“Bouncy house parks” are all the rage among the raging 3-6 yr olds. What’s not to love? A warehouse full of the huge inflatable castles and slides plus other non-inflatable slides/jungle gyms and random projectiles. It’s indoors and perfect when the weather is less than ideal for a good old fashioned merry-go-round and swing-set.
They tend to be cesspools of germs (for the obvious reasons) but some are more sanitary than others. When I say “unsanitary,” I’m not talking about a few window smears. Examples of things I have seen include: blood spatter as well as smeared blood on the equipment, vomit, It has A LOT to do with the staff and management but also the adults. If you see a something, speak up!
If you have never been to one and are thinking of taking your child, I have a few notes:
Beware!
These places are LOUD. The blowers inflating the bounce houses drown out some of the relentless screaming (and I’m usually not the only one screaming.) It’s a good idea to bring some earplugs to pop in and out (when your child actually takes a moment to recognize your existence.)
Unfortunately none of these places have taken my suggestion of offering a free Xanax with every child entry...but don’t worry...I’m not giving up!
Check with each location about their food policy before you bring in any food. Every one of them has signs posted that say “No outside food allowed,” but most of them don’t care and actually have tables set up for those that want to bring lunch/snacks. Most of them also offer snacks for sale and will order a pizza from a nearby pizza place then pass it on to you for a few extra dollars on top of the pizza price. Not all of the snacks are junk. MOST are, but not all.
I believe they all have private party rooms as well but I’m not certain.
Here are a few of the locations I have been to, and my thoughts on each:
Jump Jump
(Peachtree Corners)
Cleanest location of all! Bathrooms were in good shape. They have a separate area for the younger kids that the older kids tend not to invade because it’s not very appealing to them (a huge plus!)
This place is not as big as your typical Catch Air, but there is seating in the center of all the action so it’s easy to keep track of your kid(s) (if you’re into that sort of thing ;)) Take caution when going on the weekends. This place is known for being one of the best so it’s usually one of the most crowded as well. These pictures were taken on a Wednesday morning...before the madness ensued.
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| Center |
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| 1-3yrs old area |
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| Center |
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| 2 of 3 rooms for private parties |
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| This is one of the more unique features of Jump Jump. It’s a large inflatable with space to play a variety of sports |
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| Incoming! |
Catch Air
Catch Air is one of the more popular chains. They have several locations around the metro area. It’s not the cleanest, and some of the costumed characters that come out for the “dance party” are a little scary (their Mickey Mouse is more of a Mikey Mouse) but most of the children don’t mind and there’s plenty of play areas to hide out in if they do in fact get a little freaked out...like myself. Each location is a little different. I prefer the Johns Creek location because they have Skee Ball...and they happen to be the closest. The pictures below are from the Johns Creek location.
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| Older kids area (4+) |
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| Fun slide topped with a cutie |
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Lego towers are fun, but beware of bullies that might try to knock you down.Monkey Joes
Multiple locations around metro Atlanta. In fairness to MJ, I haven’t been there in quite a while...but the couple of times that I went, I was not impressed for several reasons. Unsanitary conditions and unruly, unsupervised children without employee referees tops the list. That’s all I have for you on this place. Check it out and let me know what you think!
And now...your moment of “awwweee!” |
Best,
Meredith
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