‘Moonwalking’ gets a bounce in Valley

Moonwalking" is becoming a popular — and profitable — industry. No, not astronauts’ lunar strolling. Moonwalking in this case is a term used to describe playing with large inflatable children’s’ toys — the kind kids jump on, roll down and walk over during a birthday party or other celebration.

Inflatable toys, some as high as 16-feet or more, in the shape of castles, dragons, water slides and just about any colorful animal, firetruck or other attraction are "moonwalks."

The word also describes a growing industry in the Valley as well as throughout the country and internationally.

"The sale and rental of moonwalking toys is growing, and it still hasn’t peaked yet," said Chris Werking, owner of Cool Kids Jump and Bounce, a Valleywide distributor and renter of moonwalks who, like many of the Valley’s dozen or more companies, started his business less than 10 years ago.

Most of the Valley’s moonwalking firms are middle to small in size and individuallyowned. They are among more than 2,000 across the country that purchase moonwalking toys from about 100 manufacturers and in turn rent or sell them to consumers, said Scott Borowsky, president of executive editor of Tourist Attractions and Parks Magazine, an off-shoot of the International Inflatable Products & Games Association, which represents rental firms and manufacturers.

"Renting and buying inflatable toys is a growing trend," Borowsky said. "It’s a relatively new industry and it’s becoming popular among parents, schools, summer camps and just about everywhere children are involved."

He said the East Valley is among the fastest-growing areas for moonwalking, from the standpoint of both consumers and new businesses like "Bounce Me To The Moon!!" — a firm in Queen Creek owned by Shawnette Nielson, 25.

Nielson opened her company last month and rents out a 14-feet tall castle, a tall dinosaur and snow cone machines, carnival games and a large cotton candy machine.

"We did a lot of research before we bought the moonwalking toys and other equipment and discovered it’s ideal for growing areas like Queen Creek and the East Valley, where the number of children is steadily growing," said Nielson, who with her husband, Dave, a marketing loan officer, together analyzed the industry.

"We saw this as a good investment opportunity," she said.

Her company offers various rental packages beginning at $85 for a four-hour rental of the larger toys to as much as $500 for longer uses, including supervision by herself and company employees.

Nielson delivers the large toys, inflates them and instructs the renters how to use them.

"We not only give instructions, but we also give safety tips," Nielson said.

Prices to buy moonwalking toys can range from $1,500 to as high as $5,000 or higher. Rental costs vary, depending on the local company and length of the rental and use.

Unlike some other states, Arizona has no laws governing the use of large, inflated toys, she said.

The International Inflatable Products & Games Association provides information about state regulatory laws for its members.

"The inflatable industry has shown tremendous growth during the past 10 years," according to the association. "Unfortunately, regulations and standards have failed to keep pace with this rapid expansion. IIPGA was established to organize the industry, define quality and safety standards and to serve as a united voice for all members of this industry."

Meanwhile, a relatively new Chinese firm, Chinee, has entered the manufacturing market and sells moonwalking toys internationally, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and the Middle East.

For more information, visit www.iipga.com.