Get ready for the ultimate high-energy outdoor adventure as Inflataplanet’s Big Bounce Tour 2026 lands at Riverside Park in Southampton on Monday 25 May 2026. Transforming the scenic parkland alongside the River Itchen into a massive inflatable paradise, this touring festival offers children an unforgettable day of active summer entertainment. From 11:00 to 16:00, young adventurers can climb, race, slide, and bounce their way through an impressive collection of giant structures. It’s an exceptionally affordable family day out during the May Bank Holiday, providing five full hours of non-stop excitement. Parents are encouraged to bring along a picnic blanket, unwind in the fresh air, and enjoy the community atmosphere while the children burn off their energy in a safe, monitored environment.
Giant Inflatables and Action Zones
The Big Bounce Tour Southampton 2026 features a spectacular array of larger-than-life inflatables that provide continuous entertainment for children aged 5 to 14 years. The massive arena at Riverside Park is packed with unique challenges, including:
- Mega Slides & Bouncy Castles: Towering structures that offer thrilling drops and expansive jumping areas for high-energy play.
- Fun-Filled Assault Courses: Lengthy obstacle zones where children can race against friends, climbing over walls and navigating through pop-up barriers.
- Last One Standing: A popular interactive eliminator game that tests agility, timing, and balance as players dodge a rotating sweeper arm.
- Unique Attractions: Keep an eye out for signature Inflataplanet setups such as the Helter Skelter Slide, Drop Slide, Rock & Roller, and the challenging Warrior Wall.
SEN and Sibling Exclusive Session
Inflataplanet is dedicated to making the festival accessible to all children by hosting a specialized session prior to the main public opening.
- Sensory-Friendly Play: The early morning session operates with a significantly reduced capacity, ensuring shorter queues and a calmer environment.
- Sibling Welcome: Siblings are encouraged to join the session, allowing families to enjoy the inflatable attractions together in a supportive space.
- Ages and Supervision: The standard recommendation of 5 to 14 years applies, and parents are expected to remain on-site to supervise their children throughout.
Event Schedule
The Big Bounce Tour in Southampton is a single-day event split into distinct morning and afternoon slots on the Bank Holiday Monday.
| Session Type | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| SEN & Sibling Session | 09:00 | 11:00 |
| Main Public Session | 11:00 | 16:00 (4:00 PM) |
Event Ticket and Pricing
The festival offers an incredibly cost-effective option for summer family entertainment, operating on a single flat-rate system with zero hidden extras.
- Child Ticket (All Sessions): £12.99 per participant.
- Spectators / Parents: Free admission to the park area.
- Inclusions: The entry ticket covers unlimited access to every single inflatable attraction across the full duration of your session.
- Weather Policy: In the event of heavy rain or high winds, the event will be postponed. Refunds are not issued, but tickets remain fully valid for the rescheduled date or can be exchanged for a credit note.
How to get to Riverside Park
The event is staged at Riverside Park, Manor Farm Road, Southampton, SO18 1NX.
- By Car: Navigate via Thomas Lewis Way (A335) or Bitterne Road West (A3024) toward Woodmill Lane or Manor Farm Road.
- By Bus: Local bus services run along Bitterne Road West and Woodmill Lane, leaving a short, pleasant walk through the parkland to the main event setup.
- By Train: Bitterne railway station is the closest train link, situated roughly a 15-minute walk from the southern end of the park.
Where to Park
Riverside Park features some dedicated parking options, though spaces are highly sought after on public holidays.
- On-site Parking: Small public car parks are located at the Woodmill Lane entrance and further along Manor Farm Road near the playing fields.
- Street Parking: On-street parking is available along sections of Manor Farm Road and surrounding residential areas, but please check local signage for restrictions.
Jump Into Summer Fun
Do not miss out on the ultimate day of active family memory-making. Discover what’s on in Southampton and book your session online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the policy if the weather is poor on the day?
- Because safety comes first, the event will be postponed if there is heavy rain or high winds. Tickets are non-refundable, but your booking will remain fully valid for the rescheduled date or can be exchanged for a credit note to use at another Big Bounce event.
- Are parents required to buy a ticket to attend?
- No, tickets are only required for the children who are participating on the inflatables. Spectators and parents can enter the park area free of charge to watch and enjoy the day.
- Is there an age limit for the attractions on the tour?
- The Big Bounce Tour is primarily designed as a high-energy experience for children aged 5 to 14 years, ensuring they can safely handle the large-scale obstacles, slides, and challenge zones.
- Can we bring our own food and refreshments to the park?
- Yes, absolutely. Families are highly encouraged to pack a lunch, bring along picnic blankets, and set up a base on the grass to make a complete day out of the experience.
- What happens if we miss our scheduled session time?
- Sessions have strict start and finish times to manage capacity safely. It is best to arrive 15 minutes before your time slot, as missed time cannot be refunded or extended into later sessions.
