Pump It Up (271 Good Days in Tacoma: Inflated Fun (with pics))

Yesterday morning we had the chance to check out a new fun spot in town, a Pump It Up franchise, just opened on 36th and Pine by the Tacoma Mall. They have been open only a few weeks, and already booked 14 birthday parties this past Saturday.

Right now their drop in hours are limited to preschoolers, but according to one of their staff members, the fun isn't just for little kids. They've had birthday parties for people as old as 18, and are happy to book the space for anyone who wants to jump around and hit their friends with giant inflatable boxing gloves. (They didn't take these out at the preschool play time, since they're as big as some of the kids.)

The "Pop In Play" time is a great way to let the little ones burn off some energy on a rainy morning. Admission is $7 for the first child, $5 for siblings. After signing a waiver and watching a safety video, everyone heads to the inflatables room and the adults really don't see the kids again except for the occasional bump on the head until time is up an hour and a half later. Everything is blown up with giant fans, which create enough white noise to keep the noise in the room down and the kids relatively calm. One and a half hours was just enough time for everyone in my crew to get tired and hungry.

(According to their website, they're hiring, too.)

Pump It Up Tacoma

3610 S Pine St

Tacoma

253-752-5867