Monthly Archives: May 2022

Blog, Bounce House Rental

Who Invented the Bounce House?

Bounce houses are a favorite entertainment for youngsters around the world and have brought joy to children for decades. John Scurlock invented the first bounce house in 1959 in Shreveport, LA, but that’s not what he set out to do.

Scurlock was an engineer and professor experimenting with inflatable structures, specifically for tennis courts. He also did work creating products for NASA and the oil and gas industry. His goal was to invent a tennis court cover that could be deployed quickly, rapidly deflated, and then compacted down for easy storage.

The inventor was working with different types of plastics and one of his creations was a plastic cushion known as the Space Pillow. It was really more of a mattress at that point. The idea for the bounce house came to him after watching his employees, then his friends and children, bouncing on the device. He observed the fun they were having and an idea was born.

Scurlock began manufacturing his Space Pillow in a factory in New Orleans, LA, where horse pads were created. His invention proved popular, but was dangerous and bore little resemblance to the bounce houses of today. It had no walls, no netting, and no safety features.

Scurlock’s wife, Frances, is actually credited with getting the bounce house business off the ground and turning the business into a rental operation called Space Walk in 1968. She began renting out the devices for birthday parties, fund-raising events and similar events. The family continued to improve on the design and released a model in 1974 with safety netting and inflatable columns they dubbed the Jupiter Jump.

The bounce house was a success and began appearing at carnivals and county fairs, to name a few. However, that’s not the end of the Scurlock story. In 1976, the family company expanded into a custom facility. When John and Frances Scurlock retired, their son, Frank, took over the business.

In 1986, Frank Scurlock invented the first indoor amusement center, a model that’s been recreated numerous times by various companies. He followed that up in 1991 by inventing the first inflatable water slide and the family’s Space Walk company invented the first inflatable photo booth in 2012.

Inflatables of all types are now available and the entertainments are offered as rentals at more than 200 locations across the U.S. Today, there are inflatable bounce houses, water slides, mazes, obstacle courses, human-sized lawn games and interactive options. Individuals can rent inflatable photo booths, carnival games, mini bars, and extreme sports activities. Scurlock’s legacy continues to live on.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

https://twitter.com/SBounce

Blog, Event Planning

What to Include in Your Outdoor Event Budget

There are dozens of details to consider when planning an outdoor event and one of the most important is your budget. Knowing how much you have to spend will affect every aspect of the event and its ultimate success.

Food

Feeding guests is going to be a major part of your expenses. Always plan on extra food. Serving a simple menu can help cut costs. Burgers, hotdogs and punch are far less expensive than steak, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Find out if any guests are vegan or have food allergies and plan for some options that meet their dietary requirements. Peruse dollar stores for low-cost table service.

Entertainment

Instead of a band or DJ, consider creating a playlist that can be broadcast over your stereo. If dancing is on the agenda, rent a portable dance floor. Inflatables can provide hours of fun and they’re economical compared to other types of entertainments. Consider if you’re going to decorate for the event. There are dozens of dollar stores that offer economical decorations.

Location

Depending on the size of your guest list, consider holding the event at a public park. They may be free to use, even for larger groups. Holding an event at home is even more budget-friendly, assuming you have the space.

Permits and Insurance

If a park is the event destination, you may need a permit. Some public spaces issue permits for a nominal fee. It may not be much, but the cost should be figured into your budget. Don’t assume that your homeowner’s insurance will cover any damages or injuries incurred at an at-home party – there may be exclusions.

Sun and Rain

Blazing sun and unexpected rain present a problem. Tents or canopies provide essential shade if no natural shade is available. They also provide shelter from the rain. It can take a significant bite out of your budget, but it’s well-worth the expense.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

https://twitter.com/SBounce

Blog, Bounce House Rental

Why Include an Inflatable for Your Tween’s Party

Everyone knows how popular inflatables are for younger children, but they’re equally applicable for tweens. There’s a wide range of inflatables that can be rented, including those to delight tweens. The selection of modern inflatables enables parents to throw a tween party that will be a treasured memory for years to come.

Pure Joy

Anyone that’s ever watched a youngster of any age play on an inflatable knows the look of indescribable joy that comes over a child’s face.

Economical

Renting an inflatable for home use saves parents money and enables them to customize the celebration to their child’s particular interests.

Convenience

Holding a tween party with inflatables at home is far more convenient than trying to book a local venue and there’s less for parents to worry about. The inflatable company provides everything needed, delivers the selected amusement and returns to pick it up.

Selection

The selection of inflatables has progressed far beyond simple bounce houses. Individuals now have inflatable wet and dry water slides, mazes, obstacle courses, interactive sports, and human-sized lawn games. Virtual and mechanical games can also be selected and they’re available in multiple themes.

Health Benefits

Running, jumping and competing against friends with inflatables is an excellent aerobic workout. It strengthens muscles, stimulates the circulatory system, and enhances the respiratory system. Inflatables also stimulate the brain and memory. Tweens that typically prefer more sedate activities can’t resist the lure of an inflatable.

Socialization

Even shy tweens will be drawn out of their shell when they encounter an inflatable and will be eager to join in the fun. Inflatables encourage social activities encompassing talking and laughing with peers, empathy and sharing.

Stress Relief

Tweens feel stress just as acutely as their parents. The opportunities offered by inflatables provides tweens with a fun, safe and acceptable means of releasing that stress.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

https://twitter.com/SBounce

Blog, Event Planning

Family Vacation Planning Post COVID

In the post COVID-19 pandemic environment, travel isn’t as simple as it was in the past. Those planning on a family vacation will have many more things to consider and requirements to meet than before. One simple omission could put the brakes on a well-deserved respite.

Passport

Travel outside the U.S. requires a passport. If you’re applying for the first time or need to renew, begin the process early. The U.S. Department of State is behind. Routine processing can take up to 3 months. Expedited processing, which costs extra, can take up to 2 months.

Vaccine Cards and Masks

A vaccination card is critical and travelers should be current on all boosters. COVID-related requirements vary widely among countries. Some require a negative test within a specified number of days prior to boarding a plane, while others require a minimum quarantine time upon arrival.

Some countries still have mask requirements in place within certain indoor areas or when utilizing public transportation. Masks should be worn over the nose and mouth. Be prepared for changes. Countries can, and do, change their rules according to rates of infection and the situation can change at a moment’s notice. Travel bans may be instituted.

Rates

The cost of airfare and accommodations have increased significantly. Be prepared to pay more, but still shop around for the best rates. Deals are still available, but individuals will need to do the legwork online to find them – or book with a travel agent who should be able to keep you advised of current COVID requirements.

Travel Insurance

Be aware that not all travel insurance plans cover COVID-related interruptions or cancellations, while others cover some situations but not all. Purchasing “cancel for any reason” coverage will provide individuals with some reimbursement, even if it doesn’t cover the full cost.

Travel insurance may or may not include quarantine-related delays and losses. Some of the policies provide benefits ranging from $100 to $2,000 per day, along with medical coverage for quarantine or hospitalization. Choose “interruption for any reason” coverage.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

https://twitter.com/SBounce