Keeping them moving in the winter
Entertaining kids in the winter months can be tough!
While it’s a little easier in the summer to keep our children moving, the winter can present some challenges. As parents, it’s up to us to encourage them to exercise even throughout these colder, winter months. When cabin fever inevitably hits during this time of year, instead of just giving up and giving in to lots of unhealthy screen time, why not turn to indoor sports instead?
Indoor sports can be a lot of fun and provide great ways for your kids to stay healthy and energized, no matter the season. Below are some excellent indoor activities that are available for you and your family right here in the Madison area.
Indoor Swim Lessons
There are plenty of ways your child can improve their swimming skills while the temperatures stay cold.
“It’s a fantastic community and a great place to have on the family calendar as a regular place for your children to not only learn and reinforce water safety but to work out some of that pent-up energy and make friends,” Karen Clay, SwimWest owner says.
SwimWest offers high-quality year-round swimming lessons in Madison and Fitchburg for everyone from infants to adults with a focus on keeping children safer in and around the water. The large indoor pools are heated to provide a comfortable environment for babies, children and teens to excel.
Besides offering regular swim lessons for children of all ages, SwimWest offers open family swim time too – keep in mind that parents must accompany children in the water within arm’s reach if they cannot swim the full length of the pool.
With two locations to choose from there is sure to be one close to you.
Madison’s schedule and classes
Fitchburg’s schedule and classes
Indoor Gymnastics
A gymnastics class or an open gym play time is a great way to work that winter energy out. According to Jessie Carlson, owner of Badger Gymnastics Academy, “Kids need to have different types of outlets for their never-ending energy. Kids who have the opportunity to be active in the winter months will gain strength, improve balance, and learn new skills while having fun with friends.”
Badger Gymnastics provides a space for children from toddler age to school age giving them the opportunity to crawl, climb, jump, hop, roll, balance, flip and swing safely in a warm environment. The gyms offer a colorful, padded environment with enthusiastic instructors ready to wrangle that energy in a positive and expressive way.
Indoor Martial Arts
If your child doesn’t show too much of an interest in indoor leagues but still wants to be part of a supportive sports community, then martial arts may be in their future. Infinity Martial Arts of Middleton creates an environment where your child can exercise his body and mind while getting fit and staying active.
“Martial arts is great way for kids and adults to stay active year round,” Mike Welsh, Owner and Master Instructor of Infinity Martial Arts says. “Kid’s love our classes because they are high energy, and challenging. The dynamic drills and skills taught build confidence as they improve and achieve with each class. The parent’s of Infinity Martial Arts love the character and leadership skills their children learn in a a safe and positive environment.”
Right now, they are offering a web special for a limited time: buy a uniform for $49 and get a FREE month of karate.
Other Indoor Winter Activities to keep them moving and engaged
We are lucky to live in a community that not only offers fantastic indoor sports opportunities but has a great selection of indoor community events and activities too.
The Madison Children’s museum offers free family night for you and your children to explore; the Henry Vilas Zoo’s indoor Discovery Center is another great place to get to in the winter time. Our own University of Madison campus offers many indoor activities that your children might like including: the Arboretum Visitor Center where they can learn about ecological restoration; the Space Place that holds a Saturday Children’s Workshop for your budding astronaut; the Dairy Cattle Center where your child can watch cows being milked or maybe try out the Geology museum and let them explore a huge collection of rocks!
No excuses . . .
Don’t let your kids waste away the winter months in front of the TV. Indoor sports and activities give kids a safe place to stay active, have fun, and make new friends. Even in the hottest months of the summer indoor activities offer a lot and you don’t have to worry about sun screen!
