The Top Questions Everyone Asks Before Renting a Bounce House

Renting a bounce house for a party or event is a fantastic way to ensure kids have a blast while adults relax and enjoy themselves. Bounce houses, also known as moon bounces, jumpers, or inflatable castles, add excitement to birthday parties, family reunions, community events, and more. However, like any rental decision, choosing the right bounce house can come with many questions. Understanding the answers to these questions will help ensure that your experience is stress-free, fun, and safe for all involved.

In this article, we’ll dive into the top questions that everyone asks before renting a bounce house, providing insights and tips to make your bounce house rental experience a success.

1. What Size Bounce House Do I Need?
One of the most important questions people ask before renting a bounce house is about size. Bounce houses come in various sizes, and picking the right one depends on several factors:

The number of children expected: Bounce houses have a recommended capacity based on their size, so knowing how many kids will be using it at once can help determine the size. A small bounce house may hold 4-6 children, while larger ones can accommodate 8-12 or more.
The age range of participants: Younger kids (toddlers to age 6) can comfortably use smaller bounce houses, but if older kids (ages 7-12) will be joining in, a larger model will be more appropriate.
Available space: Measure the area where the bounce house will be placed. This ensures that the inflatable will fit comfortably without taking over the entire yard or venue space. Don’t forget to account for height if you’re placing it indoors or under a covered space.
2. How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bounce House?
Budget is always a top consideration when renting party equipment. The cost of renting a bounce house depends on several factors:

Size and style: Basic bounce houses tend to be cheaper than themed or more complex designs, such as obstacle courses, water slides, or combo inflatables.
Duration of the rental: Most companies offer rentals for 4-8 hours, but longer rentals can lead to additional costs.
Additional services: Some rental companies provide setup, delivery, and takedown services as part of the package, while others may charge extra.
Location and time of year: Rentals may be more expensive during peak seasons like summer and holidays or in areas where demand is high.
Typically, the cost of renting a standard bounce house ranges from $100 to $300 for a day, while more elaborate inflatables can run between $400 to $1,000.

3. Is the Bounce House Safe?
Safety is one of the most frequently asked questions when renting a bounce house, and rightly so. Parents and organizers want to ensure that kids have a safe environment to play. Here are the safety aspects to consider:

Material and construction: Reputable rental companies use commercial-grade inflatables that meet industry safety standards. Ensure the bounce house is made of durable, puncture-resistant vinyl and has reinforced seams.
Anchoring and setup: Properly securing the bounce house to the ground with stakes or sandbags is essential to prevent it from shifting or toppling over, especially in windy conditions.
Supervision: Even the safest bounce house requires adult supervision at all times. Most accidents occur when there are too many kids inside or when rough play is allowed. Many companies recommend a ratio of one adult for every 4-6 children.
Weight limits: Each bounce house has a maximum weight capacity, and exceeding this limit can lead to damage or collapse. Make sure the rental company provides guidelines on capacity and that they are followed.
4. What Types of Bounce Houses Are Available?
There are a variety of bounce houses to choose from, catering to different themes and party needs. The most popular types include:

Standard bounce house: These classic inflatables are square or rectangular and provide a large jumping area. They are the most affordable option and are ideal for younger children.
Combo bounce house: A combination unit includes additional features like a slide, basketball hoop, or obstacle course, offering more activities than a simple jumping space.
Inflatable water slide: For summertime parties, a water slide adds extra fun. Some are standalone units, while others are attached to combo bounce houses.
Obstacle course: These inflatables feature multiple sections where children can crawl, climb, and race through tunnels and slides, making them great for larger parties or older children.
Themed inflatables: From superhero castles to princess-themed designs, many companies offer bounce houses that align with specific party themes, adding an extra layer of excitement for kids.
5. Do I Need a Permit to Set Up a Bounce House?
This is a question many people overlook until the last minute. In some locations, you may need a permit to set up a bounce house, especially if the event is taking place in a public park. Here are some factors to consider:

Private vs. public property: If you’re setting up the bounce house in your backyard, a permit is typically not required. However, for public spaces like parks or recreation centers, a permit may be necessary. Always check with the local authorities or park services beforehand.
Electrical power requirements: Bounce houses need a continuous source of power to keep inflated. In parks or areas without access to electricity, you may need to rent a generator, which could require additional permits.
Insurance requirements: Some municipalities or venues require you to provide proof of insurance from the rental company. Reputable companies often carry insurance for this purpose, but it’s important to confirm.
6. What Are the Setup and Take Down Requirements?
Setting up a bounce house is not as simple as inflating it and letting the kids jump. There are several steps and considerations:

Flat, clean surface: The area where the bounce house will be placed should be flat and free of rocks, debris, or sharp objects that could damage the inflatable.
Access to power: As mentioned earlier, bounce houses need a constant power source, so having access to an electrical outlet or generator is crucial. The bounce house blower must remain running to keep the structure inflated.
Anchoring: The bounce house needs to be securely anchored with stakes, tethers, or sandbags to prevent it from moving. If it’s set up on grass, stakes work best, but for concrete or indoor setups, sandbags may be required.
Weather considerations: Wind is the most dangerous weather condition for bounce houses. Most companies have strict guidelines about wind limits, generally between 15-20 mph. If it’s too windy, the bounce house should not be used for safety reasons.
Takedown: At the end of your event, the rental company usually handles deflation, packing up, and removal of the unit. Be sure to ask if this service is included in the price or if it incurs extra fees.
7. How Far in Advance Should I Book the Bounce House?
Planning ahead is essential, especially if you’re looking to rent a bounce house during a busy season or for a specific event. Here are some general booking guidelines:

Peak seasons: Summer months, holidays, and weekends are prime time for bounce house rentals. If you’re planning an event during one of these periods, it’s best to book at least 4-6 weeks in advance.
Off-peak seasons: During the colder months or weekdays, there’s less demand, so booking 1-2 weeks in advance may be sufficient.
Special themes or features: If you want a specific themed bounce house or an inflatable with unique features like a water slide or obstacle course, it’s a good idea to book even earlier.
8. What Is the Company’s Cancellation Policy?
Life happens, and sometimes plans change. Before committing to a rental, make sure you understand the company’s cancellation policy:

Weather-related cancellations: Most companies allow you to reschedule or cancel due to bad weather, such as high winds or heavy rain, without a penalty. However, it’s important to check whether you’ll receive a full refund or a credit towards future rentals.
Personal reasons: If you need to cancel for personal reasons, such as a change of plans or illness, policies vary widely. Some companies may offer partial refunds, while others may charge a cancellation fee, particularly if it’s close to the event date.
9. What Happens If the Bounce House Is Damaged?
Accidents can happen, and you may wonder what will occur if the bounce house gets damaged during your event. Most rental companies provide clear guidelines on what to do if this happens:

Insurance coverage: Reputable rental companies carry insurance that covers damage to the inflatable during normal use. However, if the damage is caused by negligence or misuse, you could be held responsible for repair or replacement costs.
Supervision and rules: To minimize the risk of damage, follow all safety instructions and ensure that the children are supervised properly while using the bounce house. Avoid allowing food, drinks, sharp objects, or shoes inside the inflatable to reduce the likelihood of tears or punctures.
10. Is the Bounce House Clean?
The cleanliness of the bounce house is a concern for many parents, especially in a post-pandemic world. Here’s what you can do to ensure hygiene:

Sanitization: Ask the rental company about their cleaning process. A reputable company will clean and sanitize the bounce house between each rental, ensuring it’s free of dirt, germs, and allergens.
Inspection: When the bounce house arrives, take a moment to inspect it. If it doesn’t look clean or smells musty, you have the right to ask for a replacement or a refund.