Energy-Burning Indoor Activities for Kids in North Calgary

by Daniel Reid
August 2025

Let’s face it—school days can be exhausting… but not in the way you’d think.

Kids spend hours sitting, concentrating, and holding in their energy. So by the time they burst through the doors at 3:30, their minds might be drained—but their bodies are still buzzing.

If your child comes home bouncing off the walls, snapping over small things, or unable to sit down for homework, there’s a good chance they’ve got pent-up energy that needs somewhere to go.

Here’s how to spot it—and what to do about it.

Signs your child has energy to burn

Not sure if it’s “just a mood” or something more physical? Watch for these telltale signs:

  • Fidgeting and pacing. They can’t sit still, keep tapping things, or bounce between tasks.

  • Irritability or random meltdowns. Things that wouldn’t normally bother them suddenly do.

  • Homework struggles. It’s not always a motivation issue—they might literally need to move before they can focus.

The solution isn’t more screen time or quiet time. It’s movement. Getting their body going resets their brain—and the rest of the evening starts to go a whole lot smoother.

5 Indoor Energy-Burners for Active Kids in North Calgary

Here are five low-effort, high-impact ways to help your child burn off steam indoors—because let’s be honest, North Calgary weather isn’t always playing nice.

  1. Living room soccer. Use a soft foam ball and a laundry hamper as the net. Keep it low-key and contained—or go all out, depending on your space.

  2. Balloon volleyball. One balloon, two kids (or one kid and a parent), and a piece of couch or masking tape as the “net.” Simple, safe, and shockingly fun.

  3. Indoor obstacle course. Use couch cushions, chairs, tape, and a little creativity. Let your child design the layout—they’ll burn energy building it and running it.

  4. Treadmill or indoor bike challenge. If you have home equipment, set a short goal: 5-minute sprint, 1 km ride, etc. Turn it into a game, not a chore.

  5. A jump session at Flying Squirrel North Calgary. If you really want to see a difference, bring them here. One hour of non-stop movement—bouncing, flipping, dodging, climbing—does more than tire them out. It resets their entire mood. And you can visit any time of the year: during rainstorms, snowstorms and days when you need a cool break from the heat. It’s Calgary’s best play place!

Why Flying Squirrel is the Go-To Weekday Energy Outlet

Flying Squirrel North Calgary isn’t only a birthday party destination (though it’s a great birthday party destination)—it’s a weekday lifesaver for families who need a better way to manage those chaotic after-school hours.

It’s active, exciting, and 100% designed for kids who need to move. Here’s what makes it perfect:

  • Freestyle trampoline courts. No lines, no rules—just jump, spin, fall into foam pits, and repeat.

  • Trampoline dodgeball. Combine gym-class fun with high-flying chaos. It’s a fan favourite for a reason.

  • Adventure Soft Playground. Perfect for younger jumpers or kids who want to climb, crawl, and explore in a safe, colourful space.

  • Inflatable Park. Giant bouncy castle meets obstacle course. Endless jumping, sliding, and climbing that keeps them moving (and burns serious energy).

  • Foam pits and launch lanes. Got a kid who climbs the furniture? Let them jump off something safe instead.

Everything is supervised, cleaned regularly, and built to be as safe as it is thrilling.

 

A Simple Weekday Routine That Actually Works

You don’t need to overhaul your life to make time for a little Flying Squirrel fun—just shift a few pieces. Here’s a sample routine you could follow:

  • 3:30 p.m. School pick-up + snack. Let them decompress with something to eat.

  • 4:00–5:00 p.m. Movement time. Head to Flying Squirrel North Calgary.

  • 5:30 p.m. Homework or reading. After movement, kids settle faster and focus better.

  • 6:30 p.m. Dinner, clean-up, and family time.

  • 8:00 p.m. Bedtime routine.

Just one hour of movement makes a noticeable difference. Fewer arguments. More laughs. Better sleep.

 

Tips for Making It a Habit

You don’t need to visit Flying Squirrel every day—but the more consistently you build movement into your routine, the easier evenings will get. Here’s how to keep it simple:

  • Treat it like an extracurricular. Trampoline time counts. So does indoor soccer. Movement is part of their development—not optional.

  • Pick your days and stick to them. “Wednesdays are Flying Squirrel days.” Done.

  • Let them bring a friend. Playdates with purpose? Yes, please.

  • Keep a bag ready. Jump socks, water bottle, and comfy clothes in a tote bag in the car means no excuses.

The Bottom Line: Movement Resets Everything

After-school hours don’t have to be full of chaos, arguments, or frustration. When you give kids a physical outlet—especially indoors during those cold or unpredictable Calgary afternoons—you give them (and yourself) a much smoother evening.

Flying Squirrel North Calgary is here for it. Weekday visits, post-homework bursts, Friday-night flips—we’ve got the space, the energy, and the safety covered.

Come jump with us. It’s the best hour of your day—and theirs.

about

Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park is a Family Fun Center in North Calgary Alberta with plenty of activities and attractions for all ages! We have child friendly areas, and safety is our top priority!