When summer is on the horizon, every parent wants to offer their child the joy of outdoor play. And bounce houses are a firm favorite, allowing kids to jump, play, and tumble safely.
But with countless options available, how do you ensure your choice is durable, sage, and exciting? Rest assured, we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve found the best bounce houses that can stand up to active children and reviewed them below.
Our carefully curated list of the five best bounce houses will ensure your child’s laughter and memories last all season long.
- Strong materials
- Safe
- Easy set-up
- Accommodates multiple children
- Sturdy materials
- Easy set-up and safe
- Vibrant L.O.L themed design
- Holds up to three children
- Quick inflation and storage
- Multiple sports and activities
- Excellent durable design
- Includes ball and games
- Holds multiple children
- Fun crayon-inspired design
- Straightforward to set up
The Best Bounce Houses for Kids of 2024
We’ve searched expert sites and parent reviews to find the best bounce houses. Then, we narrowed them down to our top five that promise to be showstoppers at any kids’ gathering.
Blast Zone Magic Castle Inflatable Bouncer
Best Bounce House Overall
Earning rave reviews from parents, the Magic Castle from Blast Zone justifiably claims our top spot. The bounce house is made of durable materials, which should last for years.
Blast Zone has prioritized safety, ensuring your children can play safely in the Magic Castle. The design invites fun and imaginary play — you could even include some colorful balls for added fun.
Suited for kids aged 3 to 12, this bounce house supports a weight of up to 300 pounds. It includes a blower and is effortless to set up.
What We Like
Strong Materials
Crafted from high-strength commercial vinyl, the Magic Castle from Blast Zone boasts durability, allowing you to use it for several summers. Parents praise how well it is made; some even had a go themselves!
Safe
Blast Zone stresses its emphasis on safety. The commercial-grade vinyl provides a steady surface to bounce on, while the stitching is heavy-duty. In addition, the bounce area is fully enclosed with netting, and there are plenty of foot holes and safety handles.
Easy Set-Up
The package includes a UL-approved blower that inflates the house in about a minute. You must leave the blower on the entire time your children are playing.
Blast Zone states that air seeps through the seams to make the house sturdier. As air flows out, new air enters. Once you’re finished, it stores into a compact roll, taking up as much space as a medium-to-large sleeping bag.
Lots of Fun
The Magic Castle is awesome — it’s bigger than previous versions and can accommodate up to three children at once. Your little ones will stay busy — they can climb up the wall and go down the slope slide or bounce for hours.
The castle is excellent for imaginary play thanks to its bright colors, flags, and turrets.
What We Don't Like
The Surface Gets Hot
Some parents have noted that the surface can get hot under direct sunlight, suggesting its placement in shaded areas.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 8.5 feet by 11 feet by 8 feet |
| Interior bounce dimensions | 84 inches by 84 inches |
| Maximum occupancy | Three children |
| Gross weight limit | 300 pounds |
| Blower included | Yes |
| Recommended age | 3 to 12 years |
Our Ratings
User Experience
Blast Zone Big Ol Bouncer Inflatable
Best for Multiple Children
Blast Zone’s Big Ol Bouncer is a fantastic backyard accessory for hosting playdates or birthdays. It can hold as many as six children, weighing up to 100 pounds each.
With vibrant colors, a small slide, and a spacious bouncing area, it promises endless fun for kids. Parents have a lot of praise for this one, particularly its durability.
While perfect for outdoor use, it can also be used indoors with a high enough ceiling, according to Blast Zone. With an easy set-up and powerful blower included, it’s well worth a look.
What We Like
Accommodates Multiple Children
The Big Ol Bouncer is a good pick for get-togethers and playdates. Its bouncing surface is approximately twice that of a standard 8-foot by 8-foot bouncer. There’s room for tumbles, jumps, and other play — it can safely accommodate up to six children at once.
Sturdy Materials
Blast Zone constructed the Big Ol Bouncer in accordance with their strict safety and quality standards. It’s made of reinforced polyester Oxford with heavy-duty stitching.
The bounce floor features commercial-grade material, ensuring extra strength and bounce. What’s more, there’s a one-year warranty.
Easy Set-Up
Inflating this huge bouncer is a breeze with the included 680-watt blower, setting it up within minutes. The blower continually feeds air to the bounce house, creating a good surface for jumping.
When you’re done, turn off the blower, and the house deflates by itself. Then, you’re ready to roll it up and store it out of sight.
Safe
Blast Zone is all about safety, which is why its products exceed acceptable safety standards. The bounce house safety features include high-impact surfaces, multiple reinforced stitches, X-weave material, and multi-stage quality control.
Your children can bounce safely within the mesh walls, with multiple anchor points ensuring stability. The slide has just the right length and height to be both fun and safe.
What We Don't Like
Hot Surface
A few parents said a roof would’ve been nice for summer use. If you don’t have shade, the surface gets hot due to exposure to the sun.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 15 feet by 12 feet by 7 feet |
| Interior bounce dimensions | 12 feet by 12 feet |
| Maximum occupancy | Six children |
| Gross weight limit | 600 pounds |
| Blower included | Yes |
| Recommended age | 3 and up |
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
L.O.L. Surprise Jump 'n Slide Bounce House
Best Bounce House for Girls
This L.O.L Surprise-inspired bounce house from Little Tikes is great for girls between the ages of 3 to 10. It can carry a total weight of 250 pounds and promises hours of excitement.
Little Tikes included all the colorful hues of L.O.L Surprise — it’s bright and has everything girls love about the popular toys.
There is a large surface to bounce on, as well as a big slide. The whole area is enclosed with see-through mesh to ensure safety.
Everything needed to set up the house is in the package. It takes only a few minutes to inflate fully and, when not in use, stores in a compact roll.
What We Like
Great Pick for Little Girls
The colorful L.O.L-themed bounce house from Little Tikes is fantastic for small girls. It’s bright with colors of pink and blue. There is a big bouncing surface and a giant slide they can tumble down.
Everything Included
Along with the bounce house, the package includes a heavy-duty blower that inflates the house in mere minutes. When using it outside, Little Tikes included stakes to secure it on the ground. What’s more, you’ll get a storage and carrier bag as well as a repair kit.
Holds up to Three Children
It can hold up to three children at a time. It has a weight limit of 250 pounds, so light adults can also try it out.
Works Indoors
You can easily set this bounce house up inside on a rainy day. It won’t be as stable without being anchored to the ground, but as long as you don’t exceed the weight limit, it should be fine.
What We Don't Like
Poor Customer Service
Although this isn’t so much a complaint about the product, a few parents mentioned the customer service is poor.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 144 inches by 108 inches by 75 inches |
| Interior bounce dimensions | 7 feet by 7 feet |
| Maximum occupancy | Three children |
| Gross weight limit | 250 pounds |
| Blower included | Yes |
| Recommended age | 3 to 10 years |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Island Hopper Fort Recreational Bounce House
Best Bounce House for Boys
Island Hopper’s bounce house is a dream come true for active boys, catering to their love for activities like soccer and basketball. It boasts features every boy dreams of, such as a secret hideout.
The house sports good colors for blending in with the backyard. It’s easy to inflate and store once finished with it.
Island Hopper has designed its bounce house to last and even included a three-year guarantee. It’s constructed with sturdy materials that also provide ample softness, even for rough play.
It’s suitable for children aged 4 to 10 years and can hold up to five children or 500 pounds.
What We Like
Several Sports and Activities
Your little ones will get lots of exercise playing in this bounce house. It facilitates a range of sports and activities your children can engage in. These include soccer, basketball, climbing, a twist and tangle game, and sliding, as well as a lookout fort.
It has a large bounce floor for your children to jump or play with balls on. The curved slide is cool too.
Excellent Design
The bounce house is pleasing to the eyes. It doesn’t have the bright red and blue colors many others do. Instead, it sports more natural hues like green, beige, and black — excellent for the backyard.
Durable Construction
With a three-year limited warranty, Island Hopper stands behind the quality of its product. It’s built to last, made of strong materials, and capable of accommodating up to 500 pounds. The floor is PVC, creating a safe surface for play while also being soft.
Includes Ball and Games
Island Hopper includes everything you need to set the bounce house up. Your children receive a ball for basketball and soccer games. Images for twist and tangle games are painted on the floor, and you’ll receive a blower to inflate it all.
What We Don't Like
Walls Aren’t Resistant Enough
The sides of the bounce house have mesh walls to keep children safe inside. However, some parents noted there’s too much give in the mesh. When their children bounced against them, they wouldn’t resist — heavier children would end up in a pocket of mesh on the grass.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Interior bounce dimensions | 13 feet by 10 feet |
| Maximum occupancy | Five children |
| Gross weight limit | 500 pounds |
| Blower included | Yes |
| Recommended age | 4 to 10 years |
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Costzon Inflatable Bounce House
Best for Small Children
Inspired by crayons, Costzon’s bounce house promises a world of fun for children aged 3 to 10 years. It has bright colors, a big slide, and ample room to jump — great for birthdays or playdates.
We’re impressed by the quality of the materials. The bounce house is heavy-duty, and parents say it was well worth the cost. Included is a powerful blower, and the house is effortless to set up and store again.
The design prioritizes safety, ensuring kids can bounce joyfully for hours. The walls will keep them inside while the soft materials cushion their landings.
What We Like
Holds Multiple Children
It can safely accommodate up to five children. Costzon made the house of heavy-duty 420D Oxford materials, while the bouncing surface is 840D Oxford for extra durability.
The materials are wear-resistant and puncture-proof, and with a weight limit of 297 pounds, it can take lots of bouncing.
Fun Design
The crayon theme is cool — children like something familiar, and who doesn’t love blocks? The bright colors and columns make this a winner.
Safe
The materials are soft, even in the case of a rough landing, so children can play safely. The slide makes it easy to enter and exit, while the tall walls have mesh to ensure occupants don’t fall out unintentionally.
Straightforward to Set Up
Parents praise how easy the bounce house is to set up. The purchase includes a 480-watt blower, which inflates the product in minutes. It’s effortless to store away in a carrying bag, which also works for transportation.
What We Don't Like
Not for Older Children
The bounce house isn’t for children over 10 years old. Reviewers pointed out the bouncing surface is too small for bigger children.
Product Specs
| Dimensions | 149.5 inches by 120 inches by 84.5 inches |
| Interior bounce dimensions | N/A |
| Maximum occupancy | Three children |
| Gross weight limit | 297 pounds |
| Blower included | Yes |
| Recommended age | 3 to 10 years |
Our Ratings
User Experience
| Product | Best | Dimensions | Interior bounce dimension | Max occupancy | Weight limit | Blower | Recommended age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blast Zone Magic Castle | Overall | 8.5 ft x 11 ft x 8 ft | 84″ x 84″ | 3 children | 300 lbs | Yes | 3 – 12 yrs |
| Blast Zone Big Ol Bouncer | Multiple Children | 15 ft x 12 ft x 7 ft | 12 ft x 12 ft | 6 children | 600 lbs | Yes | 3 and up |
| L.O.L. Surprise Jump ‘n Slide | Girls | 144″ x 108″ x 75″ | 7 ft x 7 ft | 3 children | 250 lbs | Yes | 3 – 10 yrs |
| Island Hopper Fort | Boys | N/A | 13 ft x 10 ft | 5 children | 500 lbs | Yes | 4 – 10 yrs |
| Costzon Inflatable | Small Children | 149.5″ x 120″ x 84.5″ | N/A | 3 children | 297 lbs | Yes | 3 – 10 yrs |
How to Choose a Bounce House for Kids
The Size
Bounce houses range in size from as large as a small house to compact ones suitable for indoor use.
If you have ample outdoor space, you might not be as constrained by size. Perhaps you want to go as big as possible — if so, verify that there’s plenty of space all around and it won’t rub against fences or the main house. You don’t want anything poking at it, causing a tear.
For indoor use, always ensure there’s ample clearance to the roof and light fittings. Children can bounce surprisingly high, so you don’t want anyone hurting their head on the ceiling.
Another point worth considering is the bouncing area. Some bounce houses look huge but have a relatively small surface for actual play. Check the product description or refer to user manuals for this information.
Blower
You’ll need a powerful blower to inflate a bounce house; a simple bicycle pump won’t suffice. Most manufacturers will include one with the bounce house, and this is worth looking out for.
If there’s no blower included, look for a 480- to 600-watt machine. These are powerful and can run while your children play.
If the bounce house is for use outside, verify there’s an electricity source nearby. The blower must work continuously — otherwise, the house will deflate. You might need to consider an extension cord.
Durable Materials
It’s crucial for bounce houses to be made of durable materials. You need something that won’t tear when your children play, keeping them safe. Heavy-duty polyester and vinyl are best — these also give the surface a little extra bounce.
Another thing to check is the assembly and seams. Look for those that have reinforced and double stitching.
Air Leaks
Fun Features
Many bounce houses come with added features for extra fun. Some allow for other activities, such as basketball and soccer. Many have built-in slides and climbing walls.
If the house you choose doesn’t have an additional fun factor, you can always buy a bag of colorful balls to create a ball pit inside. Some bouncers even include a bundle.
Safety
Safety features are essential for bounce houses. Look for one that has mesh walls to prevent children from flying out and injuring themselves. You might also want to consider a roof to hinder anyone from climbing up and potentially causing a collapse.
You should always anchor the bounce house down when using it outdoors. Stakes are included with most of them.
Avoid exceeding the weight limit or the number of children allowed at once. Doing so can compromise the durability and overall safety.
While your children are playing, stay close. Always be watchful and never leave them unattended.
How to Clean Bounce Houses
Cleaning the bounce house is vital to maintain hygiene and keep germs at bay (1). Aim to clean it after significant events like playdates or birthdays; otherwise, a good clean after a week of use is ample.
To clean the bounce house, you will need a handheld vacuum, disinfectant, cleaning rags, cleaning solution, and a surface lubricant. While the bounce house is inflated, get inside with your handheld vacuum to take out debris. Don’t worry about the weight limit — most can take more than 250 pounds, some as much as 600 pounds.
Remove debris and dirt from the surface and crevices. Then use a disinfectant to clean any surface the children have played on. Good cleaning solutions include Awesome, Simple Green, and OdoBan.
If applicable, dilute the solution with water and use a rag to wipe the surface. You can also use a spray bottle to cover a large area quickly. If it has a slide, apply a surface lubricant to keep it slippery and more fun for the children to use.
Ensure it’s completely dry before deflating and storing.
Bounce House FAQs
What is the Best Bounce House Brand to Buy?
The Blast Zone Magic Castle is one of the best options for bounce houses. But some of the best bounce house brands include Little Tikes, Blast Zone, and Bounceland, known for their quality and safety features.
What is the Difference Between a Moon Bounce and a Bounce House?
There’s no significant difference between a moon bounce and a bounce house; they are just different terms for essentially the same inflatable play structure.
Can a Bounce House Be Set Up On Concrete?
Setting up a bounce house on concrete is possible, but it’s crucial to have safety mats around the entrance and ensure it’s securely anchored.
Are Bounce Houses Safe In the Heat?
Bounce houses can be safe in the heat, but it’s important to keep them properly ventilated and avoid excessive temperatures that can make the surface hot for kids.
Can You Leave a Bounce House Up In the Rain?
It’s not recommended to leave a bounce house up in the rain as it can become slippery and dangerous. Plus, the wet material can lead to mold if not dried properly.
What Winds Are Too Strong For Bounce Houses?
Winds over 15-20 mph are generally too strong for bounce houses, as they can become unstable and pose a safety risk.
Do Bounce Houses Use a Lot of Electricity?
Bounce houses don’t typically use a lot of electricity. The blower that keeps the house inflated consumes about as much power as a household vacuum cleaner.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Bounce House?
The average life expectancy of a bounce house depends on how well it’s made and how much use it gets, but it can last anywhere from a few years to over a decade with proper care.
