What's fun for children even in the cold

Exercise is good for you and healthy - so bad weather shouldn't put you off doing sports. Of course, children shouldn't start jumping rope indoors either, but some sports can be done indoors instead of outdoors, which is becoming increasingly common. What options are available and what parents should bear in mind.

1. inline skating

For several years now, inline skating has been a sport that offers everything from simple riding to stunts and tricks. Moving fast but also performing daring jumps is fun and keeps you moving. These skills can also be practised in indoor skating centres in winter, when it is cold and slippery outside and riding on the road is no longer recommended.

In contrast to outdoors, indoor skating is primarily about tricks and riding over ramps - skating in the halfpipe is also possible at some locations. Kids who like to go for it anyway will certainly have fun here.

In addition, visitors to the skate hall usually quickly make new friends who can help them make progress, provide assistance and offer training. There is usually a skate centre, especially in larger cities.

Admission is free at most of them, inline skates can be brought along or borrowed - if you are really interested in stunts and tricks, you should find out whether your own sports equipment is suitable for the purpose. Protective pads and helmets are mandatory, and a little fall training is also a good idea so that nasty falls can be cushioned and no broken bones result from the new hobby.

For overly cautious parents: Please take a step back and stay calm - otherwise the children often take on the fear, which is rather counterproductive when trying out fun sports. If in doubt, a «I'll pick you up later, have fun!» is more appropriate than watching and trembling from the bench.

2. skateboarding

Very similar to inline skating for children and parents, but with new possibilities and a different way of getting around: skateboarding is a permanent fixture in fun sports and is constantly achieving new versions. Longboards are particularly trendy at the moment, but are especially suitable for cruising through the city.

The simple skateboards are more suitable for indoor skateboarding, as the sports equipment has to withstand a lot in the long term. Smooth-running wheels are just as important as a safe helmet and possibly pads - especially for beginners.

Otherwise, the same applies here as with inline skating: the kids usually get together in the hall, exchange ideas and improve their skills. Entry is usually free, so there are no costs apart from the board. The halls are often financed by public organisations or supported by local companies.

A volunteer team of young people and carers lend a hand when necessary. They build and organise the equipment themselves. Another advantage for children in such a community: they show commitment and are naturally integrated into a group.

3. slackdeck

Slackdeck is something completely new, but a real fun sport. A fusion of the slackline and skateboarding, it involves jumping on the slackline with a board. This strengthens the torso and legs, but is first and foremost fun and good for balance - and makes you sweat. Wherever a slackline can be installed, the slackdeck can also be on board to liven up the sport.

Especially for kids who snowboard in winter, it's a familiar environment: board, bindings, legs and cool jumps - this combination also applies to the slackdeck. The sport is not yet very widespread, but with several interested friends, the purchase costs of around 170 francs are manageable. When it gets warmer outside, the slackline can simply be moved outside and practised in the garden.

4. trampolining

Very exercise-intensive and fun at the same time and now also increasingly possible indoors: trampolining. Jumping strengthens muscles and balance at the same time, and there are even real competitions in trampolining, which has become an elite and popular sport. In large halls there are large areas with individual trampolines that children can use. Admission costs around nine francs.

To avoid accidents, however, parents should emphasise that jumping on the trampoline is only possible alone. If the trampoline is poorly positioned and the surface is too tightly covered, this can lead to unfavourable fractures, which could be avoided by exercising caution. In the trampoline halls, employees can also give brief instructions on how to avoid accidents.

Weekly activities are also suitable for gymnastics clubs, which offer the sport and teach more skills on the sports equipment with regular training. Body control and balance are trained in particular and ensure a positive body image.

5. bouldering and climbing

Climbing or - the unsecured version on the low wall - bouldering also takes you high up. Children learn concentration and coordination, as well as strengthening the whole body. While they are having fun, they don't even notice the effort, as the focus is often on the competition: getting up high and as quickly as possible. In special courses, children are introduced to the wall and playfully learn how to move and coordinate their bodies on the wall.

If the wall has become too boring and new challenges are needed, the climbing wall is an option where you can go even higher in safety. There are far more safety aspects to consider here, which is why a course at the beginning and qualified supervision at all times are very important.

Older children can then secure each other and are more independent. Plus point: after winter indoors, climbing can also be done outdoors, creating the perfect symbiosis between indoor and outdoor sports.

Admission and courses are a little more expensive here, but are worth it in the long run, as climbing is a sport for life for many. Climbing effectively improves fitness and strengthens the muscles. Climbing gyms can be found in almost every town and city, which means that there is a certain independence of location.

6. quidditch

The trend sport for Harry Potter fans: Muggle Quidditch. What takes place on the fly in the books and films is now also played on the ground. The game was first adapted in 2005 and there are now official rules and 18 national associations, which even organise a World Cup every two years. It is a mixture of handball, rugby, dodgeball and «monkey tail fangis».

Basically, the game involves throwing goals consisting of three rings that are defended by a goalie, the keeper. The players' lives are made even more difficult by two beaters who can throw balls at them and take them out of the game at short notice.

On the sidelines, there are also the seekers who are after the golden treasure. This is attached to the treasure bearer in the form of a tennis ball, who plays and defends independently of the teams. As the only player on the field, he does not have to carry a broom between his legs, which is mandatory for all other players.

Overall, the complex, fun game is a mixture of running, throwing and defending - an effective mix with a magical touch. There are now many smaller Quidditch groups that meet in the hall in winter to hold their training sessions and matches. For Harry Potter fans in particular, the realisation of the game should be a reason to get excited about playing the sport, which on closer inspection actually looks very strenuous and complex.