We all grow up wanting to be part of something big. Visit the seven wonders of the world, hike Mount Kilimanjaro, run a marathon, join a movement, and jump among a wave of beach balls and inflatable palm trees in the largest bounce house in the entire world. Because I’m a dream chaser, I neglected all of my responsibilities to jump on the opportunity to be part of Big Bounce America’s nationwide tour. It wasn’t just an opportunity, when I saw the massive spread that was to be all that is Big Bounce America, I had a deep-seated RESPONSIBILITY to my inner child to put on my best pair of socks and BOUNCE.
My expectations for this event were HIGH. Watching videos of it really hikes up your level of excitement. At no point in time did I doubt my expectations. Especially when I saw that this was essentially the size of my high school’s football field.
Giant animals, LIVE DJ, games, basketball hoops, slides, GIANT beach balls, it’s literally an activity FULL of activities. We did all of them. But the best part about it, was the cleanliness. Let’s be real, in Florida there’s a bounce house at nearly every event, barring most (but not all) funerals. I don’t like germs at all, but I have no willpower and will always end up in a bounce house when said bounce house is present. Afterwards, although there are no regrets, there is a deep desire to shower and bathe my children. So when I entered the bounce house, I expected to have that thought in the back of my mind, I didn’t. Big Bounce America does things right. Not only are they the largest but they’re also the cleanest. Their team deep cleans at the end of every day and they clean at the end of every session. Which means if someone’s stomach couldn’t handle it, Big Bounce America handled it properly and with disinfectants. I may or may not have seen it happen (totally saw it happen.)
Big Bounce America not only wanted to make sure that their bounce house was the largest in the world, they had to add a village, literally a “BOUNCE VILLAGE” of additional bounce houses. This included the Big Bounce Lil’ Bouncer, a replica and miniature version of the BIG BOUNCE house, a water slide to cool off, an inflatable dome with a ball pit, and several bounce house obstacle courses in which I realized my inability to ever be a contestant on American Ninja Warrior.
It looks like I was getting down to her level for a picture, yes, let’s just say that that’s what I was doing. Then I also decided to finish strong and jump like Isabella while holding Kate, really fast, because if you step on the yellow strip, you break your own back. Turns out, no backs were broken, again just my dreams of being on American Ninja Warrior. Kate liked it.
Then I stuck to what I do best, played alongside my kid in a ball pit that I fit in and knew was clean. It is such an amazing thing to be able to play alongside your children. Not simply because you’re taking an interest in what they like but because it’s something you enjoy as well. Big Bounce America was something that was genuinely fun for our entire family and I strongly debated going back in the evening for the 16+ session with Seth because I totally would have done so much better in the Bounce Village obstacle courses if I wasn’t holding a toddler, right? Don’t answer that. Just head over to Big Bounce America and track their world tour so you don’t miss them when they hit your city. Tickets for different bounce sessions may run out quickly in your neighborhood so purchase them in advance if you can, if not they’re available at the event.
If you’re not into bouncing or are otherwise unable to bounce at the moment (pregnant women are allowed to bounce but do so at their own risk, so if you’re 39+ weeks and want that baby out, here’s your chance) there’s always the position of spectator. There’s a chill-out zone, a large dome with lounge chairs, and in most places, there are food trucks, music, and just a great outdoor fun-vibe. My ONLY complaint is that they weren’t in town long enough.
Fulfill your dream and be part of something big, be part of a movement, even if that movement is a bounce.
That looks like fun! I’ll be on the lookout for something like that in my neck of the woods! Thank you for sharing!
Hi I found your post on Big Bounce America. Thanks for the great info. I am thinking of taking my two littles this weekend here in California. Did you do the Toddler or Junior Session? My daughter is only 17 months and my son is 3 almost 4 so wondering which you would recommend? The Junior session is at a better time but with older kids 4-7 i am a little worried about bringing my daughter in there. Thanks!