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More Ups than Downs at Family Fun Center Mary Paramore
Jackie and Kevin Siejack know their indoor bounce house facility isn’t the only one in the area, but they believe it’s the most kid and parent friendly one. Jump On It Family Fun Center is situated at 131 Industry Lane, No. 4, in Forest Hill. The Siejacks say their business, which occupies 4,000 sq. ft. in the Forest Hill Industrial Park, is unique because of its small size. “You can sit on the couch and see your child, and you can see the front door, so you know they are not going out,” said Jackie. “We’re not so big you can’t keep an eye on your child.” Jump On It provides all the conveniences of home, so parents can relax while kids get out their wiggles on the four differently designed bounce houses with slides, basketball hoops, loungers and obstacles. The center features wireless Internet, large flat screen TVs, complimentary coffee and water service, popular magazines and comfy couches made for curling up with a good book. Parents don’t have to sit out, though. Jackie and Kevin encourage parents to play on and in the bounce houses with their children. Parents play free, while children’s admission is $6 per child. As word about Jump On It has spread, the Siejacks say business had increased almost exponentially since it opened in December 2008. Kevin said, “We’re doing more meetings here, end-of-season team parties and birthdays. Women schedule play dates here. We have mom clubs meet here and even had a PTA fundraiser for North Harford Middle School.” Jump On It Family Fun Center has partitioned off a party room designed especially for special events. With ample seating, colorful decor and a food table, the room also has one special touch that can make a themed party a true hit: a second flat screen TV. Kevin said, “If it’s a Sponge Bob party, they can watch a Sponge Bob DVD. Or, if the parents are watching a game and the party moves in here, the game can move, too.” Long & Foster Realtor Jamie Schultz was at Jump On It with her family and said she discovered the business after accepting a child’s birthday party invitation. Schultz said, “The party was great. They kept the kids on schedule and there were a lot of kids here, too.” Jackie said the facility is closed to the public during scheduled birthday parties. She said, “It makes the kids feel special, plus parents are able to relax and socialize without having to worry about their child being with kids they don’t know and might not get along with.” The Siejacks chose to open their business in Forest Hill because Kevin was born and raised in Harford County. Jackie hails from Baltimore County, but the couple has resided in Harford County throughout their marriage and has raised their two sons, Jeff, 16, and Travis, 14, here. The industrial site was selected because it offers the ceiling height needed to accommodate large bounce houses. Jackie has a “real job” that provides the family benefits and a predictable income, while Kevin operates Jump On It day to day. He has help from Jackie’s brother, George Drochaska. “One of us is always here,” said Kevin. “We have shirts that say ‘Official Bouncer’, but as long as the kids are playing nicely, we step back and let them have fun.” The couple’s sons work part-time in the family business and the Siejacks also have ten other part-time employees. Jackie said, “I bet 99 percent of our staff are our kids’ friends from North Harford High. They are good students and great with the kids. They really keep the place clean, and we’re really sticklers on that.” Kevin added, “The girls are great. Without my staff, this place wouldn’t be as good as it is. I don’t have to worry. They know what they are doing.” For the holidays, Jump On It is hosting two Drop and Shop evenings so parents can prepare for Santa’s arrival without the distraction of children. On Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., families with reservations can drop off their children and know they will be well cared for. Each night features a pizza dinner, bouncing fun and a child-appropriate movie. The fee is $20 per child, $15 for siblings. On Dec. 20, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Jump On It will host its Second Annual Lunch with Santa. For $10 per child, children can bounce and play with Santa, as well as receive a gift from him. Adults who eat lunch pay $5. The Siejacks have just added bounce house rentals to their operation and have four unique units available for onsite delivery. Call 410-838-0522 or visit www.jumponitfuncenter.com for reservations or for more information. |
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