We all know it’s important for kids to get physical activity, but when the weather is bitterly cold it’s hard to convince them to bundle up and get outside to play.
If you’re visiting a Calgary shopping mall with the hope of letting your children burn off some energy at an indoor playground, you have plenty of options — a whopping eight Calgary malls (and one mall just north of the city) offer designated play places for kids.
Gavin Peat, an instructor from the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary, says indoor playgrounds are a good option when temperatures plummet.
“The social interaction is critical,” he added. “Get them playing with other kids.”
Peat cautioned that parents should make sure their children are playing with age-appropriate equipment and kids their own age.
Depending on the age of their children, he said, parents should be encouraging them to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
BELOW: Take a look inside the kids play areas at Calgary’s malls
CF Market Mall
Where: 3625 Shaganappi Trail N.W.
How to access: The 1,800-square foot kids play area, called Monkey Around, is located by guest services.
Cost: Free
Supervised: Yes. Thirty minute playtime. Registration is needed and handled on a first-come, first-served basis. No two consecutive play times allowed. Parents must stay with children during their registered playtime. Maximum of 30 children per session.
Details: Maximum height for kids is restricted to 116 cm. Socks are mandatory for both adults and children.
Website: cfshops.com/market-mall.html
Southcentre Mall
Where: 100 Anderson Rd S.E.
How to access: The ROAR Play Park is located on the mall’s lower level near Sport Chek.
Supervision: None. Socks are required. If you don’t have socks, guest services can provide them for a fee.
Age range: Ages one to 11 years old. Maximum height for kids is restricted to 106 cm.
Cost: Free
Bonus facts: Southcentre has preferred parking for expectant mothers and parents with small children. Both single and double strollers are available near the main entrances.
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Website: southcentremall.com
CrossIron Mills
Where: 261055 CrossIron Blvd.
How to access: The dinosaur-themed play area, called the Little Fossil Fun Zone, is accessible via Entrance 3 or 4. It’s located near Winners, Carlton Cards and Shoe Warehouse. The play area is closed for cleaning every day between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Supervision: Unsupervised. Parent or guardian supervision required.
Age range: A height restriction of 107 cm is in place.
Cost: Free
Website: crossironmills.com
Deerfoot City
Where: 901 64 Ave N.E.
How to access: Deerfoot City has an indoor play area located in the food lodge, near Winners.
Supervision: Unsupervised. Parents or guardians must monitor their child’s play.
Age range: The play structure is designed for kids between five years old and 12 years old.
Cost: Free
Website: deerfootcity.com
North Hill Mall
Where: 1632 14 Avenue N.W.
How to access: North Hill Mall’s play area is called the Family Fun Zone. It’s located on the east end of the shopping centre.
Supervision: Unsupervised. Parents or guardians must monitor their child’s play.
Age range: Any age
Cost: Free
Website: northhillcentre.com
Westbrook Mall
Where: 1200 37 St S.W.
How to access: The kids play area at Westbrook Mall is located near the food court and can be accessed by entering Entrance 6 or Entrance 1.
Supervision: Unsupervised, but mall security team does monitor the area through both CCTV as well as patrols.
Age range: Kids 12 and under
Cost: Free
Website: westbrookmall.com
Marlborough Mall
Where: 1200 37 Street S.W.
How to access: Marlborough Mall’s bug-themed play area is located at the north end of the mall, and can be accessed by Entrance 6 or Entrance 1.
Supervision: Unsupervised, but a mall security team does monitor the area through both CCTV as well as patrols.
Age range: Kids 12 and under
Cost: Free
Website: marlboroughmall.com
Core Shopping Centre
Where: 324 8 Ave S.W.
How to access: An indoor playground is located in Devonian Gardens, next to the Food Court. There is a small rock climbing wall, large blue slide and a spider web-like climbing structure.
Supervision: Unsupervised.
Age range: Ideal for children ages six and under.
Cost: Free
Website: coreshopping.ca
Northland Village
Where: 5111 Northland Dr. N.W.
How to access: The play area is located near Best Buy, Bellissima and Battlefield Calgary. Mall entrances are located between Best Buy and Cora’s.
Supervision: Unsupervised. Parents or guardians must monitor their child’s play.
Age range: No age restriction is in place, but a height restriction of 107 cm is in place.
Cost: Free
Website: northlandvillagemall.ca
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