Last updated: 2025-04-22
Arlington’s indoor entertainment scene offers a diverse array of experiences for locals and visitors seeking shelter from unpredictable Virginia weather. From immersive theater performances to high-tech planetarium shows, the area provides engaging activities that capture the region’s innovative spirit.
Whether you’re looking to catch a movie, explore interactive museums, or challenge yourself with an escape room, Arlington and nearby Washington DC provide plenty of indoor adventures to keep you entertained and inspired throughout the year.
Discover Arlington’s coolest indoor entertainment destinations now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Arlington
- National Museum of American History (Washington)
- International Spy Museum (Washington)
- Washington National Cathedral (Washington)
- Escape Room Live Alexandria (Alexandria)
- AMC Courthouse Plaza 8
- Bowlero Arlington
- Synetic Theater
- Arlington Planetarium
- Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (Alexandria)
AMC Courthouse Plaza 8
What to Expect
Eight-screen digital cinema in heart of Arlington
Description
AMC Courthouse Plaza 8 offers a modern movie theater experience in Arlington, featuring eight screening rooms with digital projection and sound systems. Visitors can enjoy current Hollywood releases, comfortable seating, and concession options in a convenient urban cinema setting.
Where: Arlington | More Info: AMC Courthouse Plaza 8
Arlington Planetarium
What to Expect
Community-supported science education dome theater
Description
Arlington's David M. Brown Planetarium offers immersive astronomical experiences through dome shows that explore celestial phenomena. Visitors can enjoy educational presentations about space, astronomy, and scientific discoveries within a state-of-the-art planetarium setting.
Where: Arlington | More Info: Arlington Planetarium
Bowlero Arlington
What to Expect
Multi-entertainment venue with bowling, arcade, and sports bar
Description
Bowlero Arlington offers a comprehensive entertainment complex featuring bowling, arcade games, and a sports bar. Guests can enjoy modern bowling lanes with high-tech scoring, a variety of arcade machines, and a social atmosphere perfect for group outings and casual gatherings.
Where: Arlington | More Info: Bowlero Arlington
Escape Room Live Alexandria (Alexandria)
What to Expect
Award-winning escape room designs in historic Old Town Alexandria
Description
Escape Room Live in Old Town Alexandria offers immersive, award-winning escape room experiences featuring creative game designs. Located in a historic district, they provide themed rooms for groups, parties, and team-building events with challenging puzzles and interactive storytelling.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Escape Room Live Alexandria
International Spy Museum (Washington)
What to Expect
Comprehensive interactive spy experience with authentic intelligence artifacts
Description
The International Spy Museum offers an immersive journey into espionage history with two interactive floors showcasing spy gadgets, real-world intelligence stories, and hands-on exhibits that transform visitors into active participants exploring covert operations and intelligence techniques.
Where: Washington | More Info: International Spy Museum
National Museum of American History (Washington)
What to Expect
Comprehensive presidential collections and cultural artifact preservation
Description
The Smithsonian National Museum of American History explores the complex narrative of the United States through extensive collections spanning diverse topics like food history, presidential artifacts, and cultural transformations. Interactive exhibits showcase over 900 objects that illuminate American democracy, enterprise, and social changes across different historical periods.
Where: Washington | More Info: National Museum of American History
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (Alexandria)
What to Expect
Nationally recognized pharmacy museum with intact 19th-century business interior
Description
Historic Apothecary Museum preserves an authentic 18th-century pharmacy with an extensive collection of medical artifacts, hand-blown glass, and archival materials. Visitors explore the preserved workspace of one of America's oldest pharmacies, featuring original equipment, botanical specimens, and detailed records documenting early medical practices.
Where: Alexandria | More Info: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Synetic Theater
What to Expect
Groundbreaking physical theater company with innovative storytelling approach
Description
Synetic Theater specializes in innovative physical theater, creating dynamic performances that blend movement, visual storytelling, and artistic expression. Their productions transform classic narratives through intense choreography, mime, and interdisciplinary performance techniques, offering audiences a unique theatrical experience that transcends traditional stage presentations.
Where: Arlington | More Info: Synetic Theater
Washington National Cathedral (Washington)
What to Expect
Largest Gothic cathedral in the United States
Description
Washington National Cathedral offers a stunning architectural marvel and spiritual landmark featuring intricate Gothic-style design, expansive stained glass windows, and rich historical significance. The cathedral provides guided tours exploring its architectural details, religious art, and cultural heritage, making it a compelling indoor cultural experience.
Where: Washington | More Info: Washington National Cathedral
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