If you’re looking for a way to keep the kids indoors and out of the cold this winter while burning off some energy and engaging their minds, there are several places to visit in the Upper Valley.

Notch Climbing Gym

In Lebanon, NH, Notch Climbing Gym offers day passes and punch cards to its modern, full-service climbing gym. The gym has bouldering, roped climbing, educational programming, a climbing-specfic training area, free weights, cardio machines, and yoga classes. There are also climbing teams and after-school programs. Learn more here.

Gymnastics

If your kids love to run around and do flips and handstands, check out the Northern Lights Gymnastics in Hartford, VT, and Treehouse Gymnastics in Lebanon, NH. Both gyms offer open gym times throughout the week depending on age. There are also options for birthday parties if your child has a colder month birthday.

Hanover Department of Recreation

On Mondays and Thursdays, the Hanover Department of Recreation has the opportunity for infants through toddlers to bounce out their energy.

“We set up the multi-purpose room with the bounce house, soft play toys & tumbling furniture on foam mats,” the website said.

The event happens from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is $5 per walking child. Learn more here.

King Arthur Baking classes for kids

King Arthur Baking offers an on-demand baking class for kids to “give young bakers the skills and confidence they need in the kitchen,” the website said.

“Together, you’ll cover the basics — setting up your station, using a scale, and learning mixing techniques for different recipes — before moving on to hands-on practice. From kneading, rolling, and shaping doughs to testing for doneness and safely using a range of kitchen tools, each lesson builds practical know-how. Along the way, you’ll bake up a skillet cookie, empanadas, chocolate cream pie, and even pizza party buns, proving that baking can be sweet, savory, and fun!” the description said.

Learn more here.

Upper Valley Aquatic Center

Take the kids to the water at the Upper Valley Aquatic Center. Visit the splash park for a day of fun or sign your young one up for swim lessons to build confidence and safety around the water. Learn more here.

Meyer Maple Lanes

In Claremont, NH, the Meyer Maple Lanes is fun for kids of all ages. Enjoy an afternoon at the bowling alley and give the kids a right of passage experience this winter. Learn more here. 

Museum Visit

Keep the kids learning while having fun with a visit to the museum. The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, VT, and the Hood Museum of Art in Hanover, NH, offer several learning opportunities for kids and adults. Get a day pass or season pass to extend the fun and explore all the upcoming exhibits. 

Movie Theater

With new movies coming out all the time and streaming the go-to option to view them, take a step back and bring on the nostalgia with a visit to the Nugget Theater in Hanover, NH, or the Entertainment Luxury Cinemas in Lebanon, NH.