By mid-January, most parents of toddlers know the feeling. It’s cold, it’s dark by dinner, and your 3-year-old is bouncing off the couch. Little kids need to move every day, even when it’s freezing out. Cold days don’t have to mean a restless house.
The trick is planning indoor play before cabin fever sets in. That takes a little extra thought in Paramus, where most stores and malls close on Sundays. Here’s how to keep kids moving all winter, from quick ideas at home to weekend open play. You’ll also find what the federal guidelines say and how to handle Sundays.
Why daily movement matters in winter
Cold weather doesn’t change how much little bodies need to move. It just changes where they do it.
What the guidelines say
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans say kids ages 3 to 5 should be active throughout the day. Adults caring for kids this age should aim for at least 3 hours of active play a day. That can be light, moderate, or high-energy play.
Short bursts add up
Those 3 hours don’t have to happen all at once. A dance break before breakfast, a walk after lunch, and a trip to the playground all count. Spread it through the day, and it gets much easier.
The Paramus Sunday problem
If you’re new to town, this one surprises people. Bergen County’s blue laws keep most stores and malls closed on Sundays. That rules out mall play areas and a warm walk through the stores. Some standalone play spaces do open on Sundays, so check hours before you go.
Plan Sunday on Saturday
Pick your Sunday activity before the weekend starts. Check hours ahead of time, and have a backup plan for home. A little planning keeps Sunday from turning into a long day on the couch.
Mix inside and outside
On milder days, split Sunday between a short walk and indoor play. Kids come home tired, and the afternoon goes smoother.
Weekend indoor play at JumpinJax
Our indoor playground has open play on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm. It’s one of the easiest ways to get kids moving on a cold weekend.
Who it's for
The playground is built for kids 9 months and up. It has a 4-level jungle gym with a zip line, 20-foot wave slides, and a separate infant play area. Babies and young toddlers can play away from the big slides.
What to bring
The playground is a shoe-free space, and adults need socks too. Pack water and a small snack for the car ride home. Get the latest times and details on our open play page.
Tips for a calmer visit
- Try going right at opening, before the room fills up.
- Start in the toddler area so younger kids can warm up to the space.
- If the noise is too much, take a short break in a calmer corner.
- Leave before your child is overtired, so the day ends on a good note.
Getting outside and moving at home
You don’t need a big outing every day. A mix of short trips outside and simple games at home can fill the gaps between bigger plans.
Dress for cold-weather play
- Layers you can take off once kids warm up
- A hat that covers the ears, plus mittens
- Waterproof boots if there’s snow or slush
- A spare pair of socks and pants in the car
Short trips outside
A short walk outside can reset a cranky afternoon. Van Saun County Park in Paramus has playgrounds and a small zoo, so check winter hours before you go. On very cold days, go out twice for a little while instead of once for too long.
Quick ideas at home
Keep it simple with a dance party, a pillow obstacle course, or freeze tag in the hallway. For more ideas, see our indoor activities for preschoolers and seasonal crafts. Planning a holiday get-together? Try these Christmas games for pre-K kids.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Weekend open play at JumpinJax runs Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 1pm. Most Paramus stores and malls are closed on Sundays, so it helps to plan ahead.
Federal guidelines say kids ages 3 to 5 should be active throughout the day. Adults should aim for at least 3 hours of active play a day for this age.
Our indoor playground is built for kids 9 months and up. There’s a separate infant play area for babies and young toddlers.
Yes. The playground is a shoe-free space, and both children and adults need socks.
Bergen County has blue laws that keep most stores and malls closed on Sundays. Some standalone play spaces still open, so check hours before you head out.
Keep your kids moving all winter
Preschoolers need active play throughout the day, even in the cold. In Paramus, plan Sundays ahead since most stores and malls are closed. Mix short trips outside, simple games at home, and weekend indoor play at JumpinJax.
Looking for full-day care that keeps kids moving all winter? Our enrolled children use the indoor playground every day. Call (201) 500-2951 or schedule a tour. If a school break is coming up, see our school break care page too.
