The Story Bounce Difference
Sometimes it's all in the name.
Story Bounce was built around two core ideas:
Story + Bounce.
Imagination + Movement.
Pretend Play + Physical Play.
Play Ideas: How To Use Your Mats
One set of play mats offers infinite games. Here are our favourite ways to play:
- 1. Floor is Lava
- 2. Custom Adventure
- 3. Challenge Time!
- 4. Obstacle Additions
- 5. Let Them Lead
- Helpful Hints
1. Floor is Lava
Floor is Lava is traditionally a 'rock-hopping' style game where you have to avoid the figurative lava on the ground. These mats add structure to the game and replace the need for unstable cushions or furniture, making it safer to navigate. With the handy carry case included with your set, you can also bring the game to life wherever you go!
The mats are lightweight and a manageable size for little hands, which means they can rearrange the layout themselves at any time. Make it as challenging as you like, depending on the age and energy of the players.
2. Custom Adventure
It's okay if you don't gravitate towards the explosive energy of 'Floor is Lava'. Create a custom path for some pretend play exploration, using other toys as props or additional characters. We have used them as landscape tiles for figurines many times!
We have also successfully used the mats to encourage routines like getting ready for bed, brushing teeth etc. Following the laid out path (and avoiding the lava/floor, of course) is always exciting!
Our future mat themes will mix seamlessly with these lava mats for mixed terrain fun.
3. Challenge Time!
Can you get from one end of the house to another? Okay... can you do it with LESS mats? Who can jump the furthest? Who can run the course the fastest? Who can collect the hidden gems first?
4. Obstacle Additions
Use them as additional props for obstacle courses - indoors or outdoors!
5. Let Them Lead
Watching our kids Luna & Nova come up with their own way to play has been the most wonderful adventure!
The mats are lightweight and easy for kids to move and lay out on their own. Store them in a location where they can easily be grabbed and tossed out for a quick game. The kids can also manage the pack up!
Helpful Hints
You don’t need to be a master storyteller. Just start with something silly! Let your child pick a mat, name a character, or set a challenge—and follow their lead. It’s all about fun, not perfection.
Start with: “Uh-oh! The floor is lava—how do we get across?” Ask questions, make sound effects, and don’t be afraid to get goofy. Kids will do the rest!
Ask your little one to tell you the story. Prompt them with a “What happens next?” or “Who lives on that tile?” and let their imagination lead the way.
What are Story Bounce Play Mat Sets?
Story Bounce Play Mats are flat, non-slip movement tiles designed to create defined landing zones for active, imaginative play.
Lay them out as stepping paths, safe zones, lava fields, adventure trails, or entirely new worlds. Rearrange them anytime to create a new challenge.
They turn ordinary floor space into structured, repeatable adventure.
Are they only for Floor is Lava?
Not at all! Volcano/Lava is the theme for our debut set, but our play mat sets are actually designed to be repeatable, modular play systems for all ages - with a small footprint and endless re-usability.
Move them closer for quick stepping challenges. Spread them out for bigger jumps. Reconfigure them in seconds for a completely new layout.
The adventure changes — without buying anything new.
What age range are the mats for?
It sounds silly, but any age. We have a 1 year old who likes stumbling from mat to mat with his 60+ year old grandparents. We have found that kids aged between 3 - 12 get the most fun out of them.
If your kids are at the age where they love pretend play, these are a great way to add extra movement and challenges to their stories. The vibrant visuals help with world-building, too.
Are these indoor or outdoor mats?
They are both! The non-slip base works best on flat, dry surfaces, but they can be used on grass for outdoor fun. You can carry the adventure everywhere!
They’re lightweight, water-resistant, non-slip, durable, and ready for wherever play happens.
How do I clean them?
We made sure clean up is a breeze. Polyester is a synthetic fibre that doesn't hold water or dirt well, so they are super easy to wipe clean if they get grubby.
If they get absolutely soaked, hang them out in the sun to dry out.
Can't I just use cushions?
Yes, of course, you can use cushions and furniture to play Floor is Lava! Our mats are much more than a Floor is Lava game, but when you DO use them for Floor is Lava, they level up the adventure in many ways.
Cushions slide and collapse, and end up back on the couch worse for wear. They can also be dangerous as unstable surfaces for landing.
Story Bounce play mats create defined, durable play zones that make movement games safer. You can take furniture and living room chaos out of the equation.
The mats have a small footprint and are exceptionally lightweight, so it's easy for the littlest kids to change up the layout and customise their path, so the excitement can continue.
The game also becomes more immersive. The vibrant illustrations add an extra layer to world-building, providing a helpful spark for the imagination, making it easier for the fun and the movement to continue.
This is the difference between random jumping and intentional adventure.
Level Up The Adventure
How do our mats 'level up' Floor is Lava? →
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.