In an ideal world, reducing the time your kids spend in front of a screen – computer or television – would be easy and hassle-free. Unfortunately, fall’s arrival brings with it a challenge: how do you lure your kids into screen-free activities when the weather ceases to cooperate?
Before you give up and hand over the Wii remote, consider one of the Springfield area’s many activities, classes and programs geared toward kids. Kids can have fun, make new friends and learn new skills, all close to home.
Check out programs in the following areas:
- The performing arts. Places like the Ohio Performing Arts Institute, a not-for-profit organization, and the Gary Geis Dance Company and School of Dance offer instruction for kids of all ages in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and more. The OPAI also offers yoga and acting classes.
- Music. The Ohio Performing Arts Institute also offers private music instruction, as does Kincaid’s Music.
- Yoga and belly dancing. The Yoga Springs Studio in Yellow Springs offers a children’s yoga class for kids ages 6 to 10. They also have a wide variety of yoga and belly dancing classes that might interest teens.
- Sports. The Springfield Family YMCA has long offered recreational basketball and gymnastics activities for kids of all ages. The Y is also the home of the Springfield YMCA swim team, a year-round club swim team for kids of all ages. The Y has also diversified its portfolio of offerings with racquetball, soccer, and kid’s triathlon and Zumba dance opportunities.
- Self defense. Kids ages 4 through 15 will benefit from the Young Champions Self Defense classes, also offered at the YMCA.
- Outdoor fun. John Bryan State Park isn’t just a summer destination. Kids can take advantage of mountain biking courses and rock climbing during temperate fall days. During the winter, the park becomes a favorite for cross-country skiing and sledding. For the academics, the Miami Valley Astronomical Society offers regular star-gazing opportunities for park visitors.
- 4-H. This organization isn’t just about livestock. 4-H offers kids through age 18 the chance to learn “leadership, citizenship, and life skills” through a variety of “clubs, projects, camps, in-school and after-school programs,” according to the organization’s website. There are more than 100 4-H clubs in Clark County alone.
Do you have a screen-free solution you’d like to share with other Springfield parents? If so, let us know!