April Showers Brings Hours of Indoor Fun

Indianapolis Colts longsnapper Justin Snow owns the Snapperz on Sunnyside Drive.

It’s raining with no end in sight and your kids are bored to tears. All winter long you’ve tried to come up with ways to entertain them. From movie nights to Wii tournaments, you’re running low on ideas. What’s worse is the snow has finally melted, but now, those April showers are in full force and yet again you’re stuck inside. Fortunately, you’re in luck as we’ve found a plethora of places to play indoors that are appropriate for all ages!

First up, Snapperz Family Fun & Sports, located off Sunnyside Road and Pendleton Pike, brings bowling, bungee jumping, and bouncing to Lawrence. Not only do they promote fun and fitness for the entire family, they literally offer a little bit of everything. Dodge your way through a laser tag course, or take your toddler to the special play area for little ones. Want to involve the whole family? Check out their cosmic bowling at only $2 a game until 3 p.m. and $3 after that (shoe rental not included). Admission is affordable and parents are free! Most other activities like laser tag or bumper cars are $5 or less. On April 23, 2010 Snapperz will be hosting an event to raise Autism awareness from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. where you can meet Justin Snow and other Colts players! Go to www.snapperzfun.com for more information on hours, admission, and amenities, or for event information call: 317-823-4327.

If arcade games are the way to you or your family’s heart,then head out to Dave and Buster’s. They have something for gamers of all ages from Dance Dance Revolutions to Derby Owner’s Club, a horse racing simulator. My husband and I took our nephew there (a little research for this article) and ended up having way too much fun! Dave and Buster’s is like a little piece of Vegas for all ages. It’s located in the heart of Castleton just off 86th Street and Allisonville Road. Did I mention that they have the world’s biggest claw game? Seriously, it’s huge and if you’re good at it, you can draw a crowd of spectators.

When we go to Dave and Buster’s, we’re making a day of it. I found myself hooked on their enormous trivia game. It’s fun and you could win a ton of tickets for the effort. Speaking of tickets, they cover a broad range of things from video games to clothing. Their food is delicious and the bar is always stocked so mom and dad can refresh if they get parched! You can plan a holiday, corporate, or birthday event sure to please the masses. Visit www.daveandbusters.com for more details.

An indoor gym designed specifically for children, My Gym.

It can be difficult finding a way to mix fitness and fun so why not let My Gym do it for you. Children can acquire coordination and agility while bonding with you and/or other children. My Gym offers several classes as well as open gym time in a noncompetitive environment. It’s located just off 96th Street and Mollenkopf Road. Birthday parties also offer children a fun environment including food, games and play time! Their state-of-the-art equipment presents a refreshing approach to fitness making your experience truly one of a kind. My favorite part was the zip line. I had to ask what the weight capacity was and let’s just say it’s made for children. If you’re not quite sure it will work for your child they offer free trial classes. Their trained staff works with children to help raise their confidence and self-image. My Gym is open to children from six weeks to 13 years old. Check out www.mygym.com for pricing, class schedules, and birthday information.

Monkey Joe's owners Scott Yoder and Chuck Howard with their mascot.

Have you ever been to an inflatable play park? I had not until I went to Monkey Joes. Now stay with me; think bouncing, jumping, air filled fun meets hours of enjoyment for monkeys ages four to 12. If the little ones need an environment more to their pace, the toddler area offers smaller obstacles, identity bracelets and video monitoring for safety, and softer toys suitable for children three and younger. In case all the playing works up an appetite, there are concessions available including pizza and ice cream just to name a couple. Located two blocks east of 86th and Allisonville Road, parents can also get some work or relax time while the kids play. The adult area offers a mix of free, high speed internet for laptops or smart phones, large flat screen televisions set in a cozy atmosphere. Planning a birthday party? Monkey Joes can accommodate up to 24 children, but if you have a larger group, you can plan an after hour’s party. Check out www.monekyjoes.com for more information.

Pinheads is a great family destination, regardless of the weather!

Bowling is definitely one of America’s favorite indoor pastimes. Pinheads is not just your average bowling alley with attractions including 40 lanes, a restaurant/bar with live music, and an arcade. Have a competitive streak? Join a tournament. They also host birthday parties and have a pro shop where beginners or experts can receive lessons! Summer leagues start the first week of May and include a Tuesday evening adult/child league. There are several party and birthday packages, as well as all you can bowl deals to fit any budget. Like most children, they can get anxious waiting for their turn if lanes aren’t available. Pinheads is now offering reservations Friday through Sunday for a fee. It is located just south of 141st Street and State Road 37. Visit www.bowlatpinheads.com for more info.

Don’t let the next rainy day ruin your family time plans. Sometimes the most fun can be just a short drive away! We all love the flowers April showers bring, but a rainy day can dampen the brightest of moods. Take the kids, their built up energy and your camera to make for one memorable experience. Think local, think fun, think memories in the making! I dare you not to have a good time!