How to hire a bouncy castle or inflatable ride for a party
Where to start: the children's age and the place
An inflatable castle for children aged 3–5 and a slide for teenagers are different rides, not only in size but in safety. So first decide the age and the approximate number of children at the party. Keep in mind that only some of the guests jump at the same time, but it is better to keep little ones and older children in different zones.
The second key point is the site. An inflatable has to be anchored, so ask the company which surface it can go on: lawn, tiles, concrete or soft sand. There should be a power socket nearby for the blower, or the supplier will bring a generator.
What to put in your request
- ride — bouncy castle, slide, water slide, castle, sumo suits, rodeo bull;
- size and age — size, capacity, age group, for example “for children aged 3–8, 5×5 m”;
- number of children — roughly how many guests;
- event — a children's party, a society event, a company event, a wedding;
- date and duration — for example, 3 hours on Saturday;
- attendant — whether you need a person who watches the children and the ride;
- site — surface, area, whether there is a socket nearby;
- delivery and setup, venue and budget.
Example: “I need a 5×5 m bouncy castle for children aged 4–8, 20 children, a birthday party on Saturday for 3 hours, Sydney. The site is a lawn, a socket is nearby. I need an entertainer-attendant, delivery and setup. Budget up to $100.”
What to look at when comparing offers
The price per hour is only part of the picture. Ask whether delivery, setup, take-down and the attendant are included. The basic hire price often looks attractive, but then a call-out charge and a minimum duration, for example three hours, get added.
Ask about safety: does the ride have a safety net, are the anchors strong, what is the maximum load? Ask whether the company has a spare set if something breaks, and what maximum weight or age of children is allowed.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to measure the site: a 5×5 m bouncy castle needs more space, with room for walkways and anchoring.
- Not asking about the weather: inflatables do not work in wind, so find out what happens in rain or strong wind and whether the date can be moved.
- Leaving small children unsupervised. It is better when a separate person watches the ride, not the parents.
- Ordering on the last day before the party: at weekends and festival times rides are booked well ahead.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
You write one request, and hire companies in your region reply in the chat: what they offer, the price, arrival time, terms. Before it is shown, the request is checked and the site suggests what details are still missing. Suppliers see their place among the other offers, so they compete on terms. Only the one you choose sees your contacts. How it works is on the “How it works” page.
If you are planning other things for the party, look at event supplies hire.
