by Joel Rubin
Photos Courtesy of FUNBOX
Looking for something exhilarating to do with your kids in September and October? Then a visit to FUNBOX, the world’s largest bounce park may be just the ticket. The 25,000 square foot bounce house is returning this year to Lynnhaven Mall, behind the AMC Theater. It opened on August 29, and it runs through October 19.
Kevin and Andrea Morris, a pair of local insurance agents, were so intrigued by this family-friendly experience that they acquired the franchise to operate FUNBOX in eastern Virginia. “Yes, it’s primarily for children looking to run and jump and scream in a safe space,” says Andrea, “but we have found that moms and dads want to get in on the action too.”
Kevin, Grant, Anderson, and Andrea Morris
Californian Antonio Nieves originally created the attraction, and it’s now entertaining families in multiple states. Last year, the Morrises brought it to Virginia Beach and are looking forward to another successful season. FUNBOX contains ten different jump zones, and an obstacle course. To help refresh patrons, frosty snow cones and cool water are available. “We have two young sons, and when they heard about it last year, they couldn’t wait,” says Kevin. “They along with hundreds of other “bouncers” had a blast in 2024, and we made immediate plans to return this spring and fall.”
The inspiration for FUNBOX, dubbed the “world’s biggest bounce park,” came from Nieves who grew up with nine “siblings,” all in foster care homes. Taking a cue from the founder, Kevin and Andrea formed a partnership with Hampton Roads-based nonprofit organization The Friends of Foster Care, which identifies parents willing to foster children and provides them with training and other much-needed services. “On opening weekend, on August 30, we gave a dollar from every ticket sold to the organization,” says Andrea. “Then, every subsequent Friday—September 5 through October 17— we've designated as Foster Care Fridays with fifty cents from each purchase going to The Friends of Foster Care. We want every child to have the opportunity to spend some time in our house. We operate using 75-minute timed sessions with 15 minutes in between sessions to make the spaces spic and span before the next group comes in.”
Because attendance is limited, Andrea says it’s best to get tickets in advance. And because socks are mandatory in FUNBOX bounce houses you must bring your own or buy them at the venue. “For safety reasons, there will be plenty of staff in the FUNBOX to make sure everyone leaves as they arrive,” says Kevin Morris, “with smiles on their faces.”
Hours of operation are Friday, 4:00pm-6:45pm, and Saturday and Sunday,11:30am-6:45pm. Everyone needs a ticket to enter. Tickets are $18 per person. If purchased in advance they’re $22 at the door. Children two and under are free. Tickets may be purchased in advance at: http://www.funbox.com/virginiabeach.
