COLONIAL HEIGHTS - Falling temperatures doesn't mean kids have to be left out in the cold to play.
MP, Bounce with Me offers children a place to play in a climate-controlled area on giant, inflatable, play structures commonly seen at community events and birthday parties.
Owner Mike Daughtry was inspired to open the business, which bears the initials of his son Michael Powell, after a trip to the beach where thunderstorms curtailed a trip to the sand and surf.
Looking for something to do on a rainy afternoon while in Myrtle Beach, S.C., three years ago, Daughtry took his son to a mall where there was a business similar to what he now owns. It was a space filled with giant inflatable play structures.
"Family entertainment is what it's all about," Daughtry said.
For $8 on weekdays and $10 on weekends, children ages 5 and older can play on the inflatable structures. Daughtry said it's a great alternative when it is too hot or too cold out for kids to be on playgrounds. It also makes a perfect place for birthday parties or other events.
While the type of business is relatively new to the Tri-City area, their popularity has exploded over the past five years, Daughtry said. When he applied for his business license, he was told he wasn't the first business of the type to consider opening in Colonial Heights.
"We're the only one in the Tri-Cities for right now," Daughtry said, though there are others in Central Virginia.
Daughtry said his son picked most of the play structures.
"His favorites are the obstacle courses," Daughtry said. The business has three such structures.
While MP, Bounce with Me only recently opened, Daughtry said he plans to add a party room so birthday parties and other types of parties can be a bit more private.
The business is located in the Colonial Square Shopping Center at 3107 Boulevard. The hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information contact the business at 804-894-8216.