Coming up with fun indoor play ideas for your preschooler in the colder months can be a challenge. So, here are our 10 kid-approved things to do in the Madison area that will keep your preschooler engaged all season long.
Indoor Play Ideas for Sporting Activities
1.Keva Sports
8312 Forsythia St, Middleton, WI
(608) 662-7529
Keva Sports offers Open Play for all members 6 years and under during the school year. Open Play provides access to the indoor soccer fields, basketball courts, and will provide your kids with access to “a variety of sports equipment, parachutes, balls, hoops, and more!” Open Play is available on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 AM – 1 PM, and on Thursdays from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
2.Boulders Climbing Gym
Downtown
129 S Carroll St, Madison, WI
(608) 640-4646
East Side
3964 Commercial Ave, Madison, WI
(608) 244-8100
Boulders Climbing Gym is Madison’s premiere climbing facility. They have over 8,000 square feet of climbing space, and is sure to give you the adventure you are looking for. Boulders offers a program for preschoolers called “Pebbles” which is a great way to introduce preschoolers (aged 3 – 5) to the wonderful sport of climbing, build strength, and give them a chance to socialize with other kids.
Indoor Play Ideas for Gymnastics
3.Middleton Gymnastics
8152 Forsythia Street, Middleton, WI
(608) 466-6496
Middleton Gymnastics is a state of the art tumbling and training facility. There is plenty of room for all types of activities. They have a full-size spring floor, a tumbletrac, two trampolines, vaulting tracks, bars, rings, crash pads – and even an in-ground high bar training pit. Open Gym is available on Saturdays from 11:30 AM – 1 PM. Children 7 years and older are capable of being dropped off; younger children must be accompanied by an adult.
4.Badger Gymnastics Academy
6901 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI
(608) 271-1885
Designed for children ages 1 – 6, the preschool open gym is the perfect opportunity for you to play with your kids! Explore the gym full of things to bounce, run, and climb on in a safe environment. It is also a great place to make new friends and meet other parents. Parents are required signed waiver and to stay with their child.
5.Madtown Twisters
7035 Old Sauk Road, Madison, WI
(608) 829-2922
Madison Twisters has a variety open gym opportunities for people of all ages. Check the website for the most up-to-date days and times. Open Gyms are the best place for children to socialize and have fun, all the while staying as safe as possible. Enjoy and explore the gym filled with trampolines, obstacle courses, bounce houses, and more. (Note: Depending on the type of open gym, the equipment that is out for kids to play on is subject to change.)
Indoor Play Ideas for Water Activities
6.Crawdaddy Cove
1109 Fourier Drive, Madison, WI, USA
(608) 826-0500
Day passes for the water park are available Sunday – Thursdays based on availability. Please call ahead on the day of to verify availability. No walk-ins passes are allowed. Day passes are $15 per wristband for all ages. Children under 2 free.
7.Swim West
Madison West
1001 Deming Way, Madison, WI
(608) 831-6829
Fitchburg
6220 Nesbitt Rd, Fitchburg, WI
(608) 276-7946
In addition to swimming lessons, Swim West has open swim at both locations. Parents must accompany children in the water and stay within arms reach if they cannot swim the full length of the pool. Check the website for days and times for open swim. Please note, times are subject to change.
Indoor Play Ideas for Miscellaneous Activities
8.Pump It Up!
2911 Marketplace Dr, Fitchburg, WI
(608) 442-6386
Pump It Up offers “Toddler Time” open jump for kids ages 2 – 6 years old. Open jump lets the little ones explore, jump and climb without the worry of the bigger kids. Parents are always welcome to climb right along with them! These open play days are perfect for the beginner jumper to get used to the gigantic inflatables and all the fun at Pump It Up!
9.Children’s Museums (Madison and Black Earth)
Madison
100 N Hamilton St, Madison, WI
(608) 256-6445
The Madison Children’s Museum is an award-winning destination for fun family activities and hands-on learning! Visit the inventive city of Possible-opolis for ages 6 and up, and the four-season Rooftop Ramble, with animals and gardens. Kids under 5 have a place of their own in the Wildernest, a global village made with natural, local materials.There’s always something new to do at Madison Children’s Museum, where the mission is to connect children with their family, their community, and the world beyond through discovery learning and creative play.
Black Earth
1131 Mills Street, Black Earth, WI
(608) 888-2017
Black Earth Children’s Museum is a unique and enriching place that inspires discovery, creativity and community. Exhibits are designed with a focus on reflecting the local culture and environment to promote learning and appreciation. The museum offers engaging and unique play experiences throughout 7,000 square feet building. The exhibits are designed primarily for children ages birth to 10, but offer excitement for all ages. In addition, they offer a wide variety of programs and events, such as skill development workshops for middle school and high school students, toddler music and fun events for the whole family.
10.PlayN Wisconsin
3919 Parmenter St., Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 234-5600
PlayN Wisconsin offers an all-day, unlimited open gym play sessions which allow children the benefits of fun-filled physical activity. Toddlers, tweens and even grandparents can enjoy their brightly decorated, 12,000+ square foot, indoor sock-only facility. Their huge indoor play showroom is filled with more than ten of the safest most durable play systems, basketball hoops, trainers, and the world’s safest trampolines! Check their website for open play days and times.
Before you go, check out some of our previous posts!