EDMONTON – With bone-chilling temperatures outside Sunday, Edmontonians flocked indoors to seek refuge.
Treehouse Indoor Playground & Café in south Edmonton was packed with families, as parents tried to keep their kids busy on the last day of Christmas break.
“If the weather is very cold, we’re really, really busy,” said Eric Chang, who manages the park. “While the parents enjoy a cup of coffee with their friends, then the kids can play inside.”
Urszula Laskowski brought her four-year-old son to the indoor playground. She says it’s a great way for children to stay active during the cold winter months.
“I find that it’s the best facility for children to play indoors and they have lots of options for things to do,” she said. “It’s a great way of burning off the excess energy that he has.”
And with 10,000 square feet to play in, it’s hard not to have a great time.
“Getting your energy out, also punching bags and running around,” said eight-year-old Cole Teeple. “When you start playing you will sweat very soon.”
But not everyone was ready to pack it in and give up on the great outdoor activities the city has to offer. Down at Churchill Square, several people took part in the city’s first Swing n’ Skate, an event designed to help keep Edmontonians active throughout the winter.
“We wanted to do something interesting, something arts related,” said Bob Rasko with the Edmonton Arts Council.
The Trocadero Orchestra kicked things off inside City Hall with a group of swing dancers who provided lessons for those in attendance. Outdoor activities included skating and ping pong; there was even a campfire for people to roast marshmallows over.
“It’s a great way to spend the winter months. The winter actually goes by very, very fast when you’re outside and you’re taking advantage of it,” Rasko explained.
Swing n’ Skate will be held almost every Sunday throughout January and February. For dates and times, visit the Edmonton Art Council’s website.
With files from Shannon Greer, Global News.
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