Shell we have fun at new Lewes trampoline park

The new, much larger Shell We Bounce near Lewes is a kids' dream come true.

But there is a larger secret slowly getting out – there are no age restrictions for the trampoline park.

“We've had three generations of our family here bouncing,” says owner Julie Derrick.

Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park left its Forgotten Mile location in Rehoboth Beach two weeks ago, opening on Route 9 not far from Five Points. Julie said she and her husband, Jim, wanted to open a trampoline park as soon as they opened the business four years ago. The name is tied to their other family business, the Sea Shell Shop.

“We knew that location was always temporary. It took us a while to wrap our head around expansion,” Julie said.

Deciding on a location was the first hurdle the couple faced. “We had always been tied to Route 1, so moving out here was a risk. But it's turned out to be so much better,” she said.

The new business is housed in a 26,600-square-foot building on nearly 3 acres. The old bounce house was in a 10,000-square-foot building. More than 50 people are employed at the new park.

The group Fun Spot – specializing in trampoline facilities – helped with the design and the best use of the the space. “We did a lot of research and attended trade shows. This is Jim's vision – he did all of the heavy lifting,” Julie said.

Julie said the former Shell We Bounce was popular with families with young children. “Now we're open for the whole family. There are no age restrictions,” she said.

There is more than fun associated with bouncing on a trampoline, Jim said. Used as a workout, it exercises muscles that are many times neglected. “And it burns 1,000 calories an hour,” he said.

A Kids Zone, cafe, arcade with prizes and bounce house for infants – the only remaining piece of equipment from the former business – are all part of the large facility. The Kids Zone features a multi-level climbing structure.

The new park includes a large dodge-ball area, bouncing basketball courts, jumping areas, numerous trampolines, a large foam pit and the Wipe-Out area with trampolines and moving bars to jump over, one of the favorite activities.

Jim says technically the business is still undergoing a soft opening, but they were hit hard with enthusiastic families over the Labor Day weekend.

Shell We Bounce is open Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The cost is based on 30-minute bouncing times. In order to enter, all parents or legal guardians – and not grandparents or other relatives – must sign a new waiver. First-timers must also watch a safety video on rules for using the trampolines.

Julie says the complete schedule of programs is a work in progress, but many of the favorite programs offered at the former location will continue. Storytime will take place on Fridays, and Mamatot fitness classes will be offered on Wednesdays. Discounts will be offered on Tuesdays to families with toddlers and on Wednesdays to families with special-needs children. Parties can also be booked at the new facility.

For more information or to register, go to shellwebounce.com or phone 302-727-5416.

Julie, a former teacher, is a member of the Cape Henlopen School District Board of Education, and husband Jim is co-owner of the Sea Shell Shop on Route 1 near Rehoboth Beach. He is a former All-American lacrosse player who as a senior in 1998 at Cape Henlopen High School, helped win the school's first state lacrosse championship. The couple lives in Rehoboth Beach with their three children, Harper, Olivia and James.