Located in Hastings, Extreme Sandbox is a locally-owned family business started in 2012 by a dad of three young boys who wanted to get up close to big trucks. Referring to their service as a “Heavy Equipment Adventure Company,” this Minnesota construction site was created so customers could play on construction equipment in their 10-acre heavy equipment playground they call a “super-sized sandbox”. While we tend to think of this as a summer experience, Extreme Sandbox is open year-round with fully climate-controlled cabs. Customers who are 14 and older can drive real excavators and construction equipment, like a 26 ton excavator or bulldozer, plus they offer a safer package for ages 10+ with mini excavators. Smaller children cannot be in the equipment while it is running. However, people of all ages are encouraged to watch from the observation area and can sit in the equipment when it is parked and not running. The popular Heavy Metal Drive-In is an interactive outdoor event that gives the whole family the opportunity to watch construction equipment up front. Tickets are required, but remain affordable with higher prices for extras – like driving the equipment. There are food options from onsite food trucks, so families can enjoy dinner while exploring the construction equipment. We learned about this fun opportunity through Lisa at Twin Cities Frugal Mom. She wrote about her experience here. The facility offers packages for private events, like birthday parties that includes Construction Equipment Adventures, Fire Truck Experience, RC Adventures, Heavy Equipment Camps and Car Crushing. Prices are competitive with other local birthday party venues. Prices vary by package, which range between 1 hour on the mini-excavator only (10+) to 7 hours of teen/adult fun. This idea was pitched and accepted during the 7th season of HBO’s Shark Tank. It’s always fun when we see local businesses do well on these national contest shows. Learn more here.
Related Articles:
Extreme Sandbox Age Requirements
Heavy Metal Dine In
Extreme Sandbox Birthday Parties
Extreme Sandbox Prices
Extreme Sandbox on Shark Tank
Useful Links:
The Family Fun Twin Cities Directory is the most extensive collection of companies, organizations, activities and places to find things to do with kids in the Twin Cities.