10 activity ideas for kids when wildfire smoke keeps you inside
When wildfire smoke found its way to our hometown in the Greater Toronto Area in 2023, I immediately kicked our indoor air filtration into high gear. I went out and got a HEPA filter for our living room and kids’ rooms, got some new filters for our furnace, and grabbed some N95s on the way out.
My attempt for some semblance of control may have been somewhat feeble, but it felt like a good option. The truth is, I was sad. My simple, go-to parenting move to improve our moods and well-being was—and is—to go outside and get some fresh air. Outdoor play is really my favourite for my kids (and for me), and we’re privileged that it is usually always a safe, easy, and free option for our family.
The truth is, this was a scary climate event. But it didn’t stop my kids from needing to be active. My son’s soccer was cancelled, and we opted not to catch frogs by the pond. But we still had some options while we waited for the smoke to move on.
Since climate change is causing more frequent and intense wildfires in Canada, dealing with the impacts of wildfire smoke will likely become more common. Here are some simple activity options that are (often) close to home and budget-friendly.
Drop-in community centre programs
Chances are, your local community centre has drop-in programs like basketball, badminton, tennis, etc. all for a very reasonable drop-in price. A quick search will help you find what’s available to you and when.
Indoor pool
Our local pool is $3/person and very close to home. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon or morning together.
Indoor skating rink
Dust off those skates you just put in the basement after skating season and head to your local arena for stick-and-puck or family skate drop-in. This is also a great way to keep cool on a hot day.
Indoor sports dome
Many towns and cities have sports domes, with either drop-in hours or children’s programming. A search in your area should help you find what your town or city has to offer.
Indoor playground
While some community centres offer drop-in play gyms or have indoor playgrounds on-site, there are also plenty of independent indoor playgrounds (especially in major cities).
Bigger adventures that are further afield/more expensive
If you have time to search for some other activities that might not be as close to home or might require a little extra spending, here are some ideas for you.
- Indoor bike park: These are a great option if there’s one near you.
- Rock climbing gym: Rock climbing is a fun activity that almost everyone can take part in. Here’s some info on how to get your kids started.
- Trampoline park: Jumping is always fun. Especially when you add a twist to it. Check out these 5 fun and active trampoline games to see what we mean!
- Science centre or children’s museum: Is there one near you? Here’s a list of cool places to go across Canada.
- Laser tag: This game is always a classic.
Moving your body at home
When in doubt, stay home and find ways to move and be active within your four walls. Some options include: building a cushion fort (and then jumping on it), playing a game of Floor is Lava, or an epic whole-family game of Hide and Seek. And, if you need more inspiration, here’s our list of 50 indoor physical activities for kids.
Editor’s note: This article was published on June 9, 2023.
