EVERETT — It’s 50,000 square feet of running-jumping-screaming bliss.
For kids, that is.
For parents, there are massage chairs and bar drinks at the Flying Squirrel, a new indoor trampoline park.
The spring-loaded playground has climbing walls, inflatables, basketball hoops, battle beams and launch lanes.
What better place than the former Toys R Us building across from Everett Mall?
“We looked at a lot of buildings and this one was perfect,” co-owner Patrick Horenstein said. “We try to have an attraction for every age.”
Two weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown, he and two business partners signed the papers to open Flying Squirrel, which has locations in the United States, Canada and South America. The pandemic delayed everything. A temporary outdoor area was set up in the parking lot last summer.
The center finally opened its doors in late December.
The word is out.
On a recent Saturday, the center hosted 31 birthday parties.
“We can do 10 at a time,” Horenstein said. “It keeps us young.”
A boy takes a look as he walks past a claw game at Flying Squirrel trampoline park in Everett. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
A line of people waited to get in. Advance timed ticket purchases on weekends are suggested.
On Friday and Saturday nights, from 9 to 11 p.m., black lights turn the pink-purple-green color scheme into neon.
Admission is $19 for 60 minutes for 7 and older; $14 for ages 3 to 6; and $8 for those with special needs. It’s free for 2 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. Otherwise, parents don’t pay unless they want to play.
The arcade and high-tech mini golf are extra.
The bright pink socks on flying feet everywhere are $3.50. The soles have grip dots to prevent sliding. The socks are yours to keep for return trips.
The center employs over 70 people. They’re always hiring.
It’s the first real job for Tristen Spengler, 17, a Kamiak High School junior.
Two children climb at Flying Squirrel trampoline park. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
“Honestly, it’s pretty fun,” Tristen said.
As a safety monitor, he watched over a freestyle trampoline court of frenetic youth.
“Parents just bring their kids here and we babysit. That’s our job,” he said.
After work, he can jump for free.
The noise and action is non-stop. Kids bounce up, down, sideways and off the walls.
“I never get tired,” said David Miller, 9, of Everett.
“Same with me,” added his friend, Aiden Miller, also 9.
Other places to burn off energy include Elevated Sportz in Bothell, Altitude Trampoline Park in Marysville and Jump, Rattle & Roll in Monroe.
Andrea Brown: 425-339-3443; abrown@heraldnet.com. Twitter @reporterbrown.
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