Train To Be A Ninja at Play: Adventure Parks

Play: offers everything you need and more in equipment to train to be a ninja. Ninja consists of 4 main elements:

1. Grip strength
2. Swinging
3. Lacheing
4. Balance/agility

Want to learn how to be a ninja and accomplish all the obstacles at Play: CLE and Play: CBUS? Here is how to train all of those at Play: Adventure Parks.

1. Grip strength

Having good grip strength is the foundation to all upper body obstacles. Just by doing the obstacles at Play: you will be training grip, but here are 2 that will really take your grip strength to the next level.

Dead-hangs:

• Grab onto a bar and hang from it as long as you can. Once you can hang comfortably for a long period of time you can make this more challenging by using one arm, adding weight, or switching from a bar to a more challenging grip like a cliffhanger or climbing rope.

Bouldering traverse:

• On the bouldering wall start on one end and go back and forth as many times as you can without taking a break.

2. Swinging

Picture Tarzan swinging from vine to vine, this is what I mean by swinging. The best way to train this movement is by doing the sea of rings.

Sea of rings:

1. Start with both hands on a ring
2. take a step back and lift your feet to let your momentum carry you forward
3. Grab the next ring
4. Pull with your back arm and release like you’re shooting an arrow
5. For beginners, match your back hand to the same ring as your front hand while you glide to the next ring to repeat steps 3 & 4. For more advanced, hang just from your front arm and have your back arm go directly to the next ring.

Once you’ve mastered the rings you can increase the difficulty by using a more challenging grip or by going back and forth as many times as you can without getting off.

3. Lache

A lache is when a ninja throws themself through the air from one element to the next. It is one of the more challenging movements in ninja so here is how to progress to land your first lache:

Swing

• Get comfortable swinging yourself back and forth on a monkey bar so that your body is slightly above parallel to the ground on both your back and front swing.

Launch

• Once you’re comfortable swinging the next step is to get comfortable launching yourself. It can be intimidating to go from one bar to another right away so start by placing a distance or a marker on the ground that you’re aiming to land on or past; once you’re confident with that you can start to attempt jumps from bar to bar.

Technique

• When attempting a bar to bar jump for the first time here are some tips. Start your swing by kicking your feet up and forward, then use the momentum back to generate a big backswing. Direct your momentum and release at an angle slightly above the bar where you want to land. When releasing, “throw” the bar behind you to keep your body upright. Try to land high on the bar with your arms bent to absorb the shock of when you land.

4. Balance/Agility

To do well in ninja you have to have good balance, as well as the precision and agility to do the balance obstacles quickly. There are many options to choose from when training balance at Play: The best way to train is to pick a challenging obstacle from the ninja or ropes course and do it slowly to fine tune the muscles required for balance. After doing a few rounds at a slow pace, switch it up by doing it as fast as possible to work on agility, and then do that for a few rounds.

Play: has all you need to train to become a ninja; actual ninja courses, a bouldering wall, parkour, auto-belayed climbing walls, and a ropes course, plus a knowledgeable staff to help give tips or answer any questions you might have. We look forward to helping you reach your ninja goals.

HOW TO PLAN A TOP 5 DATE NIGHT – GUARANTEED

Climbing Fun at Play: Adventure Parks

The same-old, same-old date ideas get played out so many times; for most couples they start to become bland and routine. And for someone planning and trying to impress on a first date; you can run the risk of falling flat and blending into the mediocrity that your date has been used to. You don’t want that. You want to stand out. You want to shoot for the moon for incredible. Right? The classic, easy, can’t miss formula for a great date is really simple.

(Food + Drinks) + Fun Activity = Memorable Date Night

For most however, the trick is hitting on all 3; falling short at one can kill the whole vibe of the night. If the fun activity isn’t actually fun, you run the risk of forgetting the experience and/or having nothing to talk about over drinks later (remember the intro to Hitch please). If you have a horrible dining experience, the fun will be drowned out by the bad food, or awful atmosphere for having a drink. So how do you overcome all this? Sure, there are some savvy planners out there that are pretty apt to finding all 3 in our city. But what about the rest? Wouldn’t it be nice and convenient if there existed a venue that hits on all three components?

There is. (You’re welcome)

First component = Food. Play: CLE offers a unique, from-scratch fun menu of food options for all ages. The #1 complement we hear from guest feedback is: “I cannot believe how awesome the food is here!”. There are food options for people of all ages. Hell, even if you’re a big kid at heart try our chicken tenders, we make the batter in house; none of that pre-made frozen crap here!

Second component = Drinks. I mean what can we say besides we absolutely nailed this one. Pick something adventurous off our rotating seasonal fun cocktail menu. Pick from any number of craft beers we have on draft and in cans. If the whole craft beer thing isn’t your scene, help yourself to a Busch Light ON DRAFT. (Say what???) Yes, ON DRAFT. I bet the last time you had Busch Light from a keg, you had to pump for it in college. Not into beer or liquor? That’s cool we have a hand-picked selection of good wines plus the incredible Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers. Not familiar? Say that name to your mom, and watch her reminisce about college in the 80s.

Food and Beverage at Play: CBUS

Last, and arguably the most important component = Fun Activity. Do I need to say more than we are PLAY FREAKING CLE?!?! Is it your first date? Build a memory by learning about each while conquering our ropes course together. Married for 15 years and need to spice it up? Get those stagnant, routine-loving tickers going with a heart-pounding run down one of the longest indoor zip lines in the country. Need a change-of-pace venue for a wedding rehearsal dinner? Watch Uncle Bill have a spiritual experience (or possibly a biological one) standing on the top of our Leap of Faith contemplating jumping off!

So if you’re ready for a memorable date, whether it’s your first, or 100th, the only real question is: WHAT THE F(UN) ARE YOU WAITING ON?!?

Top 5 Things to do in Lorain County

This summer make sure you get out of the house and experience some of the amazing offerings in your own backyard. Lorain County has some of the coolest events, spaces, parks and facilities in Northeast Ohio. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, you can find something fun to do every day of the week, rain or shine.

1. Play: CLE

Opened in 2017, Play: CLE was the largest indoor adventure park in the Midwest when the first guest walked in. Since surpassed by its sister location (Play: CBUS, in Columbus), Play: CLE remains a top destination for thrill-seekers. With an amazing indoor aerial course, 165 foot zipline, ninja warrior courses and climbing elements, Play: CLE is sure to have something for everyone in your group. Don’t forget to refuel at their on-site bar and kitchen, Plate + Pint.   Visit playadventureparks.com to book your tickets.

2. Fligner’s Market

Speaking of refueling. You can’t find a better spot to grab some grillin’ meats than Fligner’s Market. Fligner’s has the longest full-service meat counter in the entire country. It doesn’t stop with the endless meat selections, Fligner’s also provides an incredible array of catering options, deli foods and baked goods. Visit flignersmarket.com to check out their wares or even order online.

3. Lorain County Metroparks

Often overlooked due to the proximity to the Cleveland Metroparks system, the Lorain Country Metroparks offer an incredible variety of fun and engaging locations to explore the great outdoors. With over 110 miles of walking/hiking trails, it can take you all summer to see everything. Make sure you visit Cascade Park and Carlisle Reservation as they are some favorites. Visit loraincountymetroparks.com to check out all the parks and upcoming events.

4. Railroad Brewing Company

To wash down the dust from all the hiking, make sure you stop by Railroad Brewing Company for some great brews and awesome food truck offerings. From their Choco Blonde to their Hazy Crazy IPA there is sure to be a beer that quenches your thirst. Stop out on Sundays for their Jeep Sundays and listen to live music with the top down! Visit railroadbrewingcompany.com for an updated beer list and to check out events.

5. Rockin’ on the River

The best outdoor concert series in Northeast Ohio returns in 2021. Rockin’ on the River brings great acts from across the country to perform right on the Black River and provide amazing entertainment. With a plethora of food and beverage vendors to keep you satisfied, make sure you bring your appetites and folding chairs for a great time. Visit rockinontheriver.com for dates and lineups.

Top 5 Things To Do When Visiting Worthington, Ohio

Photo by: Worthington.org

A northern suburb of the ever-growing city of Columbus, Worthington features a ton of options to spend time at when visiting. From shopping to entertainment options, Worthington needs to be next on your list to visit.

1. Play: CBUS

Home to the World’s Largest Indoor Ropes Course, Play: CBUS has been bringing Adventure to Worthington since November of 2020. With additional attractions such as ninja courses, climbing walls and a full kitchen and bar, this facility is guaranteed to keep you active and occupied for hours. Visit playadventureparks.com to book your visit!

2. Ohio Railway Museum

Founded in 1948, the Ohio Railway Museum is one of the oldest railroad museums in the United States. The museum uses displays and demonstrations to really immerse visitors in the history of the rail. Guests get to enjoy an immersive train ride with their admission, so all aboard for some unique history. Visit their website for more information.

3. The Candle Lab

Pour your own Candle at the Worthington location of The Candle Lab. Experiment with different scents to make a creation that is unique to you and expresses your individualism to all who can smell it. With over 120 scents to choose from, the only limit is your imagination. Visit thecandlelab.com to set up a reservation.

4. Olentangy River Parklands

Experience some of the most beautiful backdrops in Central Ohio when you visit Olentangy Park. Enjoy the rushing water and sweet scents of the local flora as you explore the nearly 2 miles of walking trails. With sports fields, playground equipment and skate park, there are plenty of options to work off the calories from the next entry. Learn more here.

5. Zaftig Brewing Company

After (or before) some of your other Adventures in Worthington, be sure to stop by Zaftig for a cold beer and great food. These brewers know exactly what they are accomplishing when they present their art with amazing selections from India Pale Ales to Scottish Heavy Ales. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at one of their visiting food trucks to go along with your brew. Check out their website here.

Check out all the things that Worthington, Ohio offers and make sure you check out Experience Worthington’s website to stay up to date with what is going on in the city.

10 Indoor Activities to Beat the Heat in Cleveland

As Summer creeps closer and closer we are here to help you and your friends and family beat the heat. While sitting in front of the cold A/C and watching How I Met Your Mother for the 34^th time can be fun, there are other options in the Cleveland MetroPlex that may provide a little more fun and adventure. While this list is not all-encompassing, you can’t go wrong with visiting any of these places as you make the best out of 2021!

1. Play: CLE- An Indoor Adventure Park

What? You thought we would start off with somewhere else? Since opening in 2017, Play: CLE has brought true ADVENTURE to Northeast Ohio. Touted as the Midwest’s Largest Adventure Park when it opened (since surpassed by it’s sister location in Columbus, Play: CBUS), Play: CLE features an intense Indoor Ropes Course, 16-ft zipline, Ninja and Parkour courses to test your athletic mettle, and some of the most fun and challenging climbing walls in the country. Top that off with a full kitchen and bar (Wine, Dine and Zipline anyone!), and you have the perfect spot to chill with your friends, family or groups! Visit playadventureparks.com to book your next adventure.

2. West Side Market

Not sure what to make for lunch/dinner? Don’t head to Giant Eagle or Heinen’s. Swing down to West 25^th Street and visit the 109 year-old market for an amazing selection of proteins, dairy, produce and prepared foods. Some favorites include Dionne’s Meats, Ohio City Pasta, Kate’s Fish and The Cheese Shop. Visit westsidemarket.org for hours and a full list of the vendors available.

3. The Cleveland Museum of Art

“Art is too important not to share.” – Romero Britto

A little quiet and beauty can go a long way on a hot summer day. Take a trip to the Wade Oval and view over 6,000 years of history in art form. With over 45,000 works of art you can find something to talk about. From Andy Warhol to Zhao Zhuo there are works from artisans that will fit anyone’s style. Visit clevelandart.org for hours and upcoming events.

4. ProXimity Golf Lounge

Pebble Beach has made its way to Cleveland. Located in the Heights Rockefeller Building, ProXimity has brought the best of golf simulator technology to town. Feel free to hit the links alone, or book a larger group outing in this unique space featuring 5 sports simulators. Even the kids can get into the action knocking out zombies in Zombie Dodgeball! Visit proximitygolf.com to book your tee time.

5. Lake Erie Nature and Science Center

Since 1945 the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center has been a gateway into science for generations of Ohioans. With a publicly accessible planetarium, your journey into the scientific world isn’t limited to Earth alone. The passion for the scientific world and discovery is evident in the faces of every team member at the Center. Visit lensc.org to check out upcoming events and open times.

6. Forest City Shuffleboard

Every day we’re shufflin’. Visit Ohio City and try your hand at shuffleboard. Enjoy a few drinks and high quality food as you try and hammer your opponents discs and win the day. Court and table shuffleboards are available for rental by the hour, or you can cheer your friends on as you sip a cool cocktail. Make sure you grab some Shuffle Puffs to re-energize, delicious. Visit forestcityshuffle.com to reserve a court or look at their great menu.

7. Mitchell’s Ice Cream

If you haven’t had Mitchell’s, you haven’t been living. Cleveland’s premier ice cream establishment has 6 locations to satisfy your sweet tooth. The best part is, you can take it home with you and keep cool as you scroll through TikTok and YouTube.  You will find it hard to limit yourself to one scoop, so don’t! Visit mitchellshomemade.com for locations, hours and flavors.

8. Foundry Social

One of the newest additions to the area (opened in 2019), Foundry Social has brought fun and games to Medina and Northeast Ohio. Featuring activities like High Voltage Karting to billiard, bocce and bowling, Foundry Social has something for everyone. When you add quality cocktails, great food and live music, you have the makings of a definite summer destination. Visit thefoundrysocial.com to book an event or peruse the menu before you visit.

9. Cleveland Public Library

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” – Garrison Keillor

With branches open in nearly every municipality, you don’t have to drive far to dive into a good read. But it isn’t only all about the written word. All branches offer events, speakers and other opportunities to fire some neurons off in the old noggin. Feeling like staying home, visit cpl.org for a full list of digital events and intellectual opportunities.

10. Hi and Dry Bowling and Beer

Duck, Duck, Goo….Strike? Try your hand at duckpin bowling at Hi and Dry Bowling and Beer. Compete against your friends and family while you watch the Tribe on television. Located in Tremont, Hi and Dry Bowling and Beer is centrally located and serves incredible food and ice-cold beer.  There won’t be room to “spare” when you are finished digging into their Pitmaster Ribs. Visit hianddrycleveland.com for more information.

While these places won’t fill your entire summer, they are sure to help make memories over the next few months. Remember to support local when you are out and about, and enjoy the time you spend with friends and family.

Play: For $10,000 – Official Rules + Details

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Please see below for the 25 winners to compete for $10,000. Our team will be in contact with you all over the weekend. Email info@playcolumbus.com if you have any questions in the meantime!

1. J. Malone
2. C. Kellar
3. C. Vaughan
4. C. Braunstein
5. J. Hatchel
6. A. Muriello
7. K. Holman
8. J. Mell
9. S. San Roman
10. Z. Negron
11. D. Picketl
12. G. Rioux
13. J. McVey
14. G. DeWees
15. J. Morehead
16. M. Hatchel
17. S. Pai
18. A. Douglas
19. E. Gibson
20. E. Parker
21. M. Tavenner
22. A. Golomski
23. E. Hunt
24. S. Cochenour
25. M. Stearns

Play: for $10,000 

Official Rules and Details

To celebrate 6 months of being open (in the worst time to open a new business), Play: CBUS is holding our biggest promotion yet!  Come visit today and as often as you like for your chance to win.

WHO CAN ENTER

• Each purchased admission ticket between Thursday May 20, 2021 and Friday June 18, 2021 will receive one (1) entry form.  Guests earn an entry form for every visit in the designated time frame. The more you come the better your chances!  
• Active members of Play: CBUS, as of Wednesday May 19th, 2021, may receive one (1) entry form per day for each visit they make during that time period.
• Each party or event held during that time period  (paid in full) will receive five (5) entry forms; given to the party/event host.  
• Entry forms will only be provided onsite at Play: CBUS, 535 Lakeview Plaza Blvd, Worthington OH 43085.  Any online ticket purchase will receive entry form upon check-in.
• An additional entry form may be earned to any guest that shows a Play: CBUS manager a social post of this contest that they’ve shared and tagged with 5 or more people.  
• There is NO age limit to entering.  However, Play: CBUS recommends the name on the form to be at least 14-16 years old to provide the best chance of success in the contest.  
• Current or former employees of Play Holdings Ltd, Play CBUS Ltd and Play CLE Ltd, family members, agents, successors or assignees or any promotional agency involved with this promotion are not eligible to participate.

CONTEST INFORMATION

• Twenty-five (25) names will be drawn at random from all eligible entries on Friday, June 18th at or around 8pm.  Contestants will be contacted by email upon selection.    
• No one contestant may be selected to participate more than once.  The individual can NOT choose another person to participate on his/her behalf.  
• The specific activity of the contest itself will not be disclosed prior to the day of the event, Sunday June 27th, 2021.  The mystery is part of the fun and adventure!
• The twenty-five (25) chosen contestants must be available at Play: CBUS on Sunday June 27th, 2021 beginning at 4pm.  
• The order of contestants on Sunday June 27th, 2021 will be randomly decided at the time of the event.  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Each of the contestants agrees to complete a “Contestant Agreement to Participate” form prior to their participation.
• All aspects of this promotion and contest will be recorded for authenticity and verification, as needed, and any contestant participating consents to their inclusion in any and all videotaped recordings and future marketing or promotional means.  
• Only one (1) contestant may win the grand prize of $10,000 and not all contestants may have a chance to do so.  Contestants will be randomly drawn at the time of the event and the first person to successfully complete the contest activity will win the grand prize.  
• Additional prizes and considerations will be available at the time of the contest.  
• Only the person named on the entry form may be chosen to participate in the contest.  Play: CBUS recommends it be an individual at least 14-16 years old.  

Check Out This Cleveland.com Article for Rain in Cleveland During the NFL Draft

Check out this amazing article that we are featured in to find fun activities during the NFL Draft!

Play: CLE New Hours, New Pricing, and Friday Night Trivia is Back

As we continue to ramp back up, Play: CLE is beginning to make some changes!

First, we are adding Wednesday back into our hours of operation! Please join us from 4-9 PM every Wednesday

Secondly, we are bringing Friday night TRIVIA back! Trivia will be hosted by Last Call Trivia from 7-9 PM! Remember spectators are free so feel free to bring the kids in to play and enjoy trivia in our bar!

Last, we are doing away with time associated with our admission tickets. Tickets can still be purchased at set times and we hope you stay as long as you’d like when you visit! Additionally, we are reverting back to our Pre-2020 pricing with a new discounted price option for groups of 4 or more. All the more reason to get your friends and family out as soon as possible!

⭐️ Full Adventure Pass: $24.95
⭐️ Young Adventurer Pass (Ages 6 and Under): $14.95
⭐️ Group Adventure Pass: $21.95/per person for groups of 4 or more

UPDATED HOURS!!

• Monday + Tuesday: Closed for Private Events
• Wednesday + Thursday: 4-9 PM
• Friday: 4-10 PM
• Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM
• Sunday: 11 AM-7 PM

Questions? Feel free to send us an email at info@playcle.com!

12 Days of Play: Mas are BACK – Cleveland and Columbus!

Questions? Reach out to us! We can’t wait to have you out!

With Gratitude As We Celebrate 3 Years

With Gratitude As We Celebrate 3 Years.

This week Play: CLE is celebrating our 3-year anniversary. In a year like this, any milestone means so much to us. We first opened our doors to you on December 2, 2017 and we have been honored to welcome more than 250,000 guests and hosted more than 1,000 birthday parties, graduations, After Proms, company meetings, sport team celebrations and so many other events . We have welcomed an additional 300,000 guests who were spectators, enjoyed our music, participated in trivia, watched our ninja competitions or just cheered on their kid as they tried their first obstacle, zip line or climbing wall. As we reflect upon these last three years, we are grateful for our customers who have supported us since day one, our customers who have embraced family + fitness + fun, and the new customers who have tried us for the first time. But most of all, we are grateful that you have supported our small business these past three years – especially now as we weather through 2020.

We are grateful to have seen guests from all 50 states and 15 countries! We were one of the first, and largest, indoor adventure parks of its kind paving the way for several like businesses around the world to open. We remain the premier indoor adventure park that is truly focused on creating experiences and active entertainment options for adults, kids, groups, co-workers and so many others.

Play: CLE has employed over 120 people since we have opened our doors in December 2017. Many of our staff members are young adults who have held their first job with us on their journey building their professional careers. I appreciate how we “play” even a small part of that and I am particularly proud of our staff in 2020 who continued to provide wonderful guest experiences with the utmost regard to safety, professionalism and dedication in providing a great guest experience.

But 2020 has been tough for small businesses, including us, with our team greatly impacted. While we are grateful for your support these past three years, we need you now more than ever.

My ask is for your support of our business. Whether you have visited us 10 times, once or never before, I humbly ask for your support and to plan a visit to Play: CLE or Play: CBUS in the coming weeks, next month or sometime in 2021. We have great deals on holiday promotions for admission now, gift cards for the future, and promotional events for now or later to accommodate whatever your comfort level may be.

I am confident in our ability to provide a safe environment for our guests. We have large buildings with lots of open space, high ceilings, proper air circulation, significant space for adequate distancing amongst others and have always been diligent on providing clean spaces for everyone. We have taken the steps necessary to ensure our guests have a safe experience.

Our new promotion – the 12 Days of Play: Mas, which is our take on the 12 Days of Christmas – is an opportunity to support our small business with ways to participate at both Play: CLE and Play: CBUS or through purchases online. It’s our twist on a partridge in a pear tree, two turtle doves and three French hens!

In honor of our 3^rd anniversary and our desire to celebrate our guests, Play: is offering nearly $10,000 in giveaways throughout December.

We want to celebrate by having a little fun and give our guests the chance to win some cool prizes – including a lock-in event, a year’s group membership, food and beverage for a year, a team building experience for a company and more. We could all use something to look forward to! 

Details will be on our website and social pages on Friday, December 4th. We hope to see you soon. And most of all, thank you for 3 wonderful years of support and experiences. We are grateful to you and excited and hopeful for many more adventures.

Sincerely,

Greg Carlin

CEO + Founder of Play: