Looking for adventurous indoor fun the whole family can enjoy?
Urban Air Adventure Park and Sky Zone Trampoline Park are two leading chains of massive indoor playgrounds filled with trampolines, ninja courses, climbing walls, battle zones and more high-flying attractions.
But how exactly do Urban Air and Sky Zone compare when it comes to their offerings, membership perks, safety policies, pricing, and overall guest experience?
This in-depth guide examines all the key differences to help you decide which trampoline adventure park is best for your next outing.
A Brief Comparison Table
Aspects | Urban Air | Sky Zone |
Locations | 130+ locations | 50+ locations |
Attractions | Trampolines, ninja course, tubes playground, ropes course | Trampolines, foam pits, ninja course |
Membership | Valid only at home park | Valid at any location |
Parties | Themed packages with amenities | Packages with amenities |
Safety | Gripped socks, monitors, age restrictions | Gripped socks, safety inspectors, age rules |
Food | Full restaurants at some parks | Typically concessions |
Pricing | $20/hr open jump, members $10-$15 | $12-$25/hr open jump, members $5-$12 |
Reviews | Praise variety, some inconsistent cleanliness | Also positive, inconsistencies between locations |
Pros | More attractions like tubes and ropes | More locations in US and worldwide |
Cons | Fewer locations than Sky Zone | Smaller selection of attractions |
Overview of Urban Air Adventure Park
Founded in 2015 and based in Texas, Urban Air Adventure Park is one of the largest and fastest growing indoor adventure recreation franchises. They aim to provide thrilling fun for all ages in a safe environment.
Some quick facts on Urban Air:
- 130+ locations across 35 states and Canada.
- Attractions include massive main trampoline courts, warrior/ninja courses, climbing walls, tubes playground.
- Also offer birthday parties, events, and Urban Air Membership.
- Kids Zone for young children with soft play area.
- Safety certified by the International Association of Trampoline Parks.
Overview of Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Sky Zone pioneered the trampoline park concept with their first location in 2004. They now operate over 50 parks worldwide offering fun trampoline-based activities.
Here’s some background on Sky Zone:
- 50+ locations in the U.S., Canada, Australia, UK, and Saudi Arabia.
- Features main trampoline courts, Foam Zone pits, Warrior/Ninja courses, climbing walls.
- Also offer memberships, events, and birthday parties.
- Designated times for Kids Court with gentle activities.
- Uses Court Safety Inspectors to regularly inspect parks.
Also Read: Comparison Between Emler Swim School And Aqua-Tots
Key Differences Between Urban Air And Sky Zone Park
Now let’s compare the offerings and experiences at these leading park chains.
1. Attractions and Activities
The types of attractions available is one of the biggest differences between Urban Air and Sky Zone.
Urban Air Attractions
- Massive main trampoline area
- Several trampoline sports courts like dodgeball, basketball
- Warrior/Ninja obstacle courses with swinging, rolling, climbing challenges
- Climbing walls up to 40 feet high with auto-belay
- Tubes Playground with a maze of multidirectional tubes to crawl through
- Battle Beams where opponents stand on beams and try to knock each other off
Sky Zone Attractions
- Wide open trampoline jump areas
- Foam Zone pits filled with blocks to climb and jump into
- Warrior/Ninja course with swinging, rolling, and free running
- Warped climbing walls and ladders
- Several trampoline sports courts
- SkyJoust battle game on elevated platforms
Urban Air generally has more variety, including unique tube playgrounds and high ropes courses. But both offer exciting trampoline activities.
2. Membership Options
For frequent visitors, memberships can provide discounted unlimited access and other perks. Here’s an overview of memberships at each chain:
Urban Air Membership
- Elite Pass around $20/month with $9.99 park entry
- Ultra Pass around $30/month with $4.99 park entry
- Includes unlimited jumps, member events, discounts
- Valid at your home park only
Sky Zone Membership
- Basic around $25/month with $12 hourly rate
- Premium around $40/month with $5 hourly rate
- Also includes unlimited jumps, park discounts
- Redeemable at any Sky Zone location
Both offer discounted entry and jumping for members. Sky Zone memberships work at all parks, while Urban Air is just for your home location.
3. Party and Event Packages
Another major draw to trampoline parks are the birthday party and event options available. Here’s an overview:
Urban Air Party Packages
- Classic to Ultimate packages with amenities, food upgrades
- All include invitations, socks, private court time
- Higher tiers add extras like food, cake, goodie bags
- Party hosts assist with setup, activities
Sky Zone Party Packages
- Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers
- Also include invitations, court time, socks
- More amenities and food with higher tiers
- Dedicated party coordinators to help
You’ll find flexible party and event options for any budget at both Sky Zone and Urban Air.
Also Read: Comparison Between DEFY Trampoline Parks Vs. Urban Air Adventure Parks
4. Safety Policies and Training
With the thrilling activities, safety is crucial at trampoline parks. Here are some of the key policies in place:
Urban Air Safety
- Required waiver acknowledging risks
- Special grip socks must be worn
- Court monitors to enforce rules
- Size/age restrictions for certain attractions
- Proper jumping education and technique
Sky Zone Safety
- Also requires online waiver before play
- Provides and requires non-slip jumping socks
- Court Safety Inspectors monitor for safe play
- Limits access to high risk zones by age
- Strict rules like no flips, diving onto foam
Both parks take precautions like grip socks, rules enforcement, and age restrictions to allow thrilling play while minimizing injury risks.
5. Pricing and Hours
Pricing and operation hours are also factors for families. Here’s an overview:
Urban Air Pricing
- Open jump around $20 per hour
- Members get $9.99 – $14.99 discounted rate
- Various day passes from 2 hours to unlimited
- Typically open weekends, limited weekdays
Sky Zone Pricing
- Hourly rates from $12 – $25
- Members get discounted $5 – $12 rate
- Day passes range from 1 to 10 hours
- Open 7 days a week, some until midnight
Pricing is very similar for basic open jumps, with member discounts at both. Sky Zone has longer hours at some locations.
Watch this review video:
6. Food and Drinks
On-site food and drinks range from snacks to full restaurants:
Urban Air Food
- Most have cafe selling pizza, snacks, sweets
- Also offer vending machines
- Full restaurant and bar at some parks
Sky Zone Food
- Typically a concession stand or vending
- Menu includes pizza, tenders, fries, snacks
- Some have juice bars, cafes
- Allow outside food and drink
Urban Air tends to have more dining options from quick bites to restaurants. But Sky Zone enables bringing your own food.
7. Customer Reviews
Looking at customer feedback provides helpful insight into the actual experiences at these parks:
Urban Air Reviews
- Families praise variety for all ages and fitness levels
- Some concerns with cleanliness at certain locations
- Parents love having amenities handled for parties
- Kids and teens have an awesome time
Sky Zone Reviews
- Also positive feedback on fun, unique parties
- Some inconsistencies noted between franchises
- Value seen as reasonable for hours of play
- Complaints of crowds during busy times
Overall, reviews are quite positive for both with some variation between locations as is common with franchised businesses.
Pros and Cons of Urban Air Vs. Sky Zone
To summarize, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of each chain:
Urban Air Pros
- More variety of attractions like tubes, high ropes
- Premium membership includes more perks
- On-site food from snacks to restaurants
- Parties receive lots of assistance
Urban Air Cons
- Fewer locations on U.S. coasts currently
- Safety rules unevenly enforced sometimes
- Limited weekday hours at some parks
Sky Zone Pros
- First trampoline park chain with proven model
- Wider U.S. and worldwide presence
- Basic membership valid at any park
- Longer weekday hours
Sky Zone Cons
- Smaller selection of attractions overall
- Food either concession or bring your own
- Review note some cleanliness inconsistencies
Also Read: Comparison Between Urban Air And Altitude.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Urban Air socks are one-time use for hygiene and safety. You must purchase a new pair each visit.
Comfortable activewear like leggings, t-shirts, and sweatpants allow lots of movement when jumping. Avoid jewelry and loose clothes.
No, Urban Air memberships are location specific and only valid at your home park. Sky Zone memberships work at any franchise.
As of 2023, there are over 130 Urban Air park locations across the United States and Canada with more continuing to open.
Also Read: Comparison Between Defy and Sky Zone
Final Thought
When comparing top trampoline park chains like Urban Air Adventure Park and Sky Zone Trampoline Park, there are clear tradeoffs in attractions offered versus number of locations.
Urban Air is the winner if you want the widest variety of activities from trampolines to climbing walls and more. But Sky Zone has more locations if accessibility is your main priority.
Check out their offerings, membership perks, events, and safety record at parks near you to decide which provides the best high-flying fun time for your family’s next birthday or adventure outing. With either option, you’re guaranteed endless hours of bouncing entertainment.