As you know at the end of August and early September kids are starting to go back to school and parents are happy to see them starting their academic year. You might be wondering how to keep your kids active with them having fun as well.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, and here are its fitness recommendations for children and adolescents, from ages 6 to 17:

A total of 60 minutes or more of daily physical activity (keep in mind that children are typically active in short bursts). Most of that should be either moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, and should include vigorous-intensity physical activity at least three days per week. Examples of aerobic activity include brisk walking, running, hopping, skipping, dancing, bicycling, jumping rope, and swimming. (You may also want to include jumping in a bounce house)

As part of their 60 or more minutes of daily physical activity, children and adolescents should include muscle-strengthening physical activity on at least three days of the week. For children, this type of activity may include using playground equipment, climbing trees, or playing tug-of-war. For tweens, examples of this type of activity include lifting relatively heavy objects (talk to your pediatrician to ensure your child is ready for exercise like this) or using body weight for resistance such as with push-ups.

In addition, kids and adolescents should incorporate bone-strengthening physical activity (e.g., brisk walking, running, jumping jacks, jumping rope, basketball, tennis, hopscotch, weight training for tweens with a doctor’s approval) into their hour or more of daily physical activity, at least three times per week.

There are more tips for other ages on -
http://health.kaboose.com/active-kids/children-physical-activity.html

These two kids are enjoying their brand new Island Hopper Curved Double Slide Bounce House. This bounce house is fun for all ages and easy to set up and takedown.  Great for any backyard BBQ.

Bounce Houses are a great addition to any kids play area. Bounce Houses are exceptional fun and a safe alternative to trampolines, and have become a great party tradition. Renting used to be the only option, but now that is not the case. First you need to choose a Bounce House that’s fits your family size, age, activity level, etc.

Things to know when buying a Bounce House

Bounce Houses (aka - Inflatable Bouncers, Moon Walks, Bouncy Houses) have continuous airflow. Continuous airflow means an air blower continuously pumps air into the Bounce House.  As the bounce house is being used air escapes through the seams. You will hear air escaping out of the bounce house which is perfectly normal. The Blower needs a power source nearby to constantly fill the bouncer with air.  If power is not close by you can use a generator.

Residential bounce houses are much lighter, weighing as little as 28 pounds, and starting as inexpensive as $129.99. Being lighter weight and similar in cost to renting a bounce house, this makes it a more logical purchase.  Residential bounce houses are easier to set up, take down and transport. If the bounce house is properly maintained it can be used for years.

(NOTE -These Bounce Houses are not recommended for renting out or commercial usage.)

 Features - There are many different features and styles to choose from. 
• Bounce Floors Space – This should be one of the most important features. Be sure you get a bounce house that has a floor big enough to house all your kids.  You want to make sure the weight limit on the Bounce House can hold all the kids you intend to have in the bouncer.

• Slides – This is one of the kids’ favorite features. Some slides are too small for actual activity. Be sure to get a Bounce House with a slide big enough for kids to actually slide down

• Basketball Hoops and Climbing Walls - Kids climb.  Why not give them a place where they can climb in a safe environment.  Bounce Houses feature climbing walls that take you to a slide to slide down.  Also, some Bounce Houses have a basketball hoop where kids can bounce and play basketball at the same time.  Either way, we suggest these features for the older more experienced bouncer. 

Good Luck and Happy Bouncing!

New bounce house products designed for the home user are gradually taking the place of rented bounce houses for birthday parties and events.  Some bouncy houses or moonwalks are now made to be used indoors on a rainy day.  Great for your garage or basement!  These inflatable bounce houses are great for families and getting the kids to exercise and away from the television.

This was Liza’s first bounce house. Think she liked it? We do!!  Come visit us at www.homebouncehouses.com for a great selection of recreational bounce houses.  Indoor / Outdoor Residential grade bounce houses.  New bounce house models coming for summer!

This is our little tikes Jump N Double Slide

We bought the Island Hopper curved double slide inflatable bounce house for our 5-year old on her birthday and she just loves it.  We’ve become the neighbor hood kool-aid house.