Why Limit Screen Time? And What to Do Instead at Flying Squirrel North Calgary

Parenting in a screen-saturated world feels like walking a tightrope. A little digital downtime can be helpful. But when screen use becomes default evening behaviour, something subtle shifts: less focus, poorer sleep, and less real-world connection.

What the Research Shows

• A review in BMC Public Health found that children exceeding one hour of daily recreational screen time were more likely to struggle with social competence, emotional maturity, language, and cognitive skills.

• Another comprehensive analysis links excessive screen use with higher anxiety, depression, lower academic achievement, and reduced psychological well-being.

So it’s not about shaming devices—it’s about recognizing that balance and healthy habits matter more than clock-watching.

Why Screen-Free Weeknights Help

When screens become automatic, kids miss out on:

• Quality social and emotional learning

• Unstructured free play that builds creativity and resilience

• Physical movement that supports coordination, sleep, and mood

• Real conversation with parents and siblings (instead of scrolling past each other)

• Visual development that comes from looking and moving—rather than staring unchanging screen light

Screen-free moments—especially after school—can reset moods, boost focus, and improve sleep quality.

What to Do Instead at Flying Squirrel North Calgary

Here’s how moving together beats sitting still—with real, activities-based alternatives:

• Freestyle Courts & Trampoline Dodgeball
  Unstructured bounce zones and dodgeball mixes high-energy fun with teamwork and coordination—far more engaging than passive viewing.

• Airbag Trampoline Launch Lanes & Dunk Hoops
  Kids launch, flip, and dunk—feeling confident and active.

• Battlebeam & Slackline
  Balance games mean laughter, challenge, and physical engagement. Perfect for rival siblings or new friends.

• Clip‑in Climbing Walls & Aerial Silks
  Strength, focus, and imagination combine—giving children a mental and physical workout.

• Extreme Traverse Climb & Rope Swing
  Agile, challenging, and joyful physical problem-solving.

• Trapeze
  Channel gravity and momentum—letting kids swing safely into play with real-world thrills.

• Adventure Soft Playground & Inflatable Park
  Younger jumpers get a bounce-safe zone full of soft surfaces and climbing paths.

• Crochet Net Playground
  Kids climb, weave, and explore in a visually stimulating space.

Real Options That Fit Real Families

Not everyone wants (or can) travel far after school. That’s OK. Consider these practical swaps:

• Read-aloud: Take 20 minutes to read a story together—shifting away from screens into real-time conversation.

• Mini board games or puzzles: Fast, tactile, interactive. A quick win for family connection.

• Flying Squirrel evening visits: A short, planned burst of active play can do wonders for sleep (and bedtime routines).

Why Families Keep Coming Back

At Flying Squirrel North Calgary, we offer more than just activities—we offer joy. Bounce zones, climbing walls, obstacle courses, and spaces designed for pure, full-body fun. It’s the reason why kids (and even teens and young adults) beg to come back—and why you might too.

Get your tickets today!