Where can you put a bounce house?

A bounce house should always be placed on level terrain with enough room for anchoring. The area you decide to place it in should also be free of excess debris and sharp objects. You'll want to consider putting a tarp down or layer of protection first before setting it up. Surfaces like relatively level grass and concrete are ideal for anchoring a bounce house. You can put one in your driveway, on your front lawn, in a backyard, or in a garage. Always make sure to anchor your bounce house after inflating it as this is a crucial safety measure. The bounce house will shift as it inflates, so it's best to place the anchors down post-blow-up to ensure it's properly tied down. You'll also want to consider where your nearest power source is before deciding where to set up your bounce house. If you don't have a generator to plug your air blower into, you'll need an extension cord to plug it into the nearest electrical outlet.

How do you clean a bounce house?

Cleaning a bounce house may seem like a daunting task, but you can do it in a cost-effective way with the right tools. You'll want to clean it on a large tarp using a shop vac (or broom), sponges, wash rags, a brush, mild dish soap, vinegar, a garden hose, and clean, dry towels. Create a cleaning solution that's roughly three parts water and one part vinegar with a few drops of mild dish soap. Start by removing any larger debris and dirt using the vacuum or broom. From there, brush it down and then scrub your bounce house thoroughly using the cleaning solution. If you have disinfecting wipes, it would be a good idea to use those on areas of the bounce house that children touch the most. Once done, hose it down completely and wipe it with dry towels as much as possible. Let the rest of any hard-to-reach areas dry in the sun.

How do you store a bounce house?

To keep your bounce house in the best possible shape, you'll always want to clean and dry it thoroughly before storing it. Both bounce houses and air blowers should be stored in thick, durable bags that can withstand transport if necessary. You'll also want to store your bounce house in a cool, dry place like a shed, garage, or basement to shield it from the elements. Consider putting it up securely on a shelf out of reach from any bugs or other potential pests that could damage it.

How do you patch a bounce house?

If your bounce house is accidentally punctured, you'll need a patch kit to fix it up. While some bounce houses do come with their own repair kit, it's not always guaranteed. If your particular bounce house doesn't come with one, you can still buy an independent patch kit from retailers like Amazon—they're relatively inexpensive and easy to use for small tears. Just make sure your patch repair kit is designed specifically for bounce houses. For larger tears, it may need restitching with a sewing awl or a professional repair job. In order to patch a small puncture, start by cleaning the area around it so your patch will fully stick. Cut a small, round patch from your repair kit and flatten it all the way. Apply vinyl glue around the hole in your bounce house and to the patch. Press the patch firmly on and apply pressure to it for a few seconds. Check to make sure that the edges of the patch are sealed and no air is escaping from the area anymore.

The 8 Best Bounce Houses of 2023

Whether you need an inflatable bounce house for a birthday, backyard barbecue, or garden party, or just want an everyday activity to keep your kids active and entertained, you've come to the right place.

We searched high and low to find standout options for every age, home, and budget to find the best pick for your family to enjoy hours of fun in the sun.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Blast Zone Big Ol Bouncer Inflatable Moonwalk at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Intex Jump-O-Lene Castle Bouncer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Blower:

Cloud 9 Inflatable Bounce House With Slide And Blower — Unicorn Theme at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Water:

Costway Inflatable Bounce House Splash Pool With Water Climb Slide at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best Indoor:

Blast Zone Magic Castle Bounce House at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Slide:

Little Tikes Jump 'n Slide Bouncer at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Older Kids:

Banzai Slide 'N Score at Wayfair

Jump to Review

Best for Adults:

DHGate Customed White Wedding Commercial Inflatable Bouncy Jumping Castle at Dhgate.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

4.3

Blast Zone Big Ol Bouncer Inflatable Moonwalk

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Durable
Lightweight
Blower included
Inflates quickly

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for small spaces

This six-person inflatable bounce house doesn't skimp on size. While you might think this means it's a nuisance to move around and blow up, you'll be pleased to know it weighs only 66 pounds and can be inflated in as little as two minutes, thanks to the included tube and blower. We also like that it comes with a carrying case and rolls back up into the size of a large sleeping bag for convenient storage.

Children can enjoy fun games to play in this bounce house, with plenty of room to spare. What's more, this durable vinyl bounce house features a fully enclosed safety netting and a double-padded slide to keep kiddos safe while they romp.

Over 1000 reviewers agree that this product feels high-quality and durable for use summer after summer. Some recommend purchasing a tarp to put under your bounce house to protect against sticks or branches. They also noted that the open-top design can cause this inflatable to get hot in the summer, so be sure to find somewhere shady to set it up.

Price at time of publish: $400

_{Material: Vinyl/mesh | Dimensions: 144 x 180 x 84 inches | Weight: 66 pounds | Capacity: 6 children | Inflate/Deflate Time: Seconds | Pump Included: Yes}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Durable
Mesh side panels

What We Don't Like

Inflater sold separately

Though this wallet-friendly bouncer only has a two-kid capacity, you'll get more than your money's worth. The Jump-O-Lene Castle Bouncer is made of Intex's pool-grade vinyl, so you can bet it's designed to last through heavy use. We also appreciate that it has a soft floor, high walls, and mesh side panels to keep kiddos safe while they bounce off their extra energy.

The royal design has four turrets in colorful designs to spark kids' imagination, making it the perfect play to burn off some energy and play pretend.

Price at time of publish: $140

_{Material: Vinyl/mesh | Dimensions: 69 x 69 x 53 inches | Weight: 120 pounds | Capacity: 2 children | Inflate/Deflate Time: Approx. 15 Minutes | Pump Included: No}

Cloud 9 Inflatable Bounce House With Slide And Blower â Unicorn Theme

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kmart.com

What We Like

Blower included
Inflates quickly
Durable

What We Don't Like

Clothes and hair can catch in velcroed door

Cloud 9's take on the inflatable bounce house is this cute unicorn number. Made of puncture-proof nylon with reinforced stitching on the seams, it's designed to last under heavy use. The material is also fire-resistant and lab-tested by the manufacturer to ensure safety for little ones. Apart from an adorable design, it also features a large slide for hours of fun.

Not only that, but it comes with a 450-watt blower, a grounded power cord, and an on-off switch for easy inflation and safety. You can set it up in just a few minutes and deflate it just as fast.

Price at time of publish: $240

_{Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 144 x 96 x 72 inches | Weight: 42 pounds | Capacity: 3 children | Inflate/Deflate Time: Under 2 Minutes | Pump Included: Yes}

11" W x 10" D Bounce House with Water Slide and Air Blower

Wayfair

View On Wayfair View On Walmart View On Costway.com

What We Like

Blower included
Multiple play zones
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Smaller than it looks online

For some fun in the sun, check out this bouncer-kiddie pool combo from Costway. Featuring a bouncy castle component, a climbing wall, a slide, a splash pool, a water gun, a football gate, and a ball-shooting area, you can count on hours of warm-weather entertainment.

What's more, it comes with an air blower and carrying bag for easy-peasy inflation and storage. The bright colors and castle-like appearance also add to the appeal.

Price at time of publish: $599

_{Material: Vinyl | Dimensions: 124 x 137 x 100 inches | Weight: 46 pounds | Capacity: 4 children | Inflate/Deflate Time: Not Listed | Pump Included: Yes}

The 9 Best Kiddie Pools of 2023

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Indoor/outdoor design
Inflates quickly
Easy to store

What We Don't Like

Balls not included

If you have space for it in your living room, basement, or extensive playroom, consider getting Blast Zone's indoor-friendly bounce house. The Magic Castle is tall enough to keep kiddos safe inside but not so tall that it can't clear standard-height ceilings.

Not only that, but it can be inflated in two minutes flat using the included blower, deflated almost as quickly, and rolled up into a compact shape for easy storage. It fits three little ones comfortably, perfect for friends and siblings to play together. Now, you can keep the outdoor fun going inside on rainy or cold days.

Price at time of publish: $350

_{Material: Vinyl/mesh | Dimensions: 102 x 132 x 96 inches | Weight: 48 pounds | Capacity: 3 children | Inflate/Deflate Time: 15 Minutes | Pump Included: Yes}

The 30 Best Outdoor Toys of 2023

Little Tikes Jump ân Slide Inflatable Bouncer

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Zulily.com

What We Like

Spacious jumping area
Blower included
Inflates quickly

What We Don't Like

May need frequent patching

Rambunctious kids between 3 and 8 will have loads of fun tumbling and prancing around in this Little Tikes bounce house. It's got a generously sized jumping area with a mesh safety enclosure and a wide slide for endless outdoor fun.

This blow-up bouncer is made of durable vinyl with double-stitched seams. Plus, it comes with a repair kit, a storage bag, and a high-pressure blower for quick inflation and deflation, so kids can enjoy the play structure for years to come.

Price at time of publish: $299

_{Material: Vinyl | Dimensions: 144 x 108 x 72 inches | Weight: 37.5 pounds | Capacity: 3 children | Inflate/Deflate Time: Under a Minute | Pump Included: Yes}

Banzai Slide N Score Inflatable Bounce House

Walmart

View On Wayfair View On Home Depot View On Walmart

What We Like

Built-in pump
Reasonably priced
Inflates quickly
Designed for older kids

What We Don't Like

May need frequent patching
Not ideal for small spaces

Designed for children up to the age of 12, the Banzai Slide 'N Score is fun for (almost) all ages. It's got a generous bouncing area large enough to accommodate up to six kids, plus an oversized slide, a self-sticking dartboard, and a woven soccer net for the included inflatable ball. Perhaps best of all, this bounce house has a built-in pump and inflates in as little as two minutes.

Gear up for even more fun with a built-in net, inflatable ball, and self-sticking dartboard. Kids can challenge their friends, practice their aim, or simply bounce and slide in their new bounce house.

Price at time of publish: $276

_{Material: PVC-coated polyester | Dimensions: 144 x 108 x 84 inches | Weight: 46 pounds | Capacity: 6 children | Inflate/Deflate Time: 2 Minutes | Pump Included: Yes}

DHGate

View On Dhgate.com

What We Like

Blower included
Multiple sizes available
Two-year warranty

What We Don't Like

Expensive

If you have a company event, wedding, graduation party, or another outdoor celebration on the calendar, consider pumping up the fun with this inflatable bounce house from DHGate. It comes in various sizes and can accommodate between four to eight adults.

Made of premium-grade PVC-coated oxford fabric, this large jumper is designed to hold up in hot, cold, and even rainy weather. While it's undoubtedly more expensive than the other bouncers on this list, it's backed by a two-year warranty.

Price at time of publish: $1,230

_{Material: PVC tarpaulin/oxford cloth | Dimensions: Varies | Weight: Varies | Capacity: 4 to 8 adults | Inflate/Deflate Time: Not Listed | Pump Included: Yes}

Final Verdict

The best bounce house overall is the Blast Zone Big Ol Bouncer Inflatable Moonwalk on account of its generous jumping area, six-kid capacity, included blower, and quick-inflating design. If you're looking for an affordable option, we recommend the Intex Jump-O-Lene Castle Bouncer.

Size

When browsing bounce houses, the first thing you'll want to look for is size. You'll have a bit more wiggle room with outdoor models, but make sure you have plenty of space in a flat area.

"When shopping for the best bounce house for your home, consumers should always consider the size of the bounce house, the different styles of bounce houses, and the type of added features they would like," says Sharon Peng, the marketing and social media manager for Bounceland in Illinois. Added features typically include slides, water elements, or ball pits.

For indoor jumpers, double-check that you can accommodate not only the square footage on the floor but also the height. Also, bear in mind that smaller bouncy castles are designed for two or three children, whereas larger ones are typically suitable for four to six kids.

Determining the right size for your bounce house will also depend on your child's age. Small ones are perfect for younger kids while school-age children and tweens will require something bigger. "Larger bounce houses are also a good investment as kids will be able to grow into it," says Peng.

Durability

Most bounce houses are made of vinyl, nylon, or PVC-coated fabric, each of which is notably sturdy and resistant to tearing. If you want something that'll last more than a handful of uses, look for a jumper with reinforced stitching. Like pools, rafts, and other inflatables, many bouncy castles come with repair kits for patching holes.

Safety

Although modern bounce houses are generally safe, it's still wise to look out for various safety features, like extra-high walls and mesh side panels. Further, the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles recommends that children under the age of six avoid bounce houses entirely, with parent supervision the entire time of play.

Larger models often include stakes to secure them into the ground. Also, some have shoe storage pockets to encourage barefoot jumping, which can help prevent falls and twisted ankles.

"We always recommend that any playtime be supervised by an adult at all times," says Peng. She advises that kids and families should always adhere to the weight, height and player limitations as stated on each bounce house and ensure the blower is working properly and airflow is not obstructed. "And to prevent any accidents, kids should never lean over the slide railings," Peng adds.

Style

Many bouncehouses come with a bunch of added features that may suit large families or large events better. Some even combine water elements perfect for summer activities.

For families that want added activities, Peng explains that some bounce houses can come with additional features such as a ball pit, obstacle course, climbing wall, and velcro dart games built into the structure.

"Some bounce houses double as a water slide, and these are called 'wet or dry combos,'" Peng says. "They are great for year-round use and come with a removable water hose for cooler seasons." There are even bounce houses can be inflated both indoors and outdoors.

FAQ

Where can you put a bounce house?

A bounce house should always be placed on level terrain with enough room for anchoring. The area you decide to place it in should also be free of excess debris and sharp objects. You'll want to consider putting a tarp down or layer of protection first before setting it up. Surfaces like relatively level grass and concrete are ideal for anchoring a bounce house. You can put one in your driveway, on your front lawn, in a backyard, or in a garage. Always make sure to anchor your bounce house after inflating it as this is a crucial safety measure. The bounce house will shift as it inflates, so it's best to place the anchors down post-blow-up to ensure it's properly tied down.
You'll also want to consider where your nearest power source is before deciding where to set up your bounce house. If you don't have a generator to plug your air blower into, you'll need an extension cord to plug it into the nearest electrical outlet.
How do you clean a bounce house?

Cleaning a bounce house may seem like a daunting task, but you can do it in a cost-effective way with the right tools. You'll want to clean it on a large tarp using a shop vac (or broom), sponges, wash rags, a brush, mild dish soap, vinegar, a garden hose, and clean, dry towels. Create a cleaning solution that's roughly three parts water and one part vinegar with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Start by removing any larger debris and dirt using the vacuum or broom. From there, brush it down and then scrub your bounce house thoroughly using the cleaning solution. If you have disinfecting wipes, it would be a good idea to use those on areas of the bounce house that children touch the most. Once done, hose it down completely and wipe it with dry towels as much as possible. Let the rest of any hard-to-reach areas dry in the sun.
How do you store a bounce house?

To keep your bounce house in the best possible shape, you'll always want to clean and dry it thoroughly before storing it. Both bounce houses and air blowers should be stored in thick, durable bags that can withstand transport if necessary. You'll also want to store your bounce house in a cool, dry place like a shed, garage, or basement to shield it from the elements. Consider putting it up securely on a shelf out of reach from any bugs or other potential pests that could damage it.
How do you patch a bounce house?

If your bounce house is accidentally punctured, you'll need a patch kit to fix it up. While some bounce houses do come with their own repair kit, it's not always guaranteed. If your particular bounce house doesn't come with one, you can still buy an independent patch kit from retailers like Amazon—they're relatively inexpensive and easy to use for small tears. Just make sure your patch repair kit is designed specifically for bounce houses. For larger tears, it may need restitching with a sewing awl or a professional repair job.
In order to patch a small puncture, start by cleaning the area around it so your patch will fully stick. Cut a small, round patch from your repair kit and flatten it all the way. Apply vinyl glue around the hole in your bounce house and to the patch. Press the patch firmly on and apply pressure to it for a few seconds. Check to make sure that the edges of the patch are sealed and no air is escaping from the area anymore.

This article was written by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.

Expert advice was provided by Sharon Peng, the marketing and social media manager for Bounceland in Illinois.

The 8 Best Bounce Houses of 2023

Best Overall

Blast Zone Big Ol Bouncer Inflatable Moonwalk

Best Budget

Intex Jump-O-Lene Castle Bouncer

Best with Blower

Cloud 9 Inflatable Bounce House With Slide And Blower — Unicorn Theme

Best Water

Costway Inflatable Bounce House Splash Pool With Water Climb Slide

Best Indoor

Blast Zone Magic Castle Bounce House

Best with Slide

Little Tikes Jump 'n Slide Bouncer

Best for Older Kids

Banzai Slide N Score Inflatable Bounce House

Best for Adults

DHGate Customed White Wedding Commercial Inflatable Bouncy Jumping Castle

What to Look for in a Bounce House

Size

Durability

Safety

Style

Why Trust The Spruce?

More from The Spruce