This morning started off fairly craptacularly with a toddler not sleeping well and my insomnia finally halting only to have my sleep disrupted by my spawn darling child. When we all finally awoke, grumpy, it was to a torrential downpour. Apparently the precipitation in SE PA is all or nothing--tons of snow/rain or nada. So, while the lawns and gardens desperately needed the drink, the earth just couldn't handle the deluge and half of the roads around our area were flooded. (and our basement, but not too bad.) We live fairly close to a portion of the Pennypack Creek and since we had an event to attend this morning, we got to see the creek transformed into rushing rapids.
The event we were attending was at Bounce U in Horsham, PA. There was a mommy/daddy blogger event sponsored by the facility and Chrissy at Mama's Little Helper. It was a way to meet other parenting bloggers in the Philadelphia metro area and entertain the kiddos at the same time. It was nice chatting with the other bloggers and socializing in the "real" world as opposed to the internet! My little bouncer was fascinated about going, and we brought his buddy along for fun. Andrew is still a bit small for most of the bounce equipment, but we did find a few things for him to bounce in and stay secure. He really loved the giant slide there, but would only go with me. I don't recall ever going on anything like that before and we had a blast. I lost count of how many times we slid down, but all the way home he kept talking about it. Andrew is a cautious kid, the way I was (am) so I wasn't surprised that he wouldn't slide alone. He was a bit freaked out at one point when the one bouncy area he was in began to be evacuated because it was collapsing, but I managed to pull him out of it just in time and the staff person in the bounce thingy was really on top of things and was able to prevent Andrew from being trapped. (Apparently someone shut off the power on the inflater/blower--oopps!)
Bounce U is an indoor inflatable playground filled with slides, mazes, and bouncing arenas. Kids really get a nice workout jumping around safely, sliding down big and giant slides and playing giant basketball. Recommended ages for play is 3 years and up. There were two huge rooms filled with bounce equipment and there were staff members (mostly teens) everywhere. Some of the bounce areas were operational only with a staff member present, such as the ball pit area. The staff member was able to monitor the game and make sure there wasn't too much rough housing going on. Everyone who is playing must wear socks, which they sell if you forget to bring a pair. The kids all seemed to love bouncing and running around so it was a perfect stormy summer day destination. Parties are a specialty of Bounce U. Because we were attending an event, we got to experience what a party might be like there. There were at least two party rooms filled with tables/benches and a snack/food counter with sink. We got to enjoy some beverages and snacks after spending an hour bouncing. There were lots of balloons decorating the place and a party planner making balloon animals for the kids. There was someone face painting too. I was impressed with how clean the facility was, especially on a rainy day. (And it was teeming rain, so everyone entered the place dripping wet!) By the front door were two huge rolling carts/containers to hold wet coats and umbrellas. Inside the bounce arenas were some benches and cubbyholes for shoes. I was able to leave my baby bag under a bench and not worry about lugging it around. The bathrooms were immaculate and even had a lower sink for smaller kids. When we left, all of the kids got to take home a giant blow up Bounce U hammer. I'm not sure why a hammer, but Andrew loves it.
I have to say, we had a better time than we expected and I think we will be going to Bounce U again soon! As Andrew grows older and bigger I think he will enjoy the bouncers even more and maybe go by himself!
Unfortunately in the craziness of the morning I forgot my camera, so I only had my phone to take pictures, which isn't the best clarity. I probably would not have gotten many shots since I was the one playing too, but next time I'll have to remember it.
