Be There: HiWire Indoor Sports brings out the kid in us all

WHAT: HiWire Trampoline Park

WHERE: Sandhills location at 741 Fashion Drive, Columbia; Irmo location at 1019 Broad Stone Road, Irmo.

WHEN: Open seven days a week. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday and 1-7 p.m. Sunday

No matter your age or station in life, there’s something about summer that brings out the kid in us all. The warm temperatures remind us of lazy summers spent being active in ways that seemed effortless and fun. And for those that want to recapture their youth – or have some youths running around the house you’d like to tire out – HiWire is the perfect summer spot.

“The majority of kids and families watch too much TV and play video games,” said Lori Harris, director of marketing and advertising for Plex Indoor Sports. “Our goal has always been to get families moving, and HiWire does just that. Jumping on trampolines or bouncing into our Olympic-size foam pits, playing dodgeball and doing our obstacle course are all fitness-based activities that allow families to incorporate time together in a good clean fun environment. And the bonus is they are moving and getting exercise without even realizing it.”

And so far, so good. The parks have attracted not only families but also church groups, birthday parties, after-prom events, school spirit nights and corporate team-building exercises.

“People have a good time when they’re here,” said Chris Johnson, who manages both locations.

And for jumpers 15 and older, the locations turn into “Club HiWire” from 9 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday.

“We cut the lights out, turn the laser lights on and crank up the music,” said Johnson.

“Our sound system is connected to all our special effects and black lighting. The lights actually keep the beat of the music. It rivals any club in NYC,” added Harris.

Other themed nights include church night every Wednesday, family night on Monday and Dodgeball Thursday.

THE VIBE

Family-friendly with lots of space to roam around. Physical activities for all ages to enjoy, which means everyone can have fun doing something that gets them moving without crowding one another.

THE VERDICT

For anyone who wants to do something active with family and friends that doesn’t require a lot of athleticism and coordination, this place is great. Even as a date night, this place could be a lot of fun. And no matter who you go with, at least if you fall, your landing will be heavily padded.

If you go: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-12 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-7 p.m. on Sunday. $13/hour for ages 7 and older; $8/hour for ages 6 and younger. 2-hour passes are $21, or $15 for ages 6 and younger. On Family Night, the entire immediate family jumps for $35. Ninja Obstacle Courses at both Parks. Kiddie-designated area at Irmo location only. www.plexindoorsports.com and www.HiWire.info.

Dwaun Sellers

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 1:30 PM.