It’s official: we’ve reached that point of winter where the sun is making an appearance, but it’s not quite warm enough to play outside every day. If cabin fever hasn’t hit your family yet, it’s probably only a matter of time until it does. If you feel you’ve exhausted your go-to indoor activities, try throwing these unique athletics into the rotation.
Whether your kid isn’t into the usual competitive sports or your star athlete wants a break from being shuttled between practices and games, these quirky sporting activities around Chicagoland are sure to be a hit.
WhirlyBall
- Where: Locations in Chicago, Naperville and Vernon Hills
Blend lacrosse, basketball and go-karting with this outrageous game. There’s enough skill involved that your competitive kiddos will be invested, but that’s not to say everyone else is at a disadvantage. WhirlyBall is a game of chance as much as it is a game of skill, and riding around in a bumper car means the playing field is equal when it comes to agility and speed.
Bubble Soccer
What’s more fun than playing soccer? Playing soccer in an inflatable bubble that allows you to bump and roll your way around the field! The team at Bubble Soccer is fully mobile, which means you secure the playing field (like a local park or field) and they’ll bring the fun to you! Bubble soccer rentals are perfect for birthday parties or family celebrations.
Knockerball
Knockerball Chicago takes the idea of bubble soccer up a notch. Elevate classic kids games like sharks & minnows or tag by bouncing and flipping around in an inflatable bubble. Players can visit their location in Naperville and play on their 3200-square-foot turf, or they can book their own venue and the Knockerball team will come out to you!
Ax throwing
Practice your aim and strength by taking the kids ax throwing. This thrilling activity involves participants throwing an ax at a target in a secure environment with plenty of safety precautions. Check out these kid-friendly ax-throwing locations to find a venue near you.
Indoor skydiving
- Where: Locations in Chicago, Naperville and Rosemont
The sky is, uh, actually a bit above limit when you go indoor skydiving at iFly. Take flight in an indoor wind tunnel that provides the adrenaline rush of skydiving with significantly fewer risks than actually jumping out of a plane.
Zipline
- Where: 1001 Main St., Lemont
Thrill seekers of all ages are anxiously awaiting for Chicagoland’s adventure park, The Forge, to reopen in March. The signature attraction is climbing, grappling and ziplining across hundreds of obstacles in The Quarry. There’s also a smaller Kids Adventure Zone for kiddos who aren’t old enough for the main attraction.
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