Ideas for Entertaining Kids Indoors

Spring and summer are notorious for outdoor play all day long… if you can stand it that is. Living in North Carolina, I grew up in mild summers that have only increased in temperature every year. Now, I know spring and summer days to be at least 90 degrees with a humidity level that is through the roof which often leaves me asking can someone please turn the AC on? Now that I’m a parent I’m focusing on ways to make the most of the increasing temperatures without sacrificing fun. In order to do that, I’m on a mission to beat the heat with indoor activities!

I’ll admit, I am not that crafty, Martha Stewart mom that my Pinterest boards would lead you to believe, so I sometimes need affordable help to get out of the house. Below are some of my favorite indoor activities that are perfect year round, but especially in the summer.

1. Children’s Museums

Finding a local children’s museum in your area is a fabulous idea – where I live Discovery Place Kids is a great option. Your child can experience hands on learning opportunities that mimic the real world. As an added bonus, these location are generally affordable if you consider it a complete day of fun, and I know there are special discounts offered at most museum locations to help all families attend.

2. Movie Theaters

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to attend a matinee with your children. Some movie theater chains even offer special price screenings of popular children’s movies in the summer. I’ve seen movie theaters in our area offer $1 movie tickets for these showings and discount special kid’s theater snacks with drink.

This is a perfect solution during those times when it’s just too hot to stay outdoors and if you’re tired of watching Frozen at home.

3. Inflatable Jumping Parks

In our area, inflatable jumping parks have become extremely popular. These giant inflatables aren’t just for kids’ birthday parties anymore. We have two within driving distance of our home, Xtreme Play and Bounce City. They are tons of fun for the entire family! The kids can enjoy climbing up to the top of the highest slide and bouncing down or taking turns jumping in the bouncy castle. Added bonus: they will go home EXHAUSTED!

4. Ticket-Fueled Family Fun Game Rooms (aka Chuck E Cheese)

I didn’t want to come out and say Chuck E Cheese in my list because I’ve never been to Chuck E Cheese (shocking right?). Some of you may be scrambling to let me know in the comments that I should never go and that you are envious of my willpower not to have gone yet. My toddler will be three in August, so trust me when I say that I have many more years to hide Chuck E Cheese from my daughter. However, as a child, I attended the Family Fun Park, which was my town’s little Chuck E Cheese.

They served pizza and other snacks, had many ticket-fueld games, token machines, and an indoor playground. It was great! I went frequently, and I apologize to my Dad for having to put up with that many crazy kids and dishing out all that money for tokens. I think that children should experience the thrill at least once in their lives. Our fun park turned into my pediatric office – talk about bummer as a kid. So, I may have to break down and go to the nearest Chuck E Cheese at least once, right?

5. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium

You’ve seen my posts about SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord on the blog already, haven’t you? I’m lucky enough to be on The Parent Council, which gives me all kinds of insight into what’s new at the aquarium. For the Charlotte area in North Carolina, I think this place is fantastic. It’s perfect for children of all ages, but the younger the better – trust me!

Recently, the aquarium has housed a family of new stingray babies and are working to expand the variety of sea creatures they house and bringing in new exhibits. In the past, they’ve held special events for families that included: Scuba Claus, Underwater Pumpkin Carving, and visits from The Octonauts!

We’ve attended many events, and I can tell you that the staff at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord know their stuff when it comes to educating visitors and providing high quality care to their underwater life. It’s an all-around good time had by all with an aquarium that has all this to offer located inside of Concord Mills Mall.

A trip thorough the aquarium starts a mission for your children. They are in charge of visitor special stations to get stamps for their explorer books. They’ll navigate through a 360° room of swimming fish, enjoy tucking under special hideaway that offer different views from inside the fish tanks, gets hands-on the in the touch pool, and walk through an overhead aquarium tunnel. It’s a great experience and something that all families in the Charlotte area should check out at least once!

Lucky for you guys, one family will be able to enjoy a 4-pack of one day admission tickets to SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord. Tickets will not be mailed, but will be available at will call for the family. You must choose the date you want to go within a 6 month period.  Entry is super easy thanks to Rafflecopter!  Just use the form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will end at 11:59 pm EST on April 11, 2016. Giveaway is open to US residents only, 18+ except where prohibited by law.