Though inflatable carpentry benches seemed a handy solution for traveling furniture makers, the wobbly air-sacks shrank beneath saws’ toothy grins. Today’s Groupon makes practical use of balloon-like structures: for $20, you get two group admissions (up to three people each) and snack-bar beverages (up to three per visit) at Funtime Indoor Inflatable Playground (up to a $60 value). Admission applies only to those who enter the designated play areas. With a separate area to monitor their children, adults don't have to play. For the best value, adults can use this Groupon to bring up to three children on two separate occasions (up to a $24 value each time), or they can admit one or two children and play along themselves on each of two visits. Groupons can be redeemed at the inflatable glee emporium, located in Mentor. Hours are posted in the sidebar to the right.

Sending kids outside to play can result in costly hospital visits and feelings of alienation from a once beloved magnolia tree. Unlike their cold, hard cousins, inflatable playgrounds offer the joy of climbing without the worries of falling or landing in a swarm of fire ants. For children under the age of 11, Funtime has multiple play areas in which to slide, roll, and moonwalk bounce away. Attractions include crayon-cornered bouncers, rainbowtastic obstacle courses, ball pits, and a variety of plastic tubing perfect for aspiring spelunkers. And as the signage indicates, the play area is one of the few places outside of Japanese teahouses and nail salons where customers with no shoes won’t be refused service.

Active play is important for developing minds and bodies, helping kids form healthy habits, and teaching them to interact with their peers. Whether parents play along or decide to hone their crossword skills while youngsters bounce, Funtime wears kids out in a safe environment. Because a hard day's play deserves a snack bar's beverage, each time you visit the center with your Groupon, you will receive one beverage for each of the admitted playmates (up to a $6 value).