Best Indoor Play Gyms For Kids In Philadelphia

By Allen Foster

Fitness is not a routine, it's a lifestyle. But lets face it, we don't add sweat and fatigue to our weekly schedule because we like pain, we incorporate it because we desire the results. That's why staying fit and healthy is such a struggle. But, if you give it a little twist, make exercising fun and exciting, fitness becomes the byproduct rather than the objective. Enjoying the workout makes it easy to lead an active lifestyle. Here are five kid-friendly gyms in the Philadelphia area that put the emphasis on play.

Kids At Play
3502 Scotts Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19129
(610) 628-0005
www.kidsatplaypa.com

Kids at Play believes "a child's main occupation is to play and learn." With that in mind, it's no wonder why this remarkable facility has received a near perfect rating from patrons. Kids at Play is concerned with the entire development of your child. Through classes and open sessions, they can help your youngster reach his or her apex. Activities include a zip line, a roller coaster car, ball pits, a toddler area, an art room, a sensory room, slides, swings, safe archery, and more. Additionally, Kids at Play helps your child understand nutrition and encourages social development. In short, this center can benefit your child physically, mentally, and socially... all while having fun!

HFC City
2829 Cedar St.
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(800) 881-2285
www.hfscity.com

Located in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia, HFS City is not your typical gym. Yes, it incorporates training and intense physical activity, but it's not done with weights and cardio machines. At HFS City, fitness is achieved by activity: Running, climbing, jumping, and daredevil dives! It is an indoor multi-park adventure center featuring a Trampoline Park, a Ninja Park, and a Parkour Park. Participants can get fit through gymnastics classes, martial arts classes, ninja classes, and parkour classes. Additionally, on weekends, HFC City offers open "Run & Jump" sessions. This exciting new play arena offers kids something new, something we're dubbing Thrill-ercize!

Nest
1301 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 545-6378
www.nestcentercity.com

Just a few blocks from City Hall, you can find a wonderful playroom carefully designed with newborns to 6 year olds in mind. Nest is an early child enrichment center which incorporates good ol' fashioned play with modern philosophies. Children can explore, learn, and get active in a 3,000 square foot nature-themed playspace. Kids can enjoy a meandering "creek," an oversized birdhouse, a farmers market complete with wooden organic produce, an upstairs gym, and more. Classes focus on music and age-appropriate activities, and Nest even offers babysitting services to give mom and dad a couple much needed hours of their own downtime.

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InMovement Studio
500 Kenilworth St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 239-0844
www.phillyinmovement.com

In the most unlikely of places, you can often find true magic. Such is the case with InMovement Studio. Located between 5th and 6th Streets, mere blocks from South Street, down a small alley called Reese Street, there's a big red building with a sign that reads InMovement. The studio offers gymnastic and movement training as a way to increase personal growth and community involvement. The safe and patient environment allows children to naturally excel and achieve success in a wide range of activities which include gymnastics, dance, rock climbing, slack lining, and more. Facilitate your child's success!

Philadelphia School Of Circus Arts
6452 Greene St.
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 849-1991
www.phillycircus.com

You don't have to run away to join the circus, it's always in town! Philadelphia School Of Circus Arts is a dream come true for those kids (and adults) who have always wondered what it takes to become a circus performer. Youth classes range from Tots Circus (ages 3-4) to Parkour (up to 18) with everything in between. Additionally, there are classes and workshops such as the introduction to the Cry Wheel Workshop for those who wish to focus on specialized skills. Live the dream and stay fit while training to be a circus performer at this exceptional school.

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