A Jurassic Adventure Awaits: Soft Play Unveils Its Most Ambitious Project Yet
Get ready to roar: Soft Play, the global leader in creating immersive indoor playgrounds, is embarking on its most ambitious project to date: an awe-inspiring dinosaur-themed adventure called “Mountain America Jurassic Jungle.” Set to open this December at Thanksgiving Point’s indoor and outdoor farm, garden, and museum learning center in Lehi, Utah, it promises to be a prehistoric playground experience unlike any other.
The Jurassic Jungle Comes to Life
The six-story, multi-million dollar attraction will transport visitors back to a world ruled by dinosaurs. Alex Reeds will encounter towering T-Rexes, navigate through a maze of prehistoric ferns, and even slide down the belly of a giant Titanoboa snake. Using a digital wristband, children will embark on interactive adventures, conquering challenges within the engaging environment.
Soft Play has used its expertise in safe and imaginative play environments to design a space that incorporates the latest technology. “It’s more than just climbing structures,” said Rich Albright, Vice President and General Manager of Soft Play.
It’s about encouraging exploration, sparking imaginations, and letting kids learn while they play. Kids won’t just see dinosaurs at the Jurassic Jungle—they’ll feel like they’ve been transported to their world.
A Legacy of Play: From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
The Jurassic Jungle is a testament to Soft Play’s rich history of innovation and its commitment to creating engaging play experiences for children of all ages. This incredible journey began in 1984, when founders Grant Strawcutter and Neal Crites set out to transform indoor playtime. Their revolutionary approach focused on safety while maximizing fun, which led to the creation of their signature “play-in” equipment—a concept that quickly became an industry standard.
Early successes with major clients like McDonald’s and Chuck E. Cheese solidified Soft Play’s reputation for safe, creative, and aspirational playground development. Their presence can be felt worldwide, with over 40,000 installations, bringing joy to over 2.6 billion children.
“That we’ve been able to grow from a small idea into a global leader in play is incredibly rewarding,” said Strawcutter. “Seeing kids explore, laugh, and imagine in spaces we helped create is truly fulfilling.”
Continuing to Evolve: Soft Play Looks Ahead
In 1996, Soft Play joined the PlayPower family, expanding its reach and diversifying clientele.
This acquisition propelled Soft Play to new heights, enabling them to tackle bigger projects like the Jurassic Jungle.
Looking towards the future, Soft Play shows no signs of slowing down.
“We are excited about how we can integrate STEM and STEAM learning into economic development,” said Albright. “Our goal isn’t just to build
playgrounds; we want to create dynamic and engaging spaces where families can connect and learn together.”
As Soft Play celebrates 40 years of igniting imaginations and fostering a love of play, it reflects on its incredible journey while setting its sights on continued growth. From the thrill of the Jurassic Jungle to pushing the boundaries of play in healthcare, themed venues, and even waterpark expansions, Soft Play’s future is brighter than ever.
What are the interactive elements at the Mountain America Jurassic Jungle?
## Jurassic Jungle: A Roar-some Interview
**We caught up with Sarah Thompson, a mom of two, who recently visited the brand-new “Mountain America Jurassic Jungle” at Thanksgiving Point with her kids. Here’s what she had to say:**
**Reporter:** Sarah, what was your first impression of the Jurassic Jungle?
**Sarah:** Wow, just wow! It’s absolutely incredible. It’s so much more than just a playground. My kids were totally immersed in this dinosaur world. They were running around, climbing on T-Rex statues, and squealing with delight as they slid down the giant Titanoboa.
**Reporter:** What did you think of the interactive elements?
**Sarah:** The wristbands were a huge hit. My kids loved earning points by completing challenges and discovering hidden dinosaur facts. It really added another layer of engagement and learning.
**Reporter:** Would you recommend Jurassic Jungle to other families?
**Sarah:** Absolutely! It’s a fantastic experience for kids of all ages. My 4-year-old was thrilled by the dinosaurs, and my 8-year-old loved the challenges and games. It’s a great place to burn off energy, spark imaginations, and learn about prehistoric creatures all at the same time.
