OXON HILL, Md. – My 8 year old and I went to Big Bounce America at Rosecroft Raceway last weekend. He enjoyed it. It’s open again Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11 before moving onto the Boston area.

Four sections of bounce houses

• Air Space – most people started at these as they are relatively smaller
• Sport Slam – “filled with goals, nets, hoops and balls of every size and type you could imagine” – I don’t remember this one too well, I don’t think my son spent a lot of time in this one.
• The Giant – a “mile long” obstacle course. This was probably the favorite. The greeter kept saying that it makes “victims” out of parents. Pretty much. Would I have loved this as a kid? Oh yeah.
• World’s Biggest Bounce House – It is indeed very large. Hoops, obstacles and lots run through, over and around. This had timed admission.

What else to know

• If you kid(s) are comfortable playing on a playground by themselves, don’t feel like you have to spend the $40ish on a ticket. Bounce houses hit different if you are old enough to be a parent and not in a good way.
• My almost 9 year old enjoyed Big Bounce, though I sense he’ll age out of it within a few years. The sweet spot is probably between 5 – 8.
• The operation was pretty well-run and it didn’t have a carny atmosphere.
• Some sections of the bounce houses had higher pressure than others. I doubt kids noticed.
• Like everything these days, there were DJs playing the same songs you usually hear at these things. It wasn’t too loud though.
• There are a bunch of big inflatable tents with chairs. Sitting in the shade was a welcome option.
• There were food trucks. Water bottles were sold for $2.
• Three hours is plenty of time.
• Parking was $5.

Getting there

Rosecroft Raceway is not far from the Capital Beltway (I-95/495).

• From Northbound/Outer Loop – take EXIT 4A and proceed straight through the first traffic signal, then left at the second onto Brinkley Road. Turn right on Rosecroft Drive and follow to the raceway.
• From Southbound/Inner Loop – take EXIT 4A and turn left at the first traffic signal onto Brinkley Road. Turn right on Rosecroft Drive and follow to the raceway.