Sky Zone "Sensory Sunday" Review

My son is proprioceptively hyporesponsive (among other issues) which has made him hold true to the "bouncing baby boy" cards. He bounces all the time. Not as much as before, but still a lot. And he turns 17 tomorrow!

Along with the proprioceptive issues were other things like sensitivity to sounds, lights, and smells. The only person I know that doesn't like the smell of baking buns at Subway! All these little issues are pretty big when you're a little guy, and we spent a lot of time avoiding places or modifying activities to keep him comfortable. Sometimes it was frustrating. Storytime at the library? He sat when the other marched, marched while they sat, played human bowling when they were supposed to be twirling. Etc. We missed out on a lot. Then add two more kids, and then a big move.

In 2014, I saw Sky Zone on "Undercover Boss". I had heard of Sky Zone but there wasn't any local to us. I was really impressed with the business after watching that episode! In 2015, one opened in Whitby. So even though my kids were now older (15, 12, 8), I was sure they'd still enjoy it. Me....meh. I'm not a jumper. Perhaps something to do with my body shape, LOL. Somehow I managed to convince the husband to take the three kids by himself.

They came back loving it, though Hugh said the music was annoying/too loud. For a kid with earbuds in all the time, he never talks about music, never wants to go to a concert, doesn't have a favourite song, band, genre. I don't know if he ever listens to music other than when we're in the truck.

Earlier this year, I heard that Sky Zone has special "sensory" jump times. Incredible. Where was this 14 years ago?! It's advertised as a "quieter, more relaxed jumping experience" with modified safety measures, less crowded environment, added staff to support all jumpers, and light and sound reduction.

I was invited to write about Sky Zone for this blog and I thought it would be awesome to check out the Sensory Friendly jump time. I know so many kids that would benefit. And not just kids--I'm one of those adults who doesn't do well in high energy environments.

At the Whitby location, the Sensory Friendly jumps are on certain Sunday mornings, 9-11am, (June 25th/2017 is the next one) and Monday afternoons, 3-7 (Monday June 5th is the next). Check the online calendar or call for more dates. On Sundays, they open to the general public at 10am and Mondays at 4pm. I arrived at about 10am on a Sunday to tour.

https://www.skyzone.com/ca-whitby
This photo is not totally accurate. Draw a line down the centre and ignore everything to the right. The court in the middle is dodgeball, and the main court, foam pit, and SkySlam are stretching back to the left.

The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the lack of music. I love music, but the combination of loud music and loud, happy children is too much for me. I had been into Sky Zone once before when my daughter was attending a birthday party, and it felt so bright, noisy, and overwhelming. It was none of that this time! The lights were dimmed to a comfortable level and it was not busy at all. I immediately relaxed.

For some great pictures and video of the actual Whitby location, click HERE. I like being prepared when I go new places.

Nicole gave me a tour and talked about the different zones and changes they make for Sensory Friendly jump times. There is a sign in the washrooms suggesting patrons do not use the hand dryers, because of the noise! Awesome! There were staff everywhere, interacting with kids, not just observing. There were only a few families there, so there was lots of space on the main court for the kids jumping. I also saw kids using the  SkySlam! area-- three basketball nets (different heights!), and saw the toddler zone. I could see into the foam pit and was amazed at the tiny little girl jumping in!

Photo fromhttps://www.skyzone.com/ca-whitby

I actually saw a child I know from my lunch supervisor job. I know he has autism and was happy to see him having a great time. I told him the next day that I saw him there, and he got SO excited. He says he loves Sky Zone, and his favourite is the "cheese pit". I assume that's the foam block pit!!  LOL!

One thing that would have concerned me when my kids were little was how to keep them all contained in one area. The layout is great though, and it would be easy for one parent to watch several kids while keeping an eye on the entrance ramp. I thought the ramp was awesome. Going up stairs can be tricky for little kids, or other people with spatial or physical impairments. I also noticed fluorescent tape accenting many features around the park. This is for their "Glow Party" nights, so you can still find things with the lights down.

There are activities on the main floor area, away from the trampoline, as well as a snack bar area with lots of seating. A good spot for a breather. 

I was even excited by the pricing. It's $6 +tax for 60 minutes and one non-jumping chaperone is free!

Normally, for open jump time, 60 minutes is $15.99 +tax. While Sunday mornings are not my optimal time for family outings, I would definitely consider going on a Monday. Many local support groups/services also co-ordinate outings, so if you're a member of any support group, ask about that. It's more fun to jump with a friend.

Waivers still need to be filled in (I'd do it online to reduce children's impatience once they get in there), and SkySocks are a must. If your child is sensitive to socks, I suggest wearing the SkySocks over their regular pair of socks. It took a bit of digging, but I also found that no outside food is allowed. Understandable, though frustrating for those on a budget. Really, for one hour of jumping, just have some snacks in the car. I assume there are water fountains though I will check.

I was really impressed with Nicole's enthusiasm; it totally matched what I had seen on Undercover Boss. Staff seemed happy to be there. I know Open Jump times might be different, due to the busyness, but if you're catering to kids with extra needs during Sensory Friendly jump times, you need staff that are approachable and excited to be there. If you're unsure if your child will enjoy it, at least it's not an expensive outing, and you're not committed to using up passes or coming every week at a certain time. Come once, and just be prepared for the big smiles, sweaty brows, and the constant question "When can we go to SkyZone again?".

Life with a Spirited Child

Aaaaargh.  It's been another one of those mornings.  Having had children with speech and language delays, sensory processing disorders, and now potentially ADD, it's hard to know when it's one of those coming through, or lack of sleep ("Sleepy Bugs") or hunger ("Hungry Monster"), or their "spirited" personality.

 Today was a good example.  She (Megan) was tired (busy weekend away at her first synchro skating competition and three late nights since then), and then couldn't find ANY socks that were her's in the clean laundry.  Well, there were her socks, but not the match for the one she wanted (I throw all the kids socks in a basket on the shelf, and when I get a chance, I match them up, or make them).  I think I've seen a match for that one sock....once.  However, there are dirty socks on the couch, on a kitchen chair, in the basement (that's a popular spot), on the stairs....finally, two matching, acceptable socks were found.

Then it was "I need something to eat!".  I don't usually make her breakfast, I'm busy making lunch which is more predictable and routine.  She settled on corn flakes, but I didn't know how much to pour.  While checking the bowl out, she saw I had put brown sugar on.  That was WRONG!  What kid doesn't want brown sugar on their corn flakes?!

Then she remembered about her e-reader.  The school is participating in "Battle of the Books" and this year, she can take part, and now the books are on e-readers.  She took in her Sony e-reader, hoping to get the book put on it, but the tech guy said he couldn't.  Last night she was reading, and came down saying she was on page 30 of 40 for the chapter but suddenly the box at the bottom came up and she didn't touch anything but now the line spacing was different and there was only 37 pages in the chapter and it wasn't where she left off.  Since it was late, I said we'd look at it in the morning.

So, in the mad rush of morning, here I am trying to get the chapter to  have 40 pages, by changing the font size and the line spacing.  I get it to 40 pages, but page 30 is not where she was.  So, I fiddle with it to make the font and spacing look like it did before, but now there's only 36 pages and page 30 is not where she was.  She was getting really agitated, and I tried to explain that those numbers really don't matter, as long as she can find where she was.  She was really headed towards a meltdown.
This is one of the things we deal with frequently, with her.  Her idea/belief that something is a certain way and no discussing it will change her mind.  Her synchro coach told the team to come to the show with their hair done a certain way.  Then she sends an email saying the team will do it together before the show.  This caused a major meltdown.
All she could say about where she was in the book was that it mentioned "Mr Brunner" so I scrolled around to find his name somewhere after where I had left off last night.  That was the spot, but it was not page 30 of 40.  Argh.  Finally, she relented and took it.

The alarm to go get coats and boots on sounded.  That's usually when she realizes she needs money/forms signed/different socks/gym shoes in a different size/secret Santa gift, etc.  Some of these things could be avoided if I'd remember to check her agenda when she gets home from school....but due to her language, that's not always easy to understand.  And I think I might have ADD too :)

Today could have been much worse, and many mornings are.  She can be difficult to understand, verbally, and that just makes it even harder.  Put it all together, and whoa.  Why is it the parents of these kids are exhausted but the kids themselves never seems to need sleep?!