Dublin Indoor Trampoline Park Knows How to Make Kids Tired and Happy

There was a visceral feeling of breathless anticipation in the air.

An event of epic proportions and unparalleled importance was about to begin – my daughter’s seventh birthday party was upon us.

Last year we’d held it at Val Vista Park. The prevailing wisdom at that time was that there was plenty for kids to do — no loud music the parents would have to talk over, and we wouldn’t have to take out a second mortgage to finance it.

But here in Pleasanton, you walk a thin line trying to pull off two of those econo-parties in a row. Parents can’t really expect kids to come to their backyard to pin the tail on the donkey for their kid’s birthday when the previous weekend marked their maiden voyage riding Flipper barebacked in a sea of sparkling mineral water for your kid’s classmate’s party.

For some families, it might be a choice between doing it up big for Junior’s birthday this year or putting the budgeted amount away for college. Pay now or pay later? It’s a tough decision.

So if you’re going to spring for one of these high-class shindigs once every two or three years, at least you want it to be memorable, and, ideally, for it to be a fun, healthy romp.

Rockin’ Jump in Dublin was the place my daughter wanted to host, and we agreed.

Now as you know, I’m a fitness trainer, and I have to tell you I like a place that’s going to make the kids pink-cheeked and sweaty.

And I know the parents are going to appreciate the fact that their kids are probably going to conk out earlier than they ever have on a Saturday night.

If you’ve never been on a trampoline, let me assure you it kicks your rear-end as a workout. I defy you (or your kid) to pull the nearly two hours of jumping the party package offers without at least a couple of breaks. I went there and jumped with my kids just after it opened and immediately saw the potential for high-intensity aerobics classes, which they’ve now started on weekends. Weekday classes are coming soon.

What I like best about this place is how well-managed it is. They have a simple, comprehensive check-in process with an easy waiver filing step and a brief safety video. Then the natives are cut loose to prowl the jungle. Our attendant was cordial, competent and attentive. They have their act down.

Wisely, the kiddies are plied with pizza, soft drinks and cake only after the 90 minutes or so of unbridled leaping and squealing. Most kids can get in the freestyle trampoline area bounding, the foam pit jump, the basketball dunking and at least a couple of games of dodge ball crammed into that time block. After the twelve kids at my daughter’s party wound down and stuffed themselves silly, a quick tear-through of her birthday presents and just a couple of minor spills rounded out the day nicely.

If you haven’t checked it out or you haven’t yet decided where to have your child’s next major social event, this place is worth discovering.

Just make sure, if you decide to jump with them, that your back is strong and your health insurance is current.

Want more useful information on how to eat well and get in shape? Contact Dan at http://trivalleywellness.com/