Baby it’s cold outside.
But you are jumping off the walls and that is not cool.
When you little ones are [literally] climbing the walls, what’s a mom to do? Here’s some ideas for how to keep active kids busy when you can’t go outside, without them using your furniture to recreate an episode of American Ninja Warrior.
Luckily there are some handy solutions. Some of these require a little bit of installation – some not. But if you have had it with your couch being the launching pad for yet another arial leap, then it might be time to give one of these a try.
PSA – This article does contain some affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may get a small percentage. So thanks, this mom is saving for one of the mommy-goes-by-herself and you stay here with Nana, who doesn’t care if you jump on the couch, vacations. Or more likely, it’s to help cover next month’s dance tuition. *sigh*
Okay – let’s get to it.
First up: This “Your tongue won’t stick to the -3 degrees metal if the swing is inside” option.
This idea probably has disaster written all over it if you have older kids too. But if your are just a big enough to enjoy this without being old enough to attempt using it to propel the cat across the room into a clothes hamper, then they are probably a great age and this will be lots of fun, without having to spend 20 minutes bundling up just to go outside and swing for 2 minutes.
Spending time actually playing instead of screaming for them to put their tiny thumb in the thumb part of the mitten? Priceless.
The best part – it comes with a couple options. You can order the swing only…or there are 6 or 4 piece indoor playground set.
Next up: Hippity Hoppity goes the excess energy!
Heck, I am sad that they don’t make ’em for adults! (Oh snap… they do!)
They are pretty hard to destroy so yea for something that might finally last a week around here!
You will need some open space for them to bounce, for kids who have enough strength and balance – even a garage would work. But for the smaller ones a hard surface might make for a quick set of stitches at the ER…
Eh… you’re the parent so you do your parenting thing and make that call.
But I can say that my 3 year-old and almost 10 year old get some serious funergery out with these. (fun energy- yeah I made that up).
Let me see you Jump Jump!
I cannot tell you how much we love having a small indoor trampoline. Three kids and a decade later ours is still going, but only for my littlest. This trampoline features fun games while your child jumps. I like the grips and design a little better than the regular trampolines you see indoors. There’s a sensor on the bottom that does the counting of jumps for your kids too! Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it on Amazon any longer, but there are many options available depending on your space, price and number of kids that would use it.
Finally, even if your little one hasn’t ever had gymnastic lessons – a basic mat and bar is fun for anyone. My kids love to create tumbling rountines using the mat. The bar does take up some space – so that might be more for the serious aspiring gymnast.
No matter what your space or budget, there is something that should help keep the kids active and off the couch, whether jumping or sitting.
Have you every tried any of these? Share your own ideas (and yes, going outside IS the BEST – but it’s not always possible, so keep those solutions focused on what to do when outside isn’t an option:)
Past themes include:
The secret to the Freeloader is the ergonomic shoulder and waist straps which evenly distribute your child’s weight to your hips and core. The contoured shoulder straps are adjustable and also provide extra padding for comfort,