In today’s tech-driven world, kids are easily distracted by tablets, phones, video games—you name it. And gone are the days when it was safe for them to just run around the neighborhood ‘til dusk. It takes energy and thought to get kids moving, but keeping them healthy at a young age is worth the extra effort. After all, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that children ages 6 to 17 should be getting at least one hour of physical activity each day, which will help prevent diseases in the future!
It’s almost painful for me to see my kids inside because I remember how much I loved being outside growing up. It is the best to watch them play in the grass and get dirty at home or take them to Forest Park to run and roll down Art Hill. And I’m usually the one who facilitates the pre-bed dance parties thanks to “NOW That’s What I Call Music Vol. 66.”
For something outside of the normal running around, here are a few cool places your kids can get active while having an absolute blast.
» Flying Spider: This is one of my favorite kid spots ever. The trampoline park is spread out and open with leather couches right in the middle so you can see your kids from every angle. And it has free Wi-Fi! There is something for every age—even a zipline that my 31-year-old self dominated. The best part? They have toddler hour starting at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday for ages 6 and under.
flyingspider.us, @flyingspiderair, 14820 Manchester Road
» All American Gymnastics: I learned about Fun Days here from xplorcity.com, and I feel like it may be the best-kept secret around. For $35, you can drop off kids ages 3 to 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to play and eat pizza. Children are closely monitored, and my two beg me to go constantly. Be sure to check the website for family days, ninja classes and activity nights when you can drop off and sneak out for a date!
aag-stl.com, @aagstl11, 10449 Midwest Industrial Drive
» Climb So Ill: Who knew you could expose your kids to the amazing world of climbing at 3 years old? This is not only a sport of incredible strength, but also incredible focus, and it can be so valuable for growing kids. So Ill has harnesses to fit kids from 3 on up, and there are different areas for various skill levels. There are really cool camps listed on its website for ages 7 to 11, and word on the street is that a second location is opening in downtown St. Charles very soon!
soillholds.com, @soill, 1419 Carroll St.
» Shred415: This just in! On the third Saturday of every month, Shred415 in Creve Coeur is offering hour-long classes for ages 8 to 12. Every participant must come with an adult, but what a great way to work out and promote a healthy lifestyle with your kiddo! The Brentwood location will be adding this to its calendar as well.
shred415.com, @shred415stl
» Burn Boot Camp: This great workout spot offers Burn Kidz for ages 5 to 10 at both locations in Manchester and O’Fallon. It’s $12/kid for nonmembers; only 15 kids are allowed each session, so sign them up early!
burnbootcamp.com, @burnbootcampofallonmo
I love being in a city that makes healthy activities for kids so accessible. Be sure to check these out, or head to one of the area’s amazing parks when the sun is shining. I’ll probably see you there!
Katelyn Young Meyer is a local mom of two (her #crumblycrew) who shares real moments of motherhood as it relates to fashion, food and fun! Follow her on Instagram at @_katelynyoung_, or follow her blog at thebejuledlife.com.