Are you ready for the most comprehensive list of bouncy castles, bounce houses and inflatable castles you’ve ever seen? We’ve covered everything from cheap and cheerful bouncers for toddlers, to mid-range castles with multiple slides that inflate in 60 seconds, all the way up to commercial bouncy castles shaped like dragons. Perfect for those of you that run a bouncy castle for hire business!
An Introduction to Bouncy Castles
Bouncy castles are known by many names, in the United Kingdom we tend to refer to them as Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Castles, Bounce Houses or Jumping Castles. Around the world and especially in America you may have heard the term Moon Bounce, Moonwalker or even Closed Inflatable Trampoline… (silly Yanks).
Bouncy castles are commonly seen at village fetes, boot sales, churches, pubs, school events, back gardens, birthday parties and thanks to advances in technology, there are an increasing number of inflatable obstacle courses and bouncers with that can be seen at the beach or in the park during the summer. They’ve come a long way from their humble beginnings in 1959!
You can view all our bouncy castles for sale here and read our comprehensive reviews which include price comparisons as well. Keep reading for our top 10 list!
Our Top 5 at a Glance
Last update on 2018-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bouncy Castle Buying Guide
The Benefits of Bouncy Castles
Bouncy castles are great for developing motor skills and encouraging exercise in younger children. This is especially important at parties as they’ll help burn off any extra calories that may be consumed during the day!
They’re also known for their therapeutic value for children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome and other sensory impairments. The bright colours featured on bouncers in combination with an abundance of play balls, helps promote social skills and can offer stimulation to children on the spectrum.
Most bouncy castles also come with see-through sides, transparent mesh, or a dropped wall, so that parents or childminders can keep an eye on their children while they’re running wild in a safe and contained environment.
There should always be an adult supervising playing children, as bouncy castles come with a certain level of risk. According to Wikipedia, between 2000 and 2015 there have been 271 injuries and 10 deaths caused by wind and an average of 31 children a day are hospitalised (in the US) due to bouncy castle-related injuries!
Always make sure your bouncy castle is securely anchored to the ground and every precaution is taken to prevent injury. Ensure wherever possible that your bouncy castle has a protective groundsheet to prevent puncture and safety mats at any exit to prevent injury from falls or the inevitable high-speed ejections!
The Difference Between Commercial and Residential Bouncy Castles
Bouncy castles come in all shapes and sizes, but the main difference between commercial and residential bouncy castles is the built quality. durability and quality of extras supplied.
Commercial bouncers will usually be made from thick high-quality PVC, whereas cheaper residential bouncers will be made from thin PVC or cloth fabric.
Warranties vary greatly, but most commercial warranties will be between 2 and 5 years. Residential bouncers may have a limited warranty of between 3 and 12 months for the airflow unit or pump.
Anchor pegs may or may not be supplied for residential castles, if they are, they tend to be made of plastic, while commercial bouncers will be supplied with heavy-duty steel or iron pegs.
Covers and groundsheets will usually be supplied with a commercial bouncer, while residential owners will have to source these separately.
Damage caused to commercial bouncers can usually be repaired with a re-thread or replacement of damaged linings. They can also withstand pinhole punctures and minor leaks. Residential bouncers are supplied with repair patches that sometimes work but can be temperamental, unfortunately, the majority are also unable to be repaired and will need to be disposed of if a major puncture or split develops.
Of course, there’s a reason residential bouncers have these failures and that’s the build quality, which is reflected in the difference in price between the two.
You can buy a small bouncy castle for toddlers for £30 to £150, with mid-range bouncy castles costing between £150 to £300 and top end bouncers with multiple slides and features costing from £300 up to the £thousands!
Commercial bouncy castles, on the other hand, start at around £800 brand new, with top end versions costing £3,000+ and custom builds costing even more.
Different Types of Bouncy Castles
There are a wide variety of different types of castles available on the market, depending on your needs or wants. Although the basic premise is the same, the activities available on the bouncer itself vary greatly.
Traditional castles offer a simple bouncing area with short or high walls, while newer castles offer an array of slides, climbing zones, bungee runs, water activities, disco areas with integrated speakers and LED’s, ball pits, sumo wrestling, gladiator battles, obstacle runs and if you’ve got the budget, you can customise any element of the bouncer to fit your needs!
Sizes and Capacity
Bouncy castles come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Residential castles will state their maximum child capacity and weight limit. These should be strictly adhered to as exceeding the weight limit will result in leaks and will cause irreparable damage to your castle which will not be covered by your warranty.
Commercial castles are slightly more lenient with their capacity and weight limits. As a rule they most castles will fall between the below limits and capacities.
| Approximate Size (ft) | Approximate Capacity |
|---|---|
| 10 x 10 | 6 |
| 12x 12 | 8 |
| 15 x 15 | 12 |
| 18 x 18 | 14 |
Other Considerations and Extras
Almost there! Before you’re ready to use your bouncy castle you may need the following.
Air Flower / Pump
Check to make sure your bouncy castle comes with an air flower. These come in two varities – Electric & Diesel or Petrol Powered. Smaller castles can be manually inflated, but larger castles will need high powered inflators to keep your castle bouncy!
When inflating your castle, ensure the inflation device is securely attached to the hose and that this hose is straight to prevent damage or puncture.
Ground Preparation for Outdoor Castles
Indoor castles won’t need a protective sheet, but before setting up your outdoor bouncy castle, make sure the ground has been cleared of rubbish, sticks, rocks or anything else that may cause damage to your castle. For added protection, you may want to consider purchasing a tarp or PVC sheet. This will substantially extend the life of your bouncy castle.
Anchor Points
If your bouncy castle comes with anchor points, make sure you use them. Bouncy castles have the unfortunate tendency to take flight in windy conditions. The last thing you want is an injury caused by poor preparation and end up having to claim on your liability insurance.
Remove All Jewellery and Shoes Before Bouncing
This should go without saying, but to prevent damage to your castle, every precaution should be taken to remove jewellery and shoes.
Maintenance and Cleaning
When you’re ready to pack your bouncy castle away, clean away any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the bouncer. You can use a hoover for this task if you want. Then clean away any grime or dirt with a cloth and washing up liquid. If your inflatable has a water feature, make sure you air dry or wipe away any remnants of water to prevent mould growth.
Extras
To make your party or gathering extra special, we highly recommend purchasing play balls for your bouncy castle. Kids absolutely love them and these will keep them entertained for hours on end. Traditional bouncers won’t need this addition, as they may create a trip hazard but some residential bouncers come with basketball hoops or slides which lend themselves to additional toys!
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10 Best Bouncy Castles & Bounce Houses for 2018
Now that you’re properly versed in how to setup and maintain your bouncy castle. You’re ready for the list!
Intex Jump-O-Lene Transparent Ring Bouncer
Available from 1 retailer – Amazon
Prices start from £51.36
Our favourite bouncy castle for toddlers and little children. This is a cheap bouncer and is budget friendly!
Suitable For : Indoor Use (Residential Use Only) | Recommended Ages : 2 to 6
Capacity : 2 Children | Weight Limit : 54kg
Supplied With : Bouncer & Repair Patch | Recommended Extras : Inflator Pump & Play Balls
This entry level bouncer is perfect for toddlers and younger children. The colourful design will keep your young ones entertained for hours on end and this bouncy castle encourages development and exercise.
The top ring has 12 colourful balls that can rotate around freely. With a maximum weight limit of 54kg and a maximum capacity of 2 children, this bouncer is definitely for younger kids.
If you’re looking for something to keep the kids (or grandkids) entertained or tucker them out before nap-time then we highly recommend the Intex Transparent Ring Jump-O-Lene.
Unfortunately, it isn’t supplied with an inflation device of any kind, but it can be manually inflated or for those of us that don’t have the lung capacity, why not purchase a cheap inflator pump.
Pros : Cheap, Great For Younger Children, Transparent Sides, Supplied With Repair Patch
Cons : Some Users Have Complained About Durability, No Inflator Supplied
Alternatives
Intex Jump-O-Lene Bouncy Castle Bouncer – Castle Design, Cheaper, Can Be Used Outdoors
Bestway Toddler Bouncer – Cheaper Still
Happy Hop Childrens Garden Inflatable Bouncy Castle
Prices start from £149.95
We think this is the best small bouncy castle
Suitable For : Indoor & Outdoor Use (Residential Use Only) | Recommended Ages : 2 to 6
Capacity : 2 Children | Weight Limit : 68kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 10ft x 10ft PVC Groundsheet
Happy Hop bouncy castles are great for children of all ages. This bouncy castle comes with everything you need in 1 handy storage bag.
What we love about this bouncy castle is the ease of use. From unpacking and preparing the ground, you’ll be up and running in under a minute!
This small bouncy castle is perfect for birthdays or just spoiling your younger children and can be used indoors or outdoors.
Pros : Cheap, Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, 60 Second Setup, 6-Month Warranty
Cons : None
Alternatives
Happy Hop Clown Bouncer with Slide – More Expensive, Slide & Basketball Hoop Included
Bounceland Party Balloon Bouncy Castle
Available from 1 retailer – Amazon
Prices start from £149.95
Great for small children
Suitable For : Indoor & Outdoor Use (Residential Use Only) | Recommended Ages : 2 to 10
Capacity : 3 Children | Weight Limit : 90kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 10ft x 10ft PVC Groundsheet
This small bouncy castle from Bounceland will keep your children entertained for hours on end. With high walls and see-through mesh you can let the kids run wild while you’re enjoying the summer sunshine, or keep the kids contained when you’ve got chores to do indoors!
Supplied with everything you need in 1 storage bag, you can have this bouncy castle up and running in under a minute.
Pros : Cheap, Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, 60 Second Setup, 6-Month Warranty
Cons : None
Alternatives
BeBop Grasshopper Kids Inflatable Bouncy Castle and Slide – Similar Size & Price, Comes with Slide & Safety Mat
Happy Hop Bubble 4-in-1 Inflatable Kids Bouncy Castle with Slide & Ball Pool
Prices start from £229.99 (Duplay)
Perfect bouncy castle to buy for kids and small children
Suitable For : Indoor & Outdoor Use (Residential Use Only) | Recommended Ages : 3 to 8
Capacity : 3-5 Children | Weight Limit : 136kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 10ft x 10ft PVC Groundsheet & More Play Balls
Happy Hop have done it again. This 4-in-1 bouncy castle comes with slide, bouncing area, ball pit, basketball hoop and 30 balls.
This is one of the highest rated bouncy castles available on the market, in part due to its affordability and versatility.
You can have it up and running in under 15 minutes and it’ll keep kids of all ages busy for days.
Pros : Affordable, Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, 60 Second Setup, 6-Month Warranty
Cons : None
Alternatives
Happy Hop – Brick Design – Same Castle with Different Design
Little Tikes Junior Jump n Slide Bouncy Castle
Prices start from £219.99 (Amazon)
Double wide slide – great for small kids
Suitable For : Indoor & Outdoor Use (Residential Use Only) | Recommended Ages : 2 to 6
Capacity : 2-3 Children | Weight Limit : 70kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 10ft x 10ft PVC Groundsheet & Play Balls
Made by a brand we can trust. The Little Tikes Junior Jump n Slide comes with a double wide slide and 8ft bouncing area.
Perfect for toddlers and younger children. You’ll have this bouncer up and running in 60 seconds!
Don’t forget to buy some play balls to keep the kids entertained for longer.
Pros : Affordable, Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, 60 Second Setup, 6-Month Warranty
Cons : None
Alternatives
Giant Little Tikes Jump n Slide Bouncy Castle – The Full Sized Jump n Slide, Suitable for 3 to 8 Year Olds
Happy Hop 11 in 1 15ft Inflatable Bouncy Castle with Slide
Prices start from £479.95 (Duplay)
Excellent large bouncy castle. Perfect for large parties and birthdays.
Suitable For : Indoor & Outdoor Use (Residential Use Only) | Recommended Ages : 3 to 10
Capacity : 5-6 Children | Weight Limit : 220kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 15ft x 15ft PVC Groundsheet & Play Balls
This is where we start to get serious about our bouncy castles. If you’re looking for the ultimate party bouncy castle then why not invest in the Happy Hop 11 in 1 15ft bouncy castle with large slide, tunnels, bouncing area, ball pool and target hoops.
Great for children young and old, all your kids will be able to find something to do! It comes with a 12-month manufacturers warranty and will be sure to keep your kids busy for hours on end.
Pros : Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, 60 Second Setup, 12-Month Warranty
Cons : Not Cheap
Happy Hop Commercial Bouncy Castle
Available from 1 retailer – Duplay
Prices start from £899.95 (Duplay)
Perfect entry level commercial bouncy castle for sale
Suitable For : Outdoor Use (Commercial & Residential Use) | Recommended Ages : 3 to 12
Capacity : 6-8 Children | Weight Limit : 300kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 15ft x 15ft PVC Groundsheet
Ready to start your bouncy castle hire business? Then this entry level commercial bouncy castle won’t break the bank.
Pros : Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, Setup in 30 Minutes, 12-Month Warranty, Great Started Commercial Bouncer
Cons :
Happy Hop 18ft Dragon Age Commercial Bouncy Castle
Prices start from £2199.95 (Duplay)
This commercial bouncy castle hire for sale is a show stopper. Suitable for adults and kids with a 340kg weight limit.
Suitable For : Outdoor & Indoor Use (Commercial & Residential Use) | Recommended Ages : 3 and up
Capacity : 5+ Children | Weight Limit : 340kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 15ft x 15ft PVC Groundsheet
Already running a bouncy castle hire business and are looking to expand your hire stock? Then why not invest in the Dragon Age commercial bouncy castle.
Like other Happy Hop bouncers, this castle is ready to go in just minutes. Comes with a detachable rain / sun roof, with quadruple stitched bonds and full test certificates.
Pros : Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, Ready to go in Seconds, 12-Month Warranty
Cons : It’s not cheap!
Double Inflatable 20ft Mega Slide Combo Kids Bouncy Castle
Prices start from £429.99 (Amazon)
Best bouncy castle with slides!
Suitable For : Outdoor & Indoor Use (Residential Use Only) | Recommended Ages : 3 to 10
Capacity : 4+ Children | Weight Limit : 180kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 15ft x 15ft PVC Groundsheet
If your kids are slide fanatics, then this is the bouncy castle for you. With 2 mega slides and secret tunnel. This is everything a kid could ever dream of in a bouncy castle combo!
Supplied with extra high bumpers to prevent falls and a climbing area as well as the standard bouncing area, your kids will absolutely love this bounce house.
Pros : Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, Ready to go in Seconds, 6-Month Warranty
Cons : Quite Pricey
The Big House 9-in-1 Bouncy Castle with Slide & Ball Pool
Prices start from £449.95 (Duplay)
Great for kids of all ages.
Suitable For : Outdoor & Indoor Use (Residential Use Only) | Recommended Ages : 3 and up
Capacity : 5+ Children | Weight Limit : 180kg
Supplied With : Bouncy Castle, Storage Bag, Anchor Pegs, Airflow Fan | Recommended Extras : 15ft x 15ft PVC Groundsheet
Our final bouncy castle is a show stopper. This 9 in 1 bounce house comes with 30 play balls, 2 dart balls, repair kit, double to quadruple stitching on stress areas and is ready to go in under 2 minutes.
Perfect for children of all ages, with multiple activities that are sure to keep your kids happy.
Pros : Airflow Fan Included, Storage Bag & Extras Included, Ready to go in Seconds, 6-Month Warranty
Cons : Pricey
None of these take your fancy? Why not see all the bouncy castles for sale on Amazon and Duplay!
