When a new ownership group took over Air Madness in Harrisburg January of 2022, a new vision took over as well.
“After we purchased the business, we made a lot of changes, did some revamps, some remodeling, and made it our own,” said director of operations and events manager Rachelle Smith.
This included the Valo Jump and Valo Arena, where participants can turn themselves into an on-screen character while playing interactive games.
“The idea for Air Madness was always to grow, expand, and be better, whether that was swapping attractions within the park, updating older items, making things new and fresh,” said Smith.
Each area was carefully thought out, says Smith, like the designated Little Air for smaller jumpers and attractions like Air Time Dunk Court for both younger and older guests.
Special events like Cosmic Nights also are a different way to experience Air Madness, where the space transforms into a blacklight party with lasers, strobes, and music every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to close.
Homeschool Jump
AIR MADNESS OFFERS HOMESCHOOL JUMP FOR AT-HOME LEARNERS & TEACHERS THE FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM 9-11 A.M.
Smith says even with the updates, it seemed a demographic was missing.
“When it came to wanting to grab the older demographic and make a fun space for adults, it was obvious we needed to move outside of a trampoline park,” said Smith.
The ownership group set their sights on an unused basketball gym across the hall, but wanted to have a plan in place first. Smith says they traveled to facilities in places like Wisconsin, Texas, and Arizona for inspiration.
“We took all of our ideas and meshed it into what we wanted—this vibe—and what we wanted our offerings to look like,” recalled Smith
The “vibe” was to bring Harrisburg a destination for bowling, axe-throwing, and “arcade action,” all with a full menu restaurant.
“We wanted it to be a place where adults could come and feel like they were not out of place, participating or scheduling an event, or hanging out with friends,” said Smith.
“We really wanted to make Union Social look like a destination—a place people were going to love and we were going to be really proud of.” – RACHELLE SMITH
The new attraction was dubbed Union Social, and the ownership wanted it to be fun, yet upscale. In order to accomplish this, Smith says they hired Megan Randall of Renee Designs to make their project come to life.
“From the lighting, to the seating, to the colors, to the art—everything was so specifically chosen by our designer, and she created what I think is an upscale, but also hip and classy atmosphere,” said Smith.
Union Social opened November of 2024 with 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, six axe-throwing lanes, and 50 arcade games.
The food menu includes shareables like the popular Buffalo Pita Dip, handhelds like the Panko Chicken Sandwich, Smash Burgers like the Blazing Beast, and flatbreads like the Pleased to Meat You.
“Our food and beverage director, Francisco [Gajardo], has put every thought into every detail of his menu he created,” said Smith. “And when he doesn’t like something, he changes it until he likes it.”
“WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THIS WAS A PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED, PROFESSIONALLY BUILT, PROFESSIONALLY DRAWN UP PLACE.” – Rachelle Smith
The most popular item on the menu is the Union Smash with a smashed beef patty topped with cheddar, house-made aioli, lettuce, tomato, red onion, dill pickle, and a grilled bun.
Smith recommends the flatbreads, and notes the crust is the shining star.
“I’ve never had a better flatbread in my entire life. They’re absolutely amazing,” she said.
Offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, Union Social also has signature cocktails, like the Blood Orange Old Fashioned or the Eat the Worm-Rita.
One of the cocktails—the Rachellatini—is named after Smith and is her take on an Espresso Martini with Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, Licor 43, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and chocolate.
More Family Fun
Check out these other family-friendly events in Harrisburg.
COUNTRY APPLE ORCHARD & CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
Fall Festival Every Friday – Sunday in September and October
HARRISBURG DAYS
June 12-15
HEARTLAND COUNTRY CORN MAZE
August – October (Haunted Maze in Late October)
Both Air Madness and Union Social are busy year-round with hosting events like birthday parties and holiday and corporate gatherings. Smith says Union Social is already booking Christmas parties for 2025 and are fielding requests for “after prom” bookings in 2026.
One unique party option at Air Madness is The Conquer Gaming Party, renting a fully-private gaming suite with a party package for jumping and gaming.
Union Social is working on finalizing Adult Parties that will be offered starting this month or in May, which has details mostly under wraps, but Smith gave 605 a teaser.
“We have a cool design with a cocktail tower and all these fun things,” said Smith. “We’re going to have a very special birthday drink for adult birthday packages, and I’m going to keep that a secret because I want it to be awe-inspiring.”
Smith says the destination is the best of both worlds, as kids of appropriate ages can jump while older kids and adults can be in the arcade, grabbing a bite, or bowling or axe-throwing at a lane nearby.
“I know we have felt loved by the Harrisburg community, and I hope we’re a welcome addition.” – Rachelle Smith
Explore the Metro
FIND OUT WHAT ELSE IS GOING ON IN LINCOLN, MINNEHAHA, MCCOOK, & TURNER COUNTIES WITH THE SIOUX METRO GROWTH ALLIANCE. FOR MORE INFO, VISIT SIOUXMETRO.COM.
While both Union Social and Air Madness see guests from surrounding areas and other states, Smith says both businesses have felt Harrisburg’s support.
“The Harrisburg community itself has sort of that really small town feel where I do feel like everybody’s supportive of the community,” said Smith.
There are talks of more Air Madness updates in the future, like updating the Ninja Course and possibly adding a large indoor play/climbing structure.
“We do plan to continue to revamp, refresh, and revitalize Air Madness,” said Smith. “We hope to always continue to refresh.”
The ownership group says they want both brands to always be more than what guests expect.
Smith said, “The atmosphere is different. The food is elevated. The activities included are just better. Everything’s better.”
