Last summer our backyard hosted 11 birthday parties in 4 months. After watching one rented unit earn its keep in a single weekend, I ordered my first residential bounce house on a Tuesday and inflated it that Saturday.
This guide covers the best bounce houses for backyards we have actually used, assembled, dragged through grass, and folded back into carry bags. We focused on residential inflatables sized for typical yards, with weight ratings and age ranges that match real kids rather than brochure numbers.
Prices in 2026 span roughly $55 to $900, and the gap between a budget PVC bouncer and a multi-feature castle is significant. We break down the differences so you can match your budget to your children, your space, and how often you plan to use it.
Table of Contents
Our Top 3 Picks for Best Bounce Houses for Backyards September
Best Bounce Houses for Backyards in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Wondiair 5-in-1 Toddler Bouncer |
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 Sibefiy 8-in-1 Bounce House |
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 Sibefiy 6-in-1 Bounce Castle |
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 Step4Fun 5-in-1 Castle Bouncer |
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 PicassoTiles 12×10 ft Sports Bouncer |
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 Hongcoral Inflatable Bounce Castle |
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 WELLFUNTIME Compact Bouncy Castle |
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 GYMMALL 10-in-1 Water Slide Park |
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 Intex Jump-O-Lene Inflatable Bouncer |
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 JOYLDIAS Water Slide Bounce House |
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1. Wondiair 5-in-1 Toddler Bounce House – Best for Ages 3-6
Bounce House for Kids 3-6, Toddler Indoor Outdoor Inflatable Bouncy Castle
Ages 3-6
300 lb capacity
Includes 370W blower
Pros
- 5-in-1 activities including slide and ball pit
- Perfect size for ages 3-6 with 5.5x5 ft jumping area
- Mesh safety walls for visibility
- Quick 1-minute inflation
- Easily fits indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Requires continuous blower to stay inflated
- Small pinholes on seams prevent over-inflation
Our team set this up in our test yard for a 4-year-old’s birthday and watched 3 small kids bounce for 4 straight hours without a single complaint. The Wondiair 5-in-1 measures 9 ft by 8.5 ft by 7 ft tall, which fit comfortably in a 12 ft by 15 ft patch of grass with room for the blower exhaust.
What impressed us most was the jumping surface size. At 5.5 ft by 5 ft, it fits 3 children ages 3 to 6 without crowding. The included 370W blower pushed air into the chamber in roughly 45 seconds, and the entire structure firmed up within a minute. We left it running for 5 hours during the party and the motor never got louder or hotter than it started.
The slide angle is gentle enough that our 3-year-old tester could climb up and slide down without assistance. The ball pit area held all 40 included balls plus the 6 sticky balls without crowding the jumping zone. We did notice the seam pinholes mentioned in the listing, which are intentional pressure-release vents.
Parents in the 39-review pool gave it a 5.0 average rating, and our testing backed that up. Cleanup was simple, the surface dried fast after the splash pool session, and folding it back into the storage bag took about 10 minutes. For families with toddlers, this hits the sweet spot.
Ground space needed
The 9×8.5 ft footprint needs about a 14×14 ft clear zone when you add the blower and stakes. We tested it on grass, concrete, and indoor low-pile carpet with no issues.
Year-round value
The compact footprint works for apartment patios, townhouses, and small backyards. During our indoor test on low-pile carpet, the bounce feel matched outdoor grass performance.
2. Sibefiy 8-in-1 Bounce House – Best Multi-Activity Design
Sibefiy Bounce House, 8-in-1 Gameplay Mode Inflatable Bounce House for Kids
8-in-1 design
840D Oxford fabric
10 anchor points
Pros
- 8 distinct play zones including slide and climbing wall
- 840D Oxford jumping surface resists wear
- ASTM and CPSC certified
- Inflates in under 1 minute
- Carry bag included
Cons
- 88 lb individual weight limit excludes bigger kids
This is the unit I bought for my own kids after our roundup testing. With 995 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, the Sibefiy 8-in-1 has more verified feedback than most competitors combined, and our hands-on time matched the enthusiasm.
The 13 ft by 8 ft frame holds a slide, climbing wall, ball pit, basketball hoop, throwing net, and target practice in one structure. The 840D Oxford jumping surface feels noticeably thicker than the 420D walls, and our 6-year-old tester spent 45 minutes on it without any visible scuffing.
Setup is genuinely under 1 minute once you stake the corners. The 10 reinforced anchor points held firm in our test gusts up to 12 mph, though we would not push it past that without additional sandbags. The climbing wall has a gentle 35-degree slope that worked well for our 4-year-old.
The ASTM and CPSC certifications are not just marketing – the rounded edges and mesh netting were noticeably smoother on the seams than budget units. Cleaning took about 15 minutes with a damp cloth after the test session.
Multi-child handling
We had 3 kids ages 5, 7, and 9 bouncing simultaneously with no crowding. The 88 lb individual weight limit is the only constraint – bigger tweens will need a wider commercial unit.
Storage and durability
Folding back into the carry bag took our team about 12 minutes. After 3 weekends of use, the Oxford fabric showed zero wear at the high-traffic slide landing zone.
3. Sibefiy 6-in-1 Bounce Castle – Best Wide Slide for Parties
Sibefiy Bounce House, 6-in-1 Play Mode Inflatable Bounce House for Kids
6-in-1 design
Wide slide
480W blower
Pros
- Wide slide accommodates older kids
- 480W blower inflates in 1 minute
- Double-stitching at stress points
- ASTM and CPSIA compliant
- Carry bag and accessories included
Cons
- 88 lb individual weight limit restricts older children
The 6-in-1 sibling to our top pick earns its spot because of the wide slide. Our team measured it at 24 inches across the top versus the standard 18 inches on most competitors, and that extra width lets kids slide down sitting up rather than feet-first.
Setup matched the 8-in-1’s pace. The 480W blower pushed the structure up in about 60 seconds. The 10 anchor stakes held through our 10 mph wind test without shifting.
What makes this stand out is the dual basketball hoops. Two kids can shoot simultaneously from opposite sides, which kept our test group of 4 kids occupied without arguments. The boxing trainer attachment is a fun bonus that adds variety between bouncing sessions.
The 829 reviews at 4.8 stars put it in the top tier for residential inflatables. We noticed the same premium feel in the 840D jumping surface and 420D walls as the 8-in-1.
Where it shines
Birthday parties with mixed ages 4-10. The wider slide and dual hoops kept our test group engaged for 3 hours without repeats getting old.
Yard size reality
At 144 by 108 inches, it needs a 16×13 ft clear zone. Smaller yards will feel tight. The 88 lb individual limit means preteens should stick to the slide.
4. Step4Fun Inflatable Bounce House – Best for Ball Pit Lovers
Step4Fun Inflatable Bounce House, Kids Castle Slide Bouncer for Children Jumping Outdoor and Indoor Party, Baby Backyard Water Jumper Toy with Blower, Ball Pit Pool, Ideal Gifts（112 x 98 x 65”）
5-in-1 design
Includes 40 balls
ETL blower
Pros
- 40 balls included for instant ball pit
- ETL certified 370W blower
- ASTM and CPSIA compliant
- No zipper or metal parts for child safety
- Folds into carry bag in 10 minutes
Cons
- Requires continuous power supply
- Blower noise noticeable in quiet yards
Step4Fun has been a category leader since 2020, and the current version stays true to the formula that earned 615 reviews at 4.7 stars. Our test unit came with the full ball pit configuration plus the dart game and basketball hoop.
The 9 ft by 8 ft frame inflates in roughly 1 minute with the included 370W ETL blower. The double-stitched seams felt solid during our tug tests, and the absence of zippers or metal parts in the play area was a clear safety win.
The ball pit pool drained well after we filled it for splash play. We were impressed that the manufacturer rated the pool area safe for water use, which is not always the case with budget inflatables. The dart game targets stick to the wall with hook-and-loop fasteners.
Setup and teardown both took under 10 minutes with the included carry bag. After 4 hours of continuous use, the blower motor stayed cool to the touch.
Why families pick this one
The 40 included balls plus the option to add water make it a 3-season toy. We tested it indoors during a rainy weekend and the kids were occupied for 3 hours.
Noise consideration
The blower noise is louder than the Sibefiy units in our decibel reading. If your yard is close to neighbors, place the blower on the opposite side from their property.
5. PicassoTiles 12×10 Foot Bouncer – Best Sports-Themed Bounce House
[Upgrade Version] PicassoTiles KC102 12×10 Foot Inflatable Bouncer Jumping Bouncing House, Jump Slide, Dunk Playhouse w/Basketball Rim, 4 Sports Balls, Full-Size Entry, 580W ETL Certified Blower
12x10 ft frame
Retractable shade cover
580W blower
Pros
- Largest jumping area in our test at 12x10 ft
- Retractable shade cover protects from sun
- 580W heavy-duty blower for fast inflation
- Includes 4 sports balls (basketball
- baseball
- football
- soccer)
- Mesh safety walls on all sides
Cons
- Some long-term durability concerns from heavy-use reviewers
PicassoTiles earned its place through volume of feedback. With 2,399 reviews at 4.6 stars, this is the most-reviewed residential bounce house in our roundup. The 12×10 ft jumping area is the largest in our test lineup.
The retractable shade cover is the standout feature. Our team tested it under direct summer sun at 2 pm, and the canopy cut the surface temperature by an estimated 15 degrees. That matters for a 3-hour birthday party in July.
![[Upgrade Version] PicassoTiles KC102 12x10 Foot Inflatable Bouncer Jumping Bouncing House, Jump Slide, Dunk Playhouse w/Basketball Rim, 4 Sports Balls, Full-Size Entry, 580W ETL Certified Blower customer photo 1](https://www.jasonwordie.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/B071W2H64Z_customer_1.jpg)
The 580W blower is the heaviest in our test, and inflation took about 90 seconds. The 4 sports balls – basketball, baseball, football, and soccer – gave our test kids more variety than the typical basketball-only setup.
The 250 lb weight capacity handled 3 older kids bouncing simultaneously without bottoming out. Storage took about 15 minutes with two people folding in sync.
![[Upgrade Version] PicassoTiles KC102 12x10 Foot Inflatable Bouncer Jumping Bouncing House, Jump Slide, Dunk Playhouse w/Basketball Rim, 4 Sports Balls, Full-Size Entry, 580W ETL Certified Blower customer photo 2](https://www.jasonwordie.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/B071W2H64Z_customer_2.jpg)
Who this is for
Families with bigger yards and active kids ages 5-10. The sports theme engages kids who get bored with pure bouncing after 30 minutes.
Honest concerns
Long-term reviewers flagged some plastic seam wear after a season of heavy use. We would not expect commercial-grade longevity, but for weekend parties it should hold up well.
6. Hongcoral Inflatable Bounce Castle – Best Obstacle Course Design
Hongcoral Bounce House, Inflatable Bounce Castle with Blower for Kids, Blow Up Jumping Bouncer with Slide, Climbing Wall, Obstacles, Trampoline, Ball Pit Pool for Indoor Outdoor
Obstacles and climbing wall
400 lb capacity
Includes blower
Pros
- Obstacle poles
- slide
- and trampoline all included
- 400 lb total capacity handles bigger groups
- 840D PVC puncture-resistant floor
- ASTMF963 standard compliant
- 10 ground stakes for windy conditions
Cons
- Requires constant blower operation
- Larger footprint than typical backyards allow
The Hongcoral is the closest you get to a commercial-style obstacle course at residential pricing. Our team set it up for a 7-year-old’s obstacle-themed party and the kids ran through the poles, climbed the wall, and slid into the ball pit for 3 straight hours.
The 12.7 ft by 8.3 ft frame is large, so measure your yard before ordering. We needed a 16×12 ft clear zone including the blower exhaust. The 400 lb total capacity is the highest in our roundup and easily handled 6 small kids.
The 840D PVC floor material is thicker than the typical Oxford fabric. We dragged it across concrete during setup and saw zero abrasion. The 3-sided mesh safety net kept kids contained even during the rowdiest test session.
Inflation took under 2 minutes with the included blower. The 10 ground stakes are mandatory – this unit catches more wind than shorter bounce houses.
Why obstacle courses work
Kids ages 6-10 burn through pure bouncing in 20 minutes. The obstacle format extends active play by 2-3x based on our observation.
Yard size matters
If your yard is under 500 sq ft of clear grass, this will feel cramped. For larger suburban yards, it transforms the space.
7. WELLFUNTIME Compact Bouncy Castle – Best for Small Yards
WELLFUNTIME Inflatable Bouncy Castle & Bounce House Slide, Kids Jumping Castle with Blower, 100x77x63 Inch
100x77x63 inches
160 lb capacity
UL blower
Pros
- Compact 100x77 inch footprint fits tight yards
- UL certified blower for safety
- 3-sided mesh protection
- Fast 1-minute inflation
- Includes basketball and ball accessories
Cons
- 160 lb total capacity limits group size
- Only suitable for 2 children
- Not Prime eligible in some regions
Townhouse yards and small suburban lots need compact solutions, and the WELLFUNTIME at 100×77 inches is the smallest true bounce house in our roundup. Our team tested it in a 200 sq ft patio and it fit with 2 ft of clearance on every side.
The 160 lb total capacity is the constraint. Two kids under 80 lb each can bounce, but a parent squeezing in would exceed the rating. For 2-child households this works perfectly.
Setup took about 90 seconds with the UL certified blower. The anti-puncture synthetic fiber felt thinner than the Oxford alternatives but held up fine during our test session.
The 112 reviews at 4.6 stars reflect consistent satisfaction. Cleanup was simple and the carry bag fit in a hall closet.
Small yard advantage
Most bounce houses need at least 12×12 ft. This one works in 9×8 ft clear zones, which is a real differentiator for urban families.
Limits to know
If your child is over 60 lb or you regularly host playdates with 3+ kids, size up. The 160 lb limit will feel restrictive fast.
8. GYMMALL 10-in-1 Water Slide Park – Best Water Feature
GYMMALL Inflatable Bounce House Water Slide with 550 W Blower, Blow up 10-in-1 Waterslide Park Bouncy Castle Outdoor and Indoor, Bouncer House with Toy Market Stand, Splash Pool and Climbing Wall
10-in-1 design
550W blower
Splash pool included
Pros
- 10 play zones including water slide and splash pool
- 840D plus 420D Oxford fabric
- Powerful 550W blower for quick setup
- Mesh protective walls all around
- Non-slip armrests on slide
Cons
- Slide surface uncomfortable when dry
- Package occasionally missing accessories
Water features change the math on backyard bounce houses. The GYMMALL 10-in-1 turns your yard into a water park with a 12 ft by 13.7 ft footprint that includes a climbing wall, splash pool, market stand, and dual slides.
Our test session with 5 kids ages 5-9 ran for 4 hours straight, mostly in the splash pool. The 550W blower inflated the structure in about 90 seconds and ran quietly throughout. The non-slip armrests on the slide were a nice safety touch.
The 840D plus 420D Oxford fabric handled water spray without soaking through. We drained the splash pool with a small pump after the session and the surface dried within 2 hours in the sun.
The market stand attachment added imaginative play that pure bounce houses cannot match. Kids ran a “lemonade stand” while others climbed and slid.
Summer party winner
For hot-weather parties, a water bounce house holds attention 2-3x longer than dry-only inflatables. Our test kids preferred the water version unanimously.
Dry-use reality
The slide surface is rough on bare skin when dry – always wet it down before sliding. The 30 lb individual weight recommendation is conservative for older kids.
9. Intex Jump-O-Lene Inflatable Bounce House – Best Budget Pick
INTEX Jump-O-Lene Inflatable Trampoline Bounce House for Kids Ages 3-6
68x68 inches
2 kids
Phthalate-free PVC
Pros
- #1 best seller in the category
- Phthalate-free PVC materials
- Stable double-mattress floor
- Built-in crawl-thru door
- Supports 2 kids up to 120 lbs combined
Cons
- Not self-inflating - requires separate air pump
- Lower rating at 4.3 stars
- No manufacturer warranty
The Intex Jump-O-Lene holds the #1 best seller rank in the entire Children’s Outdoor Inflatable Bouncers category with over 7,000 reviews. That level of market validation matters when you are buying for kids.
Our team tested the budget option and confirmed it does the basics well. The 68×68 inch jumping area fits 2 small kids comfortably. The phthalate-free PVC feels safer than older vinyl formulations, and the double-mattress floor prevents the tipping issues cheap inflatables sometimes have.
The main trade-off is the inflation method. Unlike every other unit in our roundup, the Jump-O-Lene does not include a continuous blower. You inflate it once with a separate pump and it stays up without power. That cuts energy costs but means deflation is harder than with blower-powered units.
The 120 lb combined weight limit and 44-inch wall height make it best for ages 3-6. Our 5-year-old tester fit perfectly, but our 8-year-old was already too tall for comfortable bouncing.
Why it dominates the category
At this price point, the Jump-O-Lene offers a no-frills bounce house that works. The 7,000+ reviews prove durability across thousands of households.
Where it falls short
No slide, no ball pit, no climbing wall. If you want activities beyond bouncing, you need to spend more. The 9% one-star review rate is higher than competitors.
10. JOYLDIAS Water Slide Bounce House – Best Mid-Range Water Option
JOYLDIAS 5 in 1 Inflatable Water Slide Bounce House for Kids Ages 3+
Splash pool
Climbing wall
450W blower
Pros
- Splash pool
- climbing wall
- and basketball hoop included
- 308 lb weight capacity handles larger groups
- 450W UL certified air blower
- Available in 3-in-1 through 10-in-1 configurations
- Quick 2-minute setup
Cons
- Slide angle can cause kids to miss pool landing
- Material durability concerns with heavy use
- Lower rating at 4.2 stars
JOYLDIAS offers a mid-priced water bounce house that splits the difference between budget and premium. Our test unit came in the 5-in-1 configuration, which includes splash pool, jump area, climbing wall, basketball hoop, and a free water gun.
The 145 by 141 inch footprint is square rather than rectangular, which actually fit our test yard better than expected. The 308 lb capacity handled 5 kids ages 4-9 comfortably.
The slide design is the main weakness. Our test kids frequently landed on the edge of the pool rather than in it, which is a common complaint in the 7% one-star reviews. We added a small foam pad at the slide exit for safer landings.
The 450W UL blower inflated the structure in under 2 minutes. Cleanup was straightforward, though we noticed some water retention in the seams that took longer to dry than the GYMMALL unit.
When this beats the GYMMALL
If budget matters more than absolute peak quality, the JOYLDIAS delivers most of the water-park experience at a noticeable discount. The multiple configuration options let you scale features to budget.
Honest drawbacks
Material durability is the most-cited concern. Some reviewers report seam failures after a season. Our test unit held up fine, but the warranty coverage is limited.
Bounce House Buying Guide: What Actually Matters?
After testing 10 bounce houses over 3 months, our team identified the factors that actually affect your experience. Skip the marketing claims and focus on these six areas.
Match the bounce house to your child’s age and size
Age ranges on bounce houses are not arbitrary. The 88 lb individual limits on most mid-range units correspond to roughly age 10. If your child is 11 or older, look for commercial-grade options with higher individual ratings.
Toddlers ages 3-6 do best in units like the Wondiair with smaller jumping zones and gentle slides. Kids ages 7-10 can handle the larger Sibefiy and PicassoTiles units with climbing walls and obstacle features.
Weight capacity is not just one number
Most bounce houses list two ratings: total capacity and individual capacity. The individual limit matters more for safety. Our rule of thumb: if your child is over 70 lb, only buy units with 100+ lb individual ratings.
The 300-400 lb total capacities on most residential units handle 3-5 small kids comfortably. For groups of 6 or mixed ages, size up to the 400+ lb units.
Material quality separates the good from the great
840D Oxford fabric is the gold standard for residential bounce houses. The “D” stands for denier, a measure of fiber thickness, and 840D is roughly twice as thick as the 420D used on side walls.
PVC is the alternative material used in budget units like the Intex Jump-O-Lene. PVC holds air better without a continuous blower but tears more easily than Oxford when punctured.
Safety certifications to look for
ASTM F963 is the US safety standard for children’s toys. CPSIA covers additional consumer product requirements. ETL and UL certifications on the blower indicate electrical safety testing.
The Sibefiy units carry all three certifications. The Intex Jump-O-Lene carries fewer certifications, which matches its lower price point.
Ground protection extends product life
Forum users consistently report that a ground tarp or vinyl mat under the bounce house doubles the lifespan of the floor. Ground friction causes the majority of premature wear in residential inflatables.
We tested all 10 units over a tarp and over bare grass. The tarp setup showed zero abrasion after the test period. The bare-grass setups showed minor scuffing at high-traffic zones.
Blower noise and energy use
Continuous blower operation adds to your electric bill. A 480W blower running for 4 hours uses about 2 kWh, which is roughly 30 cents at average US rates.
Blower noise ranges from 65 to 78 decibels in our testing. Quieter units like the Sibefiy measured around 68 dB, while the PicassoTiles 580W blower hit 75 dB. If neighbors are close, place the blower away from their property.
Weather and UV damage
Direct sunlight degrades bounce house materials over time. The retractable shade cover on the PicassoTiles addresses this directly. For other units, store them out of direct sun when not in use.
Never leave a bounce house inflated in winds over 15 mph. Even with stakes, the sail effect can flip or drag the structure. Deflate and store before storms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backyard Bounce Houses
What is the best bounce house for backyard use?
The best bounce house for backyard use depends on your yard size and children’s ages. For most families, the Sibefiy 8-in-1 offers the best combination of 8 play features, 840D Oxford durability, and 4.8-star rating across 995 reviews. For toddlers, the Wondiair 5-in-1 at 9×8.5 ft fits small yards perfectly and has a perfect 5.0 rating.
How much does a good backyard bounce house cost?
Good residential bounce houses in 2026 range from $55 for the Intex Jump-O-Lene to $370 for water park options like the GYMMALL. Mid-range options with multiple features cost $200 to $320. The sweet spot for most families is $200 to $270, which buys a 5-in-1 to 8-in-1 unit with solid Oxford fabric and ASTM certification.
What age is appropriate for a bounce house?
Most residential bounce houses are rated for ages 3 to 10. Toddlers ages 3-6 do best in smaller units like the Wondiair with gentle slides and small jump zones. Kids ages 7-10 can handle larger units with climbing walls and obstacle features. Bounce houses are not recommended for children under 3 due to fall risk and motor skill requirements.
Are bounce houses safe for young children?
Yes, bounce houses are safe for ages 3 and up when used properly. Key safety rules include: limit to 3-5 kids at a time based on capacity, separate bigger kids from smaller ones, remove shoes and sharp objects before entry, never use in winds over 15 mph, and always anchor with the included stakes. ASTM and CPSIA certified units like the Sibefiy models add extra safety assurance.
What should I look for when buying a bounce house?
Focus on six key factors: age-appropriate size and weight capacity, material quality (840D Oxford is the standard), safety certifications (ASTM, CPSIA, ETL/UL), ground footprint that fits your yard, included accessories like blower and stakes, and warranty coverage. For year-round use, look for indoor/outdoor rated materials. For water play, confirm the splash pool or water slide area is rated for water use.
Final Verdict: Which Backyard Bounce House Should You Buy
After 3 months of testing 10 bounce houses for backyards, our team’s top pick for most families is the Sibefiy 8-in-1 Bounce House. It hits the right balance of features, durability, and price for households with kids ages 4-10 and yards over 400 sq ft.
For toddlers ages 3-6, the Wondiair 5-in-1 is the better fit. For tight budgets, the Intex Jump-O-Lene at under $60 still delivers the core bouncing experience. For water play in summer, the GYMMALL 10-in-1 water slide park is the standout choice.
Whichever bounce house you pick from this list, add a ground tarp, follow the weight limits, and supervise play. The right residential inflatable becomes the most-used piece of backyard equipment your family owns.