Every parent knows the best way to cure your kids’ cabin fever is to send them outside to burn off some energy! Sometimes the weather simply won’t cooperate though. When temperatures dip too low, try these ideas for some indoor fun this winter.
Take a swim
Shed the hats, gloves and winter coats and grab your swimming suit. The Monon Community Center Activity Pool has a mini-slide, automatic spray features and buckets of water that spontaneously dump on unsuspecting swimmers. Parents can relax poolside or get some exercise in the lap pool while the kids are busy splashing.
Or get the whole family involved during Family Night Outs at Goldfish Swim School Fishers and Goldfish Swim School Carmel. Enjoy crafts, food, open swim and raffles! Cost: $5 per person or $15 per family Pre-registration is required. Click here for upcoming events in Fishers and here for Carmel.
Put the pedal to the metal
Feel the need for speed? Hit the track at K1 Speed in Fishers, Indy’s only indoor electric kart racing track. Junior racers must be at least 48” tall and can travel at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. (Parents want in on the action? Adult racers can race at 45 mph.) Strap on your helmet and take a spin!
Climb to new heights
Indoor rock climbing is a great way for kids to challenge themselves in a new way. Both Hoosier Heights in Carmel and Climb Time Indy just off of 69 near Fishers offer open climb times (and climbing clubs) for kids. Hoosier Heights also has a “Ninja Training Facility” where kids can become junior ninjas. And for parents, put a twist on your next night out with Climb Time’s date night special on Fridays.
Hit the ice
Lace up your skates and try your best camel spin at one of Hamilton County’s three indoor ice rinks, Ice Skadium in Carmel, Arctic Zone Iceplex in Westfield and Fuel Tank in Fishers. Check out each rink’s website for special events like Cosmic Skate nights and other fun ways to amp up your skating experience!
Bounce off the walls
What kid doesn’t like a room full of giant inflatables? Bounce U in Fishers and Monkey Joe’s in Castleton both offer walk-in bounce times, perfect for when you need a quick fix to drain some hyperactivity!
Make believe
Think Conner Prairie is just for outdoor fun? Think again! Special areas inside the museum like the Discovery Station, Create.Connect and the Craft Corner give kids plenty of creative, imaginative ways to spend a winter’s day. (Note: Conner Prairie’s indoor spaces are open Thurs.-Sun. and select Mondays through March 25. Click here for hours, including free admission days on Jan. 15 and Feb. 19)
Jump in
Foam Zone. Sky Slam. Ultimate Dodgeball. What kid wouldn’t be enticed by these activities? Get the wiggles out in a major way at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Fishers. Kids can bounce, flip and jump to their heart’s content. With programs ranging from Toddler Time to Family Night to Sensory Hours, there is something for all ages. Be sure to check out new attractions like their Free Climb wall and Warrior Course.
Bowl a strike
Grab the kids and knock down some pins together! We have four bowling alleys in our area and they all offer more than bowling. Pinheads in Fishers has beautifully renovated lanes and an extensive arcade room, Woodland Bowling Center at 96th and Keystone has a pirate-themed laser tag arena and Bowl 32 in Noblesville offers glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf. Just south of Hamilton County in Castleton, Main Event offers bowling, laser tag, billiards and video games galore!
Go nuts
Zip lines, gymnastics equipment, basketball, foam pits, a rock wall, trampolines, bounce houses – the Hamilton County Sports Complex in Noblesville has it all. Open gym times mean your kids can focus on just one area or take advantage of what the whole complex offers.
Winter officially lasts 89 days – so be prepared! If outdoor fun isn’t an option, take advantage of all the indoor activities available in our area. And remember, spring is just around the corner!
