We were invited to visit Flip Out Chester to review their Trampolining and Clip n Climb activity as well as to taste the food served at their American Diner, The Kitchen. As parents of a 7 and 4 year old, we were a little hesitant at first especially with the recent cases of accidents which has taken place there. But we knew Flip Out was a fabulous place for the kids and it will be unfair not to head there to experience the facilities for our selves and share it with you.
It was easy to head to Flip Out Chester as we followed the Sat Nav, there was lots of parking in the front, side and back of the building as well. The Trampolining session starts on the hour and we were told to be there half hour before. Soon as we arrived, we registered (each given a chip), signed our waivers, got our special flip out socks and watched the safety video. The kids especially enjoyed watching the video as it was fun and entertaining. While the video was being played, our host exchanged our chips for coloured armbands. After the video ended, our host asked some questions to the kids and reminded them on the dos and don’ts.
As we arrived in the morning it was not that busy, the kids had lots of rooms to run around and had the trampoline just for themselves. These 12ft trampolines were very bouncy and had safety mats that covered the springs to ensure the kids stayed out of harm’s way. It got a lot busier towards the afternoon and especially after lunch. There was lots of rooms around the side for parents to stay close and watch their kids. Parents who would like to also trampoline can do so, to stay closer to their kids. The music and disco lights made the place quite atmospheric, do watch the video below to get a feel of the place.
After lunch we decided to do a 90 minute Clip n Climb session. None of us had ever done climbing before so it was a new experience for us. We were given a safety briefing at the start on what we could and should not do. Our instructor helped us with the safety harness and double checked it to make sure they were properly on. Kids as young as four are able to participate in the climbing activity.
Here are some photos of our 7-year-old confidently climbing to the top of the wall. Our 4-year-old gave a few of the walls a try but went only half way up, he enjoying ‘getting down’ using the harness as he felt he was flying.
Here’s a video of our 7-year-old climbing to the top of the wall. When she reached the top, she pressed the red button, which she loved doing again and again. Totally boosted her confidence, hence would recommend the Clip n Climb to anyone who has young kids.
I also saw a lot of older men and woman giving climbing a go, some looked like they were there every week while others (like me) looked like they were there for the first time. Climbing is hard work but it is gives your body a good workout. Some parts of your body like your hands / legs might feel a little sore after climbing, but it wont be for long. We had red palms for a few hours hours.
