Bouncy Castles

Bouncy Castles are often rented or bought for functions, school and church festivals, village fates or simply for home use. Although aimed at children, adult Bouncy Castles can be hired in the UK. Bouncy Castles are rarely rented to adults in the US due to liability concerns. A theatrical group named "The strolling theatricals" has started performing Shakespearian tragedies on Bouncy Castles at the Edinburgh festival (Hamlet in 2006, Macbeth in 2007).

The Origin of Bouncy Castles

John Scurlock first designed the bouncy castle in 1959 - while experimenting with inflatable covers for tennis courts he noticed his employees enjoyed jumping on the covers. He started the Space Walk Company to market them for children - named 'Space Walks'. The original design was as a large air mattress, but in 1967 it was updated with the inclusion of walls.

University students in England also designed bouncy castles around 1961 for a fundraising event.

Bouncy Castle Materials and Specifications

The Bouncy Castle surfaces are typically composed of thick, strong PVC or vinyl and nylon, and the Bouncy Castle is inflated using an electric or petrol-powered blower. Small punctures are not a problem as they are designed to withstand constant leakage. A medium-size Bouncy Castle requires a fan with a mechanical output of about two horsepower (consuming around 2 kW electrical power).

UK Bouncy Castles have specifications requiring fully inflated walls on 3 sides with an open front and foam "crash mats" to catch children who may jump or fall out of the structure.

Inflatable Water Slides

The growth in popularity of Bouncy Castles has led to an inflatable amusement industry, which includes inflatable water slides, obstacle courses, games, and more. Inflatable Bouncy Castles and Water Slides are ideal for portable amusements because they are easy to transport and store.

Bouncy Castles - Featured Items