We searched high and low to find standout options for every age, home, and budget. Our best overall pick is the Blast Zone Big Ol Bouncer Inflatable Moonwalk. The massive bounce house accommodates six people, while still being lightweight and easy to inflate with a full safety enclosure. Below, the best bounce houses for hours of fun. 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 The royal design has four turrets in colorful designs to sparks kids’ imagination, making it the perfect play to burn off some energy and play pretend. Price at time of publish: $74 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: $210 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: $600 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 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: $310 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 simple bounce and slide in their new bounce house. Price at time of publish: $400 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 “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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers outdoor living and recreation. As a toddler mom and commerce writer specializing in toys and children’s gear, she’s very familiar with modern bounce houses and inflatable kiddie pools. (She has a Fisher-Price Bouncesational Bouncer at home and loves the built-in pump feature). For this roundup, she considered dozens of jumpers, combed through lots of user reviews, and carefully evaluated the size, material, and basic features of each item before making her selections. 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. 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. 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. Additional reporting was done 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.
