How to Buy the Perfect Bounce House

Your Guide to buying the best Bounce Houses

Overview

A Bounce House is an entertaining and fun activity for children and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a bouncy castle for a birthday party, a backyard get-together, or just for fun, this buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to find the best Bounce House for your needs. With information on size, materials, cost, safety, and other considerations, you’ll be able to find a great Bounce House for you and your family.

Key features

  • Size - How large of a bounce house do you need? Consider the size of the space available for the bounce house, and consider how many people you would like to fit inside.
  • Material - Most bounce houses are made of vinyl or polyester. Make sure to select a material that is strong and durable.
  • Safety Features - Look for bounce houses that have safety features such as netting and padding. Also, make sure to look for bounce houses that follow safety standards and guidelines.
  • Inflatable Blower - Many bounce houses come with an inflatable blower. Make sure to select a blower that is designed for outdoor use and is powerful enough to inflate the house.
  • Price - Bounce houses can range in price depending on size and features. Make sure to compare prices to get the most bang for your buck.

See the most popular Bounce Houses on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durable & Long-Lasting - Bounce Houses are made from high-quality, durable materials, ensuring that your bounce house lasts for years.
  • Safe and Secure - Bounce Houses come with safety features such as netting to keep kids safe and secure while they're bouncing.
  • Easy to Set Up & Take Down - Bounce Houses are designed to be easy to set up and take down, making them perfect for spontaneous fun!
  • Fun for All Ages - Bounce Houses are a great form of entertainment for kids of all ages, making them perfect for family gatherings.
  • Affordable - Bounce Houses are an affordable way to bring fun to your next party or event.

Cons

  • Safety Concerns - Bounce Houses pose significant safety risks, as injuries can occur from falls, collisions, and entrapment. Improperly installed Bounce Houses can also pose a significant risk of collapsing or blowing away in high winds.
  • Cost of Setup and Tear-Down - Setting up and tearing down a Bounce House can be a costly and time-consuming process, as the majority of Bounce Houses need to be professionally installed and taken down.
  • High Maintenance and Cleaning Requirements - Keeping a Bounce House clean and in working order requires regular maintenance and cleaning, as dirt, debris, and other contaminants can accumulate inside the inflatable structure.
  • Weight Limit - Most Bounce Houses have a limit to the number and weight of the users, so it’s important to ensure that the number of users and their combined weight do not exceed the maximum limit.
  • Inadequate for Extreme Weather Conditions - Bounce Houses are not suitable for use in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds, as they may be at risk of damage or collapse.

Best alternatives

  1. Trampolines - A traditional backyard activity for children, trampolines provide the same type of jumping experience as a bounce house in a more compact size.
  2. Inflatable Water Slides - An alternative to a bounce house, an inflatable water slide is a great way to cool off on hot summer days and provide hours of fun.
  3. Inflatable Swimming Pools - An inflatable swimming pool offers a safe and fun way for children to cool off and play in the water, without the need for a bounce house.
  4. Swing Sets - A great way to get children active, swing sets provide a more traditional activity that can be enjoyed by children of all ages.
  5. Inflatable Obstacle Courses - Inflatable obstacle courses are larger than a bounce house and provide a great way for children to interact and challenge each other.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Inflatable Blower - A powerful blower that inflates the bounce house.
  • Ground Stakes - Stakes to help secure the bounce house to the ground.
  • Anchor Straps - Straps designed to further secure the bounce house to the ground.
  • Tarp - A tarp to protect the bounce house when not in use.
  • Repair Kit - Replacement material and patches for repairing the bounce house.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of Bounce Houses?
    • Inflatable Bounce Houses: these are the most common type of Bounce House and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are typically made of either PVC or nylon and are inflated and deflated with a blower.
    • Foam Filled Bounce Houses: these are typically smaller than inflatable Bounce Houses and are made from a foam material that is filled with air. They are usually more lightweight and easier to transport.
    • Trampoline Bounce Houses: these are essentially trampolines with a Bounce House surrounding them. They are often more expensive than other types of Bounce Houses, but they offer more of a ‘bounce’ and are often more durable.
  2. What safety considerations should I keep in mind when purchasing a Bounce House?
    • Make sure the Bounce House has been safety tested and certified by a recognized safety authority.
    • Check the weight capacity of the Bounce House to ensure that it can accommodate the number of children who will be using it.
    • Be aware of any potential hazards in the area such as hard surfaces or objects that could be hazardous if someone were to fall on them.
    • Make sure the Bounce House is securely anchored to the ground or other stable structure.
    • Have an adult supervise the use of the Bounce House at all times.
  3. How much do Bounce Houses cost?
    • The price of a Bounce House can range from $100 to over $1,000 depending on the size and type of Bounce House. Generally, smaller Bounce Houses are cheaper and larger Bounce Houses are more expensive.
  4. How often should I inspect and maintain my Bounce House?

Trivia

In 2019, a man in Florida was arrested for operating an illegal bounce house business. Apparently, he had been renting out bounce houses without proper licensing or permits. When police confronted him, he initially denied the accusations, but eventually admitted that he had been running the business for over a year. He was subsequently arrested and charged with operating an unlicensed business.1 1 tampabay.com

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.