Bounce houses are a fun addition to any event, but they must be set up and handled with care to ensure the safety of all participants. A common question is: Can a bounce house be relocated while kids are using it? The short answer is no—moving a bounce house with children inside is highly unsafe and can lead to serious risks.


Safety Concerns of Moving a Bounce House with Kids Inside

Relocating a bounce house while children are inside can present numerous dangers. Here are the main safety concerns:

  • Loss of Stability: Bounce houses are designed to stay in place with the help of anchors, stakes, or sandbags to keep them grounded. Moving the structure while children are bouncing inside can cause it to lose its stability, leading to a potential collapse or toppling over.
  • Risk of Falls and Injury: Children inside the bounce house could lose their balance or fall if the inflatable shifts unexpectedly during relocation. This can result in injuries from impact with the ground or other children.
  • Air Supply Disruption: Bounce houses require a continuous flow of air from a blower to maintain their shape. If the blower is disconnected or obstructed during the move, the structure may start to deflate while kids are still inside, increasing the risk of entrapment or suffocation.
  • Obstruction Hazards: If the bounce house is moved near objects like trees, fences, or other obstacles, it could cause children inside to collide with these obstructions, leading to serious injury.


Why Moving a Bounce House with Kids Inside Is Unsafe

The unpredictable nature of children's movements inside a bounce house makes relocation risky. While adults may think it’s a simple adjustment, any sudden or unplanned movement could trigger an accident. Additionally, when children are bouncing, they create dynamic forces inside the inflatable that can shift its center of gravity. Attempting to move it during this time increases the chance of losing control over the structure.

Proper Procedures for Relocating a Bounce House

If you need to relocate a bounce house, here are the proper steps to ensure safety:

  • Empty the Bounce House: Ensure all children and adults have exited the bounce house before attempting to move it. This eliminates the risk of injury during the relocation process.
  • Turn Off the Blower: Disconnect the blower to deflate the bounce house fully before attempting to relocate it. Trying to move the inflatable while it’s inflated can be dangerous, as the structure may catch the wind or shift unpredictably.
  • Secure a New Location: Choose a stable, flat area for the new setup, free from sharp objects, obstacles, or overhead hazards like tree branches or power lines.
  • Reinflate and Test: Once the bounce house is securely anchored in its new location, reinflate it and check that it’s fully operational before allowing kids back inside.

Conclusion

While bounce houses can be great fun for children, relocating one while it’s in use is never a safe option. The risks of injury, collapse, or deflation far outweigh any benefits. If you need to move a bounce house, ensure that all participants are safely outside, and follow the proper procedures to guarantee the structure remains secure in its new location.