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How to beat cabin fever: head out, play inside

By Katie Mills Giorgio

Punxsutawney Phil just predicted six more weeks of winter. And the ground is once again covered with several inches of freshly fallen snow.

While most people living in the Corridor are likely sick of winter, this is potentially devastating news to any stay-at-home mom and her rambunctious little ones. Toddlers and preschoolers are eager to get outside to run and play as much as you are itching to send them out. Luckily, several Corridor-area venues know Mom—and the kids—need a little help beating cabin fever.

The North Liberty Recreation Center, 520 W. Cherry St., features an indoor playground where preschoolers and toddlers can spend a day “outside” even with a foot of snow on the ground. The Rec Center provides indoor playground equipment and slides, as well as tricycles, cars, a fire truck, a seesaw and plenty of room for running around. This indoor playground is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and is just $1 per child.

The Iowa City Recreation Department also offers a drop-in playground program at the Scanlon Gymnasium, 2701 Bradford Drive. Kids ages one to six can drive trikes, tumble on mats, slide down slides, ride the roller coaster and twirl on the whirly rocket. Stop in on a Friday when they also offer an inflatable castle for extra indoor fun. Hours for this indoor playground are also Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Like the North Liberty Rec Center, they charge a mere $1 per child, but they also offer a punch pass if you plan to drop in for indoor playtime often.

And in Cedar Rapids, take your tikes to Pop-In Playtime at Pump It Up, 3501 J St. SW. Here, kids ages two to six can bounce, slide, climb and jump on giant inflatables on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Pump It Up charges $7 per child and reservation are required, so you will need to plan ahead a bit more before bundling up and heading out the door. And don’t forget your socks (which are also required.)

Of course all of these locations require parent supervision (don’t worry, you play for free) so don’t plan on running a bunch of errands without the kids. Just bring along a magazine or that book you’ve been meaning to read. Relax and relish the fact that the kids will sleep well tonight. Now that’s a few dollars well spent!

For more information on the North Liberty Rec Center visit www.northlibertyiowa.org/rec or call (319) 626-5716. For more information on the Scanlon Gymnasium and the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department visit www.icgov.org/PR or call (319) 356-5109. Reservations for Pump It Up can be made by calling (319) 393-4600 or visit www.pumpitupparty.com for more information.