Ultimate Guide To Indoor Activities That Keep Kids Active
If you’re a parent, you know how much your kids want to stay indoors during less-than-perfect weather. Indoor lifestyles tend to be less active lifestyles.
“Children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day to grow up to a healthy weight.†Let’s Move! Program
Don’t wait until the next sunny day to get them moving. Get them inside and healthy with one of these fun-filled (and even educational) activities! They’ll be bouncing, running, and racing with excitement.
Parkour
Jump small buildings in a single bound
Ages 7+
Catapulting off of walls and jumping obstacles in a single bound isn’t just for movie superheroes. In Parkour, kids learn how to use their bodies and minds to scale urban obstacles. This sport builds confidence, stamina, and puzzle-solving skills. No worries about safety: many indoor facilities have padding and trained adult supervisors to minimize bumps and bruises.
**May we suggest: Parkour Visions
Dancing
Move to your own tune
Ages 3+
credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chavarria/1336596592/
So your kids know how to stomp their way to glory in video games like Dance Dance Revolution. They’re obviously inspired to move to the rhythm, now it’s time for them to learn more movement skills that will take their game to the next level.
Dance isn’t limited to just jazz, tap, and ballet anymore. Many dance schools offer exciting dance moves such as hip-hop and creative movement for both girls and boys. They’ll learn new moves to impress their friends and keep them healthy any time of year.
May we suggest: American Dance Insititute and Pacific Dance
Indoor skydiving
No parachute required
Ages 3+
credit: http://www.highlinetimes.com/2012/01/02/news/tukwila-ifly-donating-portion-proceeds-foundation
People are fascinated with skydiving because it’s the closest thing to human flight. Now your whole family can experience it without needing to jump out of a plane and hurtle toward Earth at scary speeds.
With indoor skydiving, your kids will be supported by a strong blast of air through a wind tunnel. Facilities have them work one-on-one with an instructor so they can learn how to control their bodies while being suspended. Helmets, goggles, and body suits keep them safe while they get totally pumped up at the sensation of flight.
**May we suggest: http://iflyseattle.com/
Ice skating & Hockey
Take it to the ice
Ages 5+
credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathanishizaki/7142397333/
Notice that sparkle in your kids’ eyes when they watch ice-skaters glide gracefully in the winter Olympics? Maybe they love the non-stop action of hockey, the thrill of stealing the puck and racing to the net.
It’s time they try it out for themselves — and navigating the ice might be easier than they think. Many ice rinks offer great programs for kids at all levels and ages. Equipment such as double-bladed ice skates and metal walkers help them get used to the new slippery ground.
May we suggest: Castle Ice, Kent Valley Ice Center, Lynnwood Ice Center
Paintball and Laser Tag
Tag, you’re it!
Ages 10+
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaredeberhardt/5197638172/
Dodge, take cover, and sneak attack with friends! Paintball is an opportunity for your kids to learn strategic movements and teambuilding. Like laser tag, participants weave through obstacles and tag opponents – only they’re tagging with pellets of paint. Cover the other team in paint to earn victory.
Kids are partnered with others in the same age group and are outfitted with protective gear. It’s a fun way to get messy.
Not so crazy about the mess? Laser tag is like paintball, only without the paint.
May we suggest: DBS Paintball Field and Laser Tag Live - WE COME TO YOU!
Rock climbing
It’s a cliffhanger!
Ages 4+
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8136496@N05/4897052311/
If your kids were scaling the couch before they could walk, rock climbing is for them. Let them loose on walls short and tall. They will work with supervisors to learn how to get strong footing and creatively climb their way to the top in a safe environment.
May we suggest: Edgeworks - Youth Birthday Party
Basketball
They shoot—they score!
Ages 3+
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tinkerszone/4465983908/
Indoors or out, basketball is a great sport to play year-round. Basketball is much more than just trying to get the ball in the basket: it is a positive environment where kids learn hand, eye, and body coordination as well as teamwork.
May we suggest: http://www.homecourtnw.org/
Kids’ gym
Starting strong
Ages 2-6
http://www.flickr.com/photos/camknows/6217514815/
It’s never too early to get them moving. Bring your little one to a play space that’s safe and fun. They will learn social skills, build confidence, and make new friends while you get to meet other moms and dads. Participate in activities with them or watch them do it all on their own. Kodak moments abound!
May we suggest: HappyNest Play Centers & My Gym - Grand Celebration Birthday Package
Trampolines and Bounce Houses
Bounce to the moon
Ages 3+
http://www.flickr.com/photos/houseofair/5632521039/
Remember those fun summer days bouncing on a trampoline, daring to catapult as high as you could? Multiply this feeling by 10 when you’re bouncing around a room of back-to-back trampolines or inflated bounce toys.
New recreational activities that are growing in popularity are wall-to-wall trampolines and bounce houses. Some facilities have obstacle courses to spring off of and ball pits to tumble into. Kids get a great workout while having a ton of fun.
May we suggest: Jump Planet - Super Planet Private Party and SkyMania! Trampolines - Jump Around Package
Martial arts
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee
Ages 3+
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pittsburghkarate/5899352112/
Martial arts is the ultimate mind and body sport for kids. They’ll learn how to defend themselves while understanding other life lessons such as patience, mental and physical strength, courage, focus, and even kindness. (Their peers and opponents must always be treated with respect—or else it’s pushups for them!)
Karate, Judo, Kung-fu, taekwondo: don’t be intimidated by the names. Many schools integrate a variety of styles that best suit children.
May we suggest: Life Experience Martial Arts - Birthday Package
Go Karts
Go Speed Racer, Go!
Ages 6+
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hellosputnik/2314046286/
Go karts are fun for everyone, but even more fun for those who don’t yet have their license. Speeding around tracks indoors and in a safe environment will make your kids race with exhilaration!
Racing is more than just sitting in a seat and turning a wheel. Your kids will learn how to anticipate obstacles and dodge other drivers. It’s a bit more physical than you would expect, too: racing is good exercise for the upper body as they move with the turns and maneuver the steering wheel.
May we suggest: Traxx--Go-Kart Track Rental
Bowling
Running the lanes
Ages 5+
Grab your kids, invite their friends, and get ready to roll! Everyone will have a great time cheering each other on and bonding over strikes.
Many bowling alleys cater to a kid-friendly atmosphere. Lighter ball weights help your kids roll just like adults. Lane bumpers prevent their ball—and their energy—from sinking into the gutter. Special kid-only bowling times help them to meet new friends.
May we suggest: West Seattle Bowl - Friday Night Special Package
