Almost every child enjoys a bounce house experience, but there are some basic bounce house rules that everyone should follow to mitigate the potential for injuries and ensure safe operation.

For Every Action…

When a large child jumps on one side of the bounce house, it’s going to create a reaction of equal force on the other side of the amusement. That ripple effect can throw younger, lighter children off their feet and increases the potential for a bloody nose, sprain or fracture. A responsible adult should monitor the inflatable at all times to ensure youngsters in the entertainment are of the same age and size.

A bounce house is for jumping and bouncing. Youngsters should not be performing somersaults or flips and roughhousing should be prevented. Children should never wear shoes in a bounce house – only socks.

Where to Set it Up

A bounce house should be set on open and level ground. A grassy location is best. Be sure the ground under the inflatable is free of sticks and stones. It should be established away from fences, outbuildings, sprinkler heads, and overhead tree branches. Be sure it’s properly anchored to the ground.

What Doesn’t Belong in a Bounce House

There are some things that should absolutely not be allowed in a bounce house. That includes food, drinks and gum. An adult should check each child before they enter the amusement to ensure they remove jewelry, eyeglasses and other sharp objects. Hard toys should never enter the bounce house.

Other Considerations

Choose a bounce house of the appropriate size for the youngsters that will be using it and limit the number of children using it to 4 or 5 at a time. Be aware of the weather – never use a bounce house in the rain. If the wind is strong enough to blow sand and small gravel around, it’s too strong for bounce house use.

You don’t have to have a reason to rent an inflatable bounce house and throw an impromptu children’s party. Few youngsters can resist the temptation to jump and bounce in a brightly colored inflatable. Bounce houses are available in dry and wet versions, along with those that incorporate an obstacle course, providing parents with options.

Don’t forget to have snacks and beverages on hand. Children burn a lot of energy and calories playing in a bounce house. It’s essential that they remain hydrated, even when using a wet bounce house.

Kid-Friendly Fun

It’s not a true party unless you invite some friends over. Youngsters get to play with their friends and you have the peace of mind knowing they’re in a safe environment.

Larger Than Life Entertainment

Most children are accustomed to seeing a bounce house in venues such as carnivals and fairs. The true size of a bounce house is revealed when set up in your back yard. Rental inflatables can accommodate multiple youngsters.

Multiple Themes

Inflatable bounce houses are available with multiple themes, allowing kids to pretend for hours. Bounce houses have themes appropriate for kids of all ages ranging from cartoon characters and fairy tales to superheroes and those with a holiday theme. They’re no longer simply square boxes. They can take the form of a snow globe, castle or gingerbread house.

There’s More Than Just Bouncing

Depending on the inflatable, bounce houses enable children to play traditional games inside, such as tag. With wet bounce houses, children can also slide and splash.

Healthy Exercise

Inflatable bounce houses are an ideal way for children to burn off excess energy and it’s a healthy way to do so. Bounce houses aid children in developing balance, motor skills, strength and lung capacity, while providing a heart-healthy cardio workout. A bounce house party is also a great way to support socialization skills.

Celebrities are spending $200,000 for a child’s birthday party, while social media influencers are touting “bigger is better” ideas for gatherings. It tempts parents to spend more than they need to on their child’s party and focus on things rather than the child. The following tips can help you stop the madness, plan a stress-free party that will keep youngsters entertained, and won’t break your budget.

Invest in an Experience Instead of a Party

There are dozens of options for this, depending on the age of the attendees. Consider going bowling, taking everyone to that must-see movie, or going to an arcade. There’s almost no planning involved at all, other than creating a guest list and convincing a couple of other parents to help keep an eye on everyone. Parents simply drop their children off at the appointed location and pick them up at a pre-determined time.

Keep Food and Beverages Simple

If you’re planning a trip to the zoo or similar locale, seriously consider packing a picnic for everyone. Some locations have on-site grills if you want to cook hotdogs on the spot Consider ordering pizza or subs for a truly stress-free meal.

Forget About a Theme

Themes can be fun, but you’ll spend far more time trying to obtain matching napkins, paper plates and cups, along with games, decorations and party favors, than the entire party will last.

Focus on What’s Important

Know your budget and stay within it. Your child’s life isn’t going to be ruined if you can’t swing a traveling petting zoo or a local celebrity visit.

Limit the guest list to the number of people you can comfortably accommodate, whether the event takes place at home or somewhere else. Just because your child wants to invited the entire class doesn’t mean you’re obligated to do so. It doesn’t affect the quality of the party.

There’s a lot of planning and work that goes into any party and that multiplies when organizing a neighborhood-based event. The following are some tips for ensuring party success.

Plan Early

There’s no guarantee that the weather will cooperate, but choose the day at least three months in advance. That gives you time to schedule your waterslide rental. Waterslides are often spoken for months in advance. It’s especially important if you have a specific theme in mind.
There will certainly be a permit required and an accompanying fee that must be paid. Be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance to see if any injuries or damages will be covered for the event.

Examine the Budget

The cost of a neighborhood pool party can quickly get out of hand. You’ll need to know if you’ll be paying for the entire cost yourself, if you’ll be asking for attendees to donate toward the cause, or if it will be a potluck style event.

Know Your Guests

Define the scope of the party. Decide if it will be certain families nearby, everyone on one side of the street, or the entire block. It’s essential that you know the ages of your guests. Waterslides are available in multiple heights. A 40-ft. waterslide is not appropriate for younger children. If a model is selected that deposits guests into an in-ground pool, it’s crucial to ascertain if everyone can swim or if a life vest will be needed for some guests.

Help is Essential

There are a lot of details to be considered, from food to flyers or if individual invitations will be issued. You’re going to need help to deal with invitations, RSVPs, how music will be provided and if someone will DJ, along with how food will be provided. Assign a person to handle each task and check back with them as needed to ensure success.

Even though South Florida is home to cooling Atlantic breezes, the state is subject to heat domes just as much as the rest of the nation. A heat dome occurs when a strong high-pressure system combines with an El Niño – particularly high Pacific water temperatures. A heat dome results, trapping the hot air inside and preventing it from dissipating. It creates extremely high temperatures that are dangerous for children and pets. There are some ways that can help keep kids and pets cool in a heat dome.

Limit Playtime

Restrict outdoor playtime for children and pets. Stay in the shade whenever possible. If youngsters or pets must go out, it’s better to do so in the early morning or later in the evening. It’s important to remember that concrete sidewalks can reach temperatures of 125° F., even without being under the influence of a heat dome. It burns paws and bare feet.

Hydration and Cooling

The body sweats to cool off, which requires drinking more water in hot weather. It’s much more difficult for pets to reduce body temperature than people. Make plain, cool water available for kids and pets. Whether it’s a child or a pet, carry a bottle of water to keep them hydrated, even if the outing is only of short duration. Remain under air-conditioning if available and don’t be reticent about seeking a cooling center. Fans are ineffective for cooling in a heat dome – they simply blow around hot air.

Stoves and Windows

Blocking windows to keep sunlight from entering will benefit children, pets and the entire household and aid in keeping it cooler. Avoid cooking on kitchen stoves whenever possible and don’t use the oven.

Waterworks

One of the easiest ways to keep kids and pets cool is through water-based activities. Individuals can make use of a wading pool for youngsters or pets. A homemade slip and slide is another option. Misting hoses and sprinkler pads are equally effective for cooling kids and pets during a heat dome event.