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The Best Bounce Houses for Restless Kids in Summer 2021

Kids who can bounce are happy kids.

by Donna Freydkin
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

As we leap into this long-anticipated summer of relative fun and freedom for kids, you may have invested in a stock tank pool pool or a water slide for the lawn. But nothing transforms your backyard — come summer, spring, or fall — into a garishly glorious amusement park quite like a kids’ bounce house. And nothing provides quite as much safe bouncing, either: These hideous but practical structures allow kids to jump and jump until they can’t jump another minute. The best kid and toddler bounce houses are safe, durable, and let kids burn off energy while having a great time, all without ever having to leave the yard — which gives parents something resembling a break.

When you choose a bounce house, pay attention to the weight limit, so that you can get the most use out of it. You want one that’s easy to set up, and equally easy to deflate and store. The bounce houses on our list all come with blowers to inflate them, and in-ground stakes to keep them secured. To be perfectly clear, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is not a huge fan of these structures, and suggests that parents follow some common-sense guidelines when using one:

  • Make sure one child uses it at one time, if at all possible.
  • If more than one kid is using it, the kids should be the same age and size.
  • Kids should use the bounce house under adult supervision.
  • No pushing, shoving, kicking, or karate maneuvers, period.

The Best Kids’ Bounce Houses 2021

Little Tikes Shady Jump 'n Slide Bounce Room

Perfect for a sunny yard during long summer days, this Little Tikes bounce house comes equipped with its own shade, to block out some UV rays while also keeping the jumping surface cool enough for bare feet (there are handy shoe storage pockets on the side). With safety mesh on three sides, extra-thick durable plastic, and continuous shade, this one's hard to beat for the peak of summer. Maximum weight limit is 250 pounds.

$300
Bouncetacular Inflatable Bounce House by Fisher Price

Great for kids 2 and up, this sweet and basic bounce house inflates in less than 5 minutes. The walls are mesh, so you can see your kids while they're inside. The weight capacity is 250 pounds, and it's small enough to be used in a living room or basement.

$229
2-in-1 Wet 'n Dry Waterslide and Kids' Bounce House by Little Tikes

You get the best of every world with this bouncer. When dry, it's a great bounce house with a tunnel, a basketball hoop, and safety netting. If you add water, it's a water slide and a splash pool. There's a climbing wall, and a water sprayer. The max weight limit is 350 pounds.

$549
Action Air Bounce House
Royal Palace Inflatable Kids' Bounce House by Bounceland
Magic Castle Inflatable Kids' Bounce House with Blower by Blast Zone

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