Bogota Golf Center (Bogota)
Are your kids missing their favorite sports in the off-season? You’re in luck at Bogota Golf Center—there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors! Play 18 holes of miniature golf, practice your swing at the batting cages or try a game of bankshot basketball, a unique twist on basketball that allows adults and children of all ages to play together.  Please check the website for current pricing. 201-489-2400

Bounce Safari (Waldwick)
In addition to regularly-scheduled open bounce times, Bounce Safari hosts innovative pre-school and after-school programs. Classes for pre-schoolers combine physical activity and creative arts: themes include art, animals and Legos. If you’re looking for a little alone time, you can also sign them up for “Lunch Bunch”—90 minutes of bouncy fun, followed by a healthy lunch and storytime. Registration is required for open bounce sessions, as well as all special programs. Please check the website for current pricing. 201-857-4000

BounceU (Paramus)
BounceU is a birthday party favorite but they also offer open bounce times daily—check their website for the complete schedule. Reservations are required and children must be 34” tall to participate. Tweens will love Cosmic Tween Open Bounce, held on the first Friday of each month, where a DJ spins music and pizza & drinks are served. Please check the website for current pricing. 201-843-5880

Color Me Mine (Ridgewood)
Looking for something creative to do with the kids on a too-cold-to-be-outside day? Color Me Mine is a great spot for budding artists—children of all ages can create their own masterpieces at this friendly location. Painters are welcome to drop in at any time during open studio hours. There are also special events scheduled throughout the year. Please check the website for current pricing. 201-445-4898

Holiday Bowl (Oakland)
We just took my 3-year-old son bowling for the first time and I only wish I had thought to take him sooner. He had a blast and it was ridiculously cheap! Holiday Bowl is a fun place to spend a morning or afternoon—open bowling is available daily and they offer bumper bowling for kids. There’s a snack bar and arcade too so you should easily be able to occupy your crew for a few hours. Please check the website for current pricing. 201-337-6516

Jump On In (Hasbrouck Heights)
This indoor facility features giant inflatable structures for bouncing, slides, tunnels, trampolines and more! Open jump times are available three times per week: Tuesdays & Thursday from 10:30-12 for preschoolers and Thursdays from 4-5:30 for all ages. Reservations can be made online in advance. Some equipment is restricted to children over 42 inches tall. Please check the website for current pricing. 201-426-0770

Monster Mini Golf (Paramus)
Tired of hearing your kids complain that they’re bored? Check out this awesome indoor monster-themed golf course—it’s sure to keep them busy and entertained for hours! The glow-in-the-dark course is fun for all ages and there’s also an arcade and live DJ on site. Monster Mini Golf is open Tuesday through Sunday, hours vary. Please check the website for current pricing. 201-261-0032

Tenafly Nature Center (Tenafly)
Sure, this nature preserve provides plenty of outdoor adventures, but it’s a fun spot for an indoor visit too. Spend some time at the Visitor Center viewing live animals, browsing their library, checking out hands-on exhibits or chatting with a naturalist (perfect for answering any wildlife questions your kids may have). Special events such as Nature Story Time are often scheduled—visit their website to register for the latest programs. The Visitor Center is open weekdays 9am-5pm and weekends 11am-4pm. Walk-ins are welcome and admission is free. 201-568-6093

Image: BounceU

Originally published January 2013