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Indoor playground in Niles offers fun, exercise for kids
Drake Williams, 2, of Morton Grove climbs on one of the inflatables at Jump!Zone, a children's party and play facility in Niles. | Ryan Pagelow~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: January 21, 2013 1:55AM
NILES — Now that the first few snowflakes have fallen onto the ground, it may be the perfect time to check out Jump! Zone in Niles and have some indoor fun.
Kids first bounced their way into Jump!Zone when it opened three years ago at its location at 6374 W. Howard St.
“We have 12-themed inflatables,” said Dena Felkel, the manager of the Niles Jump! Zone.
The indoor playground, in one large arena, features various bouncy houses that are popular among kids, including Dora the Explorer’s Club House, a 28’ King Crocodile slide, a 22’ fire truck, Batman, a 22’ pirate ship, a princess castle, basketball house, gumball machine, an amusement park, Jurassic adventure and more.
Felkel said that Jump! Zone is an ideal place for kids ages 2 to 12 to have fun and burn off some steam, while parents can relax and watch television or use the free Wi-Fi.
“We have some nice couches and chairs,” said Felkel, who said the area for the parents is centrally located so parents can keep an eye on their kids in a comfortable environment.
Jump! Zone offers various open play hours during the weekdays and on the weekends.
Felkel said that during an average morning open play time there are about 40 kids enjoying a fun way to exercise indoors.
However, the large arena can accommodate many more kids.
“We have had camps that have come in with upwards of 200 kids at a time,” said Felkel.
Felkel said they are a great spot for birthday parties, sports parties, team events, school field trips, day care outings, corporate team outings, bar and bat mitzvahs and more.
“We always have staff in the arena to monitor for safety,” said Felkel, about its daily operations.
Felkel has managed children party facilities in the past and she has a background in special education. She said she has been very happy with their location.
“The Niles community has been very receptive and is a wonderful place to have a business,” shared Felkel. She said their location that is sort of tucked away in an industrial area isn’t always the easiest to find.
“Once you find us you’ll never forget us,” said Felkel.
