Better than Toys ‘R Us: Flying Squirrel with Fun, Snacks and Beer

Everett has a new family fun center to bring a smile to your face. Flying Squirrel opened its doors recently over Memorial Day weekend.

Well, kind of.

Due to Covid, the 48,000 square foot interior space of the former Toys ‘R Us location on Everett Mall Way won't open until this fall. But the large outdoor entertainment area is open now and ready for your enjoyment.

I stopped by with my family recently to chat with the owner, Patrick Horenstein of Bothell to learn more. Patrick, along with his wife Jennifer and their three children happily showed us around.

From bouncy houses to bucking squirrels, climbing walls and lawn games, the outdoor fun zone was one big patio party. With snacks, drinks, and beer available to boot!

Though it’s much more grand than anything you’d find in someone's actual backyard, the outdoor space has a bright and cozy atmosphere that has a cohesive feel thanks to the astroturf repurposed from Magnuson Field in Seattle.

“We’re a small family-owned business,” Horenstein shared as we stood inside a massive 4000 square foot custom inflatable park. “We try to support other local businesses as much as we can. We’re using local construction company Gaffney Construction, we get all of our shirts printed in downtown Everett. We might be able to save a little ordering stuff online, but as small business owners ourselves we know the value of supporting local business.”

A lifelong entrepreneur, Horenstein is no stranger to business. “I remember selling campaign buttons as a kid before I was even strong enough to push down the button press … I had to have my older brother help me,” he shared with a laugh.

As we chatted, kids screeched by us full of giggles as they bounced through the obstacle course and up and down slides in the massive pink inflatable. For my toddler, this was definitely her favorite part. We practically had to pry her out of the thing to keep her from doing the obstacle course “just one more time!”

My personal favorite was the mechanical bucking squirrel. Everyone was pretty excited to see me get thrown off, so the operator showed no mercy on my first attempt and I lasted about 5 seconds. If that. I was a little more prepared for the 2nd go-round and lasted a bit longer. Falling off onto the large bouncy ground was even fun in itself, though.

Another lap around the obstacle course // Garret Hunt

The 26’ high climbing wall with four different route options is another staple of the temporary outdoor space. With each route accommodating different skill levels. Once again, getting down was one of the funnest parts, repelling off the top of the structure after getting to “ring the bell” at the top.

The Horenstein’s are the sole owners of Flying Squirrel Everett. Though Flying Squirrel has other locations around the country, Horenstein only licensed the brand and design, so this truly is a local business.

Weeee. Who doesn’t love a good slide? // Garret Hunt

Stop by and enjoy the outdoor park this summer while you can, and stay tuned for the indoor fun to begin this fall. Nearly everything that’s outside will go inside plus more will be added.

Oh yeah, “and why Everett?” I asked Horenstein. “I was actually on a flight home from San Diego and sat next to someone who was an Everett bigwig … they used to own the Aquasox. They talked about how great Everett is for 2.5 hours, and by the end of the flight, I was sold.”

Enjoying some lawn games between bouncing and climbing // Garret Hunt

I won’t lie, I was saddened when I heard Everett’s Toys ‘R Us was closing a couple of years back. But apparently fate had other plans. And after just getting to experience the outdoor section of Flying Squirrel, I for one am not complaining. In fact, I’m smiling, together with my family. And what’s better than that?

*Pro-tip: fill out a waiver before you go to make the check-in process quicker!