Do you have kids who dream of being an American Ninja Warrior? The new ZavaZone in Rockville has active fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Packed with fun in 3 different “zones,” ZavaZone strives to be a place that can meet the entertainment needs of both parents and kids ages 5 and up. We visited on a Saturday evening as a group of 5 – two active 10 year olds, one resistant pre-teen and two parents trying to pretend that we are still in the prime of our youth. We had a blast!
When you arrive, head straight for the high ropes course. This area has proved to be a very popular attraction and ZavaZone has instituted a wait list policy to avoid customers having to spend their time in line. We left our name on the list and were free to play until our names were announced over the loud speaker.
Note that participants on the high ropes course need to be at least 48 inches tall and will need to independently use the carabineer system to hook in and out of each obstacle. Staff gives a quick demonstration of how the system works but if this is your child’s first try using this, I highly recommend sending an adult with them.
According to management there are plans for the future to expand the practice area for the carabineer system. Closed toe athletic shoes are required for all equipment in the Adventure Zone.
While waiting for the high ropes call we enjoyed racing each other on the Parkour course and trying out our strength and agility on the Ninja Courses. The four Ninja Courses range from hard to “impossible” and will give a great workout to any adults ready to play during your visit.
The Ninja Course is well staffed with Zava Zone employees, called coaches. Despite the name though, the staff is unable to help or spot kids through the courses or lift them up on to high obstacles but they can assist them in getting down from a place where they are stuck. Most kids under 8 will need parental help and supervision in this area.
For kids and adults looking for a tamer version of fun, ZavaZone houses a huge Bounce Zone with facilities similar to what you will find at 
other indoor trampoline parks. The Bounce Zone has an open jump area, Slam Dunk area, Dodge Ball area, the Take off Zone – a trampoline where you can jump into a foam pit, and the Battle Beam.
To access this zone you will need grippy socks. You can buy Zava socks at the front desk or store area for $2 but we were told by management that you could also bring your own grippy socks that you have purchased at other nearby trampoline parks.
A 4th Zone dubbed the Vertical Zone is planned to open later this spring. This zone will have climbing walls and a drop slide among other height-oriented diversions.
The pricing structure at ZavaZone is by the hour. You can reserve time slots online ahead of time or take your chances and pay upon arrival at the door. Prime afternoon hours have been very popular the last two weekends and full capacity was reached this past Saturday afternoon.
Even with sold out admission the park did not feel crowded in most areas. During our stay visitors began to thin out around 5 p.m. on Saturday night. Entry and exit times are marked on your color-coded wristband. Everyone who plans to play on the equipment needs to pay for a wristband regardless of age. For kids 8 and up I would recommend a two-hour stay. Prices for play are:
- One hour : $19.50
- Two hours: $34.00
- Three hours: $44.00
- Four hours: $54.00
Purchasing and additional hour to your time after a wristband has been purchased can be done for $16. Prices do not include taxes. Parents who do not plan to play and have older or independent kids can hang out in the upstairs “Parents Zone”, a large room with couches and TVs, for no admission cost.
No outside food or drink are allowed in the facility at ZavaZone. They have a small store area near the Ninja Courses where they sell snacks such as Pop Chips and Kind Bars along with juices and water. ZavaZone has lockers (without locks) for your excess gear and several private party rooms.
Our family loved our first visit to Zava Zone and can’t wait to return for another round of active fun!
Additional Information
- ZavaZone is open Tuesday through Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the school year. Hours change up during the summer (June 27 to August 28, 2016). ZavaZone is always closed on Monday.
- Birthday party packages are available and start at $375 for 15 guests.
