6 Ways To Keep Your Kids From Being Bored This Summer
During summer break, there are two words that parents dread hearing: “I’m bored.” And there’s a good reason for that, as kids say it an average of seven times a…
Jax and Cash. The boys loved celebrating the 4th with their red white and blue. Best dressed for sure!
During summer break, there are two words that parents dread hearing: “I’m bored.” And there’s a good reason for that, as kids say it an average of seven times a week, according to NY Post and a new study. It’s easy to let them hop on their tablets or watch TV to keep them happy and not complaining, but too much screen time comes with its own problems.
The study finds that a quarter of the 1-thousand parents surveyed admit their kids don’t use their imagination as much as they did growing up and 17% think their kid’s attention span is too short for some games they played as kids. But before you throw in the towel and hand over the iPad as a cure for your child’s boredom, here are some expert-recommended screen-free ways to keep kids busy and entertained.
Anti-screen ideas:
- Create a boredom jar - Clinical psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Kilbey suggests creating a jar filled with pieces of paper that have activities written on them. When your kiddo says they’re bored, they get to pick a slip of paper at random and then do what it says.
- Change the scenery - Get the kids outside, whether it’s to the park, for a walk around the block, or just out in the backyard. If it’s too hot or raining, Kilbey recommends trying an afternoon bubble bath or making a blanket fort.
- Schedule playtime - Dedicating time specifically for playing with your kids is good for both of you. This child expert shares that when you play with your kids, it helps boost their social and emotional development, as well as their language, imagination and communication skills. Plus, the study finds that 44% of parents love playing games with their kids, so pick an activity you enjoy, too.
- Encourage solo play - Try to get them to play alone sometimes because it’s good for their development and imagination.
- Challenge them - Kilbey recommends giving kids a goal-oriented task to “give them a real sense of achievement.”
- Have some fun - She reminds us that play doesn’t have to be about learning something, it’s summer break and they deserve some downtime to just do what they enjoy.
These Are The Best Charlotte Area Trampoline Parks
The back-to-school displays are out at Target. But you still have a few more weeks of entertaining the kids. Is a trampoline park on the agenda? It's a great way to burn a lot of energy for the kids (and calories for the adults!). There are so many options it can be hard to even know where to start when picking which one to go to. You want it to be convenient and affordable but also clean and safe. That is why I turned to Yelp to see what the best-rated Charlotte trampoline parks are.
And I had no idea they offered so many activities! You have the jumping, the foam pits, and basketball. But also rides, obstacle courses, and zip lines. Add in food and drink options as well. Do I have to have a kid to visit one? Trampoline parks also make a great destination for birthdays whether it's just doing something special or a party with friends!
This list features 9 trampoline parks in and around the Charlotte area ranked from lowest to highest based on the number of stars given to them in Yelp reviews.
Top Rated Charlotte Area Trampoline Parks
Based on Yelp Reviews and Ratings
9. Altitude Trampoline Park
Rating: 2 Stars
Reviews: 12
Address: 3940 E Franklin Blvd Gastonia
8. SkyZone Trampoline Park
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Reviews: 57
Address: 10200 Centrum Pkwy Pineville
7. Adventure Air Sports Rock Hill
Rating: 3
Reviews: 17
Address: 2375 Cherry Rd Ste 101 Rock Hill
6. Defy Gravity Charlotte
Rating: 3
Reviews: 49
Address: 8116 University City Blvd
5. BounceU Matthews
Rating: 3.5
Reviews: 20
Address: 9129 Monroe Rd Ste 145 Charlotte
4. SkyZone Trampoline Park
Rating: 3.5
Reviews: 18
Address: 7325 Smith Corners Blvd Charlotte
3. Urban Air Adventure Park Mint Hill
Rating: 4
Reviews: 27
Address: 9108 Lawyers Rd Mint Hill
2. Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park Cornelius
Rating: 4
Reviews: 14
Address: 17001 Kenton Dr Cornelius
1. Big Air Trampoline Park
Rating: 4
Reviews: 51
Address: 2408 Sardis Rd N Charlotte
