When school is temporarily out of session for holiday breaks or extreme weather days, it may elicit excitement from the kiddos — and a sense of pressure or even dread as a parent. It can feel like you’re losing the stability of your routine at a time of the year when the to-do list seems a mile long.
If you find yourself thinking about those off-school days and worrying about how to fill the time with activities that are active, entertaining, and healthy, we’ve got you covered.
We asked Shelly Forsberg, director of kids and aquatics at Life Time, and mom of four, to share her top ideas for things kids and families can do during school breaks. All of her suggestions can be done at your local Life Time — which means you have fewer places to run around to, and could even get in a workout yourself while your kids are off having fun.
1. School-Break Camps. When school’s out, camp’s on. Kids can spend the day at Life Time engaging in planned and supervised activities such as sports, crafts, science experiments, and gym games, while playing with friends or other kids their age. Register for a half day, single day, multiple days, or a full week. Camp is in session from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with before and after care that starts as early as 7 a.m. and lasts as late as 6 p.m., respectively. Parents can also utilize curbside drop off and pick up at select locations.
2. Kids Events. There are events hosted each month for families to take advantage of as part of their Junior Membership: Parents Night Out events take place once per week, while Tween Events typically are offered twice per month. Drop your kiddos off at Life Time for three hours so you can work on your holiday shopping, run errands, grab pick-up orders, or complete any of the other tasks you might not otherwise have time for.
3. Swim. Winter is a great time for kids to focus on improving their swimming skills before the next summer pool season arrives.
Swim lessons and swim team are available year-round. Parents are welcome to stay by the pool during swim lessons, but they are also able to leave the club and pick up their kids afterward, or take advantage of the kid-free time by doing their own workout.
Families can also come during Open Swim hours to work on water skills together or simply have fun with pool games. “Swimming is a great way to get the kids’ wiggles out when they’ve become restless from too much time sitting or inside,” says Forsberg.
4. Open Gym. Run around to burn off some energy, or encourage your little ballers by shooting hoops, playing a family game of basketball, or challenging each other in rounds of around the world, HORSE, or lightning. “My kids love challenging me on the court and we always enjoy a little family-fun competition,” says Forsberg.
5. Court Time. Reserve a court and introduce your kids to the pickleball craze. Or play singles or doubles tennis as a family. “My family and I all enjoy pickleball,” says Forsberg. “What’s nice about this sport is everyone in my family can play at the same time. We rotate so everyone gets an opportunity to partner up. This is where, in our family, mom and dad get to show off their athletic abilities!”
6. Kids Studio Classes. Let your kids participate in the same group classes you love at Life Time, but in a format tailored to their age. Choose from SHRED, Ringside, Warrior Sculpt, SOL yoga, or LifeBarre dance, with classes grouped appropriately by development for kids ages 5 to 8 and 9 to 13.
7. Kids Academy Classes. On any given day, you can drop your kids off at the Kids Academy while you use the club. Options include dance, arts and crafts, yoga, sports, tumbling, junior warriors, martial arts, and more.
“When my children were younger, them utilizing the Kids Academy gave me an opportunity to take care of myself,” says Forsberg. “Healthy habits were developed by them there when they were young, and Life Time has remained part of our family’s routine.”
8. Fitness & Agility Classes. If your kid is between the ages of 5 and 13 and shows an interest in sports, these classes are designed to help them learn the fundamentals of movement and increase their athletic confidence and abilities.
9. LifeSpa. Take your kiddo to the LifeSpa to get ready for the holidays with a kid’s haircut, manicure, or a pedicure — or drop them off at the Kids Academy for up to 2.5 hours and enjoy spa services for yourself. “A lot of people look to get extra services done around the holidays, and it’s a convenient advantage that you can leave your kids with us while you get your appointment in,” says Forsberg.
10. Rock Wall. If you’re at one of our athletic country clubs that has this feature, head on over to the rock wall during open climbing hours. This activity can promote athleticism, strength, and confidence as you climb to new heights. “My kids couldn’t wait to turn five years old and attempt to ring the bell at the top of the wall,” says Forsberg. “People may not realize how much of a workout climbing can be — it’s great for both kids and adults to work your upper body and core.”
11. LifeCafe. Ease the stress and pressure of cooking this holiday season by taking advantage of the convenience of the LifeCafe. “The nice thing about the LifeCafe menu is that it covers all different tastes and sizes while being healthy,” says Forsberg. “Families can order a shake on the run, sit down and enjoy a full meal together, or, my personal favorite, take a few grab-and-go meals and have a sit-down dinner at home minus the cooking.” If you don’t need a full meal, the LifeCafe also offers healthy snacks families can easily take with them as they go on with their day.
