Fun by Leaps N' Bounce
by ANDREA KIMBRIEL Reporter

Barry Dulniak, owner of Leaps N' Bounce, by one of the bounce houses in his Family Entertainment Center, 4401 Bryant & Stratton Way. Photo by John Rusac Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Parents who dread the winter months when weather keeps children indoors have an option for exercise.

"They say their kids are bouncing of the walls, so have them bounce safely here," said Barry Dulniak, owner of Leaps N' Bounce Family Entertainment Center.

Leaps N' Bounce, located at 4401 Bryant & Stratton Way, Clarence, has been offering year-round fun and exercise with its collection of bounce houses since February.

The inflatable creations have been around for about 25 years but are growing in popularity, said Dulniak. Because they are padded and often enclosed, they are safer than trampolines.

Dulniak said he started offering bounce houses for rent two years ago. When he was laid off from his teaching job, he decided to open the Entertainment Center.

"We took a risk. The community seems to be happy that I'm here. That's what people tell me. It gives them more opportunity to play," he said.

He still has three bounce houses for rent, which he delivers and sets up. They are available from the beginning of May to some time in October, depending on the weather, or any time during the year if the customer has access to a facility with an 18- to 20-foot-high ceiling.

In addition to one-time entrance, monthly and seasonal memberships to the entertainment center are offered, giving families a chance to enjoy the experience as often as they want.

"It encourages exercise and camaraderie - making new friends. My son made about a dozen new friends just this summer with regular members," he said.

His two children, 8-year-old Aaron and 5-year-old Jaina, spent a lot of time at Leaps N' Bounce over the summer, he said. Aaron said his favorite bounce house was a large dump truck-shaped inflatable with a slide. Jaina liked all of them.

The bounce house area is staffed by Leaps N' Bounce employees, but parents must also supervise their children. Dulniak said the indoor facility is geared toward children ages 2 to 8.

In addition to four large bounce houses, Leaps N' Bounce offers Pawsenclaws & Co. Custom Bears. Pawsenclaws lets children create stuffed animals, ranging from unicorns and dinosaurs to farm animals. Costumes are also available.

The facility also has two rooms that can be rented for parties. Food is provided by Pizza Supreme, and party-goers can enjoy the bounce houses and other activities.

In the future, Dulniak is hoping to hire more employees and add additional bounce houses.

"I love it. This is where my heart is now," he said. "It's nice to see children playing all the time, and having a happy face and enjoying themselves."