Year's hottest Saturday brought grand opening of new indoor playground in Boynton Beach
BOYNTON BEACH — Luz Kayani likes to bounce.
“I love the trampoline and the bounce house. They’re my favorites,’’ said the 11-year-old, one of dozens of giggling, running and laughing children at Saturday morning’s grand opening of Sky Zone.
About 170 people were waiting for the doors to open at 9 a.m. at Catalina Shoppes on North Congress Avenue in Boynton Beach. The first 100 entered free, said General Manager Sway Ford.
After doffing their shoes for orange grip socks — etched with “Have Fun, Fly Safe” — children took to the indoor playground to enjoy dodgeball, zip lines, king-of-the-hill, blanket slides and other rides supervised by the 71 Sky Zone employees.
“If kids can walk, they can jump,” said Ford.
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The outdoor playground is the 18th for Sky Zone. Started in 2004, the Utah-based company operates about 270 parks in the United States. Palm Springs, Fort Lauderdale and Port St. Lucie are nearby locations.
“We offer unique attractions at our parks that not only promote fun for visitors of all ages, but also inspire our guests to move their bodies, connect with friends and family and make unforgettable memories,” said Rachel Layton Smith, Sky Zone' vice president of marketing.
Eight-year-old Ryan Shapiro agreed.
“I like falling off the swing and landing on the soft ground. Then I went on all the other rides,” said the Boynton Beach resident.
The colorful, high-ceilinged building has rooms that can be reserved for birthday parties and other events on the second floor. The “Fuel Zone” sells pizza, ice cream and soft drinks. High-top tables with charging stations allow parents to get work done while their children play.
Several parents said Sky Zone is a welcome refuge for their children, especially on hot summer days like Saturday.
“I like that you can sit at a table and see all the activity all around you,” said Lisa Shapiro, Ryan’s mother.
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Studies see health benefits of vigorous activity for children
Such activities are important for children to encourage more physical activity, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The department recommends children and adolescents ages 6 through 17 do one hour or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily.
Physical activity also has brain health benefits for school-aged children, including improved cognition and reduced symptoms of depression. Regular physical activity in childhood can prevent heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, according to the department.
IF YOU GO
What: Sky Zone indoor playground
Where: Catalina Shoppes, 1729 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach.
Cost: $25.99 for 90 minutes, $29.00 for all day. Monthly memberships are available for families and individuals.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Details: Customers can rent a portion of the park or the entire facility.
Requirements: All guests must sign a waiver online or upon entry. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver on behalf of jumpers under the age of 18.
Contact: skyzone.com, Ph. 561-295-4646
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Indoor playground in Boynton opens on year's hottest Saturday morning
