Heather ReneauTurn it Up a Notch at These High Flying Adventures for Kids and Families
WinterClub Indoor Ski & Snowboard
Hit the slopes at WinterClub Indoor Ski & Snowboard in Winter Park, complete with chill ski instructors and après ski treats! Skiers ages 3.5 and up and snowboarders ages 10 and up can take group, semi-private or private lessons on a European-designed simulated ski slope. The slope feels like wet turf with a special lubricant to create a life-like ski slope simulation. Instructors say there is little difference between skiing this and the real slopes.
Kids enjoy WinterClub Indoor Ski & Snowboard as a fun activity, and parents love that the kids are getting entertaining exercise. Some families hit the simulated slopes before traveling to a ski resort to save on the cost of ski instruction or to warm-up their muscles in advance so they aren’t sore on vacation. Regardless of your reason, you’re going to have a great time here with your kids.
The incline and speed of the slope are controlled with a handheld remote. This comes in handy when you are about to lose your balance and fall. With a click of the button, the instructor can stop the slope so you can try to regain your balance. Newbies start out on the green slope incline, which can be adjusted to accommodate even the professional ski levels.
Two large slopes hold up to six skiers at once, which is perfect for a family activity or birthday party. Most lessons are 60 minutes long, allowing for a 10-minute break after every 10 minutes of downhill skiing or snowboarding. A first-time session for three participants costs $39 for one hour. If you plan to perfect your skills, you can opt for a package price.
Enjoy aprés ski Italian gelato or coffee in the cafe. We recommend the WinterClub Latte, and all of the gelato is delish! Kick back in the large lodge (just like you do while skiing the Rockies) or enjoy your treat in the outdoor courtyard complete with a playground for the kids.
In addition to scheduled private instruction, children can participate in after-school classes, birthday parties, school field trips and summer camps and earn the Scouting Snow Sports merit badge. See you on the slopes!
Urban Ninja Parkour
Can’t keep your kids from jumping on the couch? Take them to Urban Ninja Parkour in Longwood, where kids are trained in balance and hurdles on the ground before moving up to obstacle course training above ground, sometimes up to 12 feet high. This indoor gym offers several moveable walls, pits and balance beams used to create unique challenges. Kids learn to move over, under and around these obstacles by jumping, rolling, sliding, flipping and using other techniques they learn in the class. Kids have an absolute blast while getting a killer total body workout. Classes are available for children ages 5 and up.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Want to skydive but not quite ready to jump out of a plane? Don’t worry, iFLY Indoor Skydiving has you covered. Spread your wings and fly with no need for a parachute. This super fly (pun intended) attraction is one you’ll want to experience over and over again. Flyers experience the feeling of a free fall while only a few feet above the ground in a vertical wind tunnel. Anyone over age 3 can fly. There is a 250-pound maximum weight limit. Tickets start at $60 for one person and two flights. Be sure to arrive an hour early for proper training and gear set-up.
Nona Adventure Park
NOW OPEN! Nona Adventure Park is a new water sports venue in Lake Nona with cable wake boarding, an inflatable water obstacle course, a giant (and we mean GIANT) climbing tower and a smaller kid’s climb for ages 3–8.
PLAYGROUND
Amanda Green