Let your kid go wild at the bounce-house-a-palooza at Pump It Up: The Inflatable Party Zone in Sparks, Nevada.

‘Jump-N-Art’ where, [k]ids spend part of their time laughing, bouncing and playing games and part of their time exploring their inner Rembrandts Pump It Up: The Inflatable Party Zone is an indoor play space perfect for kids of any age that caters to special events such as birthday parties, fieldtrips, fundraisers, a year round track-out & Summer camp program called “Jump-N-Art” where, “[k]ids spend part of their time laughing, bouncing and playing games and part of their time exploring their inner Rembrandts”, and much more.

This past weekend my 4 year-old daughter and 2 year-old son were invited to a birthday party from a friend at their daycare/school at Pump It Up. Pump It Up is located just east of McCarran Boulevard at 610 E. Glendale Avenue, south of I-80 and filled with seven different inflatable bounce houses separated into two arenas. The birthday party we attended was during the mid-afternoon hours so it was excellent for our littlest because he had just arisen from his nap and was ready for some fun. Our first impression of this place was that it is amazing for a couple hours of fun or as little as an hour to exhaust the kids.

Our kids had so much fun at this venue. It was perfect for a kid of any age because, even as adults, you can get into one and romp with the little one too.

The birthday party worked just like a seamless operation, choreographed to the minute with fun things for the kids to do and change to the environment. At one point, the lights went out and disco-esque strobe lights came on and the kids went wild.

As a group, we all experienced both arenas and the birthday party room. We spent some time in arena A and then the party manager moved everyone to arena B before finally arriving at the birthday party room. It was like the progression of a part on an assembly line; moving from one part of assembly to the next with relative ease.

Because they were twins, the birthday boy and girl each received a blow-up hat to wear during the party. It really made their day.

The rate for the 100% private party was based on the number of people who attended. Because the Pump It Up organization had to have a staff member for so many number of kids, it made sense to use that pricing structure.

We found out that free play, “Pop-in Time” hours typically run during the middle of the week and it is usually around $6/hour per child.

The facilities were really clean and each of the inflatable bounce houses were well maintained. I would definitely return for another visit in the future.

Where: 660 Glendale Avenue, Sparks, Nevada 89431. (East McCarran and Glendale by the JC Penny Outlet Store).

What: Pump It Up and indoor inflatable bounce house location for kids of all ages.

Need to know: Check their website for events and available open play times and rates.

Extra Extra: Be sure to remember a pair of clean sox becuase they are necessary in the indoor arenas and extra change/money to spend on the indoor photo booth and cyclone machine. Also, know that if you’re planning a birthday party, there is an option to send an invitation online (a great option for any parent on-the-go with little time to spend writing out invitation cards).

Website/Contact Information: www.PumpItUpReno.com

The Playroom is an indoor play space for a cold and rainy or sweltering hot day for kids as old as eight years-old.

On a cold rainy day, like today, I like to take my children to The Playroom. The Playroom is an indoor play space where children can play as long as they like with no time limits that is mommy-owned and operated by Daniela Ferrari, a mother of 3 little girls who acquired the business in March of 2010.

“[Daniela Ferrari] is very involved in the local early childhood association and committed to continuing to develop fantastic programs for young children. She has also taken many graduate and continuing education classes in child development and is always looking to learn more. When talking about her work with kids, Daniela state[s], ‘I absolutely love working with children… it’s always been my love, my life, my passion!'” Source: The Playroom website

Ms. Ferrari was a customer prior to purchasing The Playroom. “She has always loved The Playroom and is very excited to be able to continue to offer it to the community.”

The Playroom motto is “Play, Grow, Celebrate”. These words ring true from what I experienced. My children and I had a great time at this location. Complete with a bounce house, child-sized pink house, complete with a kitchen and plastic-molded food as toys, a great climbing structure that just about any adult can fit inside (I am 6’5″ and I was easily able to scale the structure with the kids) complete with a tube slide, an area just for infants, rock climbing walls, seating for parents to watch, electronic massage chairs (you will need to pay to turn them on; similar to a vending machine), and much more.

I have to admit, I’m a little biased in my opinion because when I was living in San Diego, California for short period of time (July 2011 through January 2012), I was exposed to My Kids Clubhouse. My Kids Clubhouse is very similar to The Playroom in that there is unlimited playtime, a climbing structure, and other toys for the kids to play with, including a puppet show area. The climbing structure at My Kids Clubhouse is much larger than that found at The Playroom. Also, the space found at My Kids Clubhouse was much larger than The Playroom. However, The Playroom utilizes its space very well and I give them credit for that. Where The Playroom has a leg up on My Kids Clubhouse is the always present bounce house. My kids can’t get enough of jumping around in any bounce house. It’s a great choice for this location.

Since My Kids Clubhouse is in San Diego, California, it’s as though I’m comparing apples and oranges, and I don’t intend to do that. I also worked at Fun Quest while I was in high school and the Grand Sierra Resort was still the Reno Hilton; I will leave Fun Quest to another review. I just want you to know that I have another perspective of what The Playroom can be. That being said, The Playroom is a perfect play space for children in the Reno, Nevada area.

The Playroom is perfect for special occasions as well. Most weekends, the space is booked for birthday parties and other events where parents may want to have a private party. Most Saturdays, however, you can find The Playroom open for free play until noon. You may need to call in advance to find out if it is available for open play on Saturdays or sign up for their e-mail alerts. The latter is how I usually get news of events happening at The Playroom.

On our first trip, I decided to purchase a punch card so that my children and I can return whenever we like and we don’t have to worry about paying each time. I would highly encourage you to do the same.

From my impression, this location is perfect for children as old as eight years-old. My children are well within that range, so we found this place perfect for our family to enjoy several hours of free play. We were quite impressed with this indoor play space.

Have you visited the playroom? What was your experience? I can tell you most emphatically that my kids and I had a great time.

Where: 8745 Technology Way, suite F, Reno, NV 89521 (Near IGT on Double R Boulevard).

What: The Playroom indoor play space for kids.

Need to know: Open play on weekdays and until noon on (most) Saturdays. Perfect spot for birthday parties and private dad or mommy group times. Be sure to wear or bring a pair of socks with you. You can’t get in without them on your feet.

Check out their website for a detailed calendar.

Extra Extra: Get a punch card and save money and the time it takes to pay each visit.

Website/Contact Information: ThePlayroomInfo.com