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Ultimate Outdoor Party Effects

August 28, 2022 sfbadmin

Long gone are the days when a burst of confetti or a balloon drop was the epitome of special effects. Today’s party-goers want something different. There are multiple ways to elevate a party and set a mood with special effects machines and virtual rentals that are an affordable way to create a unique party atmosphere.

Bubble Machine

Kids aren’t the only ones that like bubbles. There’s something magical about a yard full of bubbles. There are machines that combine bubbles with colorful LED lights that are an excellent choice for nighttime parties. Individuals can also choose machines that produce fog bubbles and scents can be added for extra interest.

Fog Machine

There’s nothing like a fog machine to set the mood for a Halloween party. Fog machines are an equally fun way to add ambiance for a live band or dance party.

Snow Machine

Snow is something that rarely occurs in South Florida so it’s always a special treat. With a professional snow machine, individuals can create gently falling flurries or whip up a snowstorm with blizzard-like conditions. A snow machine is a great way to turn any outside party into a winter wonderland to amaze children and adults alike.

Virtual Rollercoaster

A virtual rollercoaster provides all the fun of a physical rollercoaster ride, right in the backyard. The simulator can reach virtual speeds of up to 90 mph, depending on the scenario, and individuals have 30 different scenarios from which to choose. Party-goers are instantly transported to rollercoaster landscapes ranging from those for children, cartoon land, sci-fi, action, adventure and horror for a unique audio-visual experience.

Disco Dome

Take a trip back in time when disco was king. An inflatable disco dome has sound activated lights and a built-in sound system, enabling dancers to connect to their own playlist or play music from a USB memory stick. It’s a great choice for adults or teens that want to dance the night away.

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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Top Coolers for Keeping Your Items Cold

August 28, 2022 sfbadmin

Anyone planning a summer outing will be taking a cooler to keep snacks and drinks cool. You have dozens of brands from which to choose, all with different price points. Different types of activities require a cooler with specific attributes. The first step in obtaining the best cooler for your needs depends on how it will be used.

Hard Shell

A cooler that will be used for camping, on a boat, or for extended outings will need to have a tough exterior of either plastic or metal. If you plan on going camping in wilderness areas where bears, cougars, wolves or coyotes may be in residence, be sure to look for a cooler that’s bear-resistant.

Coolers often perform double duty as a piece of furniture. They may be used as a table, but more often than not they’re used to sit on. These types of coolers are able to support the weight of an individual with no damage. The disadvantage is that they’re heavy to carry and come with a significant price tag attached.

Soft Shell

A cooler for a trip to the beach or a summer picnic won’t need to be as heavy or durable. Coolers with a soft-shell exterior are light, easy to carry, and will keep food and beverages cool for up to a day, depending on the model. This type of cooler can also be used for tailgating parties and they’re relatively inexpensive.

Insulation

The amount of insulation that a cooler has determines how well and how long the contents will stay cold. Hard-shell coolers have more insulation and are built with denser insulating materials than soft-shell coolers. High-end coolers are the best choice for extended stays or if you won’t have access to ice to replenish cooling abilities. It’s also a good idea to look for coolers that have thicker lids.

Size

Keep in mind the types of food and drinks will be stored in the cooler. Some aren’t able to accommodate taller jars or bottles. You’ll also need to factor in the amount of ice the cooler will need to hold to obtain the size that best fits your needs.

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 Backyard Games

July 31, 2022 sfbadmin

Summer is a time for gathering with family and friends. To make the most of every get-together, it’s a good idea to plan for some fun backyard games. There are dozens of selections from which to choose and accommodate multiple interests and ages. For anyone that’s not sure how to play, rules are available online.

Ladder Golf®

The game is played with 3 golf ball bolos. The object of the game is for players to wrap the bolos around any of the 3 “steps” of an upright “ladder.” Players begin by taking 5 steps from the ladder before throwing their bolos at the ladder. The game is played in rounds, with each individual trying to obtain a score of exactly 21 points.

Cornhole

A perennial favorite, players toss a bag filled with corn, beans or synthetic material and try to get their bag through the hole of a cornhole board. Individuals can play by rules established by the American Cornhole Association or house rules. The goal is to attain a score of 21.

4 in a Row

Similar to the popular board game, players drop disks in a grid in an effort to get 4 in a row, while blocking an opponent from connecting 4 in a row.

Backyard Bowling

The family favorite moves from the bowling alley to the backyard with inflatable pins and a large, soft ball. Players can roll the ball, kick it or throw it to knock down as many pins as possible.

Badminton

A game for all ages, a badminton set comes with everything needed to play. Individuals can play for points if they’re competitive, or just have fun batting the birdie back and forth.

Ring Toss

The beauty of the game is that the target can be a cone, a box, or a marked off space on the ground. Each player gets the same number of colored rings and throws them in an effort to hit the target. The player with the most rings on the cone or in the box at the end of their turn wins.

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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Hire a Food Truck for a Kid’s Outdoor Party

July 31, 2022 sfbadmin

Food is an essential ingredient for any kid’s party and instead of hosts trying to prepare all the food themselves, a food truck is a great alternative – particularly for larger events. There’s something innately attractive about eating snacks from a food truck and it’s a solution that’s equally appropriate for kids of all ages.

Prices vary by region and there’s typically a minimum number of guests required. Other factors that will affect pricing is the location of the event, the date, and popularity of the food truck brand.

Ice cream

An ice cream truck is the perfect way to cool off on a hot and humid South Florida day. Everyone likes the frozen treat and it can include traditional ice cream, frozen yogurt, custard-based ice cream, and gelato to name a few.

Tacos

The popular food can be a simple blend of meat, cheese, lettuce and toppings to such diverse fillings as eggs, potatoes and all vegetable ingredients. They can be customized in multiple ways to accommodate any taste.

Pizza

Humans are drawn to foods that are sweet, savory and rich. Pizza fits those criteria perfectly and are customized to achieve any taste combination. Pizza combines any number of ingredients that taste better when combined and eaten together.

Burgers & Hotdogs

Burgers and hotdogs are two foods that never go out of style. They’re appreciated by kids of all ages and can be topped with a wide variety of condiments. A food truck that offers a side of French fries is even better.

Sandwiches

Kids of all ages appreciate finger foods and that encompasses a wide range of sandwiches. There are food trucks that specialize in sub sandwiches, sliders, grilled cheese and even breakfast sandwiches for any time of the day. Sandwiches are a staple in virtually every country and individuals can choose from cuisine with the taste of Cuba, Mexico, Jamaica and South America, along with American versions.

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 is the Recommended Age for Trampolines?

July 31, 2022 sfbadmin

Youngsters of all ages are enamored with trampolines, but children younger than 6 years old should never be allowed to use a trampoline – even with an adult present or with safety gear. Youngsters of that age don’t have the required motor skills to use a trampoline safely. They’ll try to perform maneuvers they’ve seen others do without the physical ability to achieve them.

Children over the age of 6 shouldn’t use a trampoline unless they’re supervised and have been instructed on behaviors that are allowed. It’s important for adults to understand that injuries resulting from trampoline use frequently occur even with supervision and safety equipment. The devices can provide hours of fun, but they’re a high-risk entertainment. Many pediatric physicians discourage the use of home trampolines.

For those that choose to add a trampoline to their home environment, pads and safety nets are critical. The specialized nets enclose the trampoline, along with its springs and frame, to limit landing spaces to the bouncy portion. Equally important are regular checks of the device to ensure there are no rips, tears, deterioration or detachments.

Trampolines should be placed as close to ground level as possible and never elevated. The greater the distance the trampoline is from the ground, the greater the risk of injuries from a fall. Never set up a trampoline near trees, buildings, fences or other hazards. There are special harnesses that can be used for youngsters interested in learning flying somersaults and other types of maneuvers.

Parents should understand that older youngsters can also be at risk. Trampolining is an Olympic Sport and many children want to imitate the moves they see performed by professional athletes without the knowledge, skill or prowess to do so. Before buying a trampoline, check with the insurer providing the homeowner’s policy. Trampolines might not be covered or may increase insurance costs.

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

3 Frozen Mocktails to Kick Off Summer

June 26, 2022 sfbadmin

Summer has arrived and the desire for drinks and beverages will be at peak demand. For those that don’t partake of alcohol and parents responsible for small children, a frozen mocktail can be a key element in summer celebrations or relaxing at home.

The following are just 3 options that are appropriate for anyone and offer a fun and refreshing beverage after work, at parties or lounging around the pool. The drinks can be made fresh for consumption or for a special treat, very lightly freeze them before serving and sip as they thaw.

Mango Mule

You’ll need 4-5 slices of cucumber, 1 oz. honey syrup, 1.5 oz. mango puree, 1.5 oz. fresh lime juice, 1.5 oz. of ginger beer and ice. Muddle honey syrup and cucumber in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the mango puree, lime juice, ice, and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a copper mug, top with ginger beer and stir.

Mock Shirley Temple

Topped with a maraschino cherry, this is a colorful drink with just a few ingredients. You’ll need 4 cups of lemon lime ginger beer, 1 cup of club soda, 3 tablespoons lime juice and .25 cup grenadine. Stir ginger beer, lime juice, grenadine and club soda in a pitcher. Serve over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with lime rounds and top with a maraschino cherry.

Lemon Pineapple-ita

This recipe requires no special ingredients and they can all be obtained at the local supermarket. Chances are you’ll have many of these already on hand. All you need is 1 cup lemonade, 1 cup pineapple juice, 1 cup of ice, and ½ cup frozen pineapple. Just place all the ingredients in a blender and pulse the blender until the ice is crushed. If you have a crushed ice maker, even better. Pour in a glass, rim the glass with salt, and decorate with a lemon wedge if desired.

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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Social Media Etiquette for Children’s Parties

June 26, 2022 sfbadmin

Social media has become a popular way to invite guests to children’s parties. Keep in mind that blasting a message to all of your friends can be a risky endeavor, resulting in dozens of guests for which you haven’t planned and are unprepared. It can also be extremely hurtful to any children that are left off the guest list. It costs nothing to be kind. Consider how your own child would feel in the same circumstances.

Post Carefully

Remember that social media messages are public and can be seen by anyone – including perfect strangers. Don’t post personal information such as your phone number or email address, or the time, date and location of the event. Even with the filters and settings available, there’s a significant amount of information that can be gleaned from your profile.

Contacts Only

Social media is fast and convenient. Chances are that you’re going to know the parents of the children you’re inviting and have their contact information. Consider contacting them directly via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to issue the invitation. Direct messaging is an excellent way to ensure the parent receives the invitation – and only those that will be invited.

RSVP

Unfortunately, some people will never let you know if their child will be attending or not. Many are still reluctant to allow their child to attend events in an age of COVID-19. Make sure you include a phone number or email for parental responses or questions.

It can be helpful to include a response option using the term “regrets” for those that won’t be attending. Also be prepared to contact several parents, as there will be some that forget to respond or don’t respond by the RSVP date.

Party Pictures

There will always be party pictures taken and it can be embarrassing and hurtful – especially for teens and tweens – to suddenly see those pictures popping up in their social media feed. It’s far better to email copies only to those who were in attendance.

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

Hottest Waterslides for Summer Heat

June 26, 2022 sfbadmin

One of the best ways to beat summer heat is with an inflatable waterslide. They can be used wet or dry, and have splash pools at the end. In some models, the splash pool can be eliminated, the slide can be affixed to an inground pool, and guests are deposited directly into the swimming pool for the ultimate pool party. There are a variety of models to accommodate any size gathering and multiple age groups to ensure everyone has fun.

40 Ft.

The Twister is South Florida’s largest inflatable waterslide, featuring a 40 ft. drop and a curve at the end. The waterslide can be set up without the curve for a watery ride of 110 ft. The Hurricane is another choice that’s highlighted with a 40 ft. drop. The Typhoon is a two-lane slide with a 40 ft. drop for competitive fun that’s great for fundraisers.

38 Ft.

Designed with an astronaut theme, the 38 ft. Space Shuttle waterslide offers two lanes and is decorated with replicas of the space shuttle and the Earth.

36 Ft.

The Tidal Wave is a dual lane slide with a 32 ft. drop, while The Hulk features a blue and green 36 ft. drop and over 100 feet of dual slides.

32 Ft.

The Black Pearl has a 32 ft. drop that takes riders on a ride through a pirate ship themed slide. The All American celebrates the red, white and blue with a hump at the beginning to blast riders down a 70 ft. long slide.

All Sizes

There are a number of options ranging from a 30 ft. drop to a drop of 14 ft. for smaller children. There are models that combine the fun of a waterslide with that of an obstacle course, along with those with two types of ladders – one is a rock climb and the other is steps to the water slide. Individuals can also choose slip and slides of 35 ft. long.

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

Who Invented the Bounce House?

May 30, 2022 sfbadmin

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/

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