by Kristen Bagwell

Remember the good old days when we played outside until the streetlights came on? We had to listen for our names being called to come home, not to our mobile phones. As our childrens' lives become more high-tech, their play becomes less imaginative. While electronic games can be good learning tools, they are mainly based on question and response, not on make-believe. How, then, can we make sure our kids continue to exercise their imaginations?

Pump It Up of Raleigh has the answer. Recognizing that make-believe play is a rarity for children in today’s digital world filled with high-tech toys and gaming systems, Pump It Up is reintroducing families to the benefits of using their imaginations. Today, the indoor inflatable playground is announcing an entirely new line of “Adventure Parties” nationwide, where children go through Superhero or Pirate training camps to encourage imaginative play among children 3 to 7 years old.

Centered on bringing children’s fantasies to life, Pump It Up’s new offerings come complete with trained professionals who use props, costumes and creative scripts to engage the kids. Following a series of games and activities that incorporate the Pump It Up inflatables and rides, each training camp ends with the children “becoming” a pirate or superhero. Studies show that these types of role-play activities enhance children’s intellectual development, social skills, self control and emotional strength.

While this is a new program nationally, Pump It Up Raleigh has been offering these parties for several weeks to test the waters. “Pump It Up has always been a favorite place for active play, but we wanted to enhance the experience and create an adventure for our guests unparalleled by any other in the industry,” said Kelly McHugh, owner of the Raleigh Pump It Up. “We are elevating what most people know as theme parties to a new level by creating training camps for children to become their favorite fantasy character. Everyone at the party takes part in the adventure, with the help of a trained Adventure Guide who draws them into the superhero or pirate worlds from the moment they pull into the parking lot.”

Pump It Up will continue to roll-out Adventure Parties with new character training camps in addition to the current offerings, Pirate Quest and Superhero Training Camp. The Adventure Party themes may be added to any of the Pump It Up party packages. For more information, visit Pump It Up Raleigh's website, and be sure to like them on Facebook to receive updates and special offers!