My just-turned 2-year-old son is having a hard time falling asleep at night. I think it's because it's hard for him to get in enough physical activity during the day now that we are cooped up indoors. Besides the winter weather, I am 8 months pregnant, so it's hard for us to play outside. Where are some good places to take a toddler to burn off some energy? Any ideas are welcome: classes, informal activities, or just room to roam. (We're in Fort Atkinson and looking for places in Jefferson County.)
Thanks!
Have you tried the Y? They offer classes for the little ones and have play time etc. Try walking in a mall or even a store.
Hi C.
if you google the watertown family center jefferson county it looks like they have playgroups and open gym so you may find some fun stuff to do there.
Hi C., I'm not from your area, but if you are ever in Minneapolis/edina area I would suggest Edinburrough Park in Edina. It is just off of 494 and Xeres. I took my daughters for the first time a few weeks ago. It was wonderful. I think kids admission is around $5, and adults are free. Once you are inside there is a massive climbing gym for tots. Being 8 months pregnant you may want to skip this part. As I mentioned the thing is huge and a 2 year old would really need an adult or risk getting lost in the thing. However, there is also a large gym with a padded floor, lots of balls, cones to play with and a big air filled bouncer. This area has lots of open space along with a place for people to sit on the sidelines. I would think this area would be perfect for the two of you, and there is nothing like a bounce to wear kids out. I also saw a pool there, but I don't know if it is part of the park. I would highly recommend this place. I'll pass on a recommendation given to me to go early to avoid the rush. Also, padded socks in the gym are great. The floor can be slippery in spots. Have fun and good luck with your new little one!
I don't live in your area but here are some suggestions. Places that cost: Children's museum, pizza places (chuckie cheese, Happy Joes, etc), BounceAroundTown, YMCA or gym. Places that don't cost: some malls have play areas for kids, McDonalds play areas. Hope that helps.
C.,
I am in Waukesha county and would suggest a Monkey Joe's if you have one nearby, but I have 3 y.o. twins and last year they got a "jump-o-lene" for Christmas. They jumped for hours everyday - until it finally gave out! (We had to get another one...) It is a great way for them to use up lots of energy!
Good luck!
J.
I am from Horicon, near Beaver Dam and I remember that when I was in high school, there would be several people each night who would walk laps inside the school. I do not know if Jefferson School allows it or not, but you could check into this. It might be a good way for your son to burn off a lot of energy. Also check into a health club/fitness gym. They sometimes have open times when the gyms are not being used. Hope you find something.
About me: SAHM of 3 kids; 5y/o son in kindergarten, son who will be 3 at end of Jan and a beautiful little girl who will be 1 in Feb.
I'm not from your area but if there is a Y with an indoor pool, JOIN! I carry my little one when I water walk-- he kicks and splashes and burns off energy and NOTHING feels better when you're pregnant than getting in the water and being weightless for an hour!
Hi,
I know you said you want places in Jefferson County, but Janesville is not too far from you, just right down the highway! The mall has a small place for kids to play. It's not anything huge but the kids I've seen (my 3 year-old included) loves to play there. It's very small but that makes it easier to keep your eyes on him! My son burns off a lot of energy playing there and loves it! Best of all, its free! Good luck.
You may already do this, but have you visited the libraries in your vicinity with your little guy? Cambridge, Jefferson, Whitewater, and Edgerton look like they all have libraries in addition to Fort Atkinson itself. Maybe not during "story hour" when he is expected to sit still. Sometimes just the adventure of visiting somewhere new will be enough to tire a little one out(not to mention the exercise involved in climbing over snowbanks to the car in a snowsuit.) I would also check out any community ed. toddler opportunities, like an open gym time, or music and me or even a pool if available. When my very active daughter was 2, my friends and our informal playgroup were an important thing in our lives. If you don't have a playgroup yet, you might want to find a couple other folks with little kids and start one. (A day with a visit to a friend's house, or with a visit from friends, should wear him out too.) Best to you and your busy toddler.
I don't know where Jefferson County is on a map, but in MN we go to the mall. Any traditional mall has a free kids area where they can run around, climb, and jump. I would check out whatever traditional mall is closest to you. It's been a lifesaver for us!
