BounceU

I have been contemplating taking my daughter to BounceU for several weeks now, ever since she went to a birthday party where there was a moon bounce that she absolutely loved.  Even though she bounced her little heart out at the birthday party, I was worried that a place like BounceU might be intimidating to her (and me).  Well, with summer rapidly winding down, I decided we should do something fun these last few days, so we went!

We went for a Preschool Playdate at the Horsham BounceU location, which according to the website calendar takes place every weekday morning from 9:30-11:00 (M, W, F) and from 12:30-2:30 (T, Th).  It costs $8.95 per child and includes 90 minutes of bounce time, plus a snack. You can actually purchase five sessions for $36! It is for children 7 and under. Socks are required to bounce!!

Happy bouncing girl!

Leah had the time of her life. Bouncing, hopping, jumping...her most favorite things!! Now, I have to put it out there that my daughter is not very shy and she has almost no fear!  There were a lot of people there but there is enough equipment that it never really felt too overwhelming.  Now, I did feel like some of the "older children" were a bit rougher.  There is obviously a huge difference between what a 2 year old and 7 year (or even a 4 year old) can do.  That was at times a little frustrating because these bigger kids were tackling each other and not really paying any attention to the little ones.  That's hard even at a playground, so I am used to seeing it, but still, it's always a bit unsettling for a mom to watch!

Trying to climb up for a slide!

Some of the equipment was definitely way above Leah's ability, but that didn't stop her from climbing up some of them and going down the incredibly fast slides. I was bummed that I didn't wear socks because I would have totally taken her up all of the bigger equipment. I know she would have enjoyed it, but I'll remember that for next time!

There is loud music playing the whole time but it was nothing offensive, and quite honestly, I had fun singing along to the tunes!  They played the Electric Slide, Footloose, Twist and Shout...oldies but goodies!

At the end of the bounce time, the staff members (there were a few spread out throughout the bounce areas for the entire play time) took the children to the party room, where the tables were set up for snack. I was very impressed with this!  I expected some crackers in a cup, but they gave each child an individual bag of Goldfish and an Apple and Eve juice box.  This was Leah's first experience with a juice box and with undiluted juice.  She was ecstatic!! The bag of goldfish was actually a very decent size and since it was getting late (I still needed to do my pre-hurricane shopping), we took the bag with us in the car.

Overall, I was very pleased with Bounce U.  I have been to a few different "gym type places" for kids and often leave just feeling dirty or like it wasn't really worth the huge fee.  I did not feel that way about Bounce U at all.  True, there was no "lesson" or group activities like at other places. But, it still gives children the opportunity to socialize and more importantly, take turns and share the equipment!  Although I go back to school next week and won't be free during any of the morning Preschool Playdate sessions (boo hoo for me), I do plan on keeping this in mind for whenever I have off throughout the year. It's a great way for children to be active and get their energy out, especially if you are stuck indoors!

Warning: the slides are VERY fast! :)

PS. Please try to look past the blurriness of the pictures. It is not easy capturing a quick-moving toddler! :)