Bounce houses have been a popular pastime for children at birthday parties, carnivals, and other events. They provide endless hours of fun and entertainment for kids while giving their parents a brief break.
Apart from being an enjoyable activity, bounce houses also have some surprising facts that you may not know about. Discover some of the odd but interesting facts about bounce houses that will leave you amazed and eager to work with a bounce house rental company for your next get-together.
Bounce Houses Were Originally Designed for Adults
When you think of a bounce house, you may picture children jumping around and having a good time. But did you know that bounce houses were first created for adults?
Inflatable structures similar to what we now know as bounce houses were used in the circus as early as the 1800s. They were called air-filled pits and were used by acrobats to perform stunts and land safely.
The First Bounce House Was Invented in 1959
The modern bounce house that we know today was invented by John Scurlock in 1959. He created it as a solution to entertain children during his employees’ annual picnic.
It was made of a large inflatable floor with sidewalls and was called the Space Walk. After its success, Scurlock founded the first bounce house rental company, Space Walk Inc., which is still in operation today.
The World’s Largest Bounce House
In 2017, the world’s largest bounce house was unveiled. The Big Bounce America covers an area of over 10,000 square feet and includes various zones, such as a basketball court, obstacle course, and a giant slide. It also features a DJ booth and can accommodate up to 200 people at once.
Bounce Houses Have Health Benefits
Aside from being a fun activity, bounce houses also offer some health benefits, which comes as an odd but interesting fact. Jumping in a bounce house can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and increase coordination and balance. It’s an excellent form of exercise for children and adults alike.
Bounce Houses Have Different Names
Bounce houses are known by various names worldwide. In the United Kingdom, they’re referred to as bouncy castles, while in Australia they’re called jumping castles. In South Africa, they’re known as jolly jumpers, and in Brazil they’re called pula-pulas.
There are many odd facts about random things all over the world, and we hope these bounce house tidbits encourage you to keep the tradition and fun going for your next large gathering. Remember, these unique inflatable structures are great for kids and adults alike, keeping the joy of life alive for all.
