We have been waiting for Monkey Joe's in Camp Hill, PA to open, and we finally got to go today!
Monkey Joe's is an inflatable/bounce gym for children up to the age of 12. The cost of admission varies from $5 for children 2 and under, up to $10 for older children on the weekends and holidays. (Weekdays are $8). This adds up a little too quickly for me to take my three children frequently, but will definitely be on our once-in-awhile list, or the we-can't-stay-in-this-house-one-more-day cabin-fever list.
There are security measures in place, where they tag each child with a numbered bracelet at check-in, and then label the parent with an identical number. Supposedly, this is to ensure no adult leaves with the wrong child. However, nobody checked my tag on the way out. I could assume that that's because my clan is easily identifiable, and nobody else would be crazy enough to walk out with 3 boys under 3. Let's go with that. Otherwise, it's just a waste of time at check-in when the kids are antsy to get to the giant colorful inflatables.
The inflatables are great. My 2-year-olds had a blast, and there were kids there maybe in the 8-10 age range who also looked to be having fun. I will say that they weren't quite 1-year-old friendly, even though they still charged for my 13-month-old. But, he did manage to have fun, anyway.
The workers are also really good - willing to help the smaller children up into the equipment, and even sliding down the slides with children unwilling, or unable to go down themselves. I should say not just "willing," but they seemed to be enjoying the children, which is always a plus! It definitely made me feel comfortable enough to not need to keep an eye on them at all times. Which really isn't even possible for me, but at least I didn't feel guilty about it. Adults are allowed to "assist" children under 4, but are not permitted to "bounce" on the equipment.
There is a snack bar on-site, and the prices didn't seem overly inflated. A large pizza was $13, and I saw one come out that looked like it would be pretty tasty. I think popcorn was 99 cents. I forgot to check the drink prices, but there was a water fountain, and the worker did give me a free cup to use for it (not always a given at places like this).
It was much more crowded than I expected for having just opened. But maybe we aren't the only ones who've been closely watching for the "Now Open!" signs.
So, while I wish they had a different pricing structure, or at least offered discounts to families with more than one child (they do offer a "frequent user" card, but it only helps those 3 and over, at $70 for 10 uses), it was a lot of fun, and I hope to take the boys again soon!
