Nifty innovations begin even before you arrive at Zip City, in the form of electronic waivers: All adventure venues require visitors to sign them, but Zip City lets you do it electronically at home, saving time at the start and then also on return visits.
Zip City’s zip lines are innovative too, because they’re indoors, and although there are no indoor treetops, they’re still tall enough for an adrenaline rush, and safe enough for kids to hang upside down. Personally, I prefer zipping upright, and love the thrill of soaring through the air, but inevitably the end point of the line usually also ends my love: Stopping depends on a well-placed glove, meeting a slanted platform feet first, or dragging through a runway, none of which I’ve mastered. At Zip City, a magnetic braking system slows and stops riders — genius!
After a few zips, my oldest said, “Let’s climb the walls.” So, my boys lined up, got hooked up and started up. Various-shaped “holds” determine a climb’s difficulty: beginner, midlevel or expert; my older two didn’t make it far. However, my youngest moved to the top like a mountain goat, grabbing holds, ringing the victory bell, and rappelling down triumphantly.
Next, the boys hopped over to the trampoline park. It spans almost 10,000 square feet and includes two open jump courts, four basketball courts, a dodgeball court and two trampoline foam pits. My boys took off for an open jump court, and reported that these trampolines are far superior to our backyard version.
“It’s a better bounce,” my oldest said. And while they enjoyed bouncing, hopping and hitting against the walls, they were disappointed that the walls themselves lacked bounce. “They’re soft, but they’re more of a pad than anything,” one said.
Zip City strives to keep you informed throughout your visit. From the Sky Lounge, you can watch three screens that show a closed circuit video system “that tracks all your child’s movements within our space.” You can also enjoy snacks catered by Ohio’s Shooter’s Restaurant, use free Wi-Fi, catch the game on 10 60-inch flat-screens and sit comfortably on couches and club chairs while watching your kids having a blast.
Zip City
10765 Reading Road
(inside Sports Plus)
513-632-5261
zipcityusa.com/cincinnati
All jump, zip line and rock wall participants must be 30 inches tall, at least 3 years of age and no more than 250 pounds. Prices vary, visit the web site for discounts, bundled rates, and special events.