Kokolandia
In Borissova Gradina, Nezabravka Str at the back of Park Hotel Moskva
Hours: 9.00-21.00 every day
02/ 831 30 95 office@kokolandia.com
www.kokolandia.com

When I was about 11 and my brother, Dustin, was about nine, Indiana Jones was a pretty cool guy. Narrowly escaping the ceiling's descending spikes, running from spear-wielding people or fending off a pit full of snakes while still holding onto your hat was impressive. And one summer day, after seeking a game in the neighbour's garage, Dustin decided to press the button, wait until the very last minute, and dive out, like our hero Harrison Ford. You might guess what happened next. He was a second too slow, and the door came down on his leg. Then, instead of bouncing back up as a modern garage door would do today (likely equipped with reflexive safety features) it just continued driving downward, over and over, injuring his leg, and causing the neighbourhood kids and me to run with panic to find my mother or a crowbar. He was fine, of course. But I'm here to tell you that if your children's sense of adventure is in overdrive, there's a safe way to let them feel a little like Indiana Jones (or perhaps now it's an X-Men character that they idolise) on any given day in Sofia.

Kokolandia is a branch-top, rope-and-log-connected adventure park in Sofia's massive Borissova Gradina. And here's the creative catch. Rather than chat with the other parents and be ready with sunscreen, snacks and water bottles on a nearby bench, you can harness up and experience a new kind of high yourself.

Because Kokolandia isn't just for kids. Not that parent participation is required, of course. Plenty prefer to rest. But I think that regardless of your age, reaching, rolling and risk is sustenance for the soul.

Unlike the primary-coloured plastic-coated adventure spaces you might find in more conservative Western countries, this park is a little rougher around the edges. There's no perimeter-protecting fence, employees don't wear uniforms and there's little signage to help you find the place. But seriously, welcome to Bulgaria. And calm down. Have a seat. I know what you're thinking. All well and good, but will little Claire or Christopher be safe?

My friend, Kate, admitted that when she first looked up into the leafy, but seemingly dangerous, land of swinging appendages and lopping limbs, she was frightened. But after a discussion with the Koklandia instructors and a peek at the hemp-alpine ropes, she knew Jack would be fine.

Here's how it works. Visitors typically separate into groups depending on their age. There are three levels: the Small Circle is suitable for kids age five to 10 and includes a dangle bridge, swing, climbing ladder and slide, among other adventures. The Middle Circle is for 10-18 year olds, takes about 30 minutes and offers the same equipment, but at a more difficult level. The Extreme Circle is for anyone over 18 and has 11 obstacles. This level is the most challenging session and could take up to an hour, depending on your skill and strength.

After choosing your level, an instructor fits you into a harness, your first safety precaution, with attached caribeaners. The instructor then carefully and thoroughly reviews the necessary safety precautions for playing in Kokolandia. When switching levels, you must reattach yourself, via caribeaner, to the next set of ropes. But an instructor is always on hand to help, and you can follow along from the ground.

Believe it or not, with the harness attached to your torso, there's simply no danger of falling. Soon, you and/or your kids will be swinging from the natural rafters and feeling like a Fear Factor competitor. And you might be surprised at how brave your little whippersnapper can be.

But if you're not into jungle gyms, no problem. Koklandia also offers a child bungee jump, a multiple-level climbing wall, a nine-hole mini golf course, a blow-up castle and Tarzan, a game designed for kids and their parents.

Point is, you can spend an entire afternoon - birthday parties and staff retreats with more than 10 people are welcome if booked in advance - at this funny little fairy-tale of a destination. I recommend checking it out. By the time you go home, your kids will be ready for a nap and feel like they had been leading the life of action-adventure characters all afternoon.

A couple things to remember: dress the kids in long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid any rope burns. Bicycle gloves also increase your grip and reduce the rope rub. And the location - it's in the middle of those beautiful, but maze-like tree-canopied trails of Borissova Gradina, with few indicator signs. But for better directions (assuming a horse-riding police officer can't be found) check out www.kokolandia.com and let the adrenaline rush begin.