With the winter chill fully setting in, the snow blanket freezing summer’s leftover crop, and kids home for days on end, can make any mom feel a little claustrophobic. We’ve gathered some intriguing indoor winter activities, both free and paid, that will help pass school days off such as President’s Day or Spring Break.
REI
This Platte river institution is one of my favorites on a grey day. Come summer come fall, come winter, come whenever, the climbing wall is usually in service and the upstairs mini playground in the children’s apparel area is a lifesaver. With a Starbucks on the ground floor to find plenty of caffeine and snacks, this REI is a great half-day excursion.
Lollipop Park
Open later in the week, this indoor amusement park will have your kids in a wonderland of enjoyment. Seriously, there is so much to do. Our favorite hotspots at Lollipop Park include the train ride, Ferris wheel and fun mirrors. And don’t leave without getting a lollipop from in-house vendor.
Jump Street
Ready to burn some energy? Head over to one of Jump Streets’ three metro area locations. Your kids will literally be bouncing off walls (yet, not driving you nuts). This trampoline kingdom is the perfect place to spend some time after being cooped up in the house during the holiday season.
Apex Recreation Center
This Arvada staple is home to a number of indoor resources. Check-out their multi-level, treehouse-themed play area (free for ages 1-10) or drop-in skating, climbing wall, Kids Nite Out, soccer games, children’s sports clinics and even practice areas. My kids fully enjoy being able to play games alongside mom and dad; we love being able to run around with them too. Plus, their 23,000-square foot water park (featured image) has a 150-foot tube slide and body slide with waterfall, vortex area with moving current, a zero-depth “beach” play area with slides, fountains, waterfalls and geysers.
Great Play
Get your children involved in structured physical activity that’s totally tons of fun. If you haven’t been to Great Play go and meet some of their motivated coaches. This is an ideal place to work on motor skills and sporting abilities. Best of all, their classes are in an interactive arena which plays music and videos to get kids pumped. We especially love the Cherry Creek location that is now offering ski-conditioning courses for kids as young as three!
Belly Bliss
Belly Bliss is always a hot spot for yoga no matter the time of the year. However, school breaks are the ultimate time to travel to the Cherry Creek studio. Let your little ones partake in classes such as Story Time Yoga and Big Kid Art. These are unique courses; my little ones adore this form of self expression and cannot get enough of Belly Bliss! They also have a special art class for next Monday!
Jewish Community Center
Need a mini-camp for the kids? Head over to the Jewish Community Center. Not only do they have ample sports and yoga classes, but also the facility is home to an indoor pool and classrooms. Your children will love spending the morning exploring new activities with new friends. Camps such as legos, drama, sports, crafting, etc. are all available for a multitude of ages.
Central Park Recreation Center—Stapleton
Now and then a Mile High Mama has to get her own fitness done. If this is your case, the recreation center in Stapleton has a super entertaining Kids Watch Program. You can take care of your workout while your children are supervised and having a blast. And a little secret about this rec center, their pool is indoor and always nice and warm! And, it includes the most darling of indoor lazy rivers and a cute swim structure to crawl through.
Evergreen Fine Art
If your children are little more on the intellectual side we suggest traveling to Evergreen Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden. The gallery boasts some of the greatest pieces of artistry that reflect upon Colorado beauty and landscapes. Drive up the hill to be reconnected with the true Wild West. Your kids will appreciate the exposure later on.
Art Garage
School Day Out will be running from 9:00am to 4:00pm much of the holiday break for a variety of ages. Let your little Picasso’s shine in an open and friendly environment. We love to socialize and take in the culture at Art Garage. Best of all, artists are always on hand to help with technique and imaginative ideas. We can’t wait to dip our paintbrushes soon. And, pay attention, there are super-fun, themed classes as well that are great for siblings.
Author: Julie Bielenberg
Julie is a mama of three who travels in search of fields, farms, families and more. Sometimes . . . she finds herself in often uncovered, or understated locales, which has since become her niche.
Amber
I’ll vouch for the Apex Center. It’s a local favorite and the indoor water park is amazing.
Monica
Some of our cold-weather favorites:
Denver Museum Nature & Science
Denver Art Museum
Fiske Planetarium at University of Colorado in Boulder
History COlorado Museum
Denver Museum Miniatures and Toys
Fun City
Storytime at the library
Jen
Thanks! Adding our family’s favorites:
World of Wonder Children’s Museum, Louisville
Big Time Trampoline Fun Center, Arvada
Jumpoline, Aurora
Utah Pool, Aurora (I don’t get it. But the kid loves it, so whatever)
Lakewood Link Rec Center, Lakewood (has a pirate ship in the kiddie pool)