Last Updated on November 16, 2024 by Tami
The temperatures are dropping, which means more time spent indoors. For me and my family, that looks like constant couch cushion playgrounds and kids bouncing off the walls, trying to get their energy out. With a house full of littles, I needed to figure out where I could take them to climb and play off all that energy! The good news is that Utah County is packed with awesome indoor playgrounds for everyone. From ninja courses to family fun centers and endless trampolines, here is an ultimate indoor activity guide that’ll keep your little ones moving (and off your furniture) when the outdoor temperatures drop to freezing.
Provo Beach : Climb and Play
First in this ultimate indoor activity guide is Provo Beach. You won’t find a physical, sand-between-your-toes beach there, but you will feel transported out of the wintry weather to a warm wonderland. Provo Beach brings a tropical twist to Utah County, with fun activities like the FlowRider–a simulated surfing and boogie boarding experience (perfect for older kids and teens!). There’s also mini croquet, bowling, laser tag, and a ropes course. Whether your family’s into catching waves or challenging each other at arcade games, this place has a bit of everything.
We were so grateful to be hosted for a day of fun at Provo Beach. It felt like we left the chilly weather behind and entered into a warm paradise for the day. Our children especially loved the arcade and ropes course. Having all-day access was great because it allowed us to enjoy each activity without feeling like we were rushed. The Flow Rider was the star of the show, but only half of our family could participate. We’ll be back when the younger ones are a bit taller, for sure!
You can read my full review here: Provo Beach : A Tropical Escape for the Whole Family
Natural Museum of Curiosity
For those with young kiddos, the Museum of Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point is a winner. It’s like the ultimate playground of the imagination! Each area has a different theme, from nature and water play to climbing structures and science exploration. The museum is one of those places where kids learn through hands on play – and it’s a fantastic option for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for high-energy trampoline parks.
Airborne: Trampoline Play
Speaking of trampolines, Airborne is a great spot for both little and big jumpers in the family. We’ve only been to the one in Draper, but the Airborne in Lindon has some pretty epic attractions, as well! With wall-to-wall trampolines, extreme slides, foam pits, a ninja course, and dodgeball courts, it’s a place that lets kids of all ages play to their hearts’ content. It’s a perfect spot to jump, cimb and play. There are even sections designated for younger jumpers, including a playground for kids 10 and under. You can kick back and relax while your kids burn off that extra energy.
Hang Time Adventure Park : Jump, Climb and Play
Hang Time Adventure Park in Orem is the best of all worlds, offering climbing walls and trampolines, as well as a warrior course and playground. This is the perfect place for families with a mix of ages, so everyone can find something fun to do. When we went on a Tuesday evening, we had most of the trampolines to ourselves!
During our 2 hours there, my kids crawled through the playground, enjoyed fast slides, and bounced to their hearts’ delight without getting bored once! The toddler area was perfect for my two littles and I wasn’t nervous about them getting trampled by older kids. My older children appreciated the variety of challenging activities, including the rock climbing walls. Note that the rock climbing is only on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to talk to the staff at the front desk to get a rock climbing wrist band. We had to wait about 30 minutes for our time slot on a weekday evening; I imagine it’s busier on the weekends and harder to snag a rock climbing slot. My kids loved getting to climb and play here!
While we were hosted and given complimentary admission to Hang Time Adventure Park, we would definitely consider going again and paying full price; the price for what you get is amazing! Right now they are having a Thanksgiving Sale (until Nov 21 2024) that gets you 20% all-day passes to use Mondays-Thursdays. That means my kids (ages ranging from 1-10) could have jumped all day for just about $60.
Kangaroo Zoo : Jump and Play
Another fun entry in this ultimate indoor activity guide is Kangaroo Zoo in Pleasant Grove. Picture a huge warehouse full of giant inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and bounce houses – that’s Kangaroo Zoo in a nutshell. It’s geared more towards younger kids, but there’s something about a giant inflatable slide that brings out the kid in all of us. If you’re looking for a day out where you don’t need to hover over them constantly, this is a great pick. There is plenty of seating for adults to sit and relax while the kids get energy out!
Right now there is a great Groupon deal for Kangaroo Zoo. Check it out here.
Ninja Playground : Climb and Play
Then there’s The Ninja Playground in Lehi, where kids (and adults!) can test their agility, strength, and balance on obstacle courses inspired by the Ninja Warrior shows. It’s like a training ground for future ninjas to climb and play! From ropes to rings and hanging obstacles, it’s a great spot for kids who love a challenge. Plus, it’s fun to watch them tackle each new obstacle with determination. This place is geared towards older kids and teenagers.
Coconut Cove : Bounce and Play
Coconut Cove in Vineyard would be perfect for younger participants. Slides, climbing walls, and tubes galore – it’s like a mini adventure park, especially popular with kids who enjoy exploring and climbing. It’s a smaller space than some other indoor play areas, which is great for keeping an eye on little ones.
Lowes Xtreme Air Sports : Jump, Climb and Play
Lowes Xtreme Air Sports is all about action, featuring super trampolines to show off your aerial silks, wall-too-wall trampolines, and a ninja course. There is even a kid play area for those little tikes! I have not personally been there yet, but one of my family members recommended it because their prices are more competitive when compared to other trampoline parks in the area. You can even purchase a monthly membership for 2 hours of jumping each day (for 3 to 5 jumpers) ranging from $75-$125 for the entire month. Even if you went only 2 times per month, it would be cheaper than paying for individual admission both times.
FREE Indoor Playgrounds
If you are looking for some free playground options suited for young children, you can always visit your local McDonald’s or Chik-Fil-A. There is also a nice indoor playground in the University Place Mall located in Orem. These attractions are best suited for children 10 and under.
Get active!
With all these options, staying active indoors during the fall and winter season has never been easier. So, choose the adventure that’s right for you and head out for a fun day where the only bouncing is on trampolines – not your couch!
Here’s a graphic of my ultimate indoor activity guide for easy reference and comparison. Choose the adventure that’s right for your budget and family!
Written by guest blogger Heather Young (my lovely daughter!) Check out these other guest posts she’s written over the years.
Tips for Terrific Travel Photography
Arches & Canyonlands with Kids
Scotland : Simply Stunning (You Have to See It!)
If you’re looking for other family friendly indoor activities, be sure to check out these posts:
The Best Dinosaur Museum : Thanksgiving Point
This is a great list of things to do in Utah County! We’re getting some work done on our kitchen, so we always need ideas for things to do to get out of the house with the kids. Thanks for sharing this!
Provo Beach was great & Kangaroo is on this week’s itinerary with the grands!
Love the comparison chart you created! This is a great list of indoor attractions to visit during the winter, especially.