'World's Largest Bounce House' ― all 24,000 square feet of it ― is here in Delaware
Delaware may just have to loosen its belt and make some extra room this summer.
That's because the Guinness World Records-certified "World's Largest Bounce House" ― all 24,000 square feet of it ― is coming to America's second-smallest state.
The bounce house is just one of the seven massive inflatable amusements by The Big Bounce America that will take over Kirkwood Sports' (1220 River Road, near New Castle) 15 sports fields from Friday to Sunday, July 5 to 7.
What is it?
The Big Bounce America, produced by XL Event Lab, is the biggest touring inflatable event in the world.
First launched in 2018, The Big Bounce America has been touring the country ever since, including a stop in Philadelphia last summer.
A smaller 12,000-square-foot version of the exhibit was at Dover Motor Speedway's FanZone for three days in late April ahead of the Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race.
Stops this summer also include Baltimore; Albany, New York; and Virginia Beach, Virginia.
How does it work?
The Big Bounce America runs Friday, July 5, through Sunday, July 7 at Kirkwood Sports and has four aged-based groupings: toddlers (3 and younger), juniors (7 and younger), "bigger kids" (15 and younger) and adults (16 and older).
Three-hour session times include Friday, July 5, at 1 p.m. (toddlers); Saturday, July 6, at 9 a.m. and Sunday, July 7, at 10 a.m. (juniors); Saturday, July 6, at noon and 3 p.m. and Sunday, July 7, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. ("bigger kids"), and Friday, July 5, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, July 6, at 6:30 p.m. (adults).
How much is it?
Online presale tickets cost $22 (toddlers), $35 (juniors and "bigger kids") and $45 (adults).
Tickets cost more day-of at the event site.
There is no fee for spectators to enter The Big Bounce America grounds. Only those planning on bouncing on the inflatables require a ticket.
Also, all children 3 and under can enter any kids session, but must be accompanied by a paying parent/guardian with their own ticket. Children 4 and older can enter the juniors or "bigger kids" sessions with or without a parent.
Included attractions
The World’s Largest Bounce House
"Now covering an area of over 24,000 square feet and standing 32 feet tall at its highest point, this inflatable goliath is The World’s Largest Bounce House. Inside you’ll find giant slides, ball pits, climbing towers, and basketball hoops beside fun, friendly, oversized characters of various colors, shapes, and sizes for those all-important Instagram moments.,'' according to press materials. "At the center of this dreamland is a custom-built stage where the resident DJ really turns up the party by playing music tailored to each age group while hosting games and competitions."
OctoBlast
"The brand new OctoBlast is turning up the fun and foam at The Big Bounce America experience. This inflatable is unlike any other; it’s part bouncer, part foam party, and fun for all ages. Upon entering, you will jump into a deep-sea world filled with colorful ocean creatures, colossal foam cannons, and LIVE DJs spinning the best tracks from a huge pufferfish stage, all while guests dance around our giant Octopus’s tentacles."
Sport Slam
"Sport Slam brings a whole new dimension to an already action-packed day out with a customized sports arena filled with goals, nets, hoops, and balls of every size and type you could imagine. Compete against family and friends by racing up the climbing tower or take them on in the ‘battle zone’ to see who can stay on their podium the longest."
The Giant
"Calling all aspiring Ninja Warriors! At over 900 feet in length, The Giant is one of the most fun and energetic experiences you’ll ever have. There are 50 different obstacles to overcome as you make your way from the starting line to our grand finale monster slide."
airSPACE
"airSPACE is a truly unique, space-themed wonderland filled with friendly aliens, spaceships, moon craters, and so much more, spread across three different inflatables. There is a gigantic five-lane slide, a huge 25-foot tall inflatable alien at the center of three bottomless ball pits, and a giant spaceman jumping around the moon base."
Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at [email protected] or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier).
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Big Bounce America brings all-ages fun to New Castle area this summer