They’re fun. They’re bouncy. They help kids – and adults – channel their inner Tigger.
Remember how much fun it was to jump on a trampoline as a kid? Going higher and higher with each hop? Or that giddy feeling midair just before you got caught bouncing on your bed? That is precisely the emotion that trampoline parks re-create. It’s the freedom of flying through the air, without having to worry about dodging tree branches or landing on bedroom furniture.
Trampoline parks are gaining popularity as families search for new and different ways to spend precious time together.
What is a Trampoline Park?
Trampoline parks feature large rooms with wall-to-wall trampolines that tempt you to join in the fun by quietly whispering in your ear “Jump on me!” With cushioned borders lining each square, it’s like running around on one big, bouncy patchwork quilt. Some indoor trampoline parks even have trampolines lining the walls to allow for even more bounce for your buck. Kind of gives new meaning to the phrase, “Bouncing off the walls,” don’t you think?
These parks are growing in popularity and can be found in almost every major and medium sized city worldwide. These parks often offer additional activities beyond just simple trampolines. They are quickly becoming the biggest offering in the family entertainment center (FEC) industry.
Who Can Participate?
So who can jump at a trampoline park? Just about everyone!
The main rooms may be designed for older kids and adults, but indoor trampoline parks happily accommodate your younger bouncers too. Some have separate supervised areas for toddlers to safely play, including pits filled with soft foam, or cordoned off areas of the main room just for them.
They may also have specific times set aside for the younger bouncing crowd, so it’s always a good idea to be aware of their schedules.
Locations also generally offer a separate area for non-jumpers too. So you can sit back and relax while your little jumpers have fun. Some parks are taking this to a new level by offering comfy amenities for spectators. For example, some parks offer massage chairs so parents can relax while watching.
Activities You’ll Find
While jumping for hours on end in a room covered in trampolines sounds like a blast, after awhile it’s nice to change it up a bit! Indoor trampoline parks get this. They realize that your kids will only bounce around aimlessly for so long before they get bored. So these jumping places have upped their game with additional activities to keep jumpers engaged and coming back for more.
FOAM PITS / AIR BAGS
General jump areas are fun, but aren’t always the best place to try radical new flips and twists. Sometimes these areas are crowded with other jumpers or activities going on. Special areas with foam pits or air bags are the perfect place to try your new skills. These areas usually offer a long runway-style tramp that ends into a foam pit or giant air bag. Foam pits are the most common and also the most forgiving when trying crazy tricks. You can land completely upside down and be completely safe. Jumping into these areas allows you to try new things without the risk of injury. Also since they are controlled, jumpers enter the pits one at a time which keeps things even safer – and more fun!
TRAMPOLINE PARK DODGEBALL
For those who want a little more interaction and competition with their jumps, there’s trampoline dodgeball, and it’s everything you imagine it to be. Not only are jumpers running across the bouncy squares to avoid getting hit, but they’re also bouncing and flipping to stay in the game. Some parks even offer netted areas specifically designed for the activity. This activity is often preferred by the older jumpers and is a great group event. So make sure you and any jumpers in your life bring your A games because it’s time to show everyone else what you’ve got! Who knows, you may even get a chance to participate in the Ultimate Dodgeball Championships. Time to put your team together!
TRAMPOLINE PARK BASKETBALL
Ever dreamed of dunking a basketball but had a little height or gravity issue? We get it! Well, now you and the little bouncers in your life can live out your NBA dreams and reach the rim with the best of them. Hoops are set at different heights so the vertically challenged can rock the rim just as easily as your basketball superstar. Make it a family event by getting everyone in on the action. Have a slam dunk contest! Extra points will be awarded for style and actually making it in the basket.
TRAMPOLINE PARK JOUSTING
Remember American Gladiators? How much we all wanted to get in the ring and give it a go with those jousting sticks? It didn’t matter if anyone fell off the pedestal because part of the fun was landing in that super soft pit full of foam pieces.
Thanks to these indoor trampoline parks, you can finally channel your inner knight – or gladiator – and joust to your heart’s content. Not to worry about the jousting sticks, they are fully padded, so a suit of armor is not needed. Just good balance and the will to win!
NINJA WARRIOR OBSTACLE COURSES
Some trampoline parks have upped the ante by adding a little more challenge to an otherwise normal day of bouncing around like a jackrabbit. Obstacle courses put coordination and balance to the ultimate test. By combining all of their activities, one after another, jumpers are tested with speed, agility, quick thinking, and balance as they fight their way through all the activities offered by the trampoline park. One at a time, of course.
FITNESS PROGRAMS
Various franchises have recognized and expanded the amazing physical workout possible at a jump park. Many locations offer group fitness programs. These classes are most often led by an instructor who takes you through a series of exercises. It’s a great combination of fun and exercise all rolled into one.
Special Events
Most indoor trampoline parks offer the option of hosting private parties for you and your guests. Have a birthday coming up? How about a party at the trampoline park? Most locations have staff that will oversee all the planning for you so you and your family can focus on celebrating and fun.
Just don’t forget to get signed waivers from everyone planning to join in on the birthday jumping action.
As indoor trampoline parks gain popularity, locations will continue popping up all over the country. Family time is making a comeback in a big way. But wherever you decide to go, we suggest checking out their websites to make sure it’s the right fit for your family of bouncers.
https://actionparksource.com/articles/beginners-guide-trampoline-parks/
Created on 02 April 2018.
