As a parent, it's important to remember your kids still need 60 minutes of activity each day. So, how can you get your little couch potatoes moving this winter? Just head indoors. These family-friendly indoor activities will create lasting memories while building skills and beating winter boredom.
Indoor Rock Climbing
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Being trapped indoors can leave some kids climbing the walls. What better activity, in that case, than to climb actual walls? Indoor rock climbing gyms offer rock walls of varying difficulty, so whether you're a complete beginner or only a pair of tights away from becoming Spiderman, you'll find the excitement and challenge you're looking for as you safely scale new heights.
Trampoline Park
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Some of the best creations for kids–and parents–in the last decade are trampoline parks. Worried about getting 60 minutes of activity? Kids can literally bounce around for hours (under plenty of supervision) until you finally have to drag them kicking and screaming back to the car. Then, they'll wolf down their dinner and sleep like little logs.
Table Tennis
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If the only exposure you've had to "ping pong" is watching Tom Hanks movies, you're missing out. Table tennis is one of the most exciting games for all ages, requiring quick reactions and fast footwork. It can also be played more slowly for kids and beginners, so everyone can join in the fun.
Bowling
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Bowling is one of those pastimes that takes you back to your childhood and gives you a new way to connect with your kids. Featuring as much socializing as playing, a trip to the bowling alley can mean both activity and bonding time for the family. Not to mention, there's also a little math lesson thrown in for good measure.
Futsal (Indoor Soccer)
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Invented in South America in the 1930s, this game was the childhood favorite of soccer stars with amazing footwork like Ronaldinho. Played indoors and with smaller teams, Futsal requires players to move the ball more quickly in a tighter space, meaning they get more time to develop their skills while having fun. This is the perfect winter alternative for soccer fans impatient for the snow to melt.
Dance Party
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Did you know that you can burn nearly 400 calories in an hour of dancing? Just turn up your favorite Mom-approved tunes, and you'll easily have the kids off the couch and on their feet flailing their little bodies around the room. Oh, and don't forget your camera.
DIY Obstacle Course
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Remember when the floor of your parent's house turned to lava and the couch cushions were your only refuge? With a little imagination and a whole lot of furniture, boxes, blankets and such, you can easily create a fun obstacle course indoors. Even better, you can always rearrange the furniture to create a new course.
Balloon Ball
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Balloon ball is so beautifully simple, only a child could've created it. All you have to do is keep a balloon from touching the ground by any means necessary! The balloon saves you from cleaning up any messes caused by playing with balls indoors, and you can always blow up more balloons to increase the difficulty.
Noodle Sword Fights
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This pool classic can easily be turned into year-round indoor fun. Set up a game of capture the flag, and give the kids "noodle swords" to defend themselves while they try to sneak past the opposite team to steal the flag.
Laser Tag
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Finally, are you still having trouble breaking your kids away from their video games and virtual worlds? Laser tag allows them to run around for hours, in a safe, exciting environment, while feeling like they're really in battle in one of their favorite games. It's also one of the most enjoyable activities on this list for adults, too!
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