Category Archives: Blog

Blog, Event Planning

What Equipment to Consider for your Outdoor Event

Outdoor events are becoming increasingly more popular for a number of reasons. Most people worry about “a million details” when planning their event, but there’s really just a few basic things you need to worry about to hold a highly enjoyable gathering.

Food

The food to be served is an area in which people have the most problems. They want to make sure everyone has enough to eat and be able to stay within a specific budget. Then there’s the question of what to offer. You may not realize that catering is an option that has multiple benefits and can actually be less expensive.

The food is cooked to perfection, the catering company delivers, and staff is often on duty to serve. They can handle anything from burgers and BBQ to smoothie bars and international cuisine. Catering companies can also provide table service and the best of all – they provide all the clean-up afterward.

Venue

The event’s location will largely depend on available venues, the purpose, and the number of guests. You can hold the event in your back yard, a rented hall, or an extravagant destination location.

Seating/Tables

Enough seating and table space to accommodate each guest is essential. For informal gatherings, there are multiple rental companies that will provide the tables and chairs you need. Some will even set them up for you. Formal events at destination venues typically provide everything required.

Shelter

This isn’t something most people consider when planning an event, but it’s essential in the South Florida climate to protect guests from heat, humidity, and the threat of rain. Tents and canopies can be rented to accommodate that need and there are also portable air conditioners that can be attached to tents for a cooling respite.

Entertainment

You may want some form of entertainment, whether it’s lawn games, a DJ, or a full-fledged band and dancing. You’ll need a solid stage or area similar to a patio for entertainers to set up their equipment. Expect dancing if a DJ or band is involved and have a dance area ready – they can be rented. If lawn games are the order of the day, just let guests loose in the yard to have fun.

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, Event Planning

Kid Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers

Children like unique snacks just as much as adults and it’s a great way to introduce youngsters to new foods and tastes. There are dozens of ways to turn ordinary foods into crowd-pleasing appetizers that kids will love. The following are just some of the ways people are feeding their youngsters during parties and playdates.

Kabobs

There’s something innately appealing about any type of food on a stick. Fruit and cheese kabobs are healthy and individuals can combine multiple types of cheese with grapes, strawberries, melon, avocado, pineapple, and apple pieces in any combination. Use fancy toothpicks rather than full-size skewers for safety and extra appeal.

The same technique can be used to create burger kabobs. It uses the same ingredients as an ordinary burger, only in bite-size pieces of burger, lettuce and cheese. A small piece of bacon can also be added to create a bacon burger.

Grilled Cheese Strips

Simply take an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich and cut it into strips. Add a small cup of tomato soup or a favorite dipping sauce.

Veggie Cups

Use a small, short cup or glass and fill it ½ full of a favorite dressing. Cut carrots, celery and peppers of multiple colors into small strips and stick them on end into the dressing. Green beans and cucumber strips can also be added to the mix.

Mini Meatballs

Simply make meatballs and cook them in a crockpot. Individuals can cook them with their favorite BBQ, teriyaki or other flavorings/sauce. Place on a small wooden fork and they’re ready for any occasion.

Bacon Wrapped Anything

Take a cocktail wiener or whole-grain cracker and wrap a strip of bacon around it for a tasty snack. These are easier to make using precooked bacon. Microwave the bacon and wrap it around the cracker or other base. Do small batches of bacon at a time to ensure it doesn’t become stiff and remains easier to manipulate.

Go Mini

Mini snacks of any kind are ideal for kids since they fit their smaller hands and adults appreciate the novelty. Mini chicken and waffles, mini corn dogs, or mini pancakes are just some of the options available for kid-pleasing appetizers.

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

Allowing Screen Time

Parents don’t want their children spending too much time in front of TVs, phones or tablets and they also need to be cognizant of the content they’re kids are watching. There are thousands of fun and entertaining apps from which to choose.

Small data allowances and poor internet reception are very real problems for many families, especially those in rural and underserved areas in cities. The following are just some of the apps that parents have found to be worthwhile when allowing screen time for their children and some have the added bonus of not requiring Wi-Fi or data.

Busy Shapes

Designed for ages 2 and over, it provides a digital playground where kids can explore, learn and it’s based on Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Artificial intelligence enables the app to automatically adjust and keep kids challenged as they become more proficient. It’s available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, and Android operating system. The cost is $1.99 and doesn’t require Wi-Fi or data.

Khan Academy for Kids

This is an enormous database of activities with multiple learning themes for ages 3 to first grade that encompasses the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and Common Core standards. It contains books, videos, games, songs and other activities. In many ways, it functions as a digital preschool teacher. It’s available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, and Kindle Fire. It’s free and doesn’t require data or Wi-Fi.

Project Noah

The app is being redesigned and will be launched again in the fall of 2020. The citizen science app enables students to document sightings of different wildlife species. Participants earn digital patches for their submissions and can view local and worldwide sightings. The app also contains missions that students can join based on their specific location. It’s available for iPhone and Android operating systems.

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

Things to Consider when Renting an Inflatable Besides Cost

Inflatable entertainments offer hours of fun for kids and adults. Individuals often look at the cost of the rentals as a primary consideration, but there are numerous other factors to think about. The following are other essential considerations of which individuals should be aware of before deciding on a rental company.

Safety

The safety of the inflatable and users should always be the No. 1 priority. Individuals should receive operating instructions and a list of safety precautions pertaining to occupancy and usage. The equipment should have no signs or wear or patches.

Cleanliness

Rigorous anti-bacterial and anti-viral cleaning should be standard procedure after every rental is returned to the company to prepare it for the next person. When the inflatable is delivered, a company employee should have additional cleaning supplies on hand. Don’t be afraid to ask the company what sanitation procedures and precautions they employ, along with the frequency.

Delivery and Pick up

The rental company should provide delivery and pickup services, along with a complete setup. An inflatable should be user-ready when he/she is done.

Set Up Location

Individuals renting an inflatable should know how much available space they have in which to set up the inflatable. Each inflatable has specific space requirements and may not be appropriate for every location. Trees, stumps, gravel, roots and stumps will have an impact on the set up location. Be sure and let the company know about any narrow gates or access points, along with potential obstructions.

Utilities

Another concern is underground utilities. The rental company will need to anchor the inflatable to the ground and that requires knowledge of where underground utility lines run. The company will need to send someone to stake out the lines and mark them before the inflatable can be installed.

Supervision

Every inflatable should have ample supervision, especially when children are using it. Individuals should find out if the rental company provides an attendant or if a responsible adult will need to be assigned to perform the task.

Safety Reviews

It’s always a good idea to take the time to investigate and read user reviews about the company and specific products they offer.

Insurance

If an accident or injury occurs to a guest or the person delivering the inflatable, it may or may not be covered by a homeowner policy. The same is true for businesses and other organizations that rent the equipment for fundraisers and similar purposes. Before renting any inflatable, find out if accidents and injuries are covered for inflatables and/or the rental company’s liability responsibilities.

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

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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Blog

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/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

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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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