Foam Pits, Trampolines and More: Sky Zone Opens

Sky Zone is a place with 3-D dodgeball, a large trampoline play area, a foam pit and trampoline basketball. Good luck keeping your kid away.

The sprawling indoor trampoline park opened Wednesday afternoon at 7175 Oakland Mills Rd. in Columbia. 


The only requirement to use one of the many trampoline areas is the ability to walk on your own, according to general manager Danny Serpico. After that, adults must sign waivers for themselves and their children that basically says you can't sue Sky Zone if you or your child is injured. The waivers are good for one year, said Serpico.

Then you have to pick up a pair of "sky socks," which are sold at the facility for a dollar. These specialized socks serve two purposes, according to Serpico, the rubber on the bottom provides a grip and they help keep the trampolines clean.

The large facility has three dodgeball courts, an expansive free play area, a trampoline into a foam pit, a trampoline basketball area, a concession stand and three private party areas.

Click the video above to see what everything looks like.

Serpico said safety is the priority at Sky Zone. Each area has its own rules which are enforced by employee monitors.

"We like to call them our lifeguards on the court," said Serpico. "They provide safety for all jumpers. It's important that jumpers jump within their ability and that no one is getting hurt."

"We'll make sure the area you are jumping in is a safe environment, but most importantly we want you to have fun," said Serpico.

The facility employees four full-time managers and 130 part-time employees who are all high school or college students, according to Serpico.

Ashley, a Sky Zone employee and gymnast from Glenwood, demonstrated many of the areas on Wednesday. After about 10 minutes, she was somewhat winded, demonstrating there is a fitness aspect in addition to the fun.

Pricing for Sky Zone works in 30 minute increments; 30 minutes is $11, 60 minutes $16, 90 minutes $21, and 120 minutes $26.

A businessman named Rick Platt started Sky Zone in 2004 as a trampoline sports league, but after the league fizzled out, he noticed that area youth loved the facility, according to the Huffington Post. That inspired his family to open it as a park for the public, and eventually franchise the idea.

Sky Zone now has over 40 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The Columbia location is the first to open in Maryland, although other locations are planned for Baltimore City and Baltimore County, according to the company's website.

Serpico said one of the more popular features at other locations is dodgeball leagues. He said they'll consider starting one in Columbia based on demand.

More details about Sky Zone:

• Liability waivers can be filled out online ahead of time here.
• Hour-long aerobics classes are planned, which will cost $14 per class or $99 for 10 classes.
• There are multiple birthday packages, which can accommodate up to 20 jumpers.
• Fall hours are here.