11 Indoor Playgrounds and Play Places in Calgary

Our kids have got energy reserves we can only dream of. Some days, it seems they could run around for hours—hard to do in the middle of winter when the playgrounds are under snow and it's dark before dinner. Enter the indoor playground, otherwise know as our sanity saver when the kids need to burn off some serious stream.

The indoor play area at Market Mall is perfect for tots and tykes. Located next to Guest Services, the 1,800 square foot transportation-themed play space is Calgary's biggest mall playground and features an environmentally friendly floor. Made out of recycled tires, it's impact-absorbing and much more hygienic than carpet. Visitors (including parents) still need to wear socks. Bordered by comfy seating for caregivers who must stay with the children during their playtime, we think a visit to Monkey Around is a fantastic reward for good behavior post errands.

TommyKplay! is located in the deep SE and features a large play structure that kids of all ages will enjoy. There are cool add-ons at this indoor wonderland, including a laser maze and roller race track. Admission is $9.95 for children four and under and $12.95 for five and up.

Although Shakers is an indoor and outdoor multi-attraction centre (with high-excitement fun like go-carts, laser tag and mini-golf), their indoor play area is perfect for the younger set. If you've got energetic kiddos, the Value Day Pass is a good deal—it gets you unlimited access to all indoor and outdoor activities.

Is it possible for a mall visit to become easier and wilder at the same time? It is at Southcentre, where you'll find an animal-themed indoor playground. ROAR Play Park keeps children ages one to 10 happily occupied with its interactive zones and climb-on creatures. Located on the lower level, it's bound to become the place you use to reward the kids for their cooperation while you get your shopping done. ROAR has a crawl-through tunnel and slide, iPad stations and interactive educational panels. This colourful space boasts a spongy rubber floor should your tot take a tumble and plenty of cushy sitting areas for mama to breastfeed.

Joso's Play and Learn Centre is located in the north end of the city, and caters to young children. We really like the two-storey climbing gym and so will your kids. Admission is $6.99 for the first child and $4.99 for additional children.

The Telus Spark is much more than an indoor playground. The Creative Kids Museum will keep your kids moving up the climbing wall, around the balloon trees and down the infant crawling track. Admission is $12.95 (for ages 3 to 12) and free for children under three.

Unlike most trampoline spaces, the 40,000 square feet space is covered with wall to wall trampolines which actually ramp upside the walls, with a soft circus-grade foam pit they can catapult themselves into. The VIP Dunk Hoop court let's future Michael Jordan's practice their slam dunks, and The Fidget Rope ladder and Swing Rope are perfect for climbing. There are roped-off sections to test out your dodgeball skills, and if you've got older kids joining in (14 and up), they can take a break from flying and test out their ninja skills in a separate area where they can scale the walls and try out the obstacle course. We love that they keep the place very clean, that the staff are very alert and offer suggestions and bouncing tips, and that there are special hours for toddlers and for kids with special needs, so that they can jump without being bounced around by older kids.

With a wave pool, two skating rinks, a fabulous play area and a whole range of activities, the only thing The Southland Leisure Centre is lacking is more parking spaces. Got a timid tyke who'd prefer not to swim with the big kids? They have family swim days and Parent/Tot swim days—check online for the full schedule.

Sure, it's a gymnastics centre, but don't pass it over when you're looking for casual spots for the kiddos to play. KS Gymnastics is unique in that it offers a wholly non-competitive experience. The focus is all on fun and fostering a love of physical activity. There are drop-in sessions throughout the week for both the pre-school and under-12 sets, and be sure to check out their Kids' Night Out Camps on designated evenings—the three hour evening experience gives the kids a night out (and you a nice time-out).

There's a toddler play zone, party rooms, arcade-style games and a cafeteria, but the real draw here is the massive jungle gym, complete with a slide. We guarantee the kids will have a screaming good time.

Next time you're at the market (it's open year round, Thursdays through Sundays), reward the kids for their good behaviour and swing by the market's farm-themed play area. There are bridge, slides, steps, a large climber, foam blocks, and a toddler area.