The Joy of the Jump! Zone

Ah, savior of bad weather days! Many area parents of young kids are no doubt familiar with this week's destination, in Niles.

Tucked far back in an industrial corridor off of Howard Street, Jump! Zone is a cavernous space with assorted inflatable bouncy structures lining the walls. Best suited for kids aged 3 - 8, the clean and well-lit facility has a good mix of bouncy houses - some with slides, mazes and other fun pursuits.

Younger sprites can navigate their way through an inflatable circus train/tunnel structure near the front; older kids will enjoy the challenges of a pirate ship, a giant alligator, a huge firetruck or an off-road racing set-up, among other structures. There's even comfy couches and a flat-screen TV for adults seeking to relax (and keep an eye on the periphery).

Jump! Zone has drop-in open playtimes, seven days a week (Hallelujah!). Admission Mon. - Thurs.: $8 per child; Fri. - Sun.: $10 per child. A tuckered out child who doesn't fight bedtime? Priceless.

Jump! Zone, 6374 W. Howard St., Niles (847) 213-9260  www.JumpZoneParty.com