Boise, ID

As mentioned in previous posts, my children are park-a-holics. As this is one of their very favorite activities, winter, when it is absolutely too cold and nasty to be outside, is hard on them. Thank goodness for Wahooz! (formerly known as Boondocks) where for a modest fee they can climb, slide, and swing like the jungle animals they are even when it’s 13 below outside. A few weeks ago we agreed to take them on a Saturday night, invoking a high state of excitement between our little beasts.

To access this fantastic, energy-burning activity, we headed to the Meridian exit and Boondocks, I mean Wahooz! (Forgive those of us who have lived here since the place came into existence. We aren’t likely to remember the new name anytime soon!) Heading in, we made our way through all the arcade games to the ticket counter where my husband purchased entrance to the Kiddie Cove as well as a few arcade tickets. The Kiddie Cove consists of a giant, netted climbing apparatus, complete with slides at the top, a rope swing, and plenty of place to just climb and bounce and make friends with the other kids’ whose parents had to get them out of the house. Although there is a height limit to play on this amazing creation, parents, including myself, have been known to climb up in it to rescue children who need it for whatever reason. The time I went up was to show my son how to get through the maze to the slide as he couldn’t quite figure it out. I must say, it was pretty fun, and the slide was fast and a blast.

This particular night as I sat on one of the benches keeping an eye on things, I wound up in a conversation with another Mom, who, as it turns out, kind of knew me. As we chatted we found out we have many mutual acquaintances as well as similar interests and even careers so we gabbed for a good long time. Eventually my kids went and did some games, earning some prize tickets, and our new friends invited us to go out for ice-cream. As we both live in Caldwell, we decided to hit Arctic Circle there, where the shakes are really good and there is a giant whale for the kids to climb and slide on. Hey, if we’re going to let them stay up late and burn off the cabin fever, we might as well really do it up right!

It was probably close to 11:00 by the time we got home and got the tired munchkins to bed—not something I recommend very often, but for a special treat it was fun. No matter what it’s called, this place will always be a favorite with my kids, I’m guessing, and making new friends was definitely an added bonus on this outing.

In addition to the Kiddie Cove, which is really for small children, there is Laser Tag and the Max Flight Similator, and an outdoor mini-golf course, go-karts, batting cages, and bumper boats. There is a variety of food available for purchase, and they offer birthday party packages. (Read more about these other activity options here.)  I understand that Roaring Springs, the water park next door, has purchased the place (hence the name change). For more info, go to the website or phone 898-0900.  This fun zone is located right off the freeway at the Meridian exit and is easy to spot.