Jump In for Bouncing, Climbing and Sliding Fun at Jump!Zone

John and Gayle Harris saw a need and jumped at the chance to find a solution.

The result? Jump!Zone opens its doors Saturday, April 2, at 6 Jill Court, Building 23, inviting youngsters ages 2-12 to jump into a world of inflatable fun.

The Harrises, 10-year Hillsborough residents, recognized that there were few indoor playplaces/party centers in the township and decided to do something about it.

John, an IT professional looking “looking for options,” came from a family who owned a bowling alley and describes himself as “familiar with the family entertainment-type business.” Gayle was a former child care facility director. They decided to put their combined experiences to work, researched franchises and decided on Jump!Zone.

The couple then began the search for a location. With daughters Leah, 8, and Chelsea, 6, in local schools, they knew that they would pursue this venture on one condition.

“Only if we could do something locally. We wanted to be a part of the town. It’s nice to support the town you live in,” said Gayle Harris.

They found the 18,000-square-foot space at 6 Jill Court and, after the lengthy permit process, the site went from an empty shell to an interactive play center in just 6 weeks, John said.

Jump!Zone is filled with 11 massive themed inflatables, including a 21-foot-high bounce house that looks like Tweety Pie in a bird cage and a massive Batman obstacle course and slide.

There are special activities for the 5-and-under set, including a train, basketball game, pirate ship/slide and Mickey Mouse activity – all inflatable, of course, and targeted for specific age groups.

Older youngsters also will find “The Wild One,” a 58-foot-long obstacle course with two large slides and a princess castle.

Youngsters can also try their hand at tossing a football or basketball or playing arcade games.

Jump!Zone houses four large party rooms – each with an inflatable throne for the birthday child. Packages for up to 25-plus guests are available. Plus, Gayle added, arrangements can be made for the site to supply invitations, goody bags, balloons, tokens, food – everything but the cake! Party rooms can be booked online.

The café section features pizza, hot dogs, nachos, snacks drinks and “Slush Puppies” – perfect for when the kids need to take a break from all the fun. And when the adults need a break, they will find flat screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

Jump!Zone will hold its grand opening celebration 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. The site will adjust its open play hours to accommodate school holidays and vacations.