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Bounce & Slide without water!

How To Use Your Inflatable Slide All Year Round

Bounce & Slide without water!
Some water parks, like the Princess Palace Combo and the Misty Kingdom Combo, can be used without water during the cooler months!

Inflatable Water Slides are Fun

During the summertime, an inflatable water slide adds interactive play to any backyard bash. Inflatable water slides and combos can be an excellent way to beat the summer heat and keep your little water-bugs entertained.

But Inflatable water slides don’t just keep kids entertained and active, they also save you travel and admission costs during breaks from school. Families don’t have to pack lunches, load up the car, and hit the amusement park lines anymore. With an inflatable water slide, you just skip the trouble and bring the amusement park into your own back yard!

Not only are they perfect for parties, inflatable slides can also be easily used in between holidays and family functions. Parents can bust out the inflatable slide after school and on weekends as well, and get a much-deserved reprieve from the furniture-gymnastics. That’s what having your own inflatable is all about!  Even the easy-to-use compact inflatable slides can add some zest to parties and holiday celebrations.

Do You Use Your Water Inflatable Year Round?

Sadly, many inflatable water parks sit in storage during the colder months, cold, lonely and reminiscing over the fun days. Every year they wait patiently for their chance to shine in the summertime. What a waste! If this is how you’ve been using your inflatable, you may not realize that some Blast Zone slides can be used dry as well.

Inflatable combos can be used wet or dry, as long as they do not rely on the weight of water in the splash area for added stability. While home-use slides are not quite as slick when they are used without water, you can easily remedy this by sliding in sweat pants and socks.

Bounce and Slide combos like the Princess Palace and the Misty Kingdom work well without water, thanks to their fun castle themes and their multiple-activity designs. Having more than one feature makes these types of inflatable combos great for year-round use. When the weather is warm you can connect the included sprayer attachment for some summertime splashing. During the cooler months, your little princes and princesses can dress up in their regular playtime regalia and enjoy their fortress of fun without water.

For more space and interactivity, several inflatable water parks can also be used dry, including the Shark Park 10-in-1, the Pirate’s Bay and the Pirate Blaster.  Set up an inflatable water park without water and watch the splash zone become a play zone! Try filling the splash area with playballs, plushies, or a few soft toys instead of water for a designated play area in between turns sliding.

You can even set your inflatable slide up indoors in any place where you have the space. This is good news for your sofa! Protect your furniture from becoming a jungle gym during rainy days or cold weather. Using inflatables indoors is a great alternative to video games and TV when it comes to your family’s winter entertainment. It also allows you to trick your kids into exercising without even realizing, giving kids access to physical activity and fun whenever the weather has them stuck indoors.

Don’t Forget About Commercial Grade Inflatables for a Bigger and Stronger Slide

For the thrill seekers out there looking for an even bigger sliding experience, we offer several commercial grade inflatable water slides that can be used dry. In fact, all of our 14-foot inflatable water slides can be used with or without water.

The Mystic Mountain, Roaring Rainforest, and the Great White Wild Slide 14 can be used wet or dry. If you’re a believer that bigger is better, you’ll be stoked that our 18-foot slides are designed to be just as fun as a water slide without the water! The Mystic 18 and Roaring 18-foot slides are made for dry-use, so these huge slides are a great option for the colder seasons. The best part? All of Blast Zone’s commercial grade inflatables are strong enough to support both children and adults, so adults can get in on the fun too.

The Mystic 18 Foot Commercial Grade Slide is BIG fun, no water required!

Safety First

When using an inflatable water slide, safe play practices make the experience a lot more fun for everyone involved. Players should never slide head first and should always limit sliding to one person at a time. In order to ensure that everyone is playing safely, adult supervision is required for the use of all Blast Zone inflatables.

In some inflatable slides, the weight of water in the splash area helps with stabilizing the slide. Slides like the Spray N Splash 2 or the Crocodile Isle Water Park are best used with water, and are not designed to be used dry.  Also, ensure that your inflatable water slide is being properly anchored at all times using the included anchoring stakes, sandbags for weighted anchoring, or a combination of both.

As always, use common sense, follow safety guidelines, and have a blast!

Recap:

  • Inflatable Water Parks, Combos, and Slides can help make any event or family function more fun.
  • When you own an inflatable slide you can set it up for any reason, or for no reason at all.
  • Some Blast Zone Inflatables can be used without water for year-round fun.
  • The “splash zone” doubles as a “play zone” when it’s too cold for water.
  • Many inflatable slides work better with water, but some water parks can be used wet or dry.
  • If you have the space, you can even set your inflatable up indoors.
  • As always, use common sense, follow the safety guidelines, and have a fun!
Walk MS Stronger Together

Blast Zone Supports Walk MS!

Walk MS Stronger Together
Together, we become a powerful force. Together, we will end MS forever.

Blast Zone is a proud supporter of the National MS Society and Walk MS, an organization dedicated to changing the world for everyone affected by MS. The National MS Society is the largest private funder of MS research in the world. They also help to raise awareness, funds, and community support through their Walk MS events. These events draw in about 300,000 people each year, collectively.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. There isn’t a cure for MS, yet.

However, there are now FDA-approved medications that have been shown to modify and delay the course of MS. Advances in treating and understanding MS are made every year, and progress in research to find a cure is very encouraging. Thanks to the National MS Society, as well as participants and supporters of their Walk MS events, people affected by MS have access to more life-changing services than ever.

When you participate in Walk MS, you are helping create a world free of multiple sclerosis.

This is one of the reasons that our continued patronage of the National MS Society’s Walk MS is so important to us. They’ve been walking since 1988 and to-date have raised more than $970 million to drive groundbreaking research, provide life-changing services, and guarantee a supportive community for those who need it most. They say that when you participate in Walk MS, you are helping create a world free of multiple sclerosis.

We look forward to continuing our ongoing support of this worthy cause.  We encourage anyone interested in supporting the National MS Society to donate here. You can learn more about Multiple sclerosis, options for managing symptoms, treatments, and healthcare answers by visiting the National MS Society’s website.

Play is an important part of healthy child development.

The Importance of Play

 

Play is an important part of healthy child development.
Blast Zone Inflatables inspire kids to engage in creative and active play.

Kids don’t play as much as they should, but you already know that (don’t you?).

Play is a crucial part of healthy child development. It’s so crucial, in fact, that it is considered the right of every child by the UN’s High Commission for Human Rights. But in modern times, children have less opportunity and motivation to engage in active child-centered play. Modern kids have busier lives these days, and that combined with increased screen time can greatly reduce the amount of playtime that they get.

Giving kids an avenue for free play is critical because, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, regular free play contributes to a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being.  Facilitating and encouraging play is essential for children, not just because it’s such a big part of “being a kid,” but also because free play gives kids the opportunity to develop healthy social skills and to practice their developing athleticism.

But today’s kids are encouraged to sit. Screen time has become a dominating pastime in the lives of children. While technology does a lot of good for modern society, screens have been integrated into several facets of entertainment and education for children, reducing their time for free and physical play. On-screen and device entertainment limit children’s activity even further in colder climates, where there is less opportunity to play outdoors.

You may have heard by now that sitting for long periods regularly isn’t great for your health. The CDC has determined that prolonged sitting time is a health risk, and several studies show that a sedentary lifestyle can result in a shorter lifespan. This of course applies to children as well, especially because children generally adhere to to the habits that they develop as kids. Encouraging them to use their bodies and move regularly is an important value to instill at a young age to help encourage their life long health.

How Can Inflatables help kids play?

This is an inflatable blog, so we’re going to talk about inflatables.  Children need the opportunity and motivation to play, in order to allow for an optimal developmental environment, and Inflatables can help to provide that.

Giving kids an avenue for free play is important because according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, regular free play contributes to a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Inflatables can be a great way to facilitate unguided, physical play. Blast Zone Inflatables help to encourage kids to participate in active and imaginative fun that is healthy for their bodies and minds alike. Even in colder climates, with inflatables compact enough to be used indoors kids can still get the exercise and play that they need.

Guided play is great, but some kids don’t need or benefit from guided play and merely need a little inspiration so that they can play freely. Blast Zone Inflatables are about more than just bouncing. They’re a fun and safe way to keep kids active, and they offer inspiration and an environment that encourages imaginative and active play.

For Parents and Grandparents, Blast Zone Inflatables offer excitement and inspiration for the kids, and are also easy to set up, and move around. The ease of use associated with Blast Zone Inflatables make them a hassle-free, impermanent play structure, that can be easily stored when not in use.  This means Blast Zone Bounce Houses can set up indoors or outside,  without having to create a dedicated space for heavy play equipment.

Recap:

  • Play is an important part of healthy child development.
  • Blast Zone Inflatables inspire kids to engage in creative and active play.
  • Regular free play contributes to a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being.
  • Inflatables give kids a good alternative to passive screen time as entertainment.
  • Parents love Blast Zone Bouncers because they are highly portable and hassle-free.
  • Inflatables are fun and safe, and offer motivation for kids to play.

Are you looking for inspired inflatable ideas? The beauty of an inflatable, is that even something as simple as the Superstar Party Moonwalk will inspire kids to play in creative and active ways. he Misty Kingdom can easily become a fortress or a grand palace for your royal highnesses. The Pirate Blaster becomes home to the toughest swash-bucklers on the seven seas! The Rainforest Rapids means kids can spend their days exploring the canopy with monkeys, snakes and sloths! With Blast Zone Inflatables, the possibilities for play are endless because the only limitations in the world of make-believe come from within.

insurance

Business Liability Insurance for Inflatables

Our commercial grade customer base is always asking for more information on liability insurance for their inflatables. Being in the business of supplying premium quality commercial inflatables and not insurance, we found this question to be a little difficult to answer on our own.

When we decided to create a blog post about liability insurance for inflatables, we knew we’d want to get information straight from the source. We’re excited to present to our readers a guest post, written by Clark Edwards, Field Underwriter at Evolution Insurance Brokers and Prime Insurance Co.


Business Liability Insurance for Inflatables

If you charge the public for the use or rental of inflatable recreational products, it is essential that you purchase Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance. Without liability insurance coverage, you are at risk of incurring expenses for legal defense and liability settlements. You could lose some or all of your assets in a lawsuit.

Liability waivers are not a substitute for liability insurance. Even the best waiver can be challenged, which would at the very least result in you paying for your own legal defense costs. Should it be necessary to pay a settlement, that expense would also have to come out of pocket.

In the event of a lawsuit, your liability insurance company would provide you with experienced, professional legal defense and pay any settlement necessary up to the limits of the policy. It is not possible to predict what limits of liability are adequate, but obviously the higher your limits are, the less likely it is that those limits would be exceeded by a claim settlement. If your insurance limits should be exceeded, the remainder of any settlement would have to come from your own assets. It would be wise to get prices for various limits of liability and purchase as much coverage as you are able to afford.

Here are some things to consider other than just price when looking for an insurance company to provide you with liability coverage:

  • What is their financial rating? (Look for some grade of an “A” rating from A.M. Best.)
  • How long have they been in business? Are the likely to stay in business?
  • What is their reputation for claims handling? Do they tend to just “roll over” and pay claims, or perhaps not pay when needed? Or do they aggressively defend claims?
  • Do they offer pay plans to ease the expense of purchasing coverage?

The premiums charged for this type of commercial liability insurance are often influenced by judgment factors. Commercial liability insurance is not like personal Auto or Homeowners insurance where a company’s rates are filed and fixed. Commercial underwriters can decrease or increase the premiums charged depending on how they view your business practices. For example, you can get the best rates available from an insurer by showing that you: 1) utilize well written waivers: 2) have effective written safety and training programs; 3) meet or exceed all industry standards; and 4) document good equipment maintenance practices. Demonstrating smart, careful, and safe business procedures to insurance underwriters can result in lower costs for you.


If you’re in need of Business Liability Insurance for Inflatables, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr. Edwards! You can find his contact information below:

Clark Edwards, Field Underwriter
Evolution Insurance Brokers and Prime Insurance Co.
clarke@eibdirect.com
(801) 304-3703

insurance
Without liability insurance coverage, you are at risk of incurring expenses for legal defense and liability settlements.
blastzone-buddy-cruise

Buddy Cruise Donation 2016

We at Blast Zone are delighted to support Buddy Cruise! Buddy Cruise is a non-profit charity providing educational opportunities and resources for families, while promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and developmental delays. Every year, Buddy Cruise hosts a conference at sea. It’ s a unique event where attendees make memories that last a lifetime.

Providing educational opportunities and resources for families, while promoting awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome and developmental delays.

Buddy Cruise events are supportive of families touched by all a disabilities and they set sail every October!

Check out their opening video from this year’s cruise:

We’re honored to offer continued support to an organization like Buddy Cruise by participating in their charity auction to raise funds for this year’s cruise! A Buddy Cruise not only gives attendees the opportunity to gain information through educational workshops & events, they can also network with other families from across the globe that are in similar situations and form lasting bonds.

We encourage you to visit the Buddy Cruise website. Here you can donate if you wish, find out more information about their organization or gather details about joining the next Buddy Cruise, setting sail each October.

Blast Zone Mail Zone

Mail Zone: Recommended Ages, Warranty vs. Promise, and Space for Blowers

Blast Zone Mail Zone
Need Answers? Send your questions to Mailbag@BlastZone.com

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David Asks:

Up to what ages are the home inflatables good for? Would they be good for a 10 year old?

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Blast Zone:

The recommended ages for our home-use inflatables are 3 and up, however the ideal age group for each inflatable varies. The ideal age typically depends on the size of the inflatable and the included features. To give an example, smaller inflatables like the Little Bopper Bounce House or Tropical Splash Compact Slide are designed with smaller kids in mind. Not only would these inflatables not offer much excitement for bigger kids, they are also not designed to support children over 75 lbs.

On the other hand, larger inflatables with more features tend to be more popular with older children. While younger kids can find contentment in bouncing around all day, older kids typically prefer something with a little more action. For this reason, older kids do better with slides, combos, or with larger bouncers which have enough extra space for their friends.

In general, no matter which inflatable you’re using, it is important that players in a Bounce House or other Inflatable Play Structure are evenly matched in size, age, development, and skillset. As always, use common sense, follow safety guidelines, and have a blast!


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Alyssa Asks:

What’s the difference between a warranty and a “promise”?

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Blast Zone:

The 2 Year Promise is, in fact, a warranty.  It is similar to those on tires or a car battery, it is prorated as time goes on.  However, because ours comes with a 1-year 100% warranty period instead of a sliding scale that starts on day 1, and because we feel the term “warranty” can be misleading on the front-end, we refer to it as a promise.

If you’d like to review complete details of the 2-Year Promise, you can view them here: http://www.blastzone.com/2-yr-home-promise


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Peter Asks:

How much room is required for the blower tube? Where does it enter the bounce house?

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Blast Zone:

A blower connects to the inflatable via a long yellow air tube. This tube is not typically included in our overall inflated dimensions because it doesn’t add anything to the actual size of the unit as much as it may require a little more space to set up. Therefore, we generally recommend that you allow at least 6 Feet for the inflation tube and blower.

On nearly all of our inflatables, this inflation tube extends directly out of the back. The exception to this would be in instances where the entrance to the inflatable is situated in the back, in which case the inflation tube will extend from the side. An example of this would be the Tropical Splash Compact Slide, or the Shark Park 10-in-1 Water Park.

Splash Zone with Blast Zone
The Tropical Splash is one of the few inflatables with an inflation tube on the side.

In our Blast Zone Mail Zone series, we answer good questions submitted by you,  our great customers.  Pardon us if we repeat ourselves occasionally.  Some questions are asked frequently, and worth answering more than once!

Blast Zone appreciates your questions.  If you’d like to submit a Mail Zone Question, please email us at mailbag@blastzone.com.  For immediate assistance, feel free to call us at 877-889-4685, or email us at service@blastzone.com

Plan a Memorable Birthday Party for Your Toddler

Party planning checklist!
Party planning checklist!

When people plan birthday parties they are planning a special day not just for their children, but also for themselves. Children grow so fast, and a huge part of sharing your life with a young child is trying to slow down from time-to-time and enjoy it, even for just a day.  You and your guests will surely remember the party for years to come, and look back at those early parties with fondness. Not only will your child remember more than you might expect, but those early positive experiences can have a lasting influence.

Memory and early childhood amnesia are still being studied today. While there are plenty of theories, the rules of memory retention in children have not yet been entirely decided.  Just how much of life will your Toddler remember in the long run? Some say that children cannot retain memories until fluent language develops. Others suppose that young children cannot develop memories until they have developed a sense of self.  A child’s memory improves as the section of the brain known as the hippocampus develops. While the average age for an adults earliest memory is around 3 years old, there are still plenty of people who report having earlier memories intact through adulthood. The capabilities for very young children to retain memories is still being studied and debated.

While your toddler may not be able to remember the explicit details of their lives before the age of 3 in the long run, the implicit memories still have a huge impact on children as they grow. Throwing an unforgettable birthday party for your toddler means that not only are you creating early childhood memories for your little one, but also that you are introducing them to new traditions which will repeat each year.

When you begin planning your Toddler’s birthday party, look to invite family and friends with children in the same age group. While younger children may not seem particularly social, it is important to introduce them to their peers so they can learn to socialize in the comfort of their parents’ presence. Inviting other toddlers also gives you the opportunity to socialize with other parents, possibly building life-long friendships for your kids.

The beauty of entertaining toddlers and young children is that you don’t need as much structure to keep them engaged. Toddlers typically do better with free play. Especially with mixed ages, many of your guests may be at different stages of play. While your toddler might enjoy playing with other children, some younger kids tend to prefer parallel play, meaning they play on their own beside other children.

You can plan for some party games, but be sure to keep them simple and easy to understand. When you are thinking of games keep in mind that your party guests will likely have varying degrees of sensory and motor development. For this reason, it is a good idea to make sure that games are fun without putting much emphasis on competition or prizes. Games like “pass-the-ball” or “follow-the-leader” are classics, but you can also experiment with group activities instead of games, such as coloring pages or easy crafts like paper masks.

It would also be a great idea to have some open play areas set up for the kids who may not be ready for guided play, or who don’t get into the party games. An easy way to do this is setting up a soft play area or a bouncer like the the Magic Castle Bounce House, which is a staple at many toddler parties. The Magic Castle is perfect for toddlers. It is also nice and compact which means it can be used indoors or outdoors. Because the Magic Castle can support three kids at a time, it makes for a great way to entertain your toddler and their friends. If you have a larger space for your party and are looking for a bouncer to accommodate more children, the Big Ol Bouncer is another great option for a toddler’s birthday bouncer.

When it comes to feeding your toddler-guests, easy finger foods are your new best friends. Keep things cute by cutting sandwiches into cool shapes using cookie cutters. You get food in fun shapes, and sandwiches are generally easy to make in a variety of flavors. Other easy toddler-friendly foods include pizza, bite-sized fruits and veggies, cookies, crackers, and juice boxes.

When it comes to a toddler’s birthday party, a big concern for hosts is entertaining the adults. If you have a bounce house set up, the toddlers will likely entertain themselves. It would be a good idea to have some entertainment or good conversation lined up for the parents, as well as some better food. Most of the time parents will keep themselves entertained on their own, by interacting with children and other grown-ups as well. Even so, it can’t hurt to think proactively and try your best to make sure that between the toddlers and the adults everyone has a good time.  And as always, adult supervision is important in monitoring safe play, with or without a Bounce House.

Recap:

  • Toddler Birthdays are about making memories.
  • It is possible to plan a party that your toddler won’t forget.
  • Invite other toddlers.
  • Toddler parties don’t require as much structure to keep kids engaged.
  • Keep any games or activities simple.
  • Finger foods are your friend.
  • Be sure to keep your grown up guests in mind.

 

Mail Zone: Choosing an Inflatable, European Sockets, and Ship Times

So many inflatables, So little time!
So many inflatables, So little time!

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Adrienne Asks:

I’m looking for an inflatable but I’m not sure what to choose. Can I get a few recommendations?

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Blast Zone:

We are always happy offer recommendations. Because all of our products are made equally to the highest quality, ultimately the choice does come down to your personal preference.

There are several things to consider when shopping for inflatables including your application, desired features, your budget, and the amount of kids you’ll be entertaining. Another consideration is the reason for the purchase. If it is a gift, you may want to take the preferences of the giftee into consideration when making your choice. For example, a child interested in animals might love our series of Shark or Crocodile inflatables. If the gift is not a surprise, you might find that kids are often excited to be included in the buying process. You can try asking them to pick a few of their favorites or give them two options to choose between.

You can view the product features and specifications for each item by clicking though to the individual product pages. When shopping for your desired features, try out the compare tool on our website for a visual comparison. To use our compare tool, simply add a few items to the compare list and then at the top of the website, click “compare”. In a new window you’ll see the items you’ve chosen side-by-side with a comparison between the features and descriptions of the items.

For further assistance with choosing the best inflatable for you and your family, give our customer support team a call at 877-889-4685. We would be happy to assist you!


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Laszlo Asks:

Are your products compatible for use with a UK electrical socket?

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Blast Zone:

All of our blowers are ETL certified and designed for use in the US and Canada. Our blowers run off of a standard US 120v outlet. Unfortunately we are unable to recommend any converters for use with European electrical sockets, but they are available.


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Bette Asks:

If I place my order on a Friday and select 2-day shipping, will my product arrive on Sunday?

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Blast Zone:

Because orders can only be delivered on business days, an order placed on a Friday would not be delivered on a Sunday. If your order is placed on BlastZone.com and 2-day delivery is selected, your order will be delivered after 2 business days. Because our expedited shipping service only runs on business days, a 2-day order placed on a Friday before 2:00 pm will be delivered the following Tuesday.

If an order is placed before 2:00 pm PST (or 5:00 pm EST) it will ship out the same business day. Orders placed after that time will ship the following day. When an order ships out, it is picked up by the carrier at the end of the day and sent to a local sort facility where it will be routed for delivery. The first transit day is the following business day.


In our Blast Zone Mail Zone series, we answer good questions submitted by you,  our great customers.  Pardon us if we repeat ourselves occasionally.  Some questions are asked frequently, and worth answering more than once!

Blast Zone appreciates your questions.  If you’d like to submit a Mail Zone Question, please email us at mailbag@blastzone.com.  For immediate assistance, feel free to call us at 877-889-4685, or email us at service@blastzone.com

Blast Zone MS Walk

MS Walk Donation

Blast Zone is pleased to support the Walk MS Foundation, a charity walk series that takes place in over 550 locations with more than 330,000 people participating annually.

“We’ve been walking since 1988 and to date have raised more than $920 million to drive groundbreaking research, provide life-changing programs and guarantee a supportive community for those who need it most. When you participate in Walk MS, you help ensure no one ever has to be diagnosed again.”

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It is thought to be an immune-mediated disorder, in which the immune system incorrectly attacks healthy tissue in the CNS.

“Ending multiple sclerosis for good will take all of us. It’s why Walk MS matters so much. And it’s why you matter so much. Walk MS helps us team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS.”

The wonderful people working with the Walk MS Foundation address the challenges of each person affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, collaborating with MS organizations around the world, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

We’re thrilled to continue our ongoing support of this deserving cause.  We encourage anyone interested in getting involved in the fight against MS to donate or volunteer!

Learn more about Multiple sclerosis, options for managing symptoms, treatments, and healthcare answers by visiting the National MS Society’s website.

Together, we become a powerful force. Together, we will end MS forever.

Blast Zone MS Walk
Blast Zone supports the MS Walk!

Spring Staycation: 5 Ways Inflatables Make Spring Break Even Better

5 ways inflatables make spring break better!
5 ways inflatables make spring break better!

Spring break is coming up quickly, are you ready for it? When it comes to spring break, fun-and-sun is the name of the game. The seasons are turning and the weather is slowly beginning to warm up. While some families use spring break as an opportunity for travel, many opt to use this time for a little at-home adventure also known as a staycation. A staycation means staying local and enjoying your vacation time from the comfort of your own home.

These days families are busy and their schedules are not always perfectly in sync. While most school aged children receive a spring break each year, getting time off isn’t always as easy for adults. Staycations are an excellent way to accommodate families when their schedules don’t perfectly align, or when travel expenses become too much of a burden.

Staycations are typically lauded by parents but dreaded by kids. Why? To some, “staycation” is seemingly synonymous with “Boring!”. When kids think of the word “staycation” they may be imagining an uneventful week in front of the TV, but with an inflatable you can change the meaning of the word.

During spring break, kids want to get outside and enjoy the warming temperatures. What better way to facilitate that than turning your own backyard into an amusement park with an inflatable? School will be far out of sight and mind the minute your little ones lay eyes on their bouncer or inflatable play park. If it’s warm enough, a water inflatable can make spring break feel more like summer.

We’ve got 5 ways inflatables can help make this year’s spring break staycation more fun! Grab your camera, because with the help of an inflatable you can make your family’s staycation one to remember.

Inflatables mean kids have a reason to get out of the house. A week or two off from school means a couple of things. It means sleeping in, it means no homework, and for some it means all of the TV and video games a kid could dream of. To some extent, there is no harm in a little on-screen entertainment. TV and video games aren’t entirely unproductive, but there is a whole world outdoors that goes unappreciated by plenty of young people. With an inflatable at your disposal, kids can spend some quality time outdoors bouncing and soaking up some vitamin D.

Parents save on travel expenses. A spring vacation is a great time to travel, but with a family in tow the costs can really add up. With an inflatable you can skip the admission costs altogether because you’ve got your own amusement park in your back yard! With an inflatable like the Shark Park 10-in-1 play park by Blast Zone, kids can spend the day bouncing, sliding, crawling, and climbing. Bringing the amusement park home with you means fun for your family without lines or crowds of people to slow them down.

There is room for friends. For a lot of kids, one of the highlights after a school break is sharing their experiences with their friends. Kids will typically offer excited retellings of their spring break happenings, but the best way to share the fun of spring break is to experience it together. With most Blast Zone inflatables, especially the larger ones like the Magic Castle Ultra 12 or the Ultra Croc, there is room for company! Because these inflatables can support several children at a time, and the eye-catching colors never fail to draw people in, friends and neighbors flock toward the fun!

Kids stay active while on break. There is a certain temptation during school breaks to place a large emphasis on relaxation. While yes, spring break is absolutely about taking a break from school and homework, it is also a great time to get moving. While television and digital media are great ways to spend some of your staycation, with an inflatable you might find that kids have better things to do than watch videos all day. An inflatable is a great incentive to get kids to stay active, and most of the time they don’t even realize they’re doing anything other than playing.

Inflatables last beyond spring break. When you consider an inflatable to ramp up the fun during spring break, you should keep in mind that the beauty of buying a bouncer is having it at your disposal for future events as well. This is especially significant considering that when spring break hits, it means that the warm summer weather is on its way! If you think inflatables make spring break better, just wait until summer vacation hits!

Once you have your own bouncer, it’s yours to use as you wish. This means birthday parties, family gatherings, or even just a little after school or weekend bouncing is made possible without any need to plan ahead or make reservations. You’ll never need to rent another bounce house again, and in the long run it really pays off.

Planning an epic spring break doesn’t have to be a burden. You can skip the travel planning and the associated costs without leaving your family stuck in the house with nothing to do. With inflatables, spring break is full of fun and it’s easy too. Setup is a cinch and inflatables typically pay for themselves after just a handful of uses. Before you know it, you’ll be watching your little ones bounce and slide in the sun. You may even be tempted to join them!