Staring down the barrel of cold winter weather can feel pretty daunting – especially when you have kids at home. The days are cold and dark, and typical trips to the beach or neighbourhood park are often thwarted by undesirable weather. Home starts to look pretty good – until boredom hits.
We’ve put together some of the best indoor play gyms in Oakville and Burlington to cure your cabin fever and combat those winter blues. Bonus: many of them serve coffee.
Kidsopolis
407 Speers Road #15, Oakville | Kidsopolis.com
This indoor playground and family entertainment centre is a place where kids play to learn and grown-ups learn to play again. The colourful, high-quality and unique Japanese made structures will entertain kids in a full-sight, safe, and fully enclosed area. The three-storey play structure will capture and excite the imagination of older kids, while the YukiKids play area is perfect for toddlers. From moving play structures, laser maze, giant interactive floor games and FREE tea and coffee for adults, it’s no surprise Kidsopolis has been voted Oakville’s Best Indoor Play Centre three years in a row.
Rockin’ Jump
5070 Benson Drive #6, Burlington | Rockinjump.com
Rockin’ Jump is Burlington’s premier indoor trampoline park. In addition to their massive trampoline park, they offer a climbing wall, a foam pit, basketball zone and trampoline dodgeball – all designed to provide exercise while having a blast. If this place doesn’t stop your kids from bouncing off the walls, nothing will!
Aladdin’s Adventures
4325 Harvester Road, Burlington | Aladdinsadventures.ca
Be prepared to go on the most magical and exciting indoor playland adventure for kids of all ages. At Aladdin’s Adventures, kids have access to over 11,000 square feet of fun! There are multi-level climbing structures for the big kids (which adults are also welcome to enjoy) as well as numerous slides and tunnels to explore. For the little kids, there’s a separate toddler play area lined with colourful mats, slides, and toys! A snack bar is on site along with arcade games for everyone to enjoy!
Pre-School Play
Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre
2302 Bridge Road, Oakville | Active.oakville.ca
On Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. the Oakville Public Library hosts a free drop-in at QEPCCC in the Black Box Theatre. Stories, songs, rhymes, and movement activities make up this fun-packed Storytime. Afterwards, head over to the single gym from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. QEPCCC transforms their gymnasium into a children’s play paradise.
Family Play Fit
City of Burlington | Calendar.burlington.ca
The City of Burlington offers Family Play Fit for children ages 5-months to 8-years at Tansley Woods Community Centre (1996 Itabashi Way, Burlington) and Brant Hills Community Centre (2255 Brant Street, Burlington). Bring your family and drop into the gym to explore a wide-range of toys and equipment. There are designated areas for big kids and little kids. Try their Physical Literacy Obstacle Course as a family. Dates and times vary – visit calendar.burlington.ca for an up-to-date schedule.
Cabin Fever
Oakville Parent Child Centre | Op-cc.ca
Cabin Fever is a family-favourite hosted by the Oakville Parent Child Centre. This drop-in program is available multiple times a week at a number of locations. Drop by when you can. Stay, play, and have some fun with your little one and leave the mess behind. From paint and playdough to water and sand-play, this is a wonderful opportunity for your children to explore their senses. The best part? You get to leave the mess behind! You will find lots of things to learn and do, see old friends, meet new ones, and find some great ideas to take home and try. Visit Op-cc.ca for a full drop-in schedule.
by Anneliese Lawton
