Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that you and your family have to go into hibernation. There are some great indoor play spaces in the Hartford area where your active child can burn off excess energy by climbing, bouncing, running, and jumping. He or she might even take a nap for you later! For even more ways to help kids burn off energy when the weather is wintry or wet, check out our Connecticut Indoor Play Guide.
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Kids can get a leg up on vertical walls or bouldering areas at Central Rock. Photo courtesy of Central Rock Gym
Central Rock Gym - Glastonbury
First timers can sign up for belay support from staffers, while parents can learn the ropes in a one-hour class. Huge indoor rock climbing walls, climbing instruction, regular programming, and school vacation programs (yes!) are all offered, too. Children are encouraged to come to Central Rock and learn this great sport.
Flight Fit n Fun - Manchester
Flight is a fun trampoline park which offers open jump sessions every day starting at 10am. There is a huge floor of bouncy trampolines, a children's play area with slides, climbing structures and if fenced off from the rest of the center. And don't forget the awesome foam pit and climbing wall!
Launch Trampoline Park—Hartford
With over 15,000 square feet of trampolines, your kiddos can literally jump off the walls at Launch. The trampoline park is suitable for all ages but has special scheduled toddler times throughout the week.
Movement and music go together in Wethersfield. Photo courtesy of Romp n' Roll
Romp n' Roll—Wethersfield
The bright and colorful gym for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers offers little ones a safe space to run around, jump, swing, slide, and play.
TimberGyms—Newington
Opening its showroom to the public during open play times, TimberGyms invites kids to climb on elaborate wooden playscapes, including a super fun pirate ship, and jump in the bounce house.
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Buckland Hills Mall—Manchester
Offering a free, woodland-themed indoor play area made of soft foam, Buckland Hills Mall invites children under 42" to play. In the food court area, the mall also has a large carousel with a variety of animals and 2 grand chariots in addition to the traditional horses.
Nomad’s Adventure Quest—South Windsor
The large indoor entertainment facility, features laser tag, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, bowling, a rock wall, a billiards room, 2 large basketball courts, bumper cars, 10 bounce houses, and over 50 arcade and video games. There's also a 3-level soft play area and playscape for younger children.
My Gym—West Hartford
The popular children's gym facility offers classes for babies through elementary school age, and also has free "practice and play" times. Babies and children up to age 7 can explore fun equipment safely outfitted with mats and a spring floor. Admission for children currently enrolled in classes is free. Check the web site for the most updated times, as the schedule changes periodically.
Stone Age Rock Gym—Manchester
For an exciting way to get some physical activity, try rock wall climbing in Stone Age Rock Gym's 4,500 square feet of textured climbing walls. They have climbing packages geared toward children ages 6 and up.
Originally published in February, 2012