Jump On In, Boston

In 2005, the founders of Jump On In had the novel idea to take bounce castles, slides, and other inflatable amusements out of the backyard and bring them indoors. There, kids could have just as much fun, but with the benefits of climate control and added safety. Today, the 12,000-square-foot facility features two massive gyms dotted with colorful inflatables where kids burn calories bouncing, climbing, and playing games such as foosball and cannonball.

Open-jump hours—usually on weekdays—give youngsters free rein of the air-filled funhouses, but birthday parties are where the facility really shines. Private party rooms let hosts bring in virtually any food they can imagine or order pizza from the staff, and eagle-eyed attendants keep watch over party guests so grownups can kick back on the couch. It's no wonder Boston Parents Paper named Jump On In the area's best birthday-party destination in 2011 and 2012.