Bounce Houses

Bounce House Options

A bounce house is an inflatable structure with four walls and a trampoline-like floor. They are also known as moonwalks because the way users bounce is reminiscent of the famous images of astronauts walking weightlessly on the moon. These inflatable structures are available in a variety of styles. Bounce castles are a popular option, because the four walls of the structure are easily turned into "stone" walls and turrets. Some structures are decorated with popular cartoon characters or are designed around a theme like sports. For double the fun, look for an attached slide or climbing area.

Bounce House Rentals

If you'd like to have a moonwalk at your party, you'll need to find a local party rental company. Some businesses will offer bounce houses as part of a larger rental service, while others focus solely on inflatable playthings.

While there are no industry-wide safety standards or certifications, organizations like the Safe Inflatable Operators Training Organization do exist. Ask your rental company if they belong to any safety organizations or have completed any training. You should also ask the rental company about its insurance policy. While you certainly hope nothing happens at your big event, you want to be covered in case of an unfortunate accident.

Tips for Using Inflatable Structures

• Make sure you have a large, clear area in your yard for setting up the bounce house.
• Have an adult supervise the activities at all times.
• Use steps or a platform to enter and exit the bounce house. Kids will think it's fun to jump to the ground, but it can easily lead to a twisted ankle.
• Enter and exit the moonwalk in an organized manner. Pushing and shoving can be dangerous, and if users crowd each other, flailing limbs can cause bruises and black eyes.
• Obey all weight and occupancy limits.
• Don't allow roughhousing. The soft, inflated floor may make it seem harmless, but children can still get injured when falling or being knocked over.
• Keep food and drink away from the structure. Spilled food can make the floor slippery, and eating while jumping presents a choking hazard.
• Set time limits for use. This will allow all kids a fair chance to play, while also keeping users from becoming over-tired. Tired legs are more likely to trip and stumble, leading to potential injuries.
• As much as possible, only let children similar in age and size play at the same time. When a four-year-old and a ten-year-old bounce off of each other, the four-year-old isn't going to enjoy it.
• While adults may be tempted to join in on the fun, moonwalks are intended for young bodies only.
• Avoid damage to the inflatable unit. A leak can make the structure unstable. A few ways to help include clearing the ground beneath the inflatable structure, keeping pets away, and making sure all users remove their shoes before entering the bounce house.
• Don't use bounce houses in inclement weather. Wind can make the structure unstable, while rain can make the bouncing area dangerously slippery.
• In recent years, small, affordable moonwalks have entered the marketplace from famous toy manufacturers like Little Tikes. These can be fun for everyday use. However, if you're hosting an event, you'll want the durability of a professional bounce house.

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