Have a Wacky Tacky Christmas

By Bob Cox

Of the 29 birthdays my son Bobby has experienced to date, there’s one that stands out in the bank of my memories. My wife Diana and I wanted to do something really special for his 14^th Birthday, so we threw him a unique surprise party. We rented a limousine to pick him and several of his closest friends up at school. From there, we whisked them off to a nearby skateboard park where they enjoyed their favorite activity. After a few hours of unbridled fun, we headed off to a local restaurant, where pizza, cake and presents awaited our arrival.

I could be wrong, but I think Diana and I had as much fun as Bobby and his friends as we basked in all three phases of that memorable crisp autumn afternoon: the planning, the execution and the memories of that special brief moment in time.

Now imagine picking up your child and several of his/her closest friends from grade-school on a cold and rainy December day. They have no idea where you’re going as you travel along Folsom Boulevard and park your vehicle nearest the building sporting a circular sign with a cute little cartoon chimpanzee that’s sandwiched between the words Wacky and Tacky. Chances are good that right about now, those little hearts beating in the back seat will begin to race with anticipation.

Once inside Wacky Tacky, your gang will be mesmerized by the 24,000 square feet of colorful and exciting play space where kids are actually encouraged to run fast, jump high and holler to their hearts content in this soft and safe space where healthy activity intersects with imagination. Your little ones will surely have a blast climbing up 3 story jungle gyms, gliding down enormous slides and navigating through the mouth of a great white shark, whose teeth are as soft as they are pearly white!

While the weather outside is frightful, the great indoors at Wacky Tacky is so delightful. With plenty of comfortable booths to choose from, you can sit back and enjoy watching your kids do what kids do best…be kids. After a couple hours of wild and crazy mayhem, you gather up the crew and allow the little ones to catch their breath in the cozy new movie theatre and enjoy a cherished Christmas movie or other movie of your choice.

If you hear a few stomachs growling louder than the imaginary creatures in the jungle section, have no fear, the Wacky Tacky Café is here with plenty of tasty menu options to choose from. If you selected one of the spectacular party packages, your entire crew will enjoy pizza, cupcakes, soda or juice with balloons and goodie bags.

Do you want even more great adventure? The Rancho Cordova Wacky Tacky facility now has a brand new, state-of-the-art virtual reality gaming room. You will feel like you’re inside the game itself because they have the most advanced headset on the market. With a platform that moves, you can experience the thrill of flying without ever really leaving the safety of mother earth.

I spoke with Nas Qurraa, the son of the creator of Wacky Tacky the other day to get a better idea about how their two indoor facilities in Rancho Cordova and Roseville have become a local sensation.

Q: How do you describe what Wacky Tacky is?

A: Wacky Tacky is the ultimate place for kids to play and have a party in a fun, clean and safe environment. They’re not sitting around playing video games. Kids are actually running around and playing on jungle gyms, getting good exercise while having loads of fun.

Q: How do adults like your place?

A: They love it! Parents can sit comfortably or go in and play with their kids.

Q: Could you describe the new cinema room?

A: We just opened up a room that has 16-18 chairs and has a very nice projector that plays 4K and 3-D movies. We have movies available or you can bring your own movie.

Q: How did you come up with this idea?

A: It just came out of the wind, honestly. My father and I were talking and we wanted to appeal to adults and children. We can also rent out the room for corporate events, birthday parties and other celebrations.

Q: Wouldn’t this be a great place to have a Christmas party?

A: Yeah, Christmas parties are great. We want to encourage church youth groups and other organizations that have programs that take kids to fun and interesting places to come here.

Q: What are your duties and responsibilities?

A: I work full time and basically help out the family. I make sure our facilities are safe and clean, and I oversee the hiring and training of our employees.

Q: Can you tell us about your new virtual reality game?

A: Yes, it’s in a separate room. We’ve got the best headset on the market and a platform that moves. We have several different games you can play, so if you’re going up in the game, you’ll feel like you’re flying!

Q: How do you like working with your dad?

A: I love it! He’s so smart when it comes to business. I think I’ve learned more from him than from any school or any other person. He’s a nice guy, he’s great to work with and everybody that works with him loves and respects him.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

A: This is a fun and safe place to play. We’re family owned, we’re always updating our facility and kids love it. We started out in a tiny little place and now we’re known all over Sacramento. Many people have noticed our business model and want to be part of our success.

For more information about Wacky Tacky’s two exciting locations in Rancho Cordova and Roseville, call (916) 476-3260 or (916) 783-3355. Their website is www.wackytacky.net. Also, be sure to ask them about their rewards program. Become a Wacky Tacky Member and enjoy future savings, special offers and exciting updates via text message.