Chatham Activities to Help Kids With Back to School Anxiety

With summer in the rearview, many families familiar with back-to-school jitters are already noticing the signs: restless nights, stomach aches, and mounting dread about the start of classes. This is no small matter—according to the American Psychological Association, academic and social stress contribute significantly to anxiety in children, affecting their well-being, performance, and ability to engage in learning.

What’s reassuring is that the solution doesn’t involve complicated therapy or medication. A wealth of scientific research shows that physical activity is one of the most effective non-pharmacological ways to reduce anxiety in children. A 2019 systematic review in JAMA Pediatrics found that regular exercise led to measurable reductions in anxiety symptoms in youth. It concludes: “Treating anxiety symptoms through public health approaches such as physical activity may have substantial reach.”
Furthermore, a study published in Pediatric Exercise Science (2021) demonstrates that even a single 20-minute session of moderate physical activity can produce anxiety relief in children—reducing tension and improving mood and cognitive function.

This is where Flying Squirrel Chatham becomes more than just a fun destination—it becomes a science-backed space for emotional resilience. Our attractions are designed to engage both body and mind, providing safe, dynamic environments where children can unwind, conquer challenges, and rebuild confidence. Let’s take a closer look at how select attractions support anxious children returning to school:

• Climbing Beanstalk & Clip-In Climbing Walls
  Climbing incorporates mental focus, problem-solving, and trust—all skills that support stress resilience. A 2024 study found that controlled physical challenges requiring concentration, like indoor rock climbing, improve executive function and emotional regulation in youth.

• Airtrack Spring Floor & Freestyle Courts
  Jumping, tumbling, and now that sense of “flight” release built-up nervous tension. A 2022 review highlights that aerobic activity releases endorphins and lowers cortisol, effectively countering the stress response. Even short bursts on the Airtrack or Freestyle Courts can help reset stress levels, especially after a school day that may include uncertainty or pressure.

• Crochet Net Playground & Slackline
  Balancing on a slackline or navigating through a crochet net requires focus, body control, and sometimes collaboration—all useful when stress feels overwhelming. A 2024 study found that mindful physical play reduces physiological markers of stress, reinforcing calmness and clarity of mind.

Environment as Emotional Aid

Beyond the specific attractions, the open, playful environment of Flying Squirrel Chatham fosters emotional safety—a necessary foundation for anxious children.

Here’s how active play supports stress management in children:

1. Endorphin & Cortisol Modulation
   Even brief physical activity releases endorphins and reduces cortisol, helping children transition from anxious to composed states.
2. Mind-Body Engagement
   Climbing, balancing, and jumping require coordination, focus, and control—which shift children's attention away from anxious thoughts and toward the present moment.
3. Achievable Challenges = Confidence
   Each successful climb or skill landed—on a trampoline or battlebeam—builds competence and self-esteem. This spillover confidence creates emotional momentum as they head back into the school year.
4. Social Integration & Connection
   Playing with peers in group games like Tetherball or Dunk Hoops fosters reconnection, camaraderie, and the reassurance of belonging before school pressure hits.

Back-To-School Anxiety

Back-to-school anxiety doesn’t have to define your child’s emotional landscape. The scientific evidence is clear: interactive, playful movement supports mental resilience. Whether it’s conquering the Climbing Beanstalk, soaring on the Airtrack, or laughing through Tetherball, Flying Squirrel Chatham is a home for emotional reset.

This year, help your child step into the school year with confidence, calm, and connection. Get your tickets today!