Getting the most bounce for your buck isn’t always easy to do in the nation’s capital, but WTOP may have found the perfect spot — if you’re willing to go shoeless for the sake of fun this weekend.
If you haven’t heard about “The World’s Largest Bounce House” — located at Rosecroft Raceway in Prince George’s County, Maryland, just outside National Harbor — consider yourself informed.
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The Big Bounce America attraction has been in town since May 20. However, June 10 and 11 are the last two days to get visit the attraction before it leaves the area (air quality permitting).
“The vibes are great. It really feels whimsical — you can bring out your inner child,” said Elizabeth Clapp, who went last weekend with three of her closest friends.
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“At first it was like, ‘yeah this looks real childish,'” Quaysha Baucum said. “But then, once you get in it, it’s like, ‘this is definitely fun.'”
The whole setup boasts 16,000 square feet of pure air-filled joy. There are giant slides, an obstacle course, a blowup sports complex and more.
Additionally, there is some inflation you might be able to get behind.
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“The adult session is what’s surprising me,” assistant tour manager Billy Jamison said. “It’s not just for kids. This is for the entire family. And if you don’t even want to bring your kids, we have a whole slot dedicated for the adults.”
“It looks like the adults came ready to play,” he continued.
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WTOP got a look at the attraction’s “adults only” bounce sessions, which happen on Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
It did not disappoint.
“Almost feels like I’ve entered Candyland,” Preston Duarte said. He attended with his girlfriend Ty Wyatt. “It’s giving Willy Wonka vibes.”
When Wyatt saw photos of the bounce house for the first time, she quickly realized how much she wanted to see it in person
“I was like, ‘Oh, my god, that’s the biggest bounce house I’ve ever seen,'” Wyatt said.
“I came out for my birthday to celebrate and be a big kid,” Ijeoma Ugah, Baucum’s friend, said. “We were looking for something to do that wasn’t the club and restaurants. The big slide. You gotta do the big slide!”
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And what would a bounce house set up be without some healthy competition.
Courtney Diggs and her boyfriend, Ahmed Anunay, played an intense game of dodge ball, leaving them both winded. When asked about the battle, Anunay said it was a crazy scene, leaving him sweaty.
“We won, though,” Anunay said. “That’s what matters.”
Adventure, competition, fun, camaraderie. What more could you ask for from a bounce house?
“We didn’t compete much because it wouldn’t have been much of a competition,” said Emma Parker, who went to the bounce house with her boyfriend, Zack Sieff.
“She’d probably beat me in everything,” he said concededly.
For those looking for a little more than friendly competition, Parker told WTOP she would recommend it to those interested in a bit of romance.
“If you have someone you’re trying to be more than friends with, this may be the perfect place to take things to the next level,” Parker said. “There’s a lot of falling and a lot of banging and stuff, so there’s room to embarrass yourself … in a productive way.”
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By the end of the evening, everyone felt worn out — but some left with a little extra spring in their step.
“I even brought my parents here, so we’re generations out here,” Baucum told WTOP. “We have no idea where they are, though.”
“10 out of 10,” Zack added. “Would come again.”
The World’s Largest Bounce House is open till 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday. It is strongly recommend that those looking to go to the bounce house purchase tickets early as the attraction does sell out. Mobile tickets will be scanned at the gate.
