admission is always free.

8) Scramble Parkour

The newly opened Scramble Parkour in Shirlington is an activity gym for kids and teenagers where adrenaline meets adventure! Their Shirlington location offers thrilling obstacle courses for kids and teenagers, and soft play areas for younger children. After the fun is over, everyone can recharge at the delicious Union Station Cafe and Train Yard coffee bar upstairs.