Inflatable bounce houses are large plastic structures that are filled with cold air and used for simple recreational fun. Much of the fun is due to the floor section of the bounce house, which is also filled with air and makes it possible to jump and bounce safely for hours on end. While the inflatable bounce house is normally considered a child's recreational device, there are also bounce houses large enough to accommodate adults.

The origins of the inflatable bounce house are often traced to the latter part of the 1950's, with the first examples of a combination of an inflatable platform and walls appearing in the late 1960's. Since that time, the designs and safety features of bounce houses have continued to evolve. The end result is that the bounce houses of today are extremely easy to set up, inflate, and take down when not in use.

In construction, a modern inflatable bounce house has a shell composed of thick plastic materials. A vinyl and nylon combination is common, provided both durability and a smooth texture that is often appealing. The basic design normally calls for three walls that are either solid or outfitted with strong mesh in between sections of inflated beams. A fourth side usually features a point of entry and exit. Many countries require a padded area just outside the entryway as an added safety measure. A thick padded floor that is also inflated completes the basic design.

These inflatable bouncer houses come in all sorts of shapes. A classic example is the inflatable castle. Space walks or bouncing in a setting that resembles the moon or some eerie planet is another option that captures the imagination of young and old alike. In addition to space scenes and inflatable castles, the recreational tool may also feature images of cartoon characters, super heroes, or even current popular entertainers.

The inflatable bounce house has been hailed as a great way for kids to have some good clean fun while enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Given the fact that many children and adults spend much more time in sedentary positions that previous generations, bounce houses are also ideal ways to motivate people to engage in at least short periods of physical activity. While jumping and laughing in a bounce house, it is easy to lose track of time and have at least a full hour of rigorous activity that works muscle groups in the body as well as stimulates the production of endorphins and other chemicals that help to enhance mood.