The weather may be getting chillier, but that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on your favorite sports. Bring that fun inside to enjoy the thrill of your favorite games while staying warm and cozy. From indoor ice-skating rinks to heated aquatics facilities to bustling sports bars, there are plenty of ways to participate in some athletic adventures during these cold months.

Try one of these fantastic — and warm — indoor sporting activities: 

  1. The Gardens Ice House inside the Fairland Regional Park in Laurel brings winter fun into a warmer space. There are five ice rinks — one of them is Olympic size, and two are NHL size — along with a pavilion with retractable walls for “pond” skating. You can join a hockey team, take part in a public skating session, or check out a program from the Gardens Figure Skating Club of Maryland. If you’d rather not skate, check out the National Capitol Curling Center, which opened in 2002 and is home to the Potomac Curling Club. For some extra exercise, pop into the full gym.

  2. If you prefer to be a spectator, head to the Xfinity Center at the University of Maryland in College Park. You can catch a college basketball game, a volleyball match, or a gymnastics meet at the arena, which seats nearly 18,000 fans. Upgrade your experience by booking one of the 20 suites at the facility.

  3. The massive Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex in Landover is packed with spaces to practice and showcase your athleticism. The Field House is home to a 200-meter, six-lane, indoor track that hosts multiple All-Comers meets throughout the year. The Aquatic Center boasts a competition pool, leisure pool, and hot tub for community members to enjoy — and you can sign up for swim lessons, as well. The 20,000-square-foot fitness center is a judgment-free zone for strength training, cardiovascular exercise, group classes, and more. You can also bring the kids to the Gymnastics Center, where little ones and elite athletes improve their skills on the balance beams, uneven parallel bars, trampolines, vault tables, rings, and more. Be sure to check the public hours before your visit.

  4. At the Merkel Farm Equestrian Center in Bowie, you can bring your love for horseback riding indoors. While the facility is near the Patuxent Wildlife Preserve and miles of trails, the lighted indoor ring will allow you to enjoy the sport in the warmth of the barn. Reach out to the Center for information on lessons and riding sessions.

  5. If you’d rather watch professional equestrians take to the ring, check out the schedule at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center and The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. Since 1993, the space has hosted an array of sporting events. Today, you’ll find events that bring the best of the best to the arena, participating in mounted games, international showcases, and dressage competitions.

  6. Grab your racquets and head to two spots in Prince George’s to play tennis indoors: Watkins Tennis Bubble in Watkins Regional Park in Kettering and Cosca Tennis Bubble in Louise F. Cosca Regional Park in Clinton. There are five indoor courts at Watkins and four at Cosca, and there’s also a new “green” clubhouse at Watkins. Bring your own racquets and balls — and contact the park for rental information.

  7. Visit the Fairland Sports & Aquatics Complex in Laurel for a one-stop athletic shop. There are six indoor tennis courts, four indoor pickleball courts, a 12,000-square-foot gymnastics gym, a loaded gym with a large group exercise studio and personal training, a 50-meter competition pool, a leisure pool with a water feature, and a spa. You’ll easily fill a day with a variety of athletic activities.

  8. Bring your golf skills inside at National Harbor’s Topgolf. This three-floor entertainment destination has heated hitting bays where you can practice your swing, a rooftop terrace with fire pits, and a series of Toptracer games that make the experience even more fun. You can bring your own clubs or use the facility’s complimentary ones. Order the wing trio, hot honey pepperoni flatbread, or smokehouse burger from the sports bar while you’re there.

  9. The Southern Area Aquatic and Recreation Complex (SAARC) in Brandywine is home to a 25-yard, six-lane pool; an advanced fitness center with premium equipment; and two basketball gymnasiums. Move your body during the winter, check out the event listings, or host an event in the space.

  10. If you’re in Largo, stop by the Robert I. Bickford Natatorium at Prince George’s Community College. The space is open to the public, and you can enjoy its 50-meter pool, training pool, hydrotherapy pools, weight training room, 2-on-2 basketball court, and racquetball courts — all for a reasonable price. You can also take aquatic fitness classes and adult swim lessons in the natatorium. 

  11. For a top-notch indoor soccer experience, head to Capital Sportsplex in Glenn Dale. The 45,000-square-foot conditioned facility contains two full-size turf soccer fields, a futsal court with SnapSport surface, concessions, a lounge, and spectator seating. It’s perfect for soccer, futsal, lacrosse, football, field hockey, volleyball, or basketball — and you can rent the space for any of those activities. Find a youth futsal or soccer league to join to keep your kids’ skills sharp during the winter.

  12. Honor the legacy of Olympic gold medalist and boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in North Englewood. Get boxing training for any skill level, find strength and condition programs, start working with a professional fitness coach, and push yourself in the open gym. Adults and kids ages eight and up are welcome in the iconic space.

  13. If you’re more of a sports fan than a sports participant, you’ll find your home at one of the classic, lively sports bars in National Harbor. Tom’s Watch Bar boasts over 50 beers, 50 specialty cocktails, and 90 screens. You can find a schedule of events on its website, but with that many screens, you’re bound to find one with your favorite game. Or head to TAP Sports Bar, where you’ll find dozens of screens, a roster of local craft beers, and a menu full of elevated American meals.


Find more ways to cheer on your favorite team at these Prince George’s spots.