New indoor jumping space for kids opening on the south side

When Sara Bardell, a mother of three children, moved to Tucson five years ago, she was surprised by the lack of indoor places for kids to play, especially during the hot summer.

Sarah Bardell, mother of 3 and owner of Jump: Family Entertainment Center.
Angela Pittenger

So, she and her husband got to planning and created Jump: Family Entertainment Center, which officially opens Nov. 11.

The 14,000-square-foot facility on the south side includes four inflatable obstacle courses, a slippery slope, jumping pillow, Toddler Town and an Interactive Beam video game system with 33 different games.

It also includes a concession stand which will serve hot dogs, nachos, sodas, pizza and other snacks.

"I am super excited," Bardell said. "All the hard work is coming together."

The center is currently in its soft opening stage while the finishing touches are being added. Families can come in for a discounted admission of $7 per child.

Kathy Smith was at Jump with her two grandsons one day last week.

"I think it's fabulous," Smith said. "I've been following on Facebook and watching and waiting."

Kristen Kvaran's children played happily in the Toddler Town section of Jump that day, which includes a jumping castle and various other hands on activities.

"I think it's super fun," Kvaran said. "It's always nice to find places inside for the kids to go especially in the winter and summer months. I appreciate that they have something specifically for the wee ones."

Cute kids — Caroline Pertile, 14 months, left, and Quinn Kvaran, 19 months play in Toddler Town at Jump: Family Entertainment Center, a new place for kids to play.
Angela Pittenger

The official grand opening is 10 a.m., Nov. 11 with face painters, balloon artists, characters and more.

After the grand opening, Bardell will offer Toddler Time from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday during the school year so parents can bring the little ones ages 4 and under. Oh, and get this. There will be free coffee.