People who live in Fresno are often lost for words when asked the question: “What do you want to do tonight?”
The answers are limited — going to the mall, movies, or maybe Boomers if there are kids in the picture. Thankfully, Fresno now has a brand new form of entertainment known as
Skywalk.
This trampoline arena sets the bar high for entertainment. Instead of sitting in a movie theater or spending your paycheck on mindless shopping and acquisition of things you’ll never
use, come to skywalk and get your heart racing with excitement.
“This place is a lot of fun; you don’t even realize you are exercising since you’re having such a good time, so much better that just going out to eat or watching T.V,” said Tom Scott, a
business major at Fresno State.
Skywalk in an innovative arena with wall-to-wall in large trampolines as well as cushions in between so you can’t hurt yourself. The arena itself is probably the size of a large house with
vaulted ceilings so you don’t bump your head into the roof. There are at least 20 trampolines back-to-back when you first walk into the jumping area.
It is intimidating at first because there is so much space to jump. Once you get the hang of it, all you want to do is try and get higher or jump across each trampoline as fast as you
can. Above the wall there is a basketball hoop that has trampolines going up the wall, letting you make a slam dunk while jumping with the ball. The hoop makes a fun game with people you
meet there, or with the friends that you bring.
Towards the very back of the arena are three lighter colored trampolines that lead you to a vast oasis of black squared foam. This is what you may call “The foam pit.” But don’t let that
cushiony fall deceive you. This pit reminds you of quick sand if anything. You are supposed to start at the end of the trampoline and jump as high as you can into the foam. It is a soft landing, but the getting out part is the trouble. Don’t even bother wearing socks because on the way out, you will be sockless. Swimming through the huge foam is a lot harder than it looks. It is totally worth it though once you finally find a way out.
To the left of the foam pit is the “Dodge Ball” area which has nets surrounding the section off so that the balls don’t get loose through the rest of the arena. This section is pretty
decently sized allowing you to freely jump around and practice your dodging skills. If you are a parent and are concerned about older kids jumping around and possibly hurting the little ones, there are always employees walking around watching everyone in action.
This place will make you have so much fun that you don’t even realize that you have been jumping for the past hour. There is music that plays non-stop, which allows you to dance
and jump to the beat of music. If you look above, there are multiple colored lights above everyone for when the lights get turned off. The minute that the switch gets flipped, the lights
swirl colors all around you causing everyone to cheer and jump their hearts out. It seems to be a lot more fun with the lights off, since it adds a surreal feel to the ambiance of the arena.
All in all, Skywalk is definitely one of the most fun and affordable places to go in Fresno. Once you go, there is no doubt you will be there again. It’s one of the few places where
kids and adults can equally enjoy themselves. They are able to provide areas for birthday parties or even just a big group of people. If you aren’t worried about a bedtime, Skywalk is open late too. It’s open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to midnight and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
So the next time you and some friends are contemplating what to do, make sure Skywalk comes to mind. It is an amazing place that guarantees a smile on your face, along with some
sweat.
Skywalk is on Highway 41 in Madera, less than 10 minutes away from Riverpark too. If you are an adult wanting to jump with some friends, make sure to give them call ahead to make
sure your group can be accommodated. It is always better to jump with people your own size.
Have fun and jump your heart out.