This past weekend, however, area children and their families didn't have to worry about a lack of activities, as the Green Bay Packers hosted the eighth annual "Project Leap!" on Saturday, March 19, in the Lambeau Field Atrium.
"Project Leap!" is a free community event that is focused on getting kids out of the house to enjoy non-strenuous physical activity. It produced another successful event, drawing thousands of eager kids ready to let loose on the activity playground spread throughout the Atrium.
From inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses to towering rock-climbing walls and bungee trampoline systems, "Project Leap!" provided area families an ideal late-winter activity.
Dressed in their best Packers green and gold, young children and their families continued to pass through the Atrium doors for an afternoon of fun, as parents watched and enjoyed the Atrium's surroundings.
"She's having a blast," James Tierney of DePere said as he watched his four-year-old daughter Stephanie soar down the inflatable bounce-house slide. "What kid doesn't love to run wild and just bounce around? She's been having a great time so this event is perfect for any kid.
"We heard about 'Project Leap!' from our neighbors, who came last year. They really enjoyed it so we decided to stop out. It's been well worth it."
Also contributing to the goal of "Project Leap!" to promote physical activity was the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay dance team. The girls treated visitors to hourly performances and workshops throughout the day.
With many area students kicking off their spring break vacations, "Project Leap!" provided them and their families the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together.
Another family enjoying Saturday's activity was the Troeger family of Green Bay. Sarah Troeger enjoyed watching her three children, William (six), Carson (four) and McKenzie (one), have a good time.
"Our son, William, received a flyer from his school and we thought this would be something fun for the kids to do," Troeger said. "The kids are having a great time. They especially loved the bungee trampoline system. I couldn't believe how fearless they were."
"The relationship between the Packers and the community is unlike any other in professional sports," Jessie Micke, Packers community outreach coordinator, said. "We look forward to opportunities like this to connect with our fans, especially in the offseason. It's been a long winter in northeast Wisconsin so 'Project Leap!' was a great remedy for those kids afflicted with a case of spring fever."
"Project Leap!" is one of four free community events the Packers host each year, each geared toward bringing families together and promoting physical activity for kids.
To view photos from this year's "Project Leap!" click here.
