The holiday season in Ontario is a magical time of twinkling lights, festive cheer, and… the inevitable cry of “I’m bored!” from the backseat. When the weather outside is frightful (or just wet and slushy), keeping kids active and entertained indoors becomes the ultimate parental quest.
Fear not! We’ve crafted the ultimate list of engaging, energy-burning, and smile-inducing indoor activities to turn those holiday doldrums into core memories. And we’re starting with a local favourite that’s practically synonymous with airborne fun.
1. Soar to New Heights at Air Riderz Trampoline Park in Vaughan
Kick off your holiday adventure by defying gravity! At Air Riderz, the best indoor playground in Vaughan, we’ve transformed 15,000 square feet into a wall-to-wall paradise of bouncing fun. It’s the perfect antidote to cabin fever. Watch your kids’ eyes light up as they hit our main court of interconnected trampolines, practicing flips into our giant foam pits (safely, of course!).
But the excitement doesn’t stop at bouncing. Let them test their grit on our thrilling Ninja Warrior Course, complete with obstacles that challenge balance, strength, and agility – future American Ninja Warrior champions start here! Then, guide them to our signature Climb Zone, where vibrant, challenging climbing walls beckon all skill levels. It’s more than just play; it’s a confidence-building mission to reach the top.
We’ve meticulously designed every element, from our dedicated dodgeball courts to our specialised toddler area, to boost your experience and ensure every member of the family leaves with a smile (and happily worn out). This holiday, make Air Riderz your first stop for unforgettable, active fun.
2. Embark on a Museum Scavenger Hunt
Ontario is home to world-class museums, and the holidays are the perfect time to explore them with fresh eyes. Turn a visit to the Ontario Science Centre, the Royal Ontario Museum, or the Canada Science and Technology Museum into an interactive quest. Before you go, create a simple scavenger hunt list: “Find a dinosaur bigger than Dad,” “Locate a spinning planet,” or “Take a picture with a giant gemstone.” It transforms observation into an engaging adventure, sparking curiosity along the way.
3. Become Holiday Master Chefs
Channel all that festive excitement into the kitchen. Baking isn’t just about the tasty result; it’s a fun lesson in measuring, patience, and creativity. Whip up a batch of simple sugar cookies and host a decorating extravaganza with colourful icing, sprinkles, and candies. Or, go savoury with a “build-your-own” personal pizza night. Put on some holiday tunes, don festive aprons, and enjoy the delicious, messy bonding time.
4. Craft a Winter Wonderland Den
There’s something inherently cosy about a fort. Use pillows, blankets, and dining chairs to engineer the ultimate indoor hideout. Once constructed, stock it with flashlights, books, and snacks. This becomes the perfect headquarters for a holiday movie marathon, a quiet reading retreat, or a secret planning centre for New Year’s resolutions. Add some fairy lights for that magical, festive glow.
5. Stage a Living Room Theatre Production
Unleash your family’s inner Broadway stars! Choose a favourite holiday story or film (think The Grinch, Elf, or a classic like A Christmas Carol) and help the kids put on their own play. Raid the costume bin for outfits, make simple props from cardboard, and let them rewrite scenes for extra laughs. Grandparents or other family members can be the honoured audience, either in-person or via a video call. It’s a fantastic way to boost confidence and creativity.
6. Dive into a “Game-athlon”
Declare a family Game Day! Dig out the board games, card decks, and puzzles. Create a tournament bracket for classics like Monopoly or Sorry!, or have a puzzle race against the clock. Mix in some active video games that get everyone moving if you have them. The key is variety, friendly competition, and maybe a silly trophy for the ultimate champion.
7. Host an Indoor “Snowball” Olympics
Who says you need snow for a snowball fight? Crumple up pairs of socks (clean ones, please!) into soft “snowballs.” Set up targets like laundry baskets or draw point zones on the floor with tape. Events can include “Accuracy Toss,” “Speed Relays,” and “Longest Throw.” It’s safe, active, and ends with easy cleanup—just unfold the socks back into the drawer!
8. Plan a Backwards Day
Shake up the routine for a dose of silly fun. Announce that for one day, you’ll do things backwards! Start with dessert, wear pyjamas during the day (and day clothes at bedtime, if you’re brave), have breakfast for dinner, and walk backwards through the house (carefully!). This whimsical twist on normality is guaranteed to produce giggles and a unique holiday memory.
This holiday season, the greatest gift you can give is your time and shared imagination. Whether you’re bouncing off the walls at Air Riderz, the top Vaughan indoor playground, creating a culinary masterpiece, or building a blanket fortress, you’re building joy that lasts far longer than any battery-operated toy. So embrace the indoor adventure, make some noise, and have a wonderfully fun-filled holiday.
