Santa Barbara hosted The Big Bounce America last weekend, the largest touring inflatable event in the world.

The attractions included an obstacle course, a blow-up sports arena, a space-themed inflatable, and a deep sea-themed inflatable. The largest bounce house was a 24,000-square-foot castle complete with basketball hoops, slides, climbing towers, and a ball pit.

Tour manager Darren Hall says that Elings Park in Santa Barbara is one of their earlier stops on the tour.

“I think we’re at city eight or nine, but we have three of these tours that go almost 10 months of the year,” he explains. He also has a team of around 15 who help set up the inflatables and get the event up and running.

Midday Sunday, the crowd was mainly younger children and parents, but Hall explained that sessions range from toddlers to adults. The sessions include 4 and under, 7 and under, 15 and under, and 16 and over so all ages have a chance to experience the inflatables.

One Sunday afternoon attendee, Veronica Finley, brought her 9-year-old son and his cousin to the event. She provided a few tips for parents who attend the bounce house in the future, like bringing some seating for down time between bounces.

“I know next time to be a little bit better prepared with blankets or chairs. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but they’re having a blast, so that’s all that matters.”

Ella Bush, another attendee who came with her two friends, said that the attraction exceeded her expectations. She noted that there was a lot to do to fill the day and the sizes of the inflatables were bigger than she was expecting.

This is the third time The Big Bounce America has visited Santa Barbara. “We’ll come back here every year because it is a sellout,” says Hall.

As he looked around at the crowd, he reflected on his experience managing the tour. “Just to see a nice event with lots of smiles and good weather just makes it kind of all worthwhile.”

The Big Bounce America was set up at Elings Park Friday through Sunday.