Play N' Learn, Chantilly

Play N' Learn is to children under 10 as a car dealership is to newly licensed 16-year-olds. Upon arrival, the carefree kids' eyes light up with excitement, and they rush to test-drive the first model that catches their eye. Parents, meanwhile, either play along—remembering their own youth—or talk prices with the staff.

Yes, Play N' Learn is simultaneously an indoor play space and a playground superstore. Kids monkey around on traditional wooden swingsets, leap high in the air from trampolines, practice their alley-oops on basketball hoops, and play air hockey or foosball. Their caregivers might be in the market for such diversions, or they might just want their kids to run amok indoors because of the weather or temperature.

It's all set up in a massive facility with safe rubber flooring, and there are party rooms (and coordinators) for birthday celebrations. Open play is available for up to two hours per child. Weekdays don't require reservations, but weekends are regulated by distributing tickets that prevent overcrowding.