How to pick a bouncy castle for your home

Practical, Fun, Affordable; and a great way to get kids to exercise, develop their gross motor control, and burn off excess energy. Bouncy castles are synonymous with good old-fashioned, nostalgic backyard fun. Here are the best bounce houses we’ve rated for home use:

Image	Title	Dimensions (feet)	Capacity	Theme	Features	Link
	Cloud 9 Jungle Bounce House	13.5 x 12 x 8.5	5 kids or 500 lbs	Jungle	Climbing Wall and Slide	Check price
	Superstar Inflatable Party	14 x 14 x 7	5 kids or 500 lbs	Moonwalk	Puncture-proof material	Check price
	Castle Inflatable Bounce House	12 x 9 x 7	3 kids or 300 lbs	Castle	Basketball hoop and slide	Check price
	Intex Jump O Lene Castle	5.75 x 5.75 x 4.5	2 kids or 120 lbs	Castle	Phthalate Free” PVC	Check price
	Blast Zone	15 x 16 x 7	6 kids	Rainforest	Slides	Check price
	KidWise Little Star	9 x 9 x 6	3 kids or 300 lbs	Bounce house	Ball pit	Check price
	Bounceland Big Splash	24 x 21 x 8	For kids up to 100 lbs	Water park	Dual Water Slides and Pool	Check price
	Kidwise Obstacle Racer	19 x 7 x 9	4 kids or 400 lbs	Obstacle course	Tunnels and slides	Check price
	Magic Castle Bounce House	11 x 8.5 x 8	3 kids or 300 lbs	Castle	Ball pit	Check price
	Blast Zone Buccaneer Pirate	14 x 9 x 8	350 lbs	Pirate	Water slide, cannon, climbing wall	Check price

Many parents have discovered that buying a bounce house is a long-lasting investment in family fun. They’re safe and entertaining, and are adaptable to countless activities including sliding, basketball, climbing, tunneling, and water games… Watch your children’s faces light up when they round the corner to see what’s waiting for them in their backyard!

Consider your bounce house an investment – you will be sure that there’s always a fun, easy way to keep the kids entertained during parties, barbecues, and gatherings. Remember, it one or two uses per year before you are saving money by purchasing a bouncy castle outright rather than renting one. If you anticipate using the bounce house at least twice, you may find yourself saving money over the long run by purchasing, instead of renting.

10 Best Bouncy Houses For Home Use

We rank the top bounce castles for backyard residential use:
With Premium-Quality, Durable Bouncy Castles Starting below $200, You’ll Never Have to Rent Again. Inflatable bounce houses are fantastic fun (and exercise!) for parties, group gatherings, or everyday play. Previously, parents would have had to pay a minimum of $1-200 to rent a commercial bounce castle; now parents can purchase bounce houses for continuous enjoyment for about the same cost as a rental – if you know where to look.

#10 – Cloud 9 Jungle Bounce House with Climbing Wall and Slide
Dimensions: 13.5 x 12 x 8.5 feet
Capacity: Fire-resistant, puncture-proof, heavy duty 420D Nylon holds up to 5 kids or 500 lbs
Why we love it: A cool jungle-themed bouncy castle with slick PVC for easy sliding and a great inflatable climbing wall.
Bonus: Comes with a bounce area, slide, climbing wall, and basketball hoop
What are people saying?
So much fun and cheaper to use this twice versus renting one! Kids love it.

#9 – Superstar Inflatable Party Moonwalk
Dimensions : 14 x 14 x 7 feet
Capacity: heavy-duty puncture-proof material holds up to 5 kids or 500 lbs
Why we love it: A fantastic inflatable castle! This bounce house has an extra large floor, for only a small increase in price. The extra capacity makes it the perfect bounce house for birthday parties, barbecues, block parties, and more.
Bonus: It’s big enough for team games!
What are people saying?
The best residential bounce house; a great investment. Kept the kids busy all day… and it holds a lot of kids.

#8 – Bounceland Castle
Dimensions : 12 x 9 x 7 feet
Capacity: heavy-duty puncture-proof material holds up to 3 kids or 300 lbs
Why we love it: It’s an amazing value for the size, making it one of the best bounce houses for residential and backyard use if you have space.
Bonus: it comes with a basketball hoop and a slide!
What are people saying?
An awesome bouncy castle that holds up to major abuse, even in a daycare setting, and keeps the kids majorly entertained.

#7 – Intex Jump O Lene Castle Inflatable Bouncer
Dimensions : 5.75 x 5.75 x 4.5 feet
Capacity: thick & durable “Phthalate Free” PVC material is great for up to 2 kids or 120 lbs
Why we love it: It’s an amazingly inexpensive entry-level bounce house for toddlers. A soft inflatable floor, and high walls provide a safe bouncing platform for kids ages 3-6.
Bonus: Getting kids started early with the type of physical activity encouraged by indoor bouncy castles will promote physical development, balance, coordination, and exercise.
What are people saying?
Best residential bounce house for toddlers. An ideal bounce house for younger kids, smaller indoor spaces or during the cold winter season.

#6 – Blast Zone Rainforest Rapids Inflatable Bouncer with Slides
Dimensions : 15 x 16 x 7 feet
Capacity: Commercial grade impact surfaces hold up to 6 kids
Why we love it: A super large bounce house and obstacle course with slides; this is the perfect bounce house if you’re looking for something a little bigger. It will hold
Bonus: features an 8 x 8-foot bounce area, with 2 mega slides and the Tiki Lagoon. Despite being amazingly large (and still under $800), it still inflates in under 2 minutes and packs down to the size of a rolled sleeping bag.
What are people saying?
We were looking for a small jumper but got this instead… I’m so glad we did.
Amazing for wet or dry play – a huge hit with all of the family and neighborhood kids! Best purchase we ever made.

#5 – KidWise Little Star Bounce House with Ball Pit
Dimensions : 9 x 9 x 6 feet
Capacity: heavy-duty puncture-proof material holds up to 3 kids or 300 lbs
Why we love it: East, fast setup! One of the fastest bounce castles to set-up that we tested – ready to go in 5 minuted and breaks down in 5 minutes.
Bonus: this bounce house comes with a slide and ball pit (and the balls are included)!
What are people saying?
Hands down the best bounce house for kids. So sturdy… it comes with a repair kit (which we’ve never had to use).

#4 – Bounceland Big Splash Dual Water Slides and Pool Water Park
Dimensions: 24 x 21 x 8 feet
Capacity: Heavy-duty puncture proof materials with double to quadruple stitches is great for kids up to 100 lbs
Why we love it: The absolute best bounce house for pool parties
Bonus: Longer (6+ feet) fill tube so blower can be placed farther away from the water slide.
What are people saying?
I bought it for my son’s third birthday yesterday and it was amazing!
It inflated in just 2 minutes, the kids had fun for hours, and it was easy to fold up and store in the garage in minutes.

#3 – Kidwise Obstacle Racer Inflatable Bouncer
Dimensions : 19 x 7 x 9 feet
Capacity: 4 kids or 400 lbs
Why we love it: Awesome oversized inflatable obstacle course
Bonus: Double entry allows 2 kids to enter at once to compete in the obstacle challenge
What are people saying?
This thing is awesome, my kids love it. We have been using this bouncer for two years with no problems.

Bounce houses are portable and convenient

If the weather does not permit you to play with the bounce house outside, they can even be assembled inside for the day! Unlike other popular backyard play implements like swing sets, slides, trampolines, basketball hoops, and above-ground pools, an inflatable bouncy castle can easily be stored in a box in the garage or basement when not in use.

You May be Better Off Buying a Bounce House, Rather Than Renting One

It is possible to buy a well-designed and durable entry-level bouncy castle for under $200. However, even for premium models, you can often purchase them for only around 2x the cost of renting them, giving you time after time of enjoyment.

Even less expensive bouncy castles can be durable and long-lasting

While residential inflatable bouncers are designed for less frequent use than their commercial rental counterparts, it’s possible to buy high-quality inflatable bouncers that can endure years of use and abuse, for not much more than the cost of a rental. Durable materials like PVC tarpaulin and woven oxford cloth will last you season after season. The longest-lasting bounce houses will have a balanced weave of double, triple, or quadruple stitching.

Bouncy castles with continually flowing air (meaning they come with air pumps that continually cycle air throughout) will be more durable because air can escape during play, minimizing the risk of tears and other damages. If you plan to use the inflatable bounce house very regularly, you may find it worthwhile to purchase an extended warranty. But remember, you can also always patch any minor punctures or rips with a repair kit.

The ultimate guide to choosing the perfect bounce house:

A high-quality bounce house will be built using large sheets of commercial grade vinyl or similar material, rather than many smaller pieces (in order to minimize seam separation between the surfaces)
Attributes of a good bouncy castle:

• Is it built to last?
• Is it safe, durable, and fun to use?
• Does it have extra reinforcement in stress areas?
• Are splash areas shallower than 6 inches?

Also, consider bouncy castle safety
Safety should be the primary concern when shopping for inflatable bounce houses. With care and proper use, bouncy houses can be safe and fun alternatives to trampolines. No shoes or sharp objects (including exposed metal zippers, hair clips, certain toys, etc.) should be permitted inside of the bouncy castle. Be certain to ask yourself these important questions before buying (and using) a bounce house:

• What is the total weight capacity of the bounce house?
• What is the maximum number of children can use it at once?
• How much does each child that will use it weigh?
• Are there sturdy inflatable columns and proper netting enclosures on at least three of the sides?

In addition, bouncy castles must always be properly staked or weighted down with sandbags. If you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings, obey maximum weight and occupancy limits, group children of similar ages and sizes together, and use adult supervision, there is no reason that you cannot safely enjoy a bounce house.

Frequently asked questions about bounce houses:

Is buying a bounce house worth it?

Depending on the model that you choose, buying a bounce house outright can be much more cost-effective than renting one. Most people find that the investment pays for itself after two or three rentals. If you’re only going to use it once (such as for a block party, fair, school event, etc.), then it is advisable to rent – particularly if you want a very large one. If you are intending to put the bounce house in the backyard and use it throughout the summer, it’s certainly worthwhile to buy it. Plus, it will make your house the envy of the neighborhood.

Are bounce houses sanitary?

Bounce houses do have the potential to grow mold and mildew if not properly cared for. With many kids going in and out, it is bound to collect some germs. However, as long as they are allowed to air dry in the sun in between uses, and are properly cleaned before being put away for storage, they remain fairly clean.

Are bounce houses safer than trampolines?

Bounce houses are generally considered much safer than trampolines. Generally speaking, you cannot jump as high in a bouncy castle as you could on a trampoline, because there are no springs. Additionally, most bounce houses are fully enclosed, with side walls or nets and a ceiling, preventing any accidental falls while jumping.

Where is the biggest bouncy castle?

The world’s largest bouncy castle measures 23.8m by 20.7m by 12.8m (that works out to about 11,433-square-feet) and is 32ft from the ground to the tip of the tallest tower. The Big Bounce America tours around the world, traveling to different cities for a few days at a time. In 2021 they will be in Dallas, Denver, Austin, Fresno, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Brooklyn, El Paso, and St. Louis.

Do bounce houses use a lot of electricity?

The blower for a typical bounce house is around 2000 watts (and some bounce houses require multiple blowers). A rule of thumb is that every 60 square meters of bounce house area require 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity per hour. The average electricity rate for a residential customer in the United States is 13.19 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This means that a 60 square meter bounce house is 13.19 cents per hour, a 120 square meter bounce house is 26.38 cents per hour, and so on. Note that it is advisable to stop the blower for 10-15 minutes every 4 hours in order to permit the blower to cool down.

How windy is too windy for a bounce house?

A strong wind can catch the underside or ceiling of a bounce house and turn it into a giant sail – which is enough to send it flying, even if there are people inside of it, and even if it has strong anchors. You should always keep an eye on the weather and use common sense. The general rule of thumb is that you should never use a bounce house if wind speeds will exceed about 20 miles per hour. That said, all specifications are different and can vary wildly depending on the weight and surface area of the bounce house. Thus, you should verify the manufacturer’s manual and give them a call directly if you have any questions or doubts at all.

Can you go in a bounce house in the rain?

It is not advisable to use a bounce house in the rain, since it must be constantly connected to an electrical supply in order to maintain air pressure.

How cold is too cold for a bounce house?

If it is above about 40 degrees, most bounce houses are safe to use, but you will want to make sure that everyone is dressed warmly enough. Once they get bouncing, they will get sweaty and warm – but it’s still advisable to keep coats on while bouncing in this weather. Cold temperatures can potentially weaken the vinyl, as well as making it much more difficult to roll up and pack after use.

How much space do you need for a bouncy castle?

Plan on having at least five feet for entrance and egress, with at least two feet on each of the sides. This means that a 10×10’ inflatable would require a total space of 20×14’.

Can a bounce house fit in a garage?

Some smaller models are specifically designed to be used indoors. Only use an electric-powered blower if you plan on using it inside the house or garage. When you are installing a bounce house indoors, you will obviously not be able to stake it into the ground, so you should plan on using heavy sandbags or another anchoring method.

Can you overinflate a bounce house?

A properly design bounce house is impossible to over-inflate. This is because bounce houses are designed using a breathable material that permits air to pass through. That is why when you see a bounce house, a blower fan is constantly running – to replace the air that is pushed out when kids are bouncing.

How do you get water out of a bounce house?

It is generally easiest to get water out of a bounce house by tipping it when it is still inflated. If this is not possible, turn off the blower, fully deflate it, push water out with a broom or towels, and allow it to air dry in the sunlight. It will require at least 4 to 6 hours to ensure that it is fully dry so that no mold will form when it is stored.

How do you clean bouncy castles?

Use a vacuum cleaner and a soft cloth or brush with soap and water or a mild cleanser. Wipe down one section of the bouncy castle, then allow it to dry while you work on another section. Allow it to fully dry before packing it away.

How do you get mold out of a bouncy castle?

Use a mild dish detergent or white vinegar. You may apply it with a towel or mop, then leave the bounce house in the direct sun, which will help to disinfect it and kill the mold.

What do you put under bounce house?

It is recommended to place a heavy-duty tarp under the bounce house to protect from rubbing against the underlying surface.

Can bounce houses go on concrete?

Yes, although it is advisable to use a thick rubber mat at the entrance and exit, in case of a trip. You should also place a heavy-duty tarp under the bounce house to protect it from rubbing against the underlying surface.

How do you anchor a bounce house?

Sandbags, water bags, concrete blocks, and large stakes driven into the ground can be used to anchor a bounce house in place. Different models may have different anchoring instructions or attachments, so read the manual and plan ahead accordingly.

Can you set up a jumping castle in a park?

In most jurisdictions, you are required to obtain permission from the local council before setting up a bounce house in a public area. In some regions, this simply requires a booking notification and advance permission. In other areas, you may need to pay a few hundred dollars for a permit.

What size blower do I need for my bounce house?

Here is a handy size chart that you can use to decide about how powerful a blower you will need for your bounce house.

Best bounce house blower

Image	Brand	Product	Bounce house size	Approximate amps required	Cord length	Max Static Pressure	Horsepower	Wheel speed	Weight	Learn more
	Kidwise	3L	9 x 9'	5 amps						Check price
	Kodiak	B-Air 1 HP	10 x 10'	6 - 8 amps	25 feet	8.8"	1	3460 RPM	33 lbs	Check price
	Kodiak	B-Air 1.5 HP	11 x 11'	10 - 11 amps	25 feet	9.8"	1.5	3460 RPM	37 lbs	Check price
	CFM Pro	Commercial 2 HP	15 x 15'	12 - 14 amps			2			Check price

What is the best generator for bounce houses?

A generator is not required to run most bounce houses, as they typically come equipped with a heavy-duty three-prong plug that fits a standard residential electrical outlet. That said, it is generally recommended to power your bounce house with a generator if you will be installing it 50 feet or further from a power source. You should not string multiple extension cords together to extend beyond fifty feet. You run the risk of causing an electrical fire, ruining the bounce house blower, and causing serious damage to both your outlet and cord.

Depending on the size of the bounce house, you will likely want at least a 2,000-watt generator, such as this one. This model is high-powered but also extremely quiet (only 51 decibels at quarter load, which is even quieter than your average window air conditioner). It can power most bounce houses for approximately four hours before refueling.

It is feasible to provide power to additional bounce houses from a single generator, as long as the generator has enough wattage for all of them combined.

Can you use a leaf blower for a bounce house?

Yes, in a pinch, you can use a leaf blower to inflate your bounce house (some kind of adapter may be required to allow it to physically fit the receptacle without air escaping.) This is likely to Keep in mind that a bounce house that is not properly inflated is a safety risk. So exercise caution if you do decide to use a leaf blower.

Why do I hear air coming out of my bounce house?

It’s completely OK to hear air escaping out of the inflatable or to see air bubbles in the water slides. Most bouncy castles utilize continuous airflow, generated from a powered air blower that pumps air into the inflatable nonstop during use. Excess air is allowed to escape, which helps the bounce house to avoid damage from over-inflation or sudden stress.

What are some fun facts about bouncy castles?

The purported biggest bouncy castle is a whopping 893 feet long (well over the length of 2 football fields) and is affectionately nicknamed “The Beast”. It is made up of 32 separate inflatables and currently resides in Belgium, where it is used as an obstacle course to help adults feel like kids again.

What is the history of bouncy castles?

The original inflatable structure was invented by John Scurlock in 1959, an engineer that also developed fire department safety air cushions for catching evacuees.

Over the next 30 years, family members of John including his wife Frances and son Frank created various companies around the idea, including rental companies called Space Walk and Inflatable Zoo, and play parks called Fun Factory and Fun-Plex. Frank also invented the first inflatable water slide, named the Aqua Tunnel.

Where should I set up my bounce house?

Bounce houses should be set up on the level ground, preferably over the grass for maximum safety when exiting the inflatable. However, they may also be set up on concrete by using a tarp or rubber mat, and sandbags as weights instead of stakes. Beware of overhead limitations when setting up the bounce house.

Ensure that the pump is compatible with your outlets BEFORE setting up your bounce house.
Allow a minimum of 4 feet behind the bounce house, so as to leave room for the pump and flexible air tube. Setting a bouncy castle up indoors is perfectly fine as long as there is space for the inflatable and pump to be operated safely.

Will a bounce house destroy my lawn?

Sporadic usage of a bouncy castle is generally not damaging to the lawn. Installing it over a tarp and anchoring it with properly secured stakes should minimize any problems.

Some ideas for more places inflatable bouncy castles can be used

• Inside the home or in the backyard
• Day Care, Church, or School
• Town days or Fairs
• Summer Camp
• Neighborhood Collective or Block Party
• Special Events for Karate Studio, Dance Studio

Popular bounce house themes:

• Inflatable Slides or Water Slides
• Inflatable Ball Pits
• Inflatable Basketball, Inflatable Mini Golf, Inflatable Rock Wall, Inflatable Boxing Ring, and other sports
• Inflatable Obstacle Course
• Special themes including princess bouncy castles
• Floating bouncy castles for the lake or pool

Still not ready for the investment? Here are some cheaper alternatives to bouncy castles:
An amazing inflatable “zorb” style blow-up play ball that gets kids moving and laughing, bumping and bouncing.

Kids up to 200 lbs can get inside and roll along by walking foot over foot, crawling, or being pushed.

More outdoor fun toys you will love:
DIY Tree fort kits
Fort building kits
Kids stilts

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Summary

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10 Best Bounce Houses For Home Use

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Practical, Fun, Affordable; and a great way to get kids to exercise, develop their gross motor control, and burn off excess energy. Bouncy castles are synonymous with good old-fashioned, nostalgic backyard fun.

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Smart-Toys

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Smart-Toys

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