ML Interest Tag: trapeze

Atlanta’s Best Indoor Play Spaces & Activities

by Tinybeans Team

Whether you need to escape the heat or a cold winter day, a trip to an indoor playground Atlanta kids love is always a hit

Brr, y’all. It doesn’t happen a lot, but when Atlanta temperatures drop we don’t take it well (even if it means we can take the kids ice skating, head out on a nearby ski trip, or tackle a weekend snow tubing adventure). Luckily for Atlanta families, there are plenty of incredible indoor playgrounds Atlanta kids flip for that get them active and warm at the same time. We’re talking cooking classes, virtual reality adventures, indoor skydiving, dramatic theatre productions, and circus arts—they’re just some of the indoor activities in Atlanta on our list. So the next time an Arctic blast hits, or the temps drop below 45-degrees, check out one of our favorite indoor playgrounds in town. 

kids sit in a VR pod and look excited at an indoor playground Atlanta

oodazu

oodazu is a multi-activity and party venue for kids unlike any we have in Atlanta, offering a full yoga program for kids, scaling towers that resemble cityscapes, climbing walls, a ceiling-to-floor donut slide, virtual reality stations, a cafe offering healthy snack options, a parent's lounge for mom and dad where they can view a live feed of the yoga room, work at laptop stations, or watch TV. Two private party spaces—where you can bring in your own food and cake—are flooded with natural light and west coast-inspired decorations.

800 Miami Cir. N.E.
Atlanta
Online: oodazu.com

iFly

For your thrill-seekers, try a flight at iFly, Atlanta's only indoor skydiving facility. Guests as young as 3 can try soaring in the specially-designed wind tunnel, and comes with pre-flight instructions, gear (suit, goggles, helmet and earplugs)—plus the incredible experience of flying.

2778 Cobb Parkway,
Atlanta
Online: iflyworld.com

Xdrenaline

This trampoline park, ninja course, and rock climbing center also has Exit Reality VR X-Pods, which take users inside of their favorite game with the use of virtual reality headsets and a state-of-the-art gaming computer. Virtual experiences include over 20 options, including walking 80 floors high in the sky, drawing in space, visiting Paris, or being a Space Pirate Trainer. Jumpers can choose among designated age-group times (Toddler Time is every Friday & Saturday for $8), and they also have a cafe so you can knock lunch off your to-do list, too. 

1611 Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA
Online: xdrenaline.com

Adventure Air Sports

With a ninja warrior obstacle course that's no joke, your kiddos will be (literally) jumping off the walls on the Mad Maxx super trampoline, swinging from the rafters (with a trapeze over a foam pit), and flying high on plenty of indoor trampoline courses, as well. 

425 Ernest W. Barrett Pkwy. N.W.
Kennesaw, GA
Online: adventureairsports.com

The Little Gym

This movement and obstacle facility is a great spot for parties for the younger set, but they also offer drop-ins and classes for kids ages 1-12.

Locations in Alpharetta/Johns Creek, Smyrna, and Snellville

Online: thelittlegym.com

Photo: S. Massey

Young Chefs Academy

If you're looking to cook up some fun—but without the mess of turning them loose in your own kitchen—then look no further than Young Chefs Academy. 90-minute parties in brightly-colored kitchens with instructor-led cooking classes are a foolproof option for a seriously sweet birthday memory, or sign-up for one of their weekly classes, which are customized by age and ability.

Locations in Cumming, Marietta & Sandy Springs
Online: youngchefsacademy.com/georgia

Andretti Karting

Little racers can skid into Andretti's for a day of karting and games at the 100,000 square foot facility. Enjoy six-minute junior races, a game card, rock wall experience, kids meals and arcade. 

11000 Alpharetta Hwy.
Roswell, GA

1255 Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA
Online: andrettikarting.com

Catch Air

Perfect for any weather, Catch Air houses shiny, clean, and sherbert-hued slides, ball pits, climbing structures, and a dance floor.

Five locations in Metro Atlanta.

Online: catchairparty.com

Photo: Children’s Museum of Atlanta

The Children's Museum of Atlanta

There's no doubt about it. The Children's Museum is a smart place to play, with creative, interactive exhibits that educate as well as entertain. Kids will love driving the crane, working at a Waffle House, hitting the grocery store, and exploring the incredible climbing structure in the heart of the museum. They also provide ongoing programming throughout the day that changes as the seasons and holidays change, which means there's always something new to learn about and try.

275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr.
Atlanta
Online: childrensmuseumatlanta.org

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Editor's Note: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta is currently closed for renovations and will reopen March 31, 2023.

See everything iconic in Atlanta in one miniaturized place. LEGOLAND Atlanta features a Minland exhibit, 4-D cinema, Kingdom Quest Lego ride, climbing structure, and more.

Phipps Mall
3500 Peachtree Rd. N.E.
Atlanta
Online: atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

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Why I’m Proud My Kids are Protesting & Supporting Black Lives Matter

By Leslie Blanchard

I raised my kids with a strong anti-bullying message, so why was I so shook and shocked when they wanted to attend black lives matter protests?

My 19-year-old son works at a high-end posh steakhouse in the heart of downtown. Typical America.

Initially, when he got his schedule for this past week, I was thrilled he was receiving so many hours. I do know it’s risky for him to be milling about in public with this coronavirus still at large, but ever since he got sent home from his university after Spring Break due to public health concerns, I’ve grown increasingly concerned over how detrimental it is to his overall well-being to be isolated from his peers at his age.

As parents know, it’s a balancing act.

For my son, at least right now, I believe it’s in his best interest to wear a mask and work a few days per week. It feels like a chance worth taking, in the ongoing trapeze walk that has become my life as a single parent.

Until this past weekend…

I spent 7 hours glued to the news. It was more news than I’ve watched since my husband was killed. In fact, it was the very first time I have watched the news since I watched my sweetheart’s mangled motorcycle being towed off the street on 3 separate news channels. I picked up the remote, clicked the news off, and haven’t seen a news report since.

Until Saturday.

But big trouble was brewing in our downtown area. My youngest son was down there oblivious to it all the violence, bussing tables. My biggest worry was him getting to his car safely after work. I texted him to come straight home after his shift ended and steer clear of any protests or large crowds.

He texted me back assuring me that there were not any protests in our town. He added that they were only in very large major cities; adding that IF there was one, he would definitely choose to attend.

That was when I knew I potentially had a dilemma on my hands. I don’t know why it never crossed my mind that he wouldn’t avoid the protesters, but would rather seek them out. He has never been one to stomach social injustice in any form.

At that point, I hadn’t even made myself watch the George Floyd video. I admit I’ve allowed myself to live in a protective bubble since my husband was killed. Can we just write it off to some innate survival instinct? I cried all night after I watched the video.

My boy arrived home safe and sound a few hours later. Exhausted to the bone from a grueling night at the restaurant, completely oblivious to the fact that there had indeed been a mild uprising in our medium-to-large sized city, with more planned for the following day.

The next morning, my son woke up to several informative texts from friends. The group Black Lives Matter had organized a daytime rally which would start that afternoon at the steps of our state capital and march to the steps of our city’s police station.

I heard about it the night before so I knew before my son did. I spent all night researching reasons why he shouldn’t go. I had a dozen good reasons—ranging from the fact that hate groups were protesting against the peaceful protestors in very dangerous and aggressive ways. I also came up with some dumb “Mom reasons,” such as you’ll need a TON of sunblock out there to protect your ginger skin in that blazing heat…

I know. That’s super lame. But I was desperate and my youngest of five children is a cross between Prince Harry and Ed Sheeran.

In the end, after a sleepless night of grappling with the pros and the cons, I realized that I raised all five of my kids from the cradle to the crowd—the protesting crowd. I was never the mother that chased my kids with a jacket, a tissue or even a bedtime. I trusted them to know if they were cold or sick or tired…it was always their call. But what I always drew a hard line at was character issues and mistreatment of others.

I recall drilling into each and every single one of them that they had more than a responsibility, but a MANDATE to protect the bullied. I specifically remember telling this very son once, when discussing a kid in his class that was being bullied, if he stood by silently, than he was AS GUILTY as the bully himself.

So…now my kids accuse me of making them overly-sensitive. Okay. I guess I can own that. I hope they can work that into my eulogy. Better yet, maybe I can just write my own eulogy. I think I’d like that.

Is that a thing?  Please tell me that’s a thing. It needs to be a thing.

So, I’m going to grit my teeth and grip my rosary while my kids stand up against what they feel is wrong in this country. I pray to God it doesn’t cost me any children because I know I’ll only have myself to blame (and their Dad who caused many a dust-up speaking his mind anytime he wanted. He was not afraid to challenge authority—EVER!!!).

It looks as though I’m not the only mom who raised a new generation of bull-headed, strong-willed, rabble-rousers who not only speak, but also live their truths.

I think what our generation can do right now is attend daytime peaceful protests (they need us!) donate funds, organize vigils, and change the rhetoric, for the love of God and humanity.

But most importantly, let’s show our kids we are proud of them for doing the right thing at the right time and to making a difference in the world one generation at a time.

And, of course, we can still make them wear sunblock.

 

Everyone from leslie's husband of 33 years, to her 5 children squirm in discomfort when she uses everyday family experiences as fodder for her blog, "A Ginger Snapped."  They can routinely be heard complaining as she tattles on them in what they commonly refer to as, "Pandora's tablet!"

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Now Is a Prime Time for Daydreaming

By Tamara Jacobi

After weeks at home, the days are starting to blur together. Abundant family time is beautiful and challenging. Can you relate?

I’m moving more slowly. No need to rush, no hurry. Life has become relatively simple. I’ve been doing plenty of rolling around on the floor with my 6-month-old. We listen to the birds, gaze at the trees, watch for butterflies. My mind wanders.

Part of me feels guilty. An inner voice admonishes, “Stop being lazy, you should be making progress, get back to doing (fill in the blank).”

“Shhh!” I respond to that nagging voice. “Be quiet, I’m daydreaming!”

I’ve learned from experience that this slowing down is valuable, it’s prime time for letting the dreams flow. This is where the magic happens. We have been gifted a mindfulness pause. We have an opportunity to go slower and explore our wild ideas; to visualize a new future. This unusual time may allow us to reconnect with our imaginations, individually and as families. Daydreamers aren’t limited by geographic restrictions, we can go anywhere!

“Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere,” said Einstein.

Our family business began as a daydream over a decade ago. Just prior to rolling up our sleeves and building our jungle lodge, we embarked on a two-month kayaking adventure on Baja’s Sea of Cortez. My father, brother, and I spent 8-to-10 hours a day paddling on a journey of nearly 1000 miles of wilderness. Though our arms moved rhythmically and our bodies were confined to the kayaks, our minds were free to roam.

We had an abundance of family time. As we paddled hundreds of miles of pristine coastline, I unleashed my daydreams, opened to vast possibilities. I lost myself in the peaceful dance of the water currents and ripples. With each mile of coastline, our eco-lodge dream morphed. “Questions and answers shot through my head like arrows. Some hit the target, others missed by a mile. Bull’s-eyes were collected and safeguarded in my mind.” My brother became my devil’s advocate; poking holes in my wild ideas, ultimately making our shared vision stronger.

With this abundance of time at home, why not open our minds and teach our kids the power of daydreams? So many children are told to get their heads out the clouds. Now is an ideal time to rewire that thinking.

Why is it that daydreamers have gotten a bad rap, while visionaries are celebrated? Visionaries like Yvon Chouinard (Patagonia founder) or Steve Jobs (Apple co-founder) were daydreamers long before they took action. Einstein was a classic daydreamer, yet consider all that he achieved! Daydreaming is an essential prerequisite to action.

Let’s take this opportunity to pause, surrender to our daydreams, and see where they take us—as parents and as children. May the family daydreams flow! Be realistic (we are all beholden to the laws of gravity), but don’t hold back.

As we unleash our daydreams, may we have the strength and courage to embrace inevitable change, transition, and whatever comes next. We will boldly reach for the next trapeze bar of life.

“Sometimes, I feel that my life is a series of trapeze swings. I’m either hanging on to a trapeze bar swinging along or, for a few moments, I’m hurdling across space between the trapeze bars. Each time I am afraid I will miss, that I will be crushed on unseen rocks in the bottomless basin between the bars. But I do it anyway. I must. It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening. Hurtling through the void, we just may learn to fly.” — Danaan Parry

 

Known as “The Jungle Mama”, Tamara Jacobi is the author of Wildpreneurs:A Guide for Turning Passion into Business (HarperCollins Leadership, Feb. 2020) and founder of the Tailwind Jungle Lodge on the Mexican Pacific. Tamara is loving the adventure of motherhood! Her son Zephyr was born on Oct, 2019. 

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Tacoma’s New Trampoline & Air Sports Park Is Defying the Odds

by Allison Sutcliffe

Seasoned Seattle parents know that tulips and sunshine aren’t signs of spring; they’re harbingers of the rainy season ahead. That’s why we’re super excited Defy Tacoma, the Seattle area’s newest indoor trampoline and air sports park, just opened its doors. It’s the energy burning, indoor activity parents and kids crave on rainy days. Scroll down to learn more!

Jump In!

The newest indoor aerial arts park, Defy Tacoma, makes the most of its expansive 30,000 square foot warehouse space. Attraction density was the goal when the park was designed, and it shows. Everywhere you look, there’s something new and engaging for kids to try. Plus, close together features mean parents can easily keep an eye on kids when one sprints off toward the dodge ball court and another makes a beeline for the battle beam. If trampoline parks are your jam, you’ll recognize some favorites here. Defy Tacoma has the requisite open jump space where kids can bounce from one tramp to the next, until they can’t bounce anymore. There’s also a netted dodge ball court, complete with a referee who not only keeps a watchful eye on things, but also establishes some rules so players can make the most of game time. The basketball court is great for kid dunks and the adjacent ninja warrior course is challenging no matter what your age. Other familiar attractions include circus favorites like the slack line, cloud swings and trapeze bar.

Try Something New

If Defy Tacoma’s familiarity gets you through the door, it’s the not-found-anywhere-else features that will keep you coming back. The most noticeably new feature is Wipeout. The attraction is mechanized, pitting a staff-controlled machine against kids of all ages, as they try to avoid getting knocked off base into the foam pit. It’s sure to attract your kids the moment they walk through the door. Next up are the Zip Lines. There are two that kids can swing on during flight time. We’re particularly taken with the booty ball zip line, which makes the typical traverse a little more challenging than kids are used to. Families can also battle it out on the Battle Beam, a suspended balance beam where players use padded bats to try and knock each other off balance and into the pit below. And finally, the Log Roll for lumberjack wannabes, although this one is padded and the landing is soft and dry.

A Much-Needed Break

When flight time’s over, your kids are sure to be hungry. Defy Tacoma has a café and seating area guests can use whenever they need a break. Families will find the typical snack bar fare (think: pizza, sodas, slushies). Pricing is reasonable (between $5-$15) and there are offerings to feed one or many, so you can get your fill no matter your group size. You can also bring your own food from home, if you prefer. This summer, Defy Tacoma’s outdoor patio will open, so you can take a sun break before heading back in for more off-the-wall antics.

Host the Perfect Party

Busy parents are always on the lookout for great birthday party spots. When the venue does all the work for you? It’s even better. That’s what you can expect from Defy Tacoma’s party packages. Book one of their four party rooms for your next shindig and you can rest easy. They take care of everything, from decorations, to food and drink, to all the paper goods. The only thing you bring is the cake! But if planning is your thing and you want to throw a coordinated or themed bash, they can help you do that too. Reach out to the Event Coordination Team to bring your perfect party vision to life. Weekday packages for 10 jumpers start at $275 ($325 on Fridays and weekends) and include all the party fixings. It’s an easy party win!

Know Before You Go:

1. Be sure to book flight time and sign the online waiver before you make the trek.

2. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled flight time so you have plenty of time to get checked in, get your wristband and store your shoes before it’s time for take off!

3. Grippy socks are a must. If you’ve got a pair, great! If not, you can buy them at Defy Tacoma for $3.

4. Special flight times are set aside for the youngest bouncers (6 & under) every weekday from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. They get the run of the place, without any of those pesky big kids around.

5. Looking for special pricing and events, like Family Night or Parents Night Out? Follow Defy Tacoma on Facebook to stay up to date and in the know.

Defy Tacoma
1680 S. Mildred St.
Tacoma, WA 98465
253-300-3499
Online: defytacoma.com

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Cost: $15/1 hr. flight, $20/1 ½ hr. flight or $23/2 hr. flight (7 & older) weekdays; $11/1 hr. flight, $15/ 1/12 hr. flight or $19/2 hr. flight (6 & under) weekdays; $15/1 hr. flight, $23/1 ½ hr. flight or $28/2 hr. flight (7 & older) weekends & holidays; $11/1 hr. flight, $17/ 1/12 hr. flight or $22/2 hr. flight (6 & under) weekends & holidays.

—Allison Sutcliffe (all photos courtesy of the writer)

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This Adult Summer Camp Is Just for Moms

by Shahrzad Warkentin

photo: Camp Mom

Why should the kids be the only ones to get all the fun of s’mores, campfires and crafts? Camp Mom takes adult summer camps to a whole new level with an energizing retreat made just for moms.

From traditional camp activities, like arts and crafts and zip lining, to workshops on parenting and stress management, Camp Mom promises to “put your happiness back at the top of your to-do list.” Learn techniques for reducing stress, make new connections that can lead to lasting mom friendships and most importantly have some good old-fashioned fun.

The day camp is a one-day retreat, perfect if the realities of mom life won’t let you get away for long. The day involves parenting workshops, camp games, dance classes, outdoor activities, like trapeze and trampolining, crafts and two meals.

Camp Mom will be held on July 29, 2017 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at Driftwood Day Camp in Melville, New York. Tickets are $175 and include a take home swag bag, and a sweet camp t-shirt.

Have you ever attended an adult summer camp? Share your experience in the comments below.

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Just Opened: Sender City Is a Little Monkey’s Dream Come True

by Melissa Heckscher

If your kids can scale sofas, are masters of the monkey bars and tireless tree-climbers, you’re in luck. California’s newest and biggest indoor rock climbing gym just opened near LAX, and it’s the spot to let your little monkeys (safely!) scale some serious heights as they climb buildings, hop up towers, and race to the tops of the walls. Read on to get the scoop.

What Is It? 
Sender City is just one piece—a kiddified nook—of the cavernous Sender One Climbing Gym, the spanking new sister of the Santa Ana climbing mecca with the same name. Step inside the giant warehouse, located a quarter-mile south of LAX, and you’ll feel like you’re inside a futuristic airport hanger. Swooshes of blue and orange decorate soaring white walls which tower more than six stories high. For serious climbers, Sender One offers a multitude of challenges and 36,000-square feet of walls to climb. For kids who are new to the sport, or people who just want to have fun climbing (and jumping off) walls, Sender City is where you want to be.

And it’s not just for kids. Sender City participants must be over 30 pounds, but can be up to 300 pounds. Which means, Mom and Dad: Gear up and get climbing!

First Things First: Waivers & Gear
After filling out the required waiver at the front desk, you’ll head past the entry to the main climbing area toward the Sender City room. Then, before you can go in, you’ll need to gear up. This means strapping on a standard rock climbing harness that’ll hook you into the auto-belay system (more on that later) and, basically, keep you and your little climbers from harm. (Hint: Make sure you and your kids are all wearing pants and close-toed shoes; this is not the place for skirts, dresses or flip-flops.)

Once you’re inside, Mama Bears will be comforted to know that Sender City keeps an instructor/child ratio of around 1 to 6, so there will always be someone to clip your kids in and out of the belay system as well as scurry up and rescue your little monkey if they decide they’re just not coming down when the time comes. Also helpful: Sender City participants must book their one-hour sessions in advance to ensure that no more than 15 people are in the gym at a time.

The Wall’s The Limit!
This is not your standard climbing gym, and it’s nothing like the rock walls you find at carnivals or theme parks. In fact, in all of Sender City’s 22 climbing challenges, there’s not a plain old rock wall to be found. Instead, you and your brood will be scaling giant spider webs, scampering up an in-the-dark vertical tunnel, navigating up a hands-on maze, racing up timed competition walls and balancing on “skyscraper” beams that get higher and higher with each step. For each challenge you complete, you’ll get a check on your Sender City Passport; finish this whole card (it’ll take a few visits) and you’ll score a T-shirt and $100 off an annual membership.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Down
While Sender City’s walls are shorter than those inside the main climbing gym, the kids’ courses stand more than three stories high and since all of them go up, they all end with the inevitable “must come down.” And, as easy as it might look, this is the scariest of all for little ones and their onlooking (or participating!) parents. But once you get the hang of it—just put your hands up and kick off the wall—the auto-belay system will catch you and you’ll glide down as gracefully as Peter Pan on Broadway. This is thanks to the auto-belay system, which is run by hydraulics and is more than capable of handling full-grown men, let alone your tiny tots.

Looking for Thrills? You Might as Well Jump
As if climbing up and soaring down aren’t enough of an adrenaline rush, some of Sender City’s stops are there purely to challenge your chutzpah. Courageous kiddos (and crazy parents) will want to try the Jump Catch, where they must leap off of a two-story high platform to catch a hanging bag. Don’t be surprised if your intrepid daredevil gets to the top and then changes her mind. It happens. (Our writer, for one, wouldn’t go anywhere near it!)

Then, Try the Really Big Slide
Looking for something with a little less leap? Put on a giant red fabric suit (it makes you more slippery) and hang onto a trapeze bar as operators lift you about 50 feet up a vertical slide then ask you to let go. “It’s quite scary,” was all our instructor said about the challenge. Of course, it’s only as scary as you want it to be, since you can tell the operators to stop the ascent whenever you think you’re high enough.

Rugrats Can Play While Older Sibs Climb
If you don’t want to hire a sitter to watch your littlest monkey while you take the older sibs to Sender City, they’re got that figured out, too. Sender City has a bouldering wall where smaller climbers are allowed to hang (literally and figuratively) while older sisters and brothers tackle the big stuff. Keep in mind, this area is not fenced in, so your toddler has to have someone watching her at all times.

Older kids, especially those who are a little nervous on the higher walls, can also practice their skills here, and it makes a nice, confidence-building break in between the scarier climbs.

But Wait, There’s More
If your little climbers are ready to take their climbing to the next level, now’s the time to enroll them in a class at Sender One so they can see what it’s like to climb the big walls. Sender One offers drop-in climbing sessions for kids ages 6 & up (5-year-olds are admitted if they’re ready and can follow directions well). There’s also a one-month, once-a-week Climbing Academy for kids who want to learn the fundamentals of climbing including technique, problem solving skills and basic knot tying.

Want your birthday boy or girl to be the coolest kid in school? Book this place for a party. The sheer novelty of Sender City (there’s just no place like it in LA) means your kids and their friends will be sufficiently wowed. Major points for Mom and Dad.

Sender City Hours: Currently open weekends by reservation and from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
Cost: $25 per person for a one-hour session (includes all equipment and instructor supervision.)

Sender City (Inside Sender One Climbing)
11220 Hindry Ave.
LAX
213-279-2000
Online: senderoneclimbing.com/lax

Have you been to Sender City? Tell us how you liked it in the comments section below!

—written and photos by Melissa Heckscher

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BoomShaka: The Ultimate Air Experience for High-Flying Daredevils

by Allison Sutcliffe

Your little scholar made it through the first few weeks back… and so did you! But summer’s unstructured style is seriously clashing with the seat time that’s all part of the back-to-school routine. Make the most of your little mover and shaker’s extra energy at BoomShaka, the world’s largest indoor aerial arts park. Read on for the high-flying deets!

The Experience
When you’re putting together the world’s largest aerial arts park, it means you can go beyond the basic tramp-filled room, and outfit the warehouse with a whole slew of circus arts options that families can’t find anywhere else. They’re the things your energetic entourage will be totally drawn to, and it’s what sets this extreme air sports park apart from the rest.

A Course for Ninja Warrior Wannabes 
The Ninja Obstacle Course, where families can practice the mad skills they see on American Ninja Warrior as they work their way over, under and around all sorts of challenging obstacles is the first eye-catching “new addition” to the typical indoor sports park experience. (Psst…BoomShaka’s parent company, CircusTrix, actually sponsors ninja warrior, Kevin Bull.) All the foam pits, some with ramps and springs for kiddos to launch themselves off of, or resting below the rock-climbing wall for little monkeys to drop in to, come next. Followed by the slackline, trapeze and cloud swings, a few other choices faves that go beyond the basic bounce, so your little flyer can test out balance, try tricks and catch air in all different kinds of ways.

Play Ball
But that’s not all in this original lineup. Families can also play some ball on the AirDunk nets in the back, or try to get each other “out” during a round of extreme dodgeball on the backcourts. This is also where you’ll find the moveable parkour course and foam mosh pit for the tot lot, front and center, so parents can hang will their mini-est filers while still being able to keep an eye on older sibs. That’s one great thing about this park, it’s easy to keep an eye on everyone from almost any corner of the warehouse, so if you’re chasing after one you can still spot the other(s).

Jump, Jump, Jump
And of course there’s the open jump area, 60 interconnected trampolines, with vertical walls and launch pads, waiting for the whole fam to get in on the fun. These standard tramps are a great place to start, to acclimate the kiddos. Plus, they make a great vantage spot to plan your next off the wall adventure!

The Ginormous Space
This brand spanking new facility is open and light, and once you enter, you hardly remember that you’re in a warehouse. It’s got an updated feel that combines comic book pizazz with theater lighting elements, so the end product feels more like a family-friendly nightclub than anything else. Add to this a Jumbotron in the middle of all the action, where you can stream pics of your own cutie pies taking flight or send short vids of your crew getting their jump on. End it all with background music that’s loud enough to make you want to dance (or in this case bounce), but not so overwhelming your kidlet can’t be heard, and you’ve got an inviting space for everyone.

Take a Break
If your mini bouncer needs a break, there are benches and funky chairs set out around the park for parents to take a load off or help a wound-up kid catch his or her breath. There’s also a lounge area with plenty of couch space and a small snack nook with vending machines where you can take a breather, grab a drink or find something to munch on. The upstairs mezzanine is another great getaway spot if you need it, and since it overlooks the bounce space, you won’t miss a beat…err… bounce.

Prepare for Take Off!
If you’re ready to get flying, here’s what you need to know to make it happen:

1. First things first, everyone that jumps needs to fill out a waiver (even you, mom and dad). If you don’t do it online before you head down, you can fill one out at the kiosks when you get there.

2. “Flights” depart every half hour and last either one or two hours, depending on the ticket you purchase, which you can get online or once you arrive. We suggest getting there about 15 minutes before “departure” to get checked in and get everyone settled. Psst… 2-hour flight passes aren’t offered on Fridays, Saturdays or holidays (and BoomShaka’s closed on Sundays).

3. No socks necessary to bounce here. In fact, you can’t wear them. But if you’re not into the barefoot thing, you can get gripper socks at BoomShaka.

4. At BoomShaka, they’re all about shareability. In fact, they love it when you shoot, tag and share bits and clips of your fam’s adventure on your favorite social media platform while you’re there. That means cameras and selfie sticks are fair game, even when you’re jumping. Hello, awesome pics of your sidekick! Plus, you can save on some green ($1) when you check in on social media.

5. Jump with your kiddos. You don’t have to, but….trust us, it’s a blast!

Special Events
BoomShaka’s got some pretty sweet weekly events with total family appeal that are worth checking out. We’re crushing on KidJump, which happens Mondays through Saturdays, from 9-10 a.m. It’s just for kids (6 & under) and their parents. Here the Littles rule the roost (you know, kind of like they do at you place) and parents get to jump for FREE! BoomShaka’s Family Night (Mondays, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.) is another notable. Bring your whole crew to bounce for just $35 for the whole hour! It doesn’t get easier than that.

 

Make it a Staycay
Fall is an awesome time to take a mini staycay with your crew. And our state capitol has it totally going on in the autumn. From historic tours and a sweet children’s museum, to pumpkin patches serving up the best apple cider you’ve ever tasted, you can easily rock the weekend in Oly after you’ve worked out all those wiggles at BoomShaka. Check out our picks for a complete eat, stay, play Olympia getaway!

BoomShaka
7960 Center St. S.W.
Olympia, Wa 98501
360-338-6786
Online: boomshaka.us and on Facebook

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m.-midnight
Cost: $10/1 hr. flight or $15/2 hr. flight (6 & under); $13/1 hr. flight or $20/2 hr. flight (7 & older)

Do you plan to visit BoomShaka? Have you already been? Tell us about your experience in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe (all photos courtesy of the writer)

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Summer Will Rock At This “Choose Your Own Adventure” Camp

by Lenya McGrath

Still looking for the perfect summer camp but the traditional options just don’t appeal to your kiddos? Look no further than Pali Adventures, SoCal’s choose-your-own overnight camping adventure. Nestled in the woods of Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, Pali Adventures is a camp for a modern kid! It’s not just hikes and campfires here. This camp features up-to-date activities and an empowering schedule, which means campers are given the freedom to choose what they want to do and when they want to do it. With more than 21 speciality camp and 70 elective activities, there are over 25,000 different combinations to guarantee your campers come home saying that was the best summer ever!

21 Speciality Camps Ready To Inspire
The day will start off right at the speciality morning camps where you can pick your own adventure. Action lovers will dig the heart-pounding excitement of the new fantasy LARP camp, Hollywood stunt camp, trapeze and ariel camp or water sports camp. Artistic types can tap into their creative side at options like the popular culinary camp, film camp or even fashion camp. Performers will want to scream and shout at dance camp, acting camp, rockstar camp or magic camp. Taught by experts and industry professionals, these morning camps are all about honing your skills, pushing yourself and having fun with it all week long.

70 Afternoon Electives Full of Fun
Things gets even more interesting in the afternoon with a choice of 70 elective activities to get campers maxing up the fun. Your kiddos can select three activities per afternoon, including zooming through the sky on a 227-foot zip line, tumble and clap at cheer class, fly across the waters of Big Bear lake on a wakeboard, or get in touch with their inner selves at relaxation hour. Campers use an iTouch every morning at breakfast to create their schedule for the day and activities can be increased based on popular demand. Talk about freedom of choice!


Mandatory – Lots of Fun
While you may be able to choose your own camping adventure it is guaranteed that your campers are in for a whole heap of fun. Between the Thursday night Dance Party (where the DJ camp kids each play a set), the midnight rumblings (where the dining hall is turned into a late night dessert fest) or the Friday Water Wars (where you can splash it out with new friends), you’ll be assured your sprouts are having lots of fun. Pali Adventures also pays alot of attention to creating traditions and cultures that bring the group together. “Living on a Prayer” or should we say “Singing on a Chair” is the dancing on a chair anthem before every meal.

Good To Know: The Pali Adventures Basics

  • Pali Adventures overnight camp runs for 9-weeks with campers being able to attend in weekly increments. The ideal camper is at least 8-years-old.
  • The fee includes  all accommodation, meals and activities.
  • Pali is a tech-free zone with all electronic devices held to give the kids plenty of time to be at one with nature, forge new friendships and learn how to tackle any problems without mom or dad being a phone call away.
  • Parents can still keep up to date with all the goings on at the parent portal. Thousands of photos are loaded into the portal daily with the activities and happenings from camp that day. Plus a weekly DVD is created with the help of the broadcasting camp kids crew so the weeks memories are never forgotten.
  • Transportation to and from camp can be organized if needed.

Camp Pali
30778 California 18
Running Springs, CA 92382
(909) 867-5743
Online: paliadventures.com

What would your kids try at Pali Adventures? Tell us in the Comments below.

— Lenya McGrath

Photos courtesy of Pali Adventures

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Curtain Call: Catch These Spring Theater Shows While You Can

by Kelley Gardiner

Many of our kids’ theater productions go into hiatus when the weather heats up to make way for summer classes and camps. Don’t miss your chance to watch talented local thespians, puppeteers, and acrobats shine onstage with your little theater-goers with the following live performances before school’s out.

photo: courtesy of Tears of Joy Theatre

Tears of Joy Theatre: When Animals Were People
A “wise vulture and a wayward wolf” help tell the tale of When Animals Were People, a bilingual fable from Huichol Indians of Mexico. Paired with this story is The Lazy Bee, by I-Iqracio Quiroga from Argentina, where a blasé bee learns her lesson about shirking work. Kids of all ages love the artistry and magic of the puppets, but this show is recommended for ages 4 & up, especially 1st-3rd grade.

$14-$21
Apr. 10-19
Imago Theatre
17 SE 8th Ave.
503-248-0557
Online: tojt.org

Echo Theater Company: Rarely Pure and Never Simple
This gorgeous piece is performed by the Zig Zags, teenagers have been training with Echo Theatre, some for over ten years. They’ll hang suspended in the air, and use music, poetry, dance and aerial acrobatics to bring to life the Plato’s Allegory of the Cave (though you don’t need to know the story to appreciate the show). Kids and adults will be held in thrall with stunning visuals like a flying ladder, aerial silks, hoops, and trapeze. The show is visual and musical, with a storyline to keep things interesting. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

$12-$18
Apr. 18-26
Echo Theater
1515 SE 37th Ave.
503-231-1232, ext. 2
Online: echotheaterpdx.org

photo: courtesy of Penny’s Puppets

Penny’s Puppets: Whiz Bang Boom Professor Gabby’s in the Room
Whiz Bang Boom! It’s time to learn about science with all sorts of puppet pals with this final show of the season from Penny’s Puppets. It’s sure to be a learning experience, with plenty of music, excitement, and (hooray) free coffee for the grownups. All ages are welcome.

$5
Apr. 18, 10:30 a.m.
Alberta Abbey
126 NE Alberta St.
503-282-9207
Online: pennypuppets.com

photo: copyright David Kinder courtesy of NW Children’s Theater

NW Children’s Theater: The Little Mermaid
A little bit of circus with a dash of vaudeville, this Little Mermaid is sure to make a splash with the little ones. The tale you know (with no tail, which would make things difficult on stage) is made magical with Ariel’s sisters flying high on aerial silks, suspended over the stage. This lively re-telling of a children’s favorite will get the whole family wishing they lived under the sea.  ASL-interpreted and sensory friendly shows are available. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

$17-$23
Apr. 25-May 25
1819 NW Everett St.
503-222-2190
Online: nwcts.org

photo: Ramona Quimby by Owen Carey, courtesy of Oregon Children’s Theatre

Oregon Children’s Theatre: Ramona Quimby
Things are changing for Ramona as she enters third grade, and it isn’t always smooth sailing on Klickitat Street. Getting along with her family can be tricky, but the Quimbys depend on each other through the bumps and rough patches. Kids love Ramona because she’s so easy to relate to, with her real foibles and learning experiences, and her very tangible roots in the city we know and love. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

$15-$30
May 9-31
Newmark Theatre
1111 SW Broadway
503-228-9571
Online: octc.org

What is your family planning to see this spring? Let us know in the comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

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