Beat The Heat At These Indoor Playgrounds

When kids have energy to burn and it’s too hot to play outdoors, these indoor gyms are perfect for fun out of the sun.

Maybe you have a young athlete who has energy to burn, or you’re trying to reduce your child’s screentime and increase their physical activity, as is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Perhaps you’re just eager to get the kids out of the house for a little bit. No matter the reason, keeping children active is a summer-long task, and the weather doesn’t always cooperate. High heat can stop outdoor fun in its tracks (and, oftentimes, it should—the CDC also says that young children are at a higher risk of heat illness than adults).

Thankfully, you can take your pick of Bergen County’s indoor play places and playgrounds, where kids can run, jump and play in a climate-controlled environment (and you, the parent, can take a load off in that same environment). Check out these highly rated options all around the county (make sure to check individual websites for rates and hours):

1 Gym 4 All. This children’s gym in Waldwick offers drop-in open playtimes every weekday during the summer. The facility features swings, a zipline, trampolines, monkey bars and more. You can also schedule a private play session!

Bounce Safari. This Waldwick gym has blocks of open playtime you can registrar for in addition to hosting children’s parties. Enjoy their bounce house, obstacle course and signature “crazy maze.”

Catch Air. With its themed play area and obstacle course, this Paramus gym is sure to please any child’s active imagination. Slide through the belly of a snake and explore palm trees and “underwater” wonders.

The Great Story. When visiting either the Ridgefield or Hackensack location, children can enjoy a jungle gym, ball pit, sand pit and fishing zone, and that’s just the start. Both locations also have on-site cafés for snack time.

Go Playland. Stop by the Garden State Plaza or the Paramus Park Mall, both in Paramus, and enjoy this playground’s all-day open play sessions. The play area has slides, climbing courses, monkey bars and more, and a comfortable table area is provided for parents.

Jumpin’ Jax. This gym in Paramus has open play on both weekends and weekdays. Come climb through their huge jungle gym!

Lily and Liam. Lily and Liam in Englewood is open daily for public play. Keep an eye on their website—their hours often change due to private events. Kids can enjoy a climbing area, a ball pit, slides and much more. Stop by on Thursday mornings, and a music class is included in play time!

The Little Gym. If your kid thrives with structure and you’re looking for something a little more class-based, this gym—with locations in Englewood, Lodi and Waldwick—is for you. Classes are available for children four months and older, and parent-child classes are also offered.

The Little Play Café. This play space in Rutherford in inspired by the Montessori method, which encourages children to learn by doing. Everything here pushes children to expand their minds through play. There is also a café where Mom can enjoy a cup of coffee.

New Jersey Swing Sets. Let your child swing to his or her heart’s content at this play center in Midland Park. The facility includes swing sets, rock walls, bridges and slides.

Paper Street Play. Head to Park Ridge to enjoy this indoor playroom, self-described as “boutique.” Imaginations can run wild with the child-sized diner, food market, animal hospital and more.

Sky Zone. Reach for the sky at this trampoline park in Allendale, where any child can zipline, jump and play. Try “sky jousting,” where two kids can battle over a foam pit, or they can try their luck on the ninja warrior course.

Tay+Te Imaginative Play. A full, child-sized town is tucked into this Northvale spot, including a mechanic, a fire station, a grocery store and more. Imagination can run wild!

Twin Monkey Playhouse. In Lyndhurst, this playground is open Tuesdays through Sundays and offers monkey bars, slides and lots of opportunities to play pretend. This spot also offers special events (like their upcoming Twin Day in August!) and a menu of boba tea for all.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park. With its ropes course and trampolines, this South Hackensack adventure park can keep any child entertained for hours. There is also a climbing wall and a full indoor playground.

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym. This space in Paramus holds open play sessions on weekdays and weekends alike. All equipment is sensory-friendly, and kids will never run out of things to climb on, swing on or jump off.

Xtreme Energy. With locations in Paramus and Englewood, this gym includes trampolines, a ropes course and a mini ninja warrior obstacle course for your child to test his or her strength and agility. Kids can also scale the rock climbing wall, or zoom down a zipline.

How are you (and your kids!) keeping cool and active in Bergen? Tell us about it on Instagram @bergenmagnj!