Parents set up first indoor bouncy castle to tackle lack of play space

Thursday 18 January 2024

The parents behind Jersey's first indoor bouncy castle arena have spoken out about the need for more soft play spaces for children on the island.

The Trinity-based bouncy castle arena aims to provide "an exciting new play space" for "children to meet up and have something to do in the winter."

‘The Bounce House' first opened at Albert Bartlett warehouse in October, but has recently received a 'Winter Wonderland' makeover featuring a snow machine and an aprés ski-themed café.

The venue was set up by party and event hire company The Party Crew, which is owned and directed by Tom and Denise de la Haye.

The husband and wife team spoke to Express about the inspiration behind the business, and what islanders can expect from visiting The Bounce House. 

Video: The arena is currently themed as a 'Winter Wonderland' and features a snow machine and an après-ski cafe.

"As parents ourselves to three little boys, we know all too well how important it is to have play spaces like The Bounce House in Jersey," they said. 

"We want our visitors to feel welcome, to be able to spend time in a safe, yet relaxing spacious environment, meet and socialise with friends and above all have lots of fun!" 

"Many clients have commented that this is something that is so needed in Jersey."

The duo continued: "It is a delight to watch people (children and adults) arrive for the first time and hear them say ‘wow’ when they walk through the doors and see for themselves what a great set-up we have!

"We hope we have created an environment that makes it easy for parents to bring little ones. We are breastfeeding-friendly, with lots of sofas to sit and relax, and space for pushchairs, high chairs and baby changing.

"With loads of parking right outside the front doors and on a good bus route, this also makes it easy to access for families."

Pictured: The Bounce House promises "fun and excitement" for children aged up to the age of 11.

The couple explained how Denise’s teaching degree and many years of experience within the early years sector have been "beneficial" to their company – such as helping to introduce baby/toddler parent-led classes, Mini-Movers.

Tom and Denise added that they want to be "as inclusive as possible" and have offered free tickets and bouncy castle private sessions to several local children's charities, including Autism Jersey, Jersey Child Care Trust, Brighter Futures, and Macmillan Jersey. 

The de la Hayes are also working to reduce waste, avoid single-use products, and reuse and upcycle local items and furniture – explaining that the furniture and wood for The Bounce House was sourced sustainably from Acorn or Ecycle.