Things to Do in Rosemont

Operating under the mantra “experience the difference,” Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park rockets jumpers of any age, shape, or physical ability across 3-D trampoline courts, which were awarded a US patent for their uniqueness. Inside the air-conditioned facility, trampoline-covered walls absorb and ricochet bodies, demonstrating real-life instances of "bouncing off the walls" to both kids and puzzled ballistics students. Aerial amusement disguises calorie-burning fitness during open-jumping sessions and competitive games, such as 3-D dodge ball and Sky Zone the Sport with goals rotating 360 degrees. Bouncers renounce gravity and their fear of ceilings with trampoline shoes or while soaring toward the rim on the Sky Jam court. SkyRobics trampoline classes motivate visitors to whip into shape with calisthenics and core exercises as they joyously reach for the skies. To ensure bouncers stay safe and follow the rules, court monitors supervise the high-flying fun at all times.

This is not a 'mainstream' zoo," notes Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary on their website. "People who 'don't like zoos' are generally comfortable here." Perhaps that's because the center is more animal sanctuary than public zoo. Since 1963, it has taken in wild animals that have been injured in the wild, orphaned at an early age, or rejected as exotic pets by their owners. The sanctuary's staff provides lifelong homes for these animals, not only keeping them fed and cared for, but also engaging their mental and physical abilities through creative enrichment activities. Of course, education is a major focus, as well, which is why they invite visitors in to meet their boarders. The black bear exhibit showcases a few of these rescued creatures. Its glass viewing panels look into the habits of bears such as Sequoia, who was dropped off anonymously at a wildlife facility, and Marty, who was shot in the hip. Elsewhere, rescued red-tailed hawks perch inside an aviary, and a canine area showcases wolves, dogs, and everything in between.

North American species such as these occupy most of the habitats, but zookeepers also rescue the occasional exotic animal. They saved Orinoco, a squirrel monkey that came from a research facility, and Misty and Pouncer, a pair of mixed species tigers rescued from an illegal breeding facility. By telling these stories, the zookeepers hope to discourage the public from keeping wild animals as pets. Instead, they invite visitors to take active roles through volunteer initiatives and a junior zookeeper program.

The instructors at Granite Bay Pilates and Yoga lead students through challenging classes to sculpt muscles with ancient southern Asian poses and time-tested isometric exercises. The certified staff guides individual and small-group workouts, emphasizing form and alignment as they impart the basics of yoga’s gentle movements to build balance and flexibility, and Pilates’s controlled, muscle-isolating exercises to develop core strength. During beginners' Pilates workshops, students bask in personalized instructor attention as they practice mat-based exercises. In addition to melting stress with low-impact movements, students can seek relief for their bodies and minds with functional bodywork, performed by certified massage therapists.

According to Aerie Yoga's feature in the Roseville Press Tribune, instructors Angie and Kendra wanted a "more playful and fun" approach to yoga and fitness. After some careful thought and planning, the duo decided to outfit a studio with hammock-like apparatuses, which they now use to help trainees master all manner of poses and inversions. The apparatuses—which can turn physiques fully upside-down—allow students to stretch deeply, and also offer support to those who can't perform yoga due to ailments such as arthritis.

Angie and Kendra welcome students of all ages and experience levels to test-drive this unconventional approach to fitness. And in that spirit, they aim to create a laidback atmosphere where light chatting and falconry calls are just as welcomed as silent meditation.

When Paul and Maureen Messier began their walking tour through the English town of Bath, the guide, a comedian and street performer, immediately captured their attention. Drawing on Paul's background in producing standup comedy at The Improv and Maureen's experience as a theater instructor, they decided to put their own spin on what they'd experienced. Since then, they've traveled extensively and cobbled together eclectic elements from other tours with theatrical flair and a sense of humor.