What kid doesn’t like inflatables? Even when parents were children many recall the joys of jumping on a giant inflatable ride at the local carnival. Today, inflatables can be found in many more locations, such as company picnics, family reunions, and other events. With inflatable rides available for renting in many areas, they are rapidly becoming a popular attraction for both kids and adults alike.

There are even inflatable parks open year-round that offer climate controlled fun for families. There are some that allow both adults and children to play. However, I’ve found that those can get particularly rough—especially when little kids are jumping around. So we like to attend the ones that are strictly for little kids.

However, as much as these venues proclaim how safe they are, how they’re “worry-free” environments for parents and how much fun is involved, they have a disclaimer and a waiver to be signed by each jumper for a reason. People have died at these venues; a local one in our county was recently closed because of such a death. Yes, the victim was an adult who was attempting to do something foolish; but the risk remains, not just for adults, but for everyone involved.

Which leads me to my question: are these places really safe play areas for our kids? Or are they just another parental nightmare? Granted, you could die at a regular park or even a theme park—the first would probably be a stretch, but if kicked in the head by someone on the swings, or falling off a tall piece of climbing equipment, a person could get badly injured, even to the point of death. Parental supervision is definitely key in preventing accidents like that.

But at the bounce places we attend, it seems like while my husband and I are constantly trailing our bouncing daughter (and pulling her over like the speed police, reminding her to share, to not run, whatever), most of the other parents aren’t doing the same thing. Either sitting with a book or a cell phone, or watching television, they seem to care less whether or not their children—many whom are much smaller than our four-year-old—are safe during play.

Would the venues be safer if parents paid more attention to their children? Probably. And while these places maintain that parents need to supervise play at all times, they also claim that their places are available for relaxation while kids play—some even provide televisions and computers for parents. Should bounce venues be free of distractions so parents can adequately watch their kids? And are they really a fun place to play?

I would say yes to both. Parents will still be able to bring in distractions for themselves, but their responsibility for their own kids should not be minimized; instead, it should be emphasized more strongly. We’ll continue to bring our child as long as she wants to go—but we’ll also continue to be a “drag” by following her around and enforcing rules, because that’s our job.