Bouncing off the walls? There's a cure for that
Bounce. Bounce. Bounce.
The snow will come and the snow will go, but one thing is constant: the need to get the kids out and moving. When sledding, snow forts and skis aren't an option, and when you can't stand losing one more Wii tennis match to your six-year-old, you might need to look elsewhere for a place to let the kids get their wiggles out.
What follows are some indoor activities that'll keep the youngsters -- and yourself - active, no snow (or membership contract) required. Please feel free to add your own suggestions below.
Rock climbing
Non-members are welcome to climb the rock tower at The Court Club in Colonie, 444 Sand Creek Road. They offer day passes and equipment rentals, and kids of any age are welcome to climb. They do recommend you call ahead to make sure a staff member will be on hand to show beginners how to belay.
A.I.R. Albany's Indoor Rockgym, Vatrano Road, offers climbing - and also has an indoor cave labyrinth. Its Web site lists certain hours for kids under 10 to climb or cave. Children must be supervised by an adult -- one adult required per kid.
Roller skating
Wheels, colored lights and blaring pop music. What's not to love? Guptill's Arena in Latham and Rollarama Skating Center in Schenectady will give the kids plenty of opportunity to learn balance and gain ankle strength.
Ice skating
Okay, it's technically not indoors, but Swinburne Skating Rink (Clinton Avenue and Manning Boulevard, Albany) is protected from the caprices of the weather, and you can't beat the price.
Numerous other indoor venues offer public skating, including the Knickerbacker Ice Arena in Troy (103rd Street and 8th Avenue), Hudson Valley Community College's Conway Ice Rink, the Clifton Park Ice Arena in Clifton Common Park and the city of Saratoga Springs' two public rinks.
Skateboarding
The Shelter Skate Park, 35 Commerce Ave., Albany, doesn't have a minimum age or skill level, but does ask that kids under 12 be accompanied by an adult. The crowd on weekend mornings, they say, tends to be younger. And in case someone you know got that new skateboard for Christmas, they do offer lessons.
Swimming
Albany's Public Bath No. 2 may have closed, but there's another option in the city for indoor swimming: The pool at the Center for Disability Services, 314 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, is available for public use. Sections of the pool may be in use for therapy sessions during public hours, so the staff asks that outside visitors try not to be disruptive while enjoying the water. The cost is $5 per swimmer. Hours: Weekdays from 8 - 9:30 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m.; afternoon hours vary daily. The pool is also available Saturday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. A printed schedule is available at the facility, and the phone number for the pool deck is 437-5522.
If you want to make a day out of it, head up to Queensbury for White Water Bay, the indoor water park at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge. It's a little surreal to zip down the water slides or float in the river while snow drifts and spits against the windows. Half- and full-day passes are available, and of course they offer overnight accommodation packages as well.
Climbing, bouncing and general kid-like frolicking
TreePaad Fun Center in Malta (2381 Route 9) features a three-story indoor playground with thousands of foam balls. There are other activities, too, available on a pay-per-play basis.
For basic, stomach-lurching fun, Afrim's Sports in Colonie has a "Bounce Zone" for kids ages 3 to 10; get a day pass and let 'em jump.
If all else fails, break out the Twister mat or call up a YouTube video of "Chicken Fat" and pretend you're in gym class, ca. 1961. You'll have the kids worn out by bedtime.
photo: Flickr user edenpictures
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
Just a warning: Afrim's often has birthday parties in their bounce zone. They are still open to the public, but it's completely unsafe to take a three-year -old girl in when the place is packed with 20 crazy 8-year-old boys.
I would recommend calling ahead and asking if there will be parties there that day and find out if the age is appropriate for your child.
... said Jillya on Jan 6, 2011 at 2:51 PM | link
What are ADULTS supposed to do about their Cabin Fever?
... said ethan on Jan 6, 2011 at 3:54 PM | link
Latham Greens has indoor black-light mini golf! http://www.lathamfamilyfun.com/mini-golf.htm
It's $4-$6.50 for 18 holes for kids and $8.50 for adults.
... said jess on Jan 6, 2011 at 4:08 PM | link
"Tumblin Tykes" in Latham = giant indoor playground. Even has trampolines.
"Tiny Tots Tea Room" in Clifton Park = indoor playroom, sans trampolines but full service cafe instead. Very parent friendly.
Admittance to each place is 7 bucks. Stay as long as you want.
I know both places offer special classes in addition to open play, but I haven't ventured down that road yet.
... said Eli's mom on Jan 6, 2011 at 5:29 PM | link
Okay. You guys totally suck for finding "Chicken Fat" on YouTube. My gym teacher played that record as the warm-up for nearly every class during the 80's. That and FAME.
Ugh.
... said abby on Jan 6, 2011 at 6:56 PM | link
When it's a snow day, why wouldn't sledding, snow forts and possibly skis be an option?
... said j.snow on Jan 6, 2011 at 9:47 PM | link
@Jess: Is the indoor golf place open? In November I called them four times to ask about birthday parties, and was always routed to a full voicemail inbox. I went there twice and it was locked up. I concluded they were out of business.
... said Akum. on Jan 7, 2011 at 8:23 AM | link
Yes on outdoors. We garbage picked (I mean refurbished) a broken sled and with a little JB Weld and it's as good as new. 3 cheers for 2 part epoxy!
Question, though - any Albany 'bunny hills' for little ones? We were racking our brains this morning and came up with nada. Lincoln Park is a bit too big for our 3 yr old.The aforementioned sled has only been tested in Grandma's front yard in Long Island.
Other outdoor options: get a kid's snow shovel and build a snow fort. We've also purchased a set of kids showshoes for less than $30.00. They're fairly adjustable, so they should last a bit.
Our favorite indoor routine: swimming at the Y and basketball afterward. We're all thoroughly exhausted by the time we get home. For those with smaller ones, the Bethlehem Y allows strollers on the running track in off hours. You just have to dodge the 'Delmartians' who insist on walking 2-3 abreast instead of single file.
... said James at 44 on Jan 7, 2011 at 8:47 AM | link
@ethan, that's why god invented taverns.
... said Kerosena on Jan 7, 2011 at 9:47 AM | link
There is a children's yoga class at the Nia Center (4 Central Ave) on Sundays at 10am. We play games, learn poses and breathing techniques! This specific class is for 3-5 year olds. It will get the kids up and moving and shake off those winter blues!
... said Sarah Jane on Jan 9, 2011 at 12:27 PM | link
Add to the indoor playground column: Joyful Jumpers in Colonie. They have open play every morning (weekday). I had a birthday party there before and the kids totally love it. Good for kids
... said CVAA on Jan 20, 2012 at 1:03 PM | link