Three Hot Tips for a Cold February
February is pretty gross. Cold. Dark. Dark. Cold. I’m bored. I’m bored. Rinse. Repeat.
Here are three hot tips for things you can do locally to get out of the house and spend quality time with the kids.
#1 – London has some SWEET indoor playgrounds.
If your kids are small, take them to Play Away Indoor Park. It’s just north of London airport. It’s immaculately clean, reasonably priced, has healthy snacks, and the sight lines cannot be beat. The equipment is geared towards kids under six, so you don’t have to worry about your precious toddler being steamrolled by a sweaty ten year old.
If they’re 6-12, take them to Fleetway’s indoor playground on Oxford near Proudfoot. It’s one of the biggest indoor play structures in Canada, and they will have a blast playing tag or hide and go seek. Wear sweats and a comfortable t-shirt because you’re going in whether you like it or not, pops!
#2 – London has some GREAT indoor programs.
First, check the City of London Play Your Way program guide. It’s an online portal where you can sign your kids up for a variety of affordable programs and activities for all ages. Honourable mentions to Tecumseh Community School, Little Kickers Soccer (indoor), London Ramblers Basketball, Forest City Volleyball, Junction Indoor Climbing Gym, and don’t even ask me about hockey because I can’t skate (size 15 skates haven’t been a thing in my universe).
#3 – Our library system is UNPARALLELED.
I love libraries. Growing up impoverished, the Beacock library was two blocks away and always free. Unlimited books, movies, CDs (I’m a man! I’m 40!), and computer time. The librarians were always friendly. My love for libraries has continued into my dad age, and there are tons of free programs and activities geared to kids listed on LPL.ca. There’s a great children’s library at Central Branch in Citiplaza (which has tons of escalators and open mall space to play tag in), and lots of free cool equipment to use such as 3D printers and musical instruments. Your property tax dollars are well invested at London Public Library.
Can you complete the McCall challenge and hit all 16 branches by April 1st? Let me know your favourite one if you do, @jmccall54 on social media.
Jeremy McCall is a married father of 3, a social services case manager, and known as “The Dadfather”, being the founder and Past President of Dad Club London.