Curing cabin fever

BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

WHERE: Bash Sports Academy, 2617 W Fletcher St; 773-588-2274.
DETAILS: Three-day spring-break camps in March cover all the fundamentals: hitting, fielding and baserunning. Ongoing batting classes are offered for kids 7–10.
COST: Three-day camps are $180; four-week batting classes, $125.
CABIN FEVER FIX: Annual memberships ($360–$525/year) give you access to the batting cages and pitching machines, plus discounts on lessons.

 

GOLF

WHERE: White Pines Golf Dome, 500 W Jefferson Ave, Bensenville; 630-422-1060.
DETAILS: Under this indoor dome, five-week classes for kids of all ages run throughout winter. The White Pines staff says classes tend to fill up closer to golf season, so reserve a spot ASAP.
COST: $109 for a five-week group junior class, held Sunday evenings. Junior rates to use the indoor driving range (without instruction) are $8 for 30 minutes.
CABIN FEBER FIX: Eight different PGA and LPGA pros teach private lessons (at different rates) for kids who are serious about teeing up.

 

CLIMBING

WHERE: Chicago Athletic Clubs. Multiple locations.
DETAILS: All five of CAC’s facilities boast some form of climbing—either the traditional rope version or the hipper bouldering, which doesn’t require rope and involves overhangs and horizontal surfaces more than vertical climbs.
COST: Separated by age group (5–9 and 10–14), four-week classes cost $100–$125.
CABIN FEVER FIX: If your kids just want to practice and you’re willing to supervise, pop in for “family climb time” on weekends for just $5 (for members; non-member kids need a $25 day pass).

 

SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELING

WHERE: Scuba Emporium, 16336 S 104th Ave, Orland Park; 708-226-1614.
DETAILS: The 37-year-old scuba center tailors classes to different ages and interest levels. The Bubblemaker classes teach kids 8–10 to breathe underwater while pool diving. Older kids can take advanced classes that count toward certification.
COST: Bubblemaker is $75, which includes beach towels and other treats. Group junior skin diving classes (akin to snorkeling) are $50; private lessons are $75.
CABIN FEVER FIX: Kids 5 and up who need the basics can take private half-hour swim classes for $23. Scuba parties, ongoing education and snorkeling classes are also available for younger kids.