A name like Bounce Empire might sooner conjure images of screaming eight-year-olds and snot-smeared trampolines than a chic outdoor lounge with Flatirons views and a fully stocked bar, but the new indoor amusement park in Lafayette is all about subverting expectations.

“The whole vision came from us trying to find a good time for our families,” says chief operating officer and father of three Luke Hay-Arthur who co-founded Bounce Empire with his brother, James. “It was impossible to find a place where the kids and the adults could have fun at the same time. So we wanted to create a space that has something for everyone.”

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Located just 15 minutes north of Denver (and 15 minutes east of Boulder), Bounce Empire opened in May 2023 as the world’s largest inflatable park. With more than 50 attractions filling a 50,000-square-foot warehouse, the plush indoor playground has a slew of springy inflatables to explore. Also: a 360-degree stage on hydraulics and a chance to grab some green in the Cash Chamber if your name is called.

Whether you opt to race your buddies around the obstacle course, channel your inner Phil Collins on the giant drum set, or watch the game in the Sports Theater, the playful concept invites attendees to unwind inside when the temps rise or an afternoon thunderstorm ruins your Rocky Mountain plans.

How it Works

Before you beeline for a bounce house, you’ll need to check in at the front desk, where you’ll sign a waiver (extreme sports come with risk, right?) and receive a wearable wristband that serves as your pass to the park. All-access passes start at $29—or $19 if you’re accompanying a child under the age of eight. Adults whose bouncing days are behind them can purchase a “watch and relax” pass starting at $12.

Bounce Empire recommends gearing up in long sleeves and pants to avoid friction burns, and they’ll provide the special socks to keep you on your feet—not your face. You probably don’t want the kiddos to spark a spontaneous game of keep-away with your keys when they fall out of your pocket, so be sure to store your valuables in one of the on-site lockers, which open with your wristband.

Ways to Play

Guests can compete in inflatable axe throwing at Bounce Empire. Photo by Toni Tresca

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, competitive athlete, or just nostalgic for the days of ’90s birthday parties, you’ll likely find an attraction that fits your brand of fun. Slide down the 26-foot-tall pirate ship called the Kraken, launch your friends into the sky on King of the Mountains (Bounce Empire’s version of the lake blob and the most popular attraction), or practice for your American Ninja Warrior debut on the park’s warped wall.

If you have tykes in tow, head to the kid-friendly bounce area, Tiki Island. Here, you don’t have to worry about high school boys launching your little ones into the rafters. Burgeoning bouncers can slide down the Monster Truck, steer the Millenium Falcon, and once they’re worn out, watch Inside Out at the Kid’s Movie Theater.

For the Foodies

Don’t expect cafeteria-style pizza or paper-thin burgers at Bounce Empire. The on-site Bison Bistro is helmed by Jorge Pedrianes, who honed his culinary chops under a Michelin-starred chef. Indulge in specialty items like New York beef skewers and Colorado elk sausage, or break the rules and order breakfast for dinner (they serve it all day)—but we’d recommend saving your smorgasbord for after the inflatables.

“Our vision for dining was to get high-quality, high-level food and drink at an amusement park, which isn’t a concept you see anywhere, so we really want to elevate that experience,” says Hay-Arthur. This means fresh fruits and veggies sourced straight from the family’s farm and a new addition to the empire’s dining scene coming July 12: Bounce Bistro.

The bar on the main floor of Bounce Empire. Photo by Toni Tresca

For those who need a beverage before they’re brave enough to bounce, visit the inflatable bar on the main floor—it’s crowned with a massive octopus, so you can’t miss it. If you’re looking for a paloma in a more peaceful space, head upstairs to the Rubbish Lounge, a bar dedicated to patrons 21 and up. Sip on craft cocktails while you watch people wipe out on the obstacles below or keep an eye on your kids using the 66 TVs displaying real-time footage of the park. The Rubbish Lounge also includes access to the Alpine Terrace, where you can curl up on a sofa beside one of the fire pits and watch the sunset over the Flatirons after you’ve closed all your Apple Watch rings.

5 Tips to Maximize Your Bounce Empire Experience

  1. Make Time For a Massage: After escaping the Alcatraz obstacle course, reward your weary muscles with a break in one of the seven-star, medical-grade massage chairs located in the upstairs Rubbish Bar.
  2. Hit up Happy Hour: If you need a little liquid courage before you take on the Twisted Twister Slide, visit on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., when you get a free drink with entry.
  3. Watch the Game: You don’t have to shoot down a day at Bounce Empire just because it’s the World Series. Let the young ones expend their energy on the inflatables while you cheer for the Rockies (we can dream, right?) upstairs in the Sports Theater. The large-screen projector and high-quality sound system beats watching the game at home anyway.
  4. Visit on Fridays for Special Events: From Christmas in July to ’90s nights, the park throws themed parties to usher in the weekend. Go from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for family-friendly fetes or bounce with big kids from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. during College Night.
  5. Catch a Concert: The centerpiece of this indoor playground is a 360-degree hydraulic stage that rises 15 feet in the air, so you’ll want to visit on Fridays and Saturdays when you can bounce to the beats of performers like Derpstra, Michael “Lil Jo” Waldron, and Kalypsound.

Bounce Empire is located at 1380 S. Public Road in Lafayette. All-access tickets start at $29. Check the Bounce Empire website for hours and exact pricing.