No More Cabin Fever: 5 Ways to Keep Kids Active This Winter Break in Gilbert, AZ

Winter break is fast approaching. For kids, it means freedom from homework and excitement for the holidays. For parents in Gilbert, it often brings a familiar challenge: How do we keep them entertained, off their screens, and burning off that boundless holiday energy without losing our minds?

While much of the country is shoveling snow, we are lucky to live in Arizona. Winter is arguably our best season for outdoor play. The scorching heat is gone, replaced by crisp mornings and sunny afternoons perfect for getting moving.

If you want to avoid cabin fever this December and January, here are five fantastic, local ways to keep your kids active during winter break in Gilbert.

1. Explore the Trails at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

The Riparian Preserve is a jewel in Gilbert’s crown and the perfect escape from the suburban hustle. It feels less like a city park and more like a mini-adventure.

With over 4.5 miles of trails meandering around seven different water recharge ponds, it offers plenty of space for kids to run, walk, and explore. It’s a fantastic spot for an "active scavenger hunt"—challenge your kids to find three different types of ducks, a blooming cactus, or the coolest walking stick. The varied terrain keeps them engaged, and they’ll easily clock a couple of miles without even realizing they’re exercising.

• Local Tip: Go in the late afternoon to catch a beautiful desert sunset over the water before heading home for dinner.

2. Join a Structured Winter Sports Camp

Sometimes, the best way to ensure your kids get quality activity is to sign them up for something structured. Free play at the park is great, but a dedicated camp provides focused skill-building, social interaction with new friends, and guaranteed movement for hours a day.

At Team Hippa, we run a popular Winter Tennis Camp right here in Gilbert at the Freestone Recreation Center.

We designed this camp specifically to beat the winter break slump. It’s not just about running laps; it’s about engaging drills, fun match play, agility training, and learning a sport they can play for a lifetime. Our expert coaches (many D1 college-level) know how to keep the energy high and the atmosphere fun for juniors of all skill levels.

• Learn more about the dates and details for our upcoming Winter Tennis Camp here: https://teamhippa.com/winter-camp

3. Conquer the Playgrounds at Freestone Park

If you don't have a full day to plan an outing, Freestone Park is your reliable go-to. As Gilbert’s flagship park, it offers enough variety to keep kids of different ages occupied for hours.

For younger kids, the massive playground structures are an obstacle course waiting to be conquered. For older kids and teens, Freestone offers sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, and, of course, tennis courts if they want to practice their swing outside of camp hours.

Bring a soccer ball, a frisbee, or just let them loose on the jungle gyms. The sheer size of the park encourages running and active play.

4. Hit the Consolidated Canal Path on Bikes

Gilbert is famous for its connectivity, and the cooler winter weather is the ideal time to utilize the extensive trail system. The Consolidated Canal path offers miles of paved, flat riding that is safe because it’s away from vehicle traffic.

Load up the bikes and choose a segment to tackle as a family. It’s a great cardiovascular workout and a fun way to see different parts of our town. You can map out a ride that ends near downtown Gilbert to grab a post-ride healthy smoothie or lunch as a reward for their effort.

5. Try an Indoor Adventure Park for Chilly Mornings

While Arizona winters are mild, we do get those chilly/rainy mornings where outdoor play isn’t appealing. Have a backup plan to ensure the activity doesn't stop just because of the weather.

Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley are packed with indoor activity centers. Consider a few hours at an indoor trampoline park or an indoor rock climbing gym. These facilities are excellent for building core strength, coordination, and burning serious calories in a short amount of time. It’s "exercise in disguise"—they’ll be having too much fun bouncing off the walls to realize they’re working out.

Balance is Key This Winter Break

Winter break is a time for rest and family traditions, but balancing that downtime with physical activity is crucial for their mood, sleep, and health.

Whether you choose a nature walk at the Riparian Preserve or the structured fun of our Winter Tennis Camp, the most important thing is just to get them moving.

Ready to lock in their winter activity?

 Secure their spot in the Team Hippa Winter Tennis Camp today!  (https://teamhippa.com/booking/camp/tennis-winter-camp)