Category Archives: Blog

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Fun Ways to Explore Nature with Kids

With the rigors and responsibilities of everyday life, adults can lose sight of the importance of exposing children to nature. There are dozens of fun ways for parents to explore the natural world with children of all ages that aren’t expensive and will instill a love of nature in youngsters.

Everything from the weather to rocks is just waiting to be discovered. Families don’t have to live near a forest or the beach to explore nature, though those locales can surely be included. Exploring nature is a fun and easy way to learn about the natural world. It’s a great way to relieve stress and children will also be learning disciplines that include math, science, and biology.

A walk in the park, nature trail or even the backyard provides healthy exercise and is one of the best ways to be up close and personal with trees, indigenous flowers, and wildlife. Children can collect leaves and identify different types of trees, learn about plants to avoid, and be taught about the preservation of endangered species.

For those with an artistic flair, buy a sketchbook and let them draw what they see. Younger children often enjoy finding colorful leaves and pressing them between the pages of a heavy book. Go on a seed hunting expedition to find different types of seeds and talk about how they’re transported from one location to another.

Even the weather has possibilities. Have kids keep a journal of the weather conditions at the same time each day. They can record the type of clouds they see, especially vibrant sunrises or sunsets and what caused the colors, and what the air smells like after a rain. It’s also an excellent way to teach kids about signs of incoming storms and precautions they should take.

Everyone loves a scavenger hunt and parents can create one with a nature-based theme. Send children out to find items such as three different flowers, aromatic leaves, pine cones, acorns or different types of rocks. Plants aren’t the only things to discover in nature.

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/

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Beat the Heat with an Inflatable Water Slide

The turn of the seasons from summer to autumn doesn’t mean the end of hot, muggy weather in South Florida. With everyone looking for opportunities to beat the heat, one of the best ways is with an inflatable water slide. They’re available with multiple themes, come in sizes to accommodate little tykes to adults, and provide hours of watery fun.

Inflatable water slides are an economical way to have fun. The water is recycled so it’s easy on a family’s water bill and it uses far less water than a swimming pool. A water slide virtually screams family fun and the sounds of laughter from those using it will bring a smile of joy to anyone’s face.

Water slides that can be rented provide a bigger thrill than any that can be purchased at stores. Inflatable water slides are available in one and two-lane styles and of special interest is the Tropical Cyclone. The 30-ft. water slide is new and built exclusively for South Florida Bounce. It features two lanes of sliding fun, each at a different height, to accommodate smaller children and one for older youngsters and adults.

South Florida Bounce is also the home of the Typhoon, Twister, and Hurricane water slides, all of which feature an exhilarating 40-ft. drop. The Twister can be assembled without a curve for a crazy long ride of 110 ft.

A theme party is no problem with a water slide. They’re available in an extensive range of designs to capture anyone’s interest. For those that fancy pirates, the “Black Pearl” with a 32-foot drop empties into a pool for an added splash at the end of the pirate ship-themed water slide.

Superhero fans can beat the heat with The Hulk, a 36-ft. tall water slide with 100 feet of dual-lane sliding fun that deposits riders in a pool at the end. Captain America is 30 ft. tall and features two lanes. Also available is the Purple Rain water slide at 25 ft. tall and highlighted with a slip-n-slide and pool at the bottom. Any water slide selection provides an excellent way to beat the South Florida heat.

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/

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Back to School, Blog

Great Tween Reads

A lot of emphasis has been placed on books for young children, but it’s just as important for tweens to have access to inspiring and entertaining reading material. There are dozens of good stories and parents need to remember that their tweens can have significantly different reading tastes and interests than they do.

As long as it’s appropriate for the age and sensibilities of the child, it doesn’t matter whether tweens are reading religious, fantasy, horror, or mystery stories. The important thing is that they’re reading. The following are just some of the books that represent great tween reads.

All of Me by Chris Baron

Body positivity and image isn’t just a “girl thing.” Ari is bullied for being overweight, his mother insists he start a diet, and his parents are divorcing. Despite everything that he’s experiencing, Ari finds friends, a way to be positive about himself, and feel comfortable in his own skin.

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

The heartwarming story is the tale of Pax the fox that’s rescued as a baby by Peter. When Peter’s father joins the Army, he sends Peter to live with his grandfather and demands Pax be returned to the wild. Peter is determined to be reunited with his friend and Pax waits patiently for the return of his boy. It’s a New York Times Bestseller that will touch the heart of readers in deeply profound ways. It’s won several awards, is a New York Times Bestseller, and an Amazon Book of the Year.

Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan

Any of the books in the Percy Jackson series are excellent reads. The son of Poseidon, Percy struggles to find himself and how he fits into the normal world, along with one filled with demigods and heroes of old come to life. The series has won numerous awards in the U.S. and abroad.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

The community is afraid of Xan the witch and sacrifice a baby to her once a year – which she nourishes and sends to good homes. When Xan accidentally feeds Luna with starlight, she raises the girl herself. Luna turns 13 and discovers she has magic of her own that has dire consequences. A New York Times Bestseller, it also won a Newberry Medal.

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/

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Blog

Challenging Your Picky Eater

Few things are as frustrating to parents as dealing with a determinedly picky eater. The situation can be exacerbated during quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic as many supermarkets are still experiencing shortages of some items and limiting others. The following are some tips that will introduce youngsters to new foods and make them more well-rounded eaters.

  1. Calling a child a picky eater can actually make the situation worse and lead to other undesirable food-time behaviors. Similar phrases such as “He won’t eat that” or “She only likes pasta” serves to reinforce the behavior and gives tacit approval of what children are doing.
  2. It may sound harsh, but you buy the groceries and children need to eat what you purchase. Stock the pantry and fridge with a variety of healthy foods that you want them to eat. Stop buying cookies, beverages and other foods that cater to their pickiness. The transition won’t be easy – stand firm.
  3. Don’t turn the dinner table into a battlefield. Simply serve the meal and let children eat as much or as little as they want. Eliminate phrases such as “Just try a bite.” Kids are more astute than you think and those types of phrases open the door for children to try to negotiate terms for the return of their picky favorites.
  4. Remember that food isn’t a reward – it’s the fuel the body needs to live, work, and play.
  5. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with serving breakfast foods for lunch or dinner. Mix up the selection and try not to always serve the same dishes for the same meals.
  6. Youngsters want to feel as if they have some control and you can provide that while still getting them to eat healthy. Letting them choose blueberries or strawberries, carrots or cauliflower, or a bagel versus cereal will make them more agreeable about their mealtime selections.
  7. It can be helpful to involve children in the meal preparation and you’ll also be teaching them some valuable life skills.
  8. Keep trying, no matter how long it takes. Youngsters can be extremely resistant to change, just like their adult counterparts. They may try staging “hunger strikes” or throw a tantrum. Stay neutral and don’t give in to manipulative behavior.

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/

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Blog, Bounce House Rental

Keeping Kids Active During Pandemic

Every parent knows how quickly children can become bored, especially while quarantining due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the attention span varies with age, eventually every parent will hear the all too familiar refrain of “There’s nothing to do.” To help relieve the boredom, the following are some ideas that parents can employ to keep youngsters active and limit screen time on mobile devices.

  1. There are dozens of inflatable amusements that can be rented ranging from waterslides and bounce houses to obstacle courses, mazes, and yard games.
  2. Bike riding combines healthy exercise with fresh air that will also benefit restful slumber.
  3. Children of all ages love forts and it’s easy to build one at home with sheets and blankets.
  4. It’s easy to enjoy the fun of camping in the great outdoors from the safety of the back yard.
  5. Chalk art has become a popular way of getting children outdoors while encouraging their artistic abilities.
  6. An at-home scavenger hunt is easy to stage and will keep youngsters busy for hours.
  7. Go old school with hula-hoops, marbles, hop-scotch, and jump ropes, all of which are outdoor games.
  8. Tag and freeze tag are perennial favorites for children of all ages.
  9. Hide-and-seek is a game that never goes out of style.
  10. For families with a pool, a game of Marco Polo can be invigorating.
  11. Wall ball is great for building coordination and works particularly well if children don’t have siblings with which to play.
  12. Virtually every child has played “the floor is lava” in the house and it’s equally fun when played outdoors.
  13. Dance parties provide fun and active movement. Parents can look up new dances for the kids to learn.
  14. The classic game Twister is easy to play outdoors and will have participants laughing – something everyone needs right now.

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/

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Blog

Why Arts Education is Important

Many schools have eliminated a variety of traditional classes as cost cutting measures or to accommodate curriculum courses that prepare students for standardized testing. Art is typically one of the first classes on the chopping block, despite the many ways in which it benefits students.

Art is important at every age, whether it’s a first grader expressing themselves with color or high school students learning how to work with clay. While what they learn usually won’t turn into a profession, the knowledge and skills they gain will be useful throughout their lifetime, particularly in creative careers.

Most people automatically think about painting in regard to art, but it includes much more. It encompasses the disciplines of painting, sculpting, dance and drama – to name a few. The following are just some of the reasons that arts education is important.

  1. Youngsters learn problem solving skills. How to convey emotion through color or dance are prime examples.
  2. Just as learning to color within the lines teaches control of motor skills, so does learning new forms of art at any age.
  3. Art expands perspective and encourages critical thinking, thereby providing an opportunity for students to view the world in new and different ways.
  4. Education in the arts is inclusive and provides students with a chance to connect with their own culture, along with others around the world and how art relates in societal and historical contexts.
  5. The ability to take risks arises from self-confidence, an essential element for success and one that students learn through participation in the arts.
  6. Students at all levels of education are four times more likely to achieve greater academic success when they participate in art classes.
  7. Some studies have indicated that students that receive arts education in school experience fewer disciplinary actions, have higher attendance rates, score better on tests, and have increased graduation rates.

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/

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Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog

At some point, almost every child begins asking for a pet – usually a dog. Adopting a pet is a serious undertaking and shouldn’t be done frivolously. By adopting a dog, an individual is agreeing to care for that pet throughout their lifetime and provide them with the food, medical care, and safe environment that will enable them to thrive.

Adopting a dog from a shelter is less expensive and deprives puppy mills of profiting from the pain of defenseless animals. Adopting from a shelter also provides a home for a dog that might otherwise not have a chance at a long life. Most people want a puppy, but don’t overlook older and adult animals. The following are the pros and cons of adopting a dog.

Puppies certainly won’t be housebroken and some older dogs may have never received the training when they were young. They can all be housebroken, but it requires a significant time investment. A dog will also require a number of vaccinations, along with flea and tick treatments, to protect them against a variety of communicable illnesses and diseases.

A dog will require regular walks to relieve themselves and obtain necessary exercise. Individuals will need to clean up the mess and dispose of it appropriately. Adoptive pet parents will need to have some idea of how large the canine will be as an adult. A Great Dane isn’t suited for a small apartment. It’s also a good idea to erect fencing for the protection of the dog and others if possible.

The equipment and food for a dog can be expensive. The animal will need a collar or harness, leash, and dishes for food and water. For those that travel a lot or work long hours, adopting a dog isn’t a good idea. A dog that’s bored will find mischief. Don’t expect to relegate dog-related tasks to the children – the adults typically still end up taking care of the dog themselves.

Two of the most profound pleasures of adopting a dog are the unconditional love and companionship they provide. A dog is a faithful friend that’s always excited to greet their humans when they arrive home. They always do their best to please and sharing affection with a dog provides humans with a variety of health benefits. A dog is always prepared to provide comfort and demonstrate how happy they are to share your life.

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/

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Fun Summertime Dessert Recipes

It doesn’t matter whether kids are home for a normal summer or cooped up due to the pandemic. Kids of all ages love out of the ordinary treats. The following are some summertime dessert recipes that everyone will love and for adventurous parents, they can even have the kids help prepare them.

The recipes use few ingredients, are very easy to create, and kids will love the “fancy” desserts made just for them. Just don’t forget to save some for the adults!

Ice Cream Magic

The treat is known by many names and really easy to make. Lightly sprinkle nuts or candy sprinkles in the bottom of a disposable cup. Add a scoop of ice cream and drizzle chocolate syrup that forms a hard coating over the ice cream. Skewer the scoop with a craft stick and place in the freezer. Cut away the cup and the treats are ready to eat.

Tropical Pops

These can be made with yogurt and a fruit of choice or a premade smoothie mix available at supermarkets. Blend the yogurt and fruit until creamy, then pour into ice pop molds and freeze. If a smoothie mix is used, simply pour into the molds and freeze – you can also add fruit slices to the smoothie mix.

Frozen Banana Bites

Cut the desired number of bananas into 1 or 2-inch chunks. Place the chunks on a craft stick and slather on some peanut butter before rolling them in nuts, candy sprinkles or any other topping desired. Place on a tray with waxed paper and put them in the freezer until frozen.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

This can be made with any flavor yogurt and fruit. Place a portion of yogurt in the bottom of a glass. Place a layer of crushed graham crackers on top of the yogurt. Then place a layer of fruit on top of the graham crackers. Repeat the layers until the glass if full.

Glazed Doughnut Strawberry Shortcake

There are numerous versions of this. One of the most simple utilizes premade glazed doughnuts, fresh strawberries that have been hulled and sliced, and a choice of either whipped cream or cream cheese. Cut the glazed doughnut sideways so there’s a top and a bottom. Place one half on a plate, spread on whipped cream or cream cheese, then add a layer of strawberries. Place the other half of the doughnut on top. Put a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese on top.

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/

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Keeping your Yard Mosquito Free

Mosquitos perform an important function as a food source for a variety of avians and predator insects. Their bite is also itchy and has the potential to spread a wide variety of illnesses and diseases to people and pets. You don’t want them in your yard and the following tips are effective at helping to keep the unwanted pests at bay.

Eliminate Standing Water

A mosquito only needs a bottle cap of water to lay eggs and multiply. They mature into water nymphs in just four days, meaning it’s critical to eliminate standing water as soon after a rain as possible and be vigilant about areas where dew collects. Water toys, gardening tools, kiddy pools, and gutters blocked by debris are all places where mosquitos can breed. The water in birdbaths should be changed regularly.

Use Screens

If you open your windows, make sure to use a screen that fits securely in the window. Window screens and screened in porches should be checked to ensure they don’t have spaces large enough to let the insects enter and seals are secure.

Mow, Trim and Fill

Mosquitos hide in tall grass and shaded areas. Keep your lawn mowed, use a trimmer to get around edges, and use a saw to cut back trees and bushes if necessary to let in some sunlight. If your yard has areas that collect water after a rain, fill them in and plant grass.

Use a Fan

Using a fan outdoors may sound odd, but studies have demonstrated a fan is the most effective way to keep mosquitos away, beating out citronella candles, geraniol diffusers, and plant-based repellants. It’s hard for a mosquito to fly against the wind generated from a fan and the device also aids in dispersing carbon dioxide from humans that attracts them.

Long Sleeves and Repellant

If you must be outdoors, minimize exposure by wearing long sleeves, pants, and use an insect repellant that contains DEET. Avoid going outside at dawn or dusk – prime feeding times for mosquitoes.

Hire a Professional

If all else fails and you’re still being bugged by mosquitoes, hire a professional that can treat your lawn and yard with effective chemical solutions. Don’t attempt to do it yourself. The chemicals must be specific and applied in the proper way to prevent harm to people, pets, and wildlife.

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/

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Break up Pandemic Boredom with a Waterslide

Lockdown orders to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic can be difficult for adults and even more so for energetic kids. For families that are tired of movies, taking walks, or can’t get their kids to read, an inflatable waterslide can keep everyone happy and break up the boredom and monotony of the pandemic.

There are waterslides of all heights, lengths, and some are also designed to deposit merry-makers directly into an in-ground swimming pool. Some are single lane, some have two lanes for competitive players, and come equipped with splash pools. Multiple, brightly colored themes are available, along with more tame versions for younger children that will keep kids busy for hours.

South Florida Bounce is taking the pandemic very seriously. We employ rigorous anti-bacterial and anti-viral cleaning solutions after every rental. Each inflatable is also accompanied by a South Florida Bounce employee with additional cleaning supplies on hand for everyone’s safety.

South Florida Bounce has the largest inflatable water slides in South Florida. The Twister is a single lane waterslide featuring a 40-foot drop of excitement. It can be set up with a curve at the bottom or left straight for a crazy ride that’s 110 feet of aquatic fun. With the wide variety of waterslides available, it’s easy to recreate the feel of a waterpark experience without leaving home.

The Typhoon and The Hurricane are two-lane waterslides that also have a 40-foot drop. For those that want three-lane excitement and competition, The Triple Lindy has a 27-foot drop. The selection of waterslides is extensive, with drops ranging from 16-feet to 40-feet depending on the selected model. The Elite with a 13-foot slide is available for younger children that aren’t ready for a monster waterslide, but are full of energy and need a break from boredom.

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/

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