Ask:
To those who have been to one of these inflatable party places like Pump it Up what did you think? Positives and Negatives.
I am asking because me a DH are planning on possibly starting a business. An inlateable party place is what our town needs. We have a pretty good market for it here.
Thanks!
Heather
Answer:
My dd had fun at a party at Pump it Up. There was also an area for adults to jump around so dh had fun too.
Answer:
they are fun!! both my kids have been to parties there and really loved it!! I think its agreat thing to get the energy for kids out when its raining or too cold or even too hot out!!
Answer:
I was disappointed by ours here. They had a big room w/the inflatable things, but nothing for the toddlers/younger kids or more gentle kids. I kind of expected a place w/magazines or something where parents could sit and watch. I think they needed more variety, not just the jumpers. The party rooms were adequate. Also, there was no water fountain inside the big room - they had to leave to get a drink. It was quite clean. A good idea, but seemed so....bland. Could use more. The music was also a little too loud. People don't realize kids have better hearing than we do.
Answer:
My little ones (who were 2 and 3 at the time!) were scared splitless of them!! Several moms I know decided to do a playgroup meeting there....our Pump It Up here offers a one morning a week thing for preschoolers/moms. WRONG! I ended up IN the things with them, holding them while they cried. OMG. NOT a fun trip...and expensive.
However, my older kids all LOVE those kind of things. My 6 year old has a party there next Saturday. He can't wait to go!!!!!
Answer:
This is great....I want to know what you and your kids liked and disliked.
So far I have the following:
Have a separate play area for toddlers.
Keep the music at a enjoyable level for all.
Cater to the parents, have a comfortable sitting area with a few magazines....maybe some refeshments or coffee available.
Add more of a variety of things for the kids to do....maybe some tube systems, arcades.
Provide a water fountain in the party room.
Updated 5/3
Kids love video games with token.
Keep it fresh and fun for the kids and parents....maybe have some magazines/coffee/snack bar.Have a comfortable sitting area.
Premote safety, open so the kids can be watched at all times, have a system to keep kids from escaping parents, alarms on doors (emergency exits). I also plan on having a lot of camera in the place going. Keep two emplyees on the floor at all times with whistles.
Parents are allowed to jump for free with their kids.
Have enough time set a side for the kids to play...
Offer special passes....summer passes are a great idea.
Thanks, keep them coming...feel free to add any ideas also. If I am going to do any research....this is the best place to do it...right.
Heather
Answer:
We have two different ones in our area: Pump it Up and Bounce U.
We have been to so many parties at these places... the first dozen times the kids LOVED it and I thought it was a FANTASTIC alternative to places where the kids just play video games and spend tokens! I loved that they were active, jumping around, running all over.
**BUT** I think we have all grown weary of them now. They are obnoxiously loud, seating for parents is limited and we are held "captive" in there. And it just gets old, fast.
If it is a new business to your town, I think it will do great. But just know that the interest does wane after awhile. Perhaps you can come up with some ideas to keep it fresh and fun for the adults AND kids...
We have a party to attend at one of the places this weekend, in fact.
Answer:
We have one called Fun 4 All Kids in our town. My daughter loves it! She played for 2 hours almost non stop and I had to force her to stop to rest and have a drink because she was playing so hard. The one in my town has inflatable toys, a playground jungle gym, a tunnel system, some active arcade games, snack bar and a room for small toddlers. They also keep 2 people on the floor to make sure the kids are following the safety rules.
I was a little bummed though. At our location we only pay for the kids and parents get to play free. Being pregnant I could not play...and I wanted to play in the moon walk and go down the giant slide so BAD
Jen
Answer:
Heather,
We were just at the one on 192 and had a great time! I agree with the suggestions you listed. As for location, VIERA! That is the place to be! Now we just need a chuckie cheese..............................
Answer:
We have Bounce U. My son and I very much enjoy it. My only complaint is that that play time is not long enough. They charge either $6.95 or $7.95 (I can't recall which) for 2 hours. You get 1 hour 15 minutes in the play area and the remainder is a snack in the snack room. We don't need the snack and would prefer more time to play but they won't allow it. Needless to say, we don't go often.