the "jumpoline" places

With three children under five I rely on having a plethora of things to do should I need a break from the house. In Richmond there are quite a few indoor playspaces most of which are open to the public and consist of many jumpolines (inflatables). We go to the two south of the James most often, Itz Party Time and Inflation Nation. There is also Kangaroo Jacs north of the river.

Itz a party is open duirng the day for open gym and anyone can go. It has about 5 or 6 inflatables of different size and style inside and also has some video games, and a play area for children under 3 or 4. (Everyone must have socks)That area has some little tikes stuff, an outdoor swing set but inside, etc. it is nice to have that area when you have older ones that love to jump around as well as littles.

Itz Party Time used to let youbring you rown food in which I loved but now they have a snack bar which serves popcorn, soda, chips etc. but thye allow no outside food or drink in which i think is pretty silly. I used to be able to grab sandwiches and go there for the afternoon but now I end up eating before or afer because the food choices are not really healthy or abundant. I still like the little kid area and my childrenlove burning off dome energy when the weather is not so agreeable so I will continue to be a fan. www.itzpartytime.com

Inflation Nation is about 5 minutes away from Itz Party Time and is also pretty awesome. It does not have the same dedicated little kid area but has two smaller inflataables for children 2-5 and 6 or 7 larger ones. They have a huge mac truck one which I have never seen anywhere else an dsome pretty tough obstacle courses. For a few extra dollars you can also climb the volcano/rock wall inflatabl which id mcuh taller and scarier then it fist seems. Ther are a few couches with magazines and a big TV for the parents anlong with a snackbar. Pizza, icecream, etc. is served and you may not bring in food or drink. (Everyone needs socks). www.inflationnationparty.com


Kangaroo Jacs I have only been to once. It follows the same idea with inflatables, a snack bar and a parent area (and socks). The strange thing is the design. The parent lounge is cut off from both the larger kid are and the toddler inflatable area. So you can not sit and relax and have visual contact with either area. The toddler area is up front which is nice if you just have young ones but if you have children in both areas you have to choose which one to be in. I like it better when it is one giant room so I can keep an eye on everyone at once. My children are all still to young to be completely separated from me. It is is north of the James off of Broad Street. www.kangaroojacs.com