Frog Hopper Fun for the Young

Published on December 10, 2024

Young kids love the Frog Hopper. This mini version of a drop tower is one of the most popular family-share rides at Pacific Park. This ride lifts our smaller passengers up, up, up and then “hops” them back down. 

Why Do Young Kids Love the Frog Hopper?

Is your little one not quite ready for the thrill level of the Pacific Plunge? The Frog Hopper is the perfect stepping stone. Leaping its way into the hearts of young and old, the Frog Hopper features bright colors and clever frog designs inspired by the great jungles in the world. Everyone will want to hop along with the troupe of brightly colored tropical frogs as they catch flies buzzing about their lily pond in the rain forest.

Providing a single restraint system for seven riders, this vertical ascent (to 15 ft up in the air) and bounced descent amusement ride fits your little ones and their friends. And in the evening, the energy efficient and environmentally friendly LED accent lights draw everyone’s eyes to the bright and adorable Frog Hopper ride.

Young children love this bouncing ride!

What Type of Ride is the Frog Hopper?

The Frog Hopper is a mini version of a “Junior Drop Tower” ride.

Drop tower rides generally incorporate a central tower and a gondola to carry riders to the top. The gondola is then released to free-fall down the tower. Magnetic brakes immediately slow the gondola as it approaches the bottom half of the tower. There are many variations in height, lift type (magnetic or air powered), brake type, and rider capacity, and many of these rides are custom made.

Riders initially experience a sense of weightlessness via free fall, followed by rapid slowing down, after which a brake system brings the ride to a stop. The entire experience generally lasts less than one minute.

Riding the Frog Hopper at Pacific Park

We have  two drop rides at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. The Frog Hopper is our mini-version, and is perfect for those littles not yet ready for the big rides!

The height requirement for the Frog Hopper is 36” and the weight limit is 100 lbs. per seat.

The Pacific Plunge is our full size version, and riders must be 42” tall to ride it alone or 38” tall if riding with a chaperone.