Here are some tips for keeping children cool on bouncy castles in hot weather. Evidence suggests children are more prone to heat stress than adults because they have higher metabolic rates, relatively greater body surface area, and less effective sweat response. Climbing, jumping and running activate muscles and generate body heat. Hotter air also reduces sweating efficiency. So having the following information on hand could make the difference between a happy kid or an uncomfortable one.
Check the air temperature and the weather forecast
Outdoor play is even more important in hot weather because kids generate so much extra heat. If you can, check the air temperature and the weather forecast to avoid playing in extreme heat. Indoor play spaces sometimes have air conditioning, but keep in mind that the temperature will be much warmer than outside. If it is really hot, try to stay inside and find activities that take advantage of the air conditioning. If you do have to go outside to play, especially with small children, try to find shaded areas. If you have to go to an unshaded area, make sure you keep kids protected from the sun.
Monitor the temperature inside the bouncy castle
Children may get too hot even in a chilled bouncy castle. Although there are no universally accepted temperature standards, you may wish to monitor the temperature inside the castle. You could offer the children water at intervals during the play session, or check the temperature inside the castle and offer water accordingly. If you do decide to check the temperature, use a reliable thermometer (or two!). If you are in a bouncy castle with your child, try to gauge your child's temperature by checking the child's forehead for heat. If the child is too hot, encourage them to take a break from jumping and try to find an area to stand where there is more air flow. If you need to take a child's temperature, do not put the thermometer under the child's arm because that is not accurate. Putting the thermometer in the mouth is not necessarily the best way to measure temperature, either. If you need to take a child's temperature, put the thermometer in the armpit.
Provide plenty of water and and light snacks
Some kids may need to be told to drink plenty of water. Particularly if there are lots of active kids in the bouncy castle, it is important to provide plenty of water and drinks. There is no need to provide anything fancy, but you may wish to have plenty of water available. It's also a good idea to provide light snacks such as sandwiches, biscuits, or popcorn.
Ensure that sun lotion is used by the children
Sun protection is important as we have seen. Kids often want to go outside to play and run around. If there is no shade nearby, they can easily get burnt if they are not protected. Ensure that children wear sun hats or t shirts to protect their heads, faces and bodies, UV-protective sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts to protect their arms. For their legs and torsos, you could also get them to wear lightweight long-sleeved tights to provide protection. If you are able to, provide a shaded area where the kids can rest and play, then that is preferable..
Ensure adequate shade is available for the children
Bouncing around in the sun will cause children to overheat more quickly. To prevent overheating, make sure that there is adequate shade available. Bouncing under trees is a good way to stay out of the sun and stay cool. If there is no shade, you may wish to take a break under the nearest tree. Alternatively, you could go indoors and stay there for a while.
Make sure that the children wear light clothing that is breathable
Bouncing around will generate body heat. If the children are wearing heavy and/or thick clothing, they will overheat more quickly than if they are wearing garments that are light and allow sweat to evaporate. Shoes are not a big deal, but if they are wearing very heavy footwear, they will be warmer. Some kids like to wear trainers but others wear more sensible (or less sensible!) footwear. Sweatpants or trousers are probably fine but jeans or other thick trousers may be too heavy. Some people like to wear a lightweight jacket. Others prefer to wear a t shirt.
After jumping, have a cool down period
Bouncing around is a great way to stay fit but it can make kids very hot. Having a break will help to cool the kids down, and this is particularly important if the children are wearing heavy clothing. It is also a good idea to drink some water when the kids are having a break from being on the inflatable.
Don't overcrowd the bouncy castle
A bouncy castle is designed to accommodate a certain number of people. When it is overcrowded, kids will be crammed in more tightly. This would make it more difficult for them to move, and this would make it harder for them to stay cool. It is a good idea to keep an eye on how many people are in the castle. If you notice that the number is higher than the recommended number of users, then you could suggest to others that they leave the castle and wait their turn.
Conclusion and summary
Bouncing around on bouncy castles can be a great way to keep fit, but it can also make kids very hot. If you are hosting a bouncy castle party, or taking your kids to one, then it is important to know how to keep the kids cool. To do this, it is important to check the air temperature and the weather forecast; monitor the temperature inside the castle; provide plenty of water and light snacks; ensure that sun lotion is used by the children; ensure adequate shade is available for the children; make sure that the children wear light clothing that is breathable. After jumping, have a cool down period, where the children can relax and have more water to drink.
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