It’s winter in Wisconsin and the cold weather can cause you and your kids to start feeling cooped up. They are starting to get bored with all their toys and all of that built up energy is starting to drive you a little crazy.
So what options do you have in the Chippewa Valley for indoor play areas? I have 5 great options to share with you today! I’ve included a great free option as a bonus as well!
Children’s Museum of Eau Claire
First on the list is the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire which just got a major upgrade! For just $10/person, you can keep your kids busy for hours as they explore and learn in a non-traditional learning environment. If you plan to go frequently, they also have annual memberships. Pro Tip: Summer camp registration starts in March.
Play Space – Chippewa Falls
Next we have the Play Space in Chippewa Falls. This is actually an extension of the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire. It is a great little indoor play area that is just $5/person for children over the age of 1. It is a great addition to the downtown area. This is a good option for the younger kiddos out there.
Action City
Number three is a great option if you have a little money to spend. Action City is great for kids of all ages. It is located in the Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire and has everything from a trampoline park to arcade games, go karts and laser tag.
Fun fact: the indoor go kart track is the largest one in the midwest. It is also one of the largest trampoline parks in the state of Wisconsin. Pricing varies depending on the different packages they have available.
Chaos Waterpark
Coming in at number 4 is Chaos Water Park which is also located in the Metropolis Resort in Eau Claire. Whether you have little kids or big kids, this is a great water park for the whole family. They have everything from water cannons, slides, lily pad paths, and mini dump buckets. Their current rates are at $35/person or just $17.50 for kids under 36”.
Tactical Escape 101
If you have older kids, then this one’s for you! The Tactical Escape 101 recommends that kids are age 9 or older to participate. An escape room involved being confined in a small room with a set amount of time to escape using various clues. It is a great team building activity too and the whole family can participate.
Bonus – Free Options
The Bonus option is a free one! You don’t always have to spend money to entertain the kids. So if you have younger kids, head over to the Oakwood Mall play area or the Eau Claire McDonald’s located near Kohls. While these options are free, they are great energy burning spaces for the kids!
Willing to travel?
We recently made the trip to try Hudson GNG in Hudson, WI. And it did not disappoint. It is about an hour drive from the Chippewa Valley. The facility offers an amazing jungle gym and blacklight mini golf at a reasonable price. The jungle gym is only $8.50 for kids 4 and up. If you love it and plan to be a frequent flier, then you can grab one of their punch cards. The mini golf is an additional charge, but I would highly recommend it due to the super cool environment.
I hope these local indoor play areas offer some great ideas for your next family outing!
You know what could make these activities more fun? Going with another mom and her kids! It helps the kids keep each other entertained and allows you to socialize with another adult. Sounds easy enough right?
But in reality finding mom friends can be hard. If you are looking for some great tips on finding mom friends in the Chippewa Valley, you will want to check out my post “5 Ways to Meet Other Moms in the Chippewa Valley.”
I want to know – do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities during the winter time?