Hamilton's best Indoor playground: Weatherproof fun for kids of all ages

by Daniel Reid
January 2024

indoor-playground-hamilton

It’s grey and freezing and you’ve already forced your kids on a “beautiful family walk” (which wasn’t pleasant, or beautiful, and involved a lot of whining). Sound familiar? Winter promises plenty of fun—tobogganing, skating, snowy hikes—but there’s a limit to how much patience your kids (and you) have for bundling up and braving the elements. One hour in the cold is great. But what about the other ten hours of relentless energy your kids insist on unleashing indoors?

This is why I’ve crafted a mental shortlist of winter-proof outings. The kind of activities that check all the boxes: high-energy, kid-approved, parent-friendly, and—this part is key—offer a bathroom (seriously, why are public spaces for kids so bad at this?). After years of trial and error, I’ve landed on a clear winner. If winter is the problem, Flying Squirrel indoor playground is the solution.

The indoor children’s playground at Flying Squirrel trampoline park

Let’s break this down. I’ve got kids who, at the mere suggestion of “indoor fun,” start debating logistics: “Is it boring? How far is it? Do we HAVE to go?” And then there’s me—already picturing the chaos of getting everyone dressed and out the door. But Flying Squirrel has become a no-brainer. Why? Because it works. Every. Single. Time.

Here’s how this indoor kids playground earns its top spot:

  • The kids leave the trampoline park sweaty, exhausted and happy. They burn so much energy jumping, playing, climbing and generally having a blast. And I’m especially grateful for this in the winter. 
  • At the merest hint of a suggestion that we might (perhaps!) go to Flying Squirrel’s indoor playground, my kids literally rush to get their gear on and get in the car. I am not kidding when I say this is not a normal occurrence. I usually have to remind them multiple times to get socks on, brush their teeth and get the appropriate outerwear on. 
  • BATHROOMS! Enough said. (Public parks, take note).
  • The variety at this indoor playground is astounding. Wall-to-wall trampolines, an indoor playground, climbing wall, battle beam, aerial silks, balance beam, inflatables park, dodgeball, basketball, parkour and even an arcade. The features are endless. And it goes without saying that no one gets bored here.
  • My kids are happy here, and so am I. While they enjoy the indoor kids playground, I sit and read my book (with noise cancelling headphones on)—sometimes I also join in and test my skills on the rock climbing wall

 

Why Flying Squirrel is a hit for parents too

It’s rare—so rare—that an outing leaves both kids and parents genuinely happy. Enter Flying Squirrel, the unicorn of family destinations. While your kids burn through enough energy to power a small city, you, dear parent, have options. Actual options.

You could join in on the kids indoor playground fun: bounce with them, climb the wall, conquer the aerial silks, and remind yourself that fun doesn’t always mean watching from the sidelines. Or, you could sit. Yes, sit. A sacred act that feels impossible at home when the “Can I have a snack?” requests reach Olympic-level frequency. With a book, podcast or an iPad in hand, the chaos fades into the background, leaving you with something that feels a lot like peace.

But here’s the genius of Flying Squirrel: the indoor playground works for everyone. The variety ensures the kids don’t cling to you, whining about boredom. Bathrooms (a blessing, really) mean zero stress-induced meltdowns. And the atmosphere? Enough energy to keep the kids entertained but somehow organized enough that you don’t feel like you’re losing your grip on reality. And snacks? They have that covered, too.

It’s an indoor playground for them and a reset button for you.

 

This indoor kids playground will get you through the long Canadian winter

Short of tickets to Mexico, heading to this indoor playground with your kids is the upgrade your winter needs. Schedule it in or head there spontaneously and feel the stress of hyped up kids in your house leave your body. 

Winter doesn’t have to feel like an endurance test. Get in the car, head to Flying Squirrel, and let the stress of snowy days and stir-crazy kids melt away.

Pro tip: Pack socks for everyone, bring the energy, and prepare to leave with tired, happy kids—and your sanity intact.

about

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