5 Places to Bounce With Your Kids in Charlotte
Keeping the kids active during the winter months just got easier.
Confession: My kids don’t really enjoy sports. Contact sports, that is. They don’t mind riding scooters and bikes, hiking, and taking a jog every now and then, but that’s about it. Because of that, keeping them entertained (and active!) during the winter months is not always easy. Lucky for us there are plenty of places in Charlotte where they can get their bounce on, and after 90 minutes or so of this type of exercise, they are sweaty and exhausted. I don’t mind this at all as long as they shower once they get home. (Note: The photos below don't show a whole lot of bouncing, per se, because that's pretty difficult to get a great picture of). Here are five places kids (and adults!) can bounce, jump, and generally have a blast:
1. Sky High Sports
601 N. Polk St., Pineville
The owners of Sky High seem to have thought of everything—from an area specifically for Sky High Hoops to a foam pit to a snack bar and private area just for birthday parties. A word of warning, though, this is a very popular place during school holidays and teacher work days, especially in the dodgeball court.
An added value is that patrons can take part in the ropes course and laser maze challenge at no extra cost—some places charge extra for these types of activities.
And don’t forget to bring some change and $1 bills for the arcade area . . .
The parent lounge is popular area with plenty of seating, massage chairs, flat-screen televisions that show local programming and cameras in the bounce areas, free wi-fi, and tables where people like me can work while my kids get their wiggles out. My daughter also tested it out . . .
2. Defy Gravity Trampoline Park
8116 University City Blvd.
So far this seems to be my kids’ favorite place to meet up with their friends. The murals on the walls provide a cool backdrop to the bouncing. I said “what the heck?” recently and bought a ticket for myself so I could try it out. I quickly learned two things: 1.) bouncing on these indoor trampolines is hard work and 2.) I’m surprisingly good at shooting hoops while bouncing.
Also, the Ninja Obstacle Course is no joke and my upper body was pretty sore the next day.
This place also has a foam pit, dodgeball area, climbing wall, and a place to swing through the air on arial silks. I felt like a Cirque-du-Soleil wannabe:
The Lil’ Flyers area is perfect for the younger kids. They’ve also got plenty of comfy sofas for parents who just want to chill (and free wi-fi):
There’s no snack bar at Defy Gravity, but again, stock your bag with change because the kids will be thirsty and hangry and sure to make a beeline for the vending machines once their session ends.
Health enthusiasts can check out one of the GravityFit classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturday mornings (see website for times). Classes are $10 a session. The total body workout class promises to burn up to 1,000 calories!
3. Monkey Joe’s
10215 University City Blvd.
601 N. Polk St., Pineville
10101 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews
3924 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
Monkey Joe’s has got it going on with three different locations in the Charlotte area, and chances are, your child has attended at least one birthday party at this popular venue. The equipment offered at Monkey Joe’s best for kids 12 and younger and all locations have a separate area for children ages 3 and under. Monkey Joe’s wouldn’t be complete without the giant purple monkey and inflatable slides:
A photo posted by Monkey Joe's (@monkeyjoesparty) on
The Pineville and Gastonia locations have Disney-themed inflatables featuring Nemo, Mickey Mouse and Lightning McQueen and an arcade, and Monkey Joe’s Matthews has a Disney-themed princess area for the littles along with the arcade.
A photo posted by Monkey Joe's (@monkeyjoesparty) on
The month of January is First Responder Month at area Monkey Joe’s locations. First Responder families can receive half-price admission anytime during January (must have a valid ID badge to redeem this offer).
4. Charlotte Sports Connection
8626 Hankins Road
11611 Ardrey Kell Road
10930 Granite St.
A photo posted by Sports Connection (@sportsconnectionnc) on
This is another popular place for birthday parties in Charlotte because there’s so much to choose from! My son had a blast with his buddies last year at his party with arcade time, soccer with the black lights and the Spin Zone bumper cars. The mini-bowling is great for younger kids, as is the inflatable area at the Northlake and Ballantyne locations.
A photo posted by Sports Connection (@sportsconnectionnc) on
There’s also rock climbing, the Sky Trail Ropes Course, the Lazer Frenzy, and a concession stand when they’ve exhausted all other options. You can purchase activities a la carte.
This is very popular with parents:
5. Breakaway Sports
3917 Trailer Drive
This facility offers birthday parties and summer camps, as well as many athletic programs such as inline hockey, lacrosse, dodgeball, volleyball, field hockey and more. If you’re looking for a place to rent bounce houses for a party at your home or local event, Breakaway Sports has a selection of slides, obstacle courses, jousting arenas, water slides and more. But probably the most interesting thing at Breakaway Sports is GoPro Bubble Soccer. Check out the video below—now there’s a different way to bounce!
Keep in mind that these are only five places to bounce in our area—there are several more to choose from!
Renee Roberson is a Charlotte-area mom who was once in labor with her son while her daughter bounced at a Monkey Joe’s—and she didn’t realize it until later that evening. Thank goodness for their cozy seating area. She has mad respect for her kids and their trampoline skills after bouncing with them at Defy Gravity.
