Category Archives: Blog

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DIY Garden with Kids

It’s easy to instill a love of gardening and nature in children with DIY projects. They’re easy to implement, require very little equipment, and can teach the value of recycling. Whether parents choose to grow plants or provide food for wildlife, there are dozens of DIY garden projects that provide extraordinary bonding opportunities.

Bird Feeders

A simple box of plain Cheerios and a ribbon strung with the cereal can be a welcome treat for birds.

Butterfly Feeder

Take a clean, used pie tin and transition it into a butterfly feeder. After the string has been threaded through to hold the pan level, decorate the strings with beads before tying it at the top and hanging. Place small pieces of oranges in the pan to attract the butterflies. If a commercially prepared mixture is used, only put in enough to barely cover the bottom of the pie pan.

Fairy Garden

A small plastic tray with drainage holes, a layer of potting soil or compost, and small succulents or moss enables children to exercise their imaginations. Small accessories such as a house, twigs, rocks for walkways, and mini clip-on butterflies complete the magic.

Hanging Planters

A large water, juice or milk container makes an excellent upside down planter for a wide variety of plants. Leave the cap on and cut out the bottom. Thread some garden string or wire through the bottom by which to hang it and add seeds or a favorite plant.

Morning Glory Pyramid

This will require 8-10 bamboo poles approximately 6-10 feet in length. Assemble the poles in a pyramid shape, tying them together at the top. Tie gardening string around the outer pyramid all the way to the top and plant seeds at the bottom. As the plants grow, they’ll climb and cover the pyramid to make a fun fort. The pyramid works equally well with pole beans and small gourds.

Terrarium

An old fish tank or even clear glass bottles and jars offer opportunities. Place gravel in the bottom, followed by a layer of potting soil or compost. Choose the plants to include and arrange as desired. Add a little water and another small layer of gravel to complete the terrarium. Place in a location that provides the appropriate amount of light for the chosen plants.

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

What to Consider when Renting a Bounce House

Bounce houses are one of the most popular attractions for events ranging from backyard parties to business grand openings. They provide hours of fun and entertainment for kids, but there are a few things that everyone should consider to ensure a safe and enjoyable time for those that will use it.

Age Limits

Bounce houses and similar inflatables are best used by youngsters age 3-12 only for their own safety. Children younger than three will have trouble getting out on their own, while older kids will typically prefer other types of entertainments. There are also weight and height concerns to consider.

Contracts

A written contract is a necessity. It spells out the pricing, pickup and drop-off times. Individuals should receive a copy of the contract prior to the delivery.

Inspection and Cleaning

Individuals should definitely inspect the bounce house for damage prior to signing when it’s delivered and set up. If there is a problem, the rental company should be notified, allowing them to come up with a solution. Signing without inspection means the individual is accepting it as-is and the company isn’t responsible.

It’s not unreasonable to ask the delivery person to wipe down the inside of the bounce house or to ask them if it’s been done. Good companies do this anyway, but it’s an excellent precaution to take.

Insurance

Don’t assume that homeowner or business insurance will cover any expenses if damage or an injury occurs. Individuals may need additional coverage. Make sure the rental company also has insurance. Their coverage is for unforeseeable incidents. The individual renting the bounce house will need to sign a waiver releasing companies from liability if the bounce house isn’t used properly or children aren’t supervised.

Size Matters

Before renting a bounce house, have an accurate count on the number of children that may be using it. A bounce house that’s too small won’t allow everyone to have a turn or play freely. An inflatable structure that’s too large is a waste of space and money.

Supervision

Youngsters should be under adult supervision at all times to ensure there’s not too any children in the bounce house at one time and that age groups are kept together. If inclement weather interferes, unplug all equipment and do not allow children to use it.

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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6 Parenting Styles Explained

Parenting isn’t an easy endeavor. Child experts do agree, however, that the parenting style that individuals utilize will affect the way children feel about themselves and even how they perform in school. The six basic parenting styles are as follows.

Attachment

Affection and physical touch are utilized to cement the bond between parent and child. It’s an approach that focuses on balance, consistent care, sensitivity, and positive discipline. Separation from parents is minimalized. Baby-wearing, breast feeding on demand, and skin-to-skin touch are emphasized. Youngsters cry less as babies, feel secure, and have fewer behavior issues. The method can be rewarding for parents, but very exhausting.

Authoritarian

This is a very strict approach in which obedience is the goal. Power is achieved through control and input from children isn’t considered. It employs strict rules and harsh discipline and punishment for transgressions. Kids raised in this style make few impulsive decisions, are respectful, and follow rules. The negative aspect is that they have low self-esteem, often feel depressed, are withdrawn, and feel afraid and unwanted.

Authoritative

This parenting style sets firm limits and boundaries for children. Parents are supportive and nurturing, listen to the input of their kids, and use logic to determine each course of action. They employ positive discipline methods and hold youngsters accountable for their own actions. The result is children that are achievers, independent, happy, and maintain good relationships with their parents.

Free-Lance

Parents provide supervision of the children and their activities. The emphasis is on allowing each child to mature at their own pace through education and allowing them to take safe risks. Children learn independence, coping skills and resilience. It’s similar to permissive parenting, but with significant differences.

Permissive

While nurturing and loving, the style tends toward leniency and inconsistency in the discipline department. The style focuses on being a friend rather than a parent. Kids have a great deal of freedom, little structure, and few responsibilities. The parenting style creates kids that are self-confident, creative, and free thinkers. Conversely, they often have difficulty following rules required in the adult world, experience aggression and depression, don’t do well in school, and lack control and social skills.

Uninvolved/Neglectful

Parents meet youngsters’ emotional and physical needs, but exert little supervision and offer a lot of freedom. There’s little or no discipline, guidance, attention, or nurturing. There are no expectations for kids to meet. These children grow up with low self-esteem, have trust issues, little self-confidence, and have difficulty forming relationships.

No Right Way

The uninvolved/neglectful parenting style is the most damaging to children and results in long-lasting negative impacts. All children don’t respond in the same way to a single method. It’s possible for a child reared in a loving and compassionate home to be insecure and unprincipled as an adult, while children with strict and domineering parents can grow to be well-balanced adults. Environments of love, acceptance, and safety give kids the best chance of success.

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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South Florida Zoos that won’t Disappoint

Animals and their behavior have fascinated humankind since the dawn of time. South Florida is home to a variety of extraordinary zoos that are sure to please anyone. They offer multiple ways in which visitors can interact with the animals, learn about them, and enjoy an outdoor outing. Some of the top zoos in South Florida include the following in no particular order.

Brevard Zoo

An aquarium, treetop treks of varying difficulty, zip lining, and animal encounters are all available to visitors. The zoo features over 900 species, is involved in conservation efforts, and operates a sea turtle healing center. Special encounters are conducted each day ranging from goats, giraffes and cheetahs to birds, dingoes, and stingrays.

Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

The zoo is home to more than 550 animals and 190 species from every corner of the world ranging from koalas, lemurs and tigers to jaguars, avians and butterflies. Visitors can attend a variety of special events throughout the year or plan a special occasion at the zoo. Individuals can participate in a zoo camp, overnight adventures, animal encounters, and educational series.

Zoo Miami

This is the oldest and largest zoo in Florida and fifth largest in the U.S. There are over 3,000 animals that represent more than 500 species, 130 of which are endangered. The zoo has more than 1,000 species of trees and plants in more than 100 special exhibits. Visitors can feed the animals, learn through special presentations, and experience the zoo’s rides.

ZWF Miami

The award-winning Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF) has been featured on TV, is open by appointment only, and offers field trips, animal interactions, and guided educational and photographic tours. Many of the zoo’s animals are endangered and of special interest are the white lion cub and jaguar cubs.

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

Obstacle Courses Combine Challenge and Fun

Inflatable obstacle courses have become one of the most popular amusements for activities ranging from school fundraisers and corporate events to backyard home parties. They offer participants an experience that’s fun, challenging, and different elements can be combined to form unique opportunities. Individuals can choose from multiple themes to accommodate any interest.

Obstacle courses provide individuals with the opportunity to test themselves against others and awaken a sense of childlike wonder and fun. They’re a much more enjoyable way to get a good workout than going to the gym and enable participants to exercise their mental abilities as they approach each challenge. Some of the options include the following, in no particular order.

Corn Maze

Navigating a corn maze is more difficult than one might think. The maze measures 40x40x12 feet high, incorporates dead ends, and can accommodate multiple players at the same time.

Escape from Alcatraz

The side-by-side obstacle course will have competitors jumping over pipes climbing walls, crawling through tunnels and sliding to freedom.

K2 Cliffhanger

It’s one of the most challenging obstacle courses featuring multiple hurdles to overcome, including a 33-foot rock climbing wall.

Military Challenge

Participants can jump, crawl and climb their way to victory during multiple activities sure to test the fortitude of anyone.

Radical Run

The 90-foot long course features a 25-foot tall slide and activities that incorporate running, jumping, sliding and climbing.

Spartan Challenge

The obstacle course can be configured in over 15 different ways, ensuring that no two courses are ever the same. Players encounter pop-ups, tunnels, rock climbing, log jams, and a 32-foot long slide to the finish.

Adventure for Every Age

Obstacle courses have long been a favorite of teens, tweens and adults, but younger children love them, too. Inflatable obstacle courses offer fun, age appropriate activities that also teach youngsters valuable skills.

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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Trending in Travel: Family Adventure Trips

In the not too distant past, family trips were taken once a year as a vacation. Reservations were booked at a specific resort each year and the activity typically involved a road trip cross country. For families of today, life is something to be experienced to the fullest through adventure trips.

Family adventure trips are No. 1 on the list of things to do for families across the nation and it’s not just the young and daring. Travel trips are multi-generational events that include children, parents, and grandparents. In some instances, grandparents eager to explore, educate and share their experiences are taking their grandchildren on adventure trips and leaving parents at home.

The trend has given rise to specialty events and travel options that are tailored to the desires of the individuals. An increasing number of family groups are choosing to visit foreign lands, with Italy, France and Spain being top destination choices. However, a significant portion of the population is choosing unconventional destinations such as Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, India and Japan.

Still others that are on the hunt for a truly unique experience are taking the road less traveled and booking trips to go whale watching, hot air ballooning, dog sledding, and to visit the Great Barrier Reef. African safaris, sleeping under the Northern Lights, and sand surfing in the Sahara are other options. Snorkeling in exotic locations, volcano surfing, and swimming with dolphins are also popular activities.

For those that want adventure without the risk that comes with extreme activities, water parks and theme parks remain popular, but a substantial number of those seeking something different are choosing outdoor activities at national parks and other locations where they can view wildlife up close, go flying across sand dunes in a buggy, zip line across tree tops, or enjoy an authentic western experience.

No matter what the age, there are millions of people seeking something new and different and family adventure trips top the list of the most highly sought activities. There are adventures to accommodate every desire and interest, allowing anyone to live boldly.

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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Simple School Lunch Ideas for the Kiddos

 

School lunches are the bane of parents everywhere. There’s no guarantee that even if you prepare your kid’s “favorite” foods that they’ll eat them. Trying to create healthy selections can be even more difficult. The good news is that there are multiple combinations that can be created with some ingredients that are cost effective, visually appealing, and healthy.

Any type of fruit or vegetables that kids like should be on the menu. One of the tricks parents can use to persuade kids to eat their veggies is to cut them into interesting shapes. Boiled eggs and cheese sticks are always welcome. Kids also need carbs and they can be found in the form of mini muffins and items such as Goldfish crackers.

To add variety, instead of a plain sandwich turn the fillings into a wrap using tortilla shells – a grilled cheese roll up, for example. You can also create unconventional options such as a peanut butter, jelly and banana burrito. Pizza toppings on toast are also delicious.

Sliders that are perfect for little hands are easy using dinner rolls. There’s something about food on a stick that’s particularly appealing. Try placing favorite sandwich ingredients on a mini skewer. Just because its lunch time doesn’t mean the meal can’t encompass breakfast foods. Combine sausage links, mini pancakes or waffle sticks, with fruit and a container of syrup.

Don’t overlook the value of leftovers like tacos and chicken wings. The idea is to offer variety so kids aren’t bored, ensure they’re eating a healthy lunch, and you know they will be since you prepared it yourself. It should incorporate a combination of protein, fruits, veggies, and carbs.

When preparing kids’ lunches you shouldn’t underestimate the value of sauces and dips, along with items like single serve, prepackaged hummus, veggies and fruits. They’re nutritious, convenient, and you don’t have to worry about keeping them refrigerated.

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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Adding a Pet to the Home

 

There will come a time in every person’s life when they consider pet ownership or their child asks for a dog or cat. The decision to adopt a pet of any type shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. A pet is a lifelong commitment – their lifetime, not yours. Animals are living beings with feelings and needs – not a disposable accessory.

It’s your responsibility to ensure pets are fed, vaccinated, have the physical comforts required, and children are taught how to treat the animal with kindness, caring, and compassion. No matter how much your child begs, you need to honestly evaluate your child’s maturity level before adding a pet to the family.

The Downside

  • Canines need to be trained not to relieve themselves indoors and it takes time and patience. Smaller breeds will need to relieve themselves more often.
  • Dogs and cats go through teething like kids and will chew on anything available
  • Keeping animals in ‘training cages’ often leads to boredom and destructive behaviors
  • Dogs need obedience training
  • You’ll need a pet sitter if you travel frequently
  • If you get a cat, they’ll need a litter box that will require daily cleaning
  • Pets shed and it increases when they’re stressed
  • You may be allergic and not know it
  • There are considerable expenses associated with a pet
  • Depending on their natural behavior patterns, they can be noisy at night
  • If a dog attacks someone, you can be sued for any medical costs and the dog may be taken and euthanized
  • You’re liable if your dog destroys someone’s property
  • Pets can outlive you
  • All animals don’t like kids

The Benefits

  • Pets provide unconditional love and comfort
  • They empathize with you
  • They relieve stress
  • Pets can be the impetus for you to get more exercise
  • Pets don’t judge you
  • They look to you for love and comfort – yes, even cats
  • Pets reduce blood pressure
  • Pets improve mental health

Having an animal companion can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have, but it’s also an expensive undertaking and requires commitment. Adopting from a shelter provides a forever home to a deserving animal and aids in curtailing pet mills. Never give an animal as a gift for Christmas, Easter, or other occasion.

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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Friends and Family New Year’s Party

With Christmas behind us, many people are looking ahead and preparing for their New Year’s party. You don’t have to settle for a traditional gathering when you have the option of incorporating bounce houses, inflatable slides, carnival games, mechanical rides, fun food machines, and photo booths.

Carnival Games

Everyone loves a carnival and you can bring the excitement to your party with game booths featuring favorites that include ring toss, magic ball, basketball toss, shooting gallery, fish bowl, skee ball, and others.

Foam/Snow Cannon

Even if you live in South Florida, you can have “snow” for Christmas. Kids and adults alike will be enamored with the environment you create with a foam/snow machine. If you don’t want foam, a bubble machine is a great alternative.

Fun Food Machines

Treats like cotton candy and snow cones are no longer limited to public events. You can provide the edibles at your own party. You can also choose popcorn machines and hot dog rollers/steamers. They’re an ideal solution for kids and adults alike that eliminates hours in the kitchen creating canapes, hors d’oeuvres, and appetizers.

Inflatables

The variety of inflatables is enormous, with dry/wet slides coming in as the most popular. There are multiple versions, heights, and themes from which to choose. Inflatable bounce houses keep children entertained for hours and some incorporate mini games for additional fun.

Mechanical Rides

From virtual rollercoasters and bungie trampolines to rock walls and mechanical bulls, the range of mechanical options to enliven any party is extensive. You can also choose from surfing and entertainments that simulate surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding.

Photo/Selfie Booth

One of the most popular additions to celebrity parties in Hollywood, photo/selfie booths provide a memento of the event and can easily be shared online. Different types of booths are available. Some provide a printed image, others are digital, and some enable individuals to embellish their souvenirs in multiple ways.

Trackless Train

Spread the holiday spirit with a train trek through the neighborhood. It doesn’t require tracks and will keep kids occupied for hours.

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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Great Social Activities for Young Kids

All kids will benefit from social activities, but it can be especially difficult for parents to choose appropriate pursuits for young children. The level of involvement will depend on the age of the child and it’s best to engage in non-competitive activities for very young children.

Sports

Team sports such as pee-wee baseball are typically one of the first organized sports that parents turn to in their quest to socialize their child and set them on a path to extra-curricular activities that will hopefully lead to college benefits. Team sports are an excellent way for kids to learn to work together and to do so toward a common goal.

A sport of any kind demonstrates by example how to be a good sport if the team loses and not to be braggarts when they win. Kids learn about practice and commitment, time management, and hard work. Through trying, even if they fail, they develop confidence in themselves.

Dance

Whether kids are enrolled in ballet, tap, swing, or interpretive dance it’s an activity that essentially teaches youngsters the same lessons as sports. It also has some additional benefits that include better balance and self-discipline, along with problem solving skills and perseverance. Dancers learn that there’s always someone better than they are at a particular skill, not to take it personally, and to keep trying.

Martial Arts

A dojo is a great place for youngsters to begin learning lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime. The first is that learning is a lifelong endeavor and even small, incremental improvements produce long-term results. The discipline helps kids focus, concentrate, and they have better balance and control.

Respect, humility, discipline, and mastery of one’s self are all emphasized. Youngers discover that nothing is attained without a certain amount of risk and that adversity is overcome through mental strength and fortitude. Kids also find that there are no shortcuts to true success and not to compare themselves to others.

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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