{"id":27026,"date":"2025-09-25T13:01:58","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T13:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/?page_id=27026"},"modified":"2025-09-25T13:01:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T13:01:58","slug":"screen-free-weeknight-activities-for-kids-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/screen-free-weeknight-activities-for-kids-ottawa\/","title":{"rendered":"Better Than Screens: Why Active Play Matters for Ottawa Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/\"  target=\"_self\" itemprop=\"url\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/06\/fs-logo-horizontal-whitetext-1024x361.png\" alt=\"fs-logo-horizontal-whitetext\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"361\" width=\"1024\" title=\"fs-logo-horizontal-whitetext\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; 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Facility Buyouts<\/a><\/li>\t<li id=\"menu-item-549\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/partner-up\/\">Partner Up<\/a><\/li>\t<li id=\"menu-item-273\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/employment\/\">Employment<\/a><\/li>\t<li id=\"menu-item-36\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/contact-us\/\">Contact<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\t<\/nav>\n<h1>\n\t\t\tScreen-Free Weeknight Activities for Kids in Ottawa\t<\/h1>\n\tby Daniel Reid<br \/>\nSeptember 2025\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/09\/screen-free-weeknight-activities-for-kids-ottawa.jpg\"  target=\"_self\" itemprop=\"url\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2025\/09\/screen-free-weeknight-activities-for-kids-ottawa.jpg\" alt=\"screen-free-weeknight-activities-for-kids-ottawa\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"683\" width=\"1024\" title=\"screen-free-weeknight-activities-for-kids-ottawa\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<p>It&#8217;s 5:45 p.m. Dinner&#8217;s on the stove, there&#8217;s fighting, bickering and someone&#8217;s already in tears over math homework. The easiest way to keep the peace? Handing over a screen, obviously.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;re tired. They&#8217;re tired. And those quiet screen moments can feel like a lifeline. But over time, you might notice some subtle changes. Your kids get more restless. Less focused. Bedtime becomes (even more of) a struggle. Moods run a little hotter. Screens aren&#8217;t the problem on their own-but when they start replacing movement, play, and real connection, it&#8217;s worth taking a closer look.<\/p>\n<p>The good news? Small changes-like an active hour at Flying Squirrel Ottawa-can make a big difference.<\/p>\n<p><b>What the Research Tells Us<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Screens aren&#8217;t inherently bad. But too much, especially in early development, can affect more than just eyesight.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">A 2022 <a href=\"https:\/\/bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12889-022-12701-3\"><i>BMC Public Health<\/i> study<\/a> linked excessive screen use (over one hour per day) with delayed emotional and cognitive development in young children.\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The Canadian Pediatric Society now recommends families prioritize <b>physical activity, sleep, and in-person interaction<\/b> ahead of passive screen use.\n<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Research also shows that kids who regularly engage in physical movement show better sleep quality, higher emotional resilience, and stronger peer relationships.\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In short? Kids aren&#8217;t wired to sit still. Their brains and bodies crave movement, challenge, and connection-not just passive input.<\/p>\n<p><b>So What&#8217;s the Alternative?<\/b><\/p>\n<p>When it comes to getting kids off the couch and moving, it doesn&#8217;t have to be a big production. You don&#8217;t need to sign them up for a 10-week program or force them outside in the rain. Sometimes, it&#8217;s as simple as showing up at Flying Squirrel Ottawa for an hour of active, unstructured fun.<\/p>\n<p>(<b>Related<\/b>: <a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/indoor-play-place-ottawa\/\">My Kids Reviewed Ottawa&#8217;s Best Indoor Play Place<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s take a look at what your kids might find when they step away from the screen and into our space:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Freestyle Courts<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>This is the heartbeat of the park. No rules, no structure-just bounce, run, laugh, and repeat. Kids get to move on their terms, which is great for body awareness and confidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trampoline Dodgeball<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>An old favourite with a twist. It&#8217;s movement plus teamwork plus just the right amount of friendly competition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dunk Hoops<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>The magic of flight-without needing to be 6&#8217;6&#8243;. Even small kids can feel like stars as they bounce and dunk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Kiddie Trampoline Court with Foam Pit<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Designed for the littlest jumpers, this area is safe, soft, and full of wonder. They can explore without feeling overwhelmed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adventure Soft Playground &amp; Crochet Net Playground<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Perfect for climbers, crawlers, and imaginative kids who love to move their bodies in new and surprising ways.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Climbing Wall &amp; Rope Swing<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Two excellent choices for kids who love to scale heights and swing through the air-safely, of course.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ropes Course &amp; Slackline<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Balance, coordination, and the thrill of trying something that feels just a little daring. Kids love it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Airbag Trampoline Launch Lanes &amp; Stunt Jump Airbag<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>These are for the big leaps. Whether they&#8217;re flipping, jumping, or flinging themselves into the airbag, it&#8217;s movement and bravery all in one.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Battlebeam<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Sibling showdown? Friendly rivalry? This foam-pit dueling zone delivers laughs, movement, and some gentle strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Why It Works (Even If You Only Do It Occasionally)<\/b><\/p>\n<p>You don&#8217;t need to swear off screens forever. But even one or two nights a week of real-world activity can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Improve sleep<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Reduce end-of-day crankiness<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Boost focus and emotional regulation<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Build strength, balance, and resilience<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Reconnect your family in the process<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<b>What to Do at Home, Too<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Not every night includes a trampoline park (though we&#8217;re always here for that). But if your kids are bouncing off the walls and you need <i>something<\/i> to burn that energy, here are three screen-free ideas that actually work:\n<ol>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Balloon Games<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>One balloon = 30 minutes of chaos (in the best way). Play &#8220;don&#8217;t let it touch the floor,&#8221; set up balloon volleyball over the couch, or give them paper plate paddles and call it indoor tennis. It&#8217;s safe, active, and guaranteed giggles.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Movement Circuit<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Turn your living room into a mini gym. One corner for jumping jacks, another for lunges, a &#8220;plank station,&#8221; and a &#8220;crazy dance zone.&#8221; Set a timer and rotate through stations every 30 seconds. Parents can join in-or coach from the couch with a stopwatch and snacks.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Obstacle Course Adventure<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Blankets, cushions, chairs, pool noodles-whatever you&#8217;ve got becomes the track. Crawl under chairs, hop over pillows, army crawl through a blanket tunnel. Time each round to add a little friendly competition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>These don&#8217;t require fancy gear or a lot of prep-just a bit of space, a little imagination, and the willingness to say yes to something silly. And when it&#8217;s finally quiet again? You&#8217;ll know they&#8217;ve earned the screen time tomorrow.<\/p>\n<p><b>It&#8217;s All About Balance<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Flying Squirrel Ottawa is the kind of place where kids can actually <i>be<\/i> kids-running, jumping, flipping, flying. No screens, no sitting still. Just full-on fun.<\/p>\n<p>So if you&#8217;re all feeling a little stir-crazy, maybe it&#8217;s not about needing more quiet.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe it&#8217;s about more movement. More laughs.<\/p>\n<p>Whenever you&#8217;re ready, we&#8217;re here. <a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/tickets\/\">Let&#8217;s bounce<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/ottawa-ontario\/blog\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBlog Home\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/\"  target=\"_self\" itemprop=\"url\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2020\/06\/fs-logo-horizontal-whitetext-1024x361.png\" alt=\"fs-logo-horizontal-whitetext\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"361\" width=\"1024\" title=\"fs-logo-horizontal-whitetext\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/361;\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<p>about<\/p>\n\t<p>Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park is a Family Fun Center in Ottawa Ontario with plenty of activities and attractions for all ages! We have child friendly areas, and safety is our top priority!<\/p>\n\t\t<link itemprop=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\"\/>\n\t\t<a itemprop=\"sameAs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/FlyingSquirrelOttawa\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"button\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer external\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<link itemprop=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\"\/>\n\t\t<a itemprop=\"sameAs\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/flyingsquirrelottawa\/\" target=\"_self\" title=\"\" aria-label=\"\" role=\"button\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t<nav aria-label=\"Menu\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/SiteNavigationElement\">\n\t\t<ul id=\"menu-navigation-with-no-submenu\"><li id=\"menu-item-8841\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/\">Home<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8842\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.com\">Corporate Home<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8843\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\">CANADA<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8846\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/health-safety\/\">Health &#038; Safety<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8848\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/tickets\/\">Tickets<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8847\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/parties\/\">Parties<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8844\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/discounts\/\">Discounts<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8845\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/gallery\/\">Gallery<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\t<\/nav>\n\t<nav aria-label=\"Menu\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/SiteNavigationElement\">\n\t\t<ul id=\"menu-extras-navigation\"><li id=\"menu-item-8830\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/about\/\">About<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8831\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/attractions\/\">Attractions<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8833\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/employment\/\">Employment<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8834\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/faq\/\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8836\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/group-facility-buyouts\/\">Group Facility Buyouts<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8837\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/partner-up\/\">Partner Up<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8838\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/party-invitations\/\">Party Invitations<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-8832\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/contact-us\/\">Contact-Us<\/a><\/li><li id=\"menu-item-26908\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flyingsquirrelsports.ca\/ottawa-ontario\/accessibility\/\">AODA Accessibility<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\t<\/nav>\n\t<p><a href=\"https:\/\/highrevapplications.com\">\u00a9 Built by High Rev Applications<\/a><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TICKETS &#038; GIFT CARDS CALL US Canada Home Ottawa Health &#038; Safety Adventure Park Tickets Discounts Parties Waiver Gallery Extras About Attractions Blog FAQ Invitations Group &#038; Facility Buyouts Partner Up Employment Contact Screen-Free Weeknight Activities for Kids in Ottawa by Daniel Reid September 2025 It&#8217;s 5:45 p.m. Dinner&#8217;s on the stove, there&#8217;s fighting, bickering&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":27027,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"tpl-no-header-footer.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-27026","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Better Than Screens: Why Active Play Matters for Ottawa Kids - Ottawa Ontario - Flying Squirrel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tired of screens ruling the evening? 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