With the weather finally cooling down, many parents worry that their kids may not get enough physical activity indoors. The solution to this problem is indoor playgrounds. They have become more and more popular over the years and in a country like Canada, where 6 months of the year the weather is wet and cold, they are a great day retreat for the kids.
The playgrounds usually have slides, climbing towers, bouncing castles, infant play areas with foam mats, and lots of ride-on toys. There is an area for eating food and usually a microwave or small kitchen. Many places have nursing rooms and areas where you can change the baby. The bathrooms are kid-friendly. Most indoor playgrounds make their income from birthday parties and celebrations. They offer party packages and provide large party rooms with all the supplies you need to celebrate. Some are not open to public on the weekends due to their party schedule, so it is best to check their websites for hours or call before planning to go. On a weekday they often have a price that covers play time for the day. Here is a list of places I have been to and recommend in the Greater Toronto Area. Pack a lunch and some snacks and head on over!
Graco My Ride
Taima Zone Indoor Playground,
3450 Ridgeway Drive, Unit 10, Mississauga
Taima Zone is a fairly new indoor playground (opened in 2009), but has already become a favourite of mine in Mississauga. While there are many indoor playgrounds in the same Mississauga area as Taima Zone, it has separated itself from the competition by being a large clean facility, with lots of comfortable seating for parents, and a great sturdy play structure for kids. They have large party rooms and a wonderful nursing room with a one-sided window that you can see the play area through.
Balls of Fun Indoor Playground,
3615 Laird Rd., Units 15-16, Mississauga
Balls of Fun is one big ball gym. They have balls of every size and type and lots of rooms for kids to run around and play. They have a large play structure, and a small room just for toddlers and infants. If you do visit this playground with an infant, I strongly recommend staying in the smaller room, or in the eating area, as you can get hit by balls there. I feel this playground is more fun for active kids that are a little older: ages 3 and up.
Small Wonders Discovery Centre,
140 Capital Court, Mississauga
What I like about Small Wonders Discovery Centre is the variety of activities and multiple rooms they have. They have a play area with a car track and ride-on toys. They have an arcade for older children and a soft play room for younger children. They even have an area with live pets such as parrots and snakes. This playground offers more than just play time, but also an opportunity for the kids to be creative and learn something new.
Amazon Indoor Playground,
1500 Royal York Rd. Etobicoke
This is a smaller location that the others I have listed, but a very nice and clean facility. It's great for a party and they let you rent the entire facility for your own use. They do not have much for older children and the play area is most suitable for kids ages 5 and under.
Lil' Explorers Clubhouse and Indoor Gym,
190 Bullock Drive, Unit #10, Markham
My boys love this playground. I think it's the airplane thing at the top that they can sit in and look down at everyone from that is their highlight. Again, this location is not as large as some of the others I have listed, but it is clean, has a large play structure and lots of fun things for the kids to play with.
Chuck E. Cheese's,
Chuck E. Cheese's are restaurants/indoor playgrounds that have been around for years. They offer great pizza and fun games for kids of all ages. They are usually busy with birthday parties, but it is a great evening out with kids when it may be tough to get dinner on the table. You can check their website for a location near you.
Try out an indoor playground on a rainy afternoon or when the snow in on the ground to keep your kids active over the winter season.
Indoor Playgrounds in the Greater Toronto Area
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