Last updated: December 11, 2023
The words “bounce house” and “toddler” go hand in hand. Bounce houses are just so much fun for children, especially toddlers, and they have numerous benefits.
Previously, a child could only experience the joy of a bounce house or jumping castle when visiting a birthday party or an indoor play center. Thankfully this has changed and you can now purchase your own bouncy house for use at home.
With this in mind, as a mom of 3 and owner of a toddler bounce house I thought it would be fitting to review some of the best bounce houses designed for toddlers available on the market today. Let’s jump right in!
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Things To Consider When Buying a Bounce House For Toddlers
If you have decided buying a bounce house for your toddler seems like a good option to keep them happy and active, then you may have headed to the shop or jumped online to take a look at what is available.
But with so many options out there – what are the main things to consider when buying a bounce house? Here are some of the most important factors to look at before you make your purchase.
Size & Dimensions
The size and dimension of the bounce house are important because if you have a small child at home, you might want to look at the smaller bounce houses. You would also have to take into consideration how many children will come over to play in it at one time.
If you have more than one child and have children of varying ages, you will want to look at larger houses. The most common bounce house sizes range from 13 ft x13 ft to 15 ft x 15 ft. However, there are larger sizes around the range of 20 ft x 20 ft and smaller sizes around the range of 10 ft x 10 ft.
Where The Bounce House Will Be Used
Have you thought about where you will place the bounce house? Will it be indoors or outdoors? The space you allocate for your new bounce house is super important, as this will also determine the size of the bounce house you end up buying. Typically a bouncy house needs 16 ft of space for width and length.
If you decide on one for the outdoors, the sky is the limit when it comes to sizing. But something you would need to consider is the actual ground or surface that the bounce house will sit on.
The foundation needs to be completely flat. If it is not, you would need to get it level before placing the bounce house. Uneven ground can cause damage to a bounce house and it will also be a hazard for the children using it.
Weight Capacity
A typical bounce house will have a maximum weight capacity between 300 lbs and 1,000 lbs, depending on the size of the unit. When you are researching the bounce house you wish to purchase, you will find they have individual weight limits, as well as, limits on how many people are allowed in the bounce house at one time.
Electricity Requirements
The only way to inflate a bouncy house is with an industrial-style pump or blower. This blower will need to be plugged into an electricity point and will have to stay running to keep the bounce house inflated. A bounce house is not airtight and therefore the blower needs to stay attached while the bounce house is in use.
Does the Bounce House Come With a Blower?
Although most bounce houses do come with a blower, you will need to make sure that the one you choose does. You will also want to confirm you have the right electricity inlet for it.
If you buy one that does not have a blower, you can buy one separately. It is important to buy the correct blower for the size of the bounce house you have purchased.
Quality & Price of the Bounce House
One of the biggest factors for parents when buying anything for their kids is getting something affordable and of high quality. You will want to invest in a bounce house that is going to be long-lasting.
Chances are that your kids will be making use of it for quite a while. A better quality item often means that safety is just little bit better too.
The Best Outside Castle Bounce Houses for Toddlers
Now that we have covered some of the factors to consider when shopping for a bounce house, it is time to start looking at the best of the best when it comes to the various types of bounce houses. Most people prefer to have a bounce house that is outside, so I will start with the best outside castle bounce houses for toddlers.
Action air Bounce House Jumping Castle
The Action air Bounce House Jumping Castle is just fun in every way, shape, and form. Plus, it is so incredibly colorful!
This jumping castle will be a winner no matter what. I have this listed as a great outdoor bounce house for toddlers, but it can be used indoors too. About the item:
- Material – polyester
- Safety – the jumping area is surrounded by 3 sides of mesh netting to protect your children from falling while jumping.
- Inflated size 12 ft L× 9 ft W× 6.1 ft H
Additional features include that it has a larger than normal jumping area, is quick and easy to set up, and it comes with a blower. This bounce house is easily portable, which means it can be stored easily in its carry case and you can take it with you anywhere.
Bounceland Bounce House Castle with Basketball Hoop
What could possibly be more exciting than an ordinary bounce house? A bounce house with a basketball hoop of course. This Bounceland Bounce House Castle with Basketball Hoop has the best of all worlds and is sure to keep the kids (and adults) entertained for hours. About the item:
- Material – PVC coated Terylene/Laminated Oxford Terylene
- Inflated size is 12 ft x 9 ft x 7 ft
- Safety – made from heavy duty puncture proof material. Plus, Bounceland products are always tested to make sure they meet industry standards.
Additional features include that the bounce house comes with its own blower and carry case. The carry case makes it portable so it can be carried wherever you go. It is very easy to set up and just as easy to deflate and store.
Little Tikes Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer
The Little Tikes Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer is a whole heap of fun for the entire family. You get to spend quality time watching your kids rough and tumble as much as they can. About the product:
- Material – polyester with double-stitched seams
- Size – 84.0 in x 84.0 in x 47.5 in
- Safety – the durable material and double-stitched seams means you can rest assured your children will be safe while having tons of fun.
Added features and benefits of the Little Tikes bounce house for toddlers is that it comes with one of the most durable and strongest blowers on the market. As with the others mentioned, this bounce house also comes with a carry bag for easy storage. It is easy to inflate and deflate.
The Little Tikes bounce house provides a large jump surface area and a more than generous slide. Ideally, this bounce house will be used outside. A bonus feature is the shoe storage box on the side.
JOYMOR Bouncing Castle Play Center
When you invest in the JOYMOR Bouncing Castle Play Center you are definitely going to be the parent of the year. Not only is it larger than life and shaped like a castle, but it also has a slide, basketball hoop, obstacle wall, tic tac toe, and sun cover. So it really does have it all. About the product:
- Material – Oxford cloth material with mesh at the openings
- Size – 10 ft x 10 ft bouncing area, also has an obstacle area with basketball hoop and a slide
- Safety – made of strong and durable material. Mesh at openings for ventilation and added safety. Minimal air leakage function to ensure the bounce house does not overinflate.
Additional features and benefits include the carry case, that it comes with a blower, and it is easy to inflate and deflate.
Fisher-Price Bouncetastic Bouncer
If a smaller more compact bounce house is what you are looking for, then the Fisher-Price Bouncetastic Bouncer is definitely going to be your best bet. This small bouncer definitely still packs a punch and can be used as a ball pit too. About the product:
- Material – polyester
- Size – 69 in x 68 in x 53 in
- Safety – durable material and perfect kid-friendly size
Additional features include that it comes with 50 plastic balls, its own built-in pump, and it can be easily inflated and deflated.
YARD Star Castle Bounce House
If you are looking for a bounce house that is suitable for both indoors and outdoors, then you need to look at getting the YARD Star Castle Bounce House. It is important to note that it has a maximum capacity of 3 children or a weight limit of 250 pounds. About the product:
- Material – 420D Nylon
- Size – 9.5 ft x 6.6 ft x 6.6 ft when inflated – plus it has a slide
- Safety – strong durable nylon with double stitched seams. Additional stakes help to anchor the bounce house and keep it stable
Additional benefits and features include a heavy-duty blower, a carry case, mesh for ventilation and added safety, and a large sturdy slide.
The Best Toddler Bounce Houses With Big Slides
A bounce house with a slide sounds like heaven for toddlers. So much fun in one compact space, who could ask for more? In this section I have grouped together some of the best bounce houses with big slides, I hope you find something you like.
AirMyFun Toddler Bounce House Slide
The ultimate bounce house ideal for parties – and just anytime fun – that is how I would describe the AirMyFun Toddler Bounce House Slide. I also OWN this bounce house and can attest that all my children absolutely love it!
This is one of the best toddler bounce houses and it has everything your kids and their friends could want for non-stop action and fun. About the product:
- Material – durable 420D nylon fabric and PVC tarpaulin
- Size – the complete size all sides and top to bottom is 169.2 in x 129.6 in x 74.4 in, including the large slide and ball pit
- Safety – very strong nylon and tarpaulin coupled with double stitched seams make this super safe and long-lasting
Additional features and benefits include the heavy-duty blower, the larger than normal ball pit, the basketball hoop, and the super long slide.
Bounceland Pop Star Bouncer with Long Slide
The Bounceland Pop Star Bouncer with Long Slide definitely has the right name. It is a bouncer fit for a pop star. It is awesome and will be so much fun for everyone in the family. About the product:
- Material – PVC coated Terylene/laminated Oxford Terylene
- Size – 13 ft x 15 ft x 8.3 ft inflated
- Safety – the material this bounce house is made from is heavy duty, puncture-proof, durable, and strong. The mesh also adds extra safety.
Additional features and benefits include a heavy-duty blower, a carry case, a basketball hoop, a large slide, and a big jump area.
JOYMOR Slide Bouncer
This JOYMOR Slide Bouncer is another one that will make a great gift for your kids. It has all the features of most of the others we have looked at, but just slightly smaller. About the product:
- Material – Oxford cloth material with mesh enclosure
- Size – 11 ft X 9 ft X 7 ft
- Safety – very strong, durable material with high-quality standards. Controlled air leakage means the bounce house does not become overinflated.
Additional benefits include a blower, a carry case, and the results – loads of fun.
Naice Inflatable Bouncer with 2 Slides
You know how they say 2 heads are better than one? The same goes for 2 bounce house slides! The Naice Inflatable Bouncer with 2 Slides is inflatable fun for all. About the product:
- Material – 420D Oxford cloth with the slide are made from 840D Oxford cloth with mesh enclosure
- Size – inside bounce area is 79 in x 79 in and the total inflatable size is 185 in x 119 in
- Safety – double stitched seams, high-quality heavy-duty material, and mesh netting mean safety standards are met.
- Puncture-proof and able to withstand up to 250lbs.
The Best Indoor Bounce Houses For Toddlers
If you are fortunate to have enough space in your home to have an indoor bounce house, then this is the section of the article you need to pay attention to. Indoor bounce houses are great for large apartments where a garden or outside area is not available.
Blast Zone Magic Castle
Although this Blast Zone Magic Castle is part of our indoor lineup, it can also be set up outdoors. It is smaller than average, but provides hours of fun regardless. A small slide and added plastic balls can really keep the kids busy. About the product:
- Material – Vinyl
- Size – 132 in x 102 in x 96 in, making it really compact and perfect for smaller areas
- Safety – the vinyl is strong and durable and there is a mesh netting surrounding the bounce house
Additional benefits are the included blower, the carry case, and the fact that it is super easy to inflate and deflate.
JOYMOR Inflatable Bounce House
Another great indoor bounce house is the JOYMOR Inflatable Bounce House. It has the added benefit of being able to be used outdoors too.
Its compact size makes it is easy to move around. This inflatable bounce house also has the added fun of a fairly decent sized slide. About the product:
- Material – non-toxic, strong, and durable Oxford cloth material, plus mesh netting for extra protection
- Size – 6.9 ft x 9.5 ft x 6.5 ft – a really great size for a smaller indoor space
- Safety – non-toxic materials are used, mesh netting for added protection, and continuous air flow to keep the bounce house inflated to the desired amount
Added bonuses with this bounce house are the basketball hoop, the included durable blower, and that it is super easy to inflate in less than 2 minutes.
The Best Inflatable Bounce Houses To Be Used With Water
Now we are getting into the super fun type of bounce houses which are just perfect additions for the summer months. Kids love playing with water and imagine their delight when they get to be on a bounce house with a water slide. Fun for days!
I will just say to keep in mind these water toys tend to get moldy if they are not COMPLETELY dry before folding them up. Here is my list of the best bounce houses for toddlers that can be used with water.
Step4Fun Inflatable Bounce House Water Slide
The Step4Fun Inflatable Bounce House Water Slide includes so many fun elements, it is difficult to know where to start. Not only will your kids have the joy of a water slide, but they will also be able to play with a water gun which is a part of the bounce house.
This bounce house can be used with or without water. It is fun inflated no matter which way you look at it. Added bonuses include a patch kit, a blower, and that it’s easy to inflate and set up. There are loads of water play options and you can even add plastic balls in the pool section.
HuaKastro Backyard Inflatable Bounce House & Water Park
When you get the HuaKastro Backyard Inflatable Bounce House & Water Park you will find you can use it with its water features outdoors to stay cool in the hot summer days. Or, bring it inside for indoor fun on a cold winter day.
The water bucket that gets filled and dumps on unsuspecting sliders will be entertaining for young and old. This bounce house includes a slide, a pool area, and a water gun for added fun. Added bonuses include a blower, a carry case, and a patch kit.
Sunny & Fun Inflatable Bounce House and Water Slide Park
If a bounce house with a larger than normal splash pool attached is what you are after, the Sunny & Fun Inflatable Bounce House and Water Slide Park is just what you need. The size of this bounce house is 13.5 ft x 20.1 ft x 7.5 ft. Added bonuses include an air blower, a carry bag, a patch kit, a climbing wall, a water gun, and a toss ring game.
Bounce House Equipment & Accessories
When you buy a bounce house there are certain types of equipment and accessories you will need. This includes:
So why would you need these things? Well, a blower is pretty straightforward, you need this to inflate the bounce house.
A tarp is for protection under the bounce house, especially if it is placed outside. Ball pit balls just add some extra fun to the mix. The patch kit and hold down stakes are purely for maintenance purposes.
Are Bounce Houses Safe For Toddlers?
When it comes to our kids all we really want is for them to be happy and safe while having fun. This brings the question to mind of whether bounce houses are safe for toddlers.
The answer is a resounding yes.
Just like with any activity your child may partake in, it is important that they stay supervised at all times. Supervision of your child on the bounce house is important up until about the age 6-7 years old – and even then they should be supervised to some degree.
What Makes a Bounce House Safe For a Small Child?
First, be sure the area the bounce house is situated upon has a proper flat surface. Secondly, bounce houses are made from durable heavy-duty nylon or polyester oxford fabric, which is also known as Oxford cloth.
The chances of tearing or ripping are very unlikely. The cloth used is also classified by weight and density, which will dictate the age and size of children allowed on it, as well as how many children can be in the bounce house at one time.
Bouncy houses generally have bumpers and things to protect the children inside, but if you are placing the bounce house on a hard surface, make sure to have soft materials and/or bumpers on the outside of the bounce house.
The main thing you can do as a parent is to teach your young ones not to be too rough and tumble within the bounce house, especially if there is more than one child playing on it. It is there for fun, but safe fun is the best fun.
How Do You Setup a Bounce House?
If you have never had a bounce house to set up, these are the steps to follow:
- Find the desired area
- Place tarp, if necessary
- Set up the hold down stakes
- Attach the blower securely to the opening
- Plug in and switch on the blower to inflate
That’s the complete and comprehensive list of the best bounce houses for toddlers.
We covered the safest and best indoor and outdoor bounce houses, bounce houses with slides, and the best bounce houses that can be used with water. Overall if you want to really give a gift that keeps on giving, an inflatable bounce house is the way to go.
We have seen there are many different types of bounce houses and they all have something unique to offer. It really is up to your space, requirements, and budget which one of the best bounce houses for toddlers listed above you choose. Happy bouncing!
More recommendations for toddler toys and fun that might interest you:
