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Blog, Bounce House Rental

What to Consider When Renting a Bounce House

Bounce houses are one of the most popular entertainments for small children. Individuals can now bring the fun and excitement to their own yard with rentable inflatables. The bright colors and themes are a sure-fire way to enliven any children’s event. However, there are some things to consider before renting a bounce house of which everyone should be aware.

Age Limits

Bounce houses should only be used by children between the ages of 6 to 12 for safety. Any child in a bounce house should be able to exit on their own and children under the age of 6 don’t have the coordination or motor skills required to navigate the inflatables.

Size Matters

It’s important to rent the right size bounce house for the ages and number of children that will be using it to ensure enough room to bounce safely. Children of the same approximate weight – or the same age – should be grouped together to mitigate inequities in force when youngsters are playing.

Insurance

It’s possible that a homeowner’s insurance policy will cover any potential injuries or property damage if the inflatable malfunctions, but check first. Always ensure that the rental company has insurance, what type and what’s covered.

Contracts and Waivers

Individuals will need to sign a waiver when the equipment is delivered to verify that they’ll take responsibility for the inflatable and how it’s used. Be sure to get a written contract, read it, and understand the terms before signing. Individuals shouldn’t sign any paperwork when the inflatable is delivered unless they’ve inspected it for damage. Never sign paperwork that says “as-is.”

Proper Positioning

The bounce house must be set up on level ground free of rocks, twigs and debris. It must be positioned away from close proximity with fences, structures, trees, and electrical lines. The inflatable must be secured to the ground and most companies will do this as part of the rental contract. A generator might need to be rented separately to adequately inflate the bounce house.

Supervision

A bounce house must have responsible adult supervision at all times to enforce rules. Those include no shoes in the bounce house and no sharp objects that might puncture the inflatable. That means checking the pockets of users. If rain or wind is present, remove the children to a safe location and turn off the generator that keeps the bounce house inflated.

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

How do Bounce Houses Inflate?

Anyone that considers renting a bounce house must ensure access to electricity is available. There’s no way that home air pumps will generate the air required to sufficiently inflate a bounce house. High-powered, 5500-watt gas-operated generators, complete with a full tank of gas, are available to rent that have the needed strength to inflate all the cracks and crannies of a bounce house.

Essentially, a bounce house blower is a big fan that injects air into the bounce house through an air tube attached to the inflatable. Generators are either electrical or gas operated and are left running while children are using the entertainment. There are vents built into the inflatable to allow for the escape of air as children jump and bounce. A small amount of air will also be evacuated through the inflatable’s seams – even a brand-new bounce house.

Some people worry about over inflation, viewing a bounce house as little more than an oversize balloon, but it’s virtually impossible to overinflate a bounce house. Renting a generator from the same company as the inflatable ensures individuals have the right size generator for the job. The bounce house will inflate quicker and ensure firmness for optimal operation.

Once the bounce house has been inflated sufficiently, an adult will need to be on dedicated duty at the inflatable at all times. The individual will be responsible for enforcing safety rules. Users will need to remove their shoes before entering the bounce house and the adult will need to ensure too many children aren’t in the inflatable at the same time.

It’s important that children of approximately the same weight be grouped together to avoid inequities of force when youngsters jump. The adult will also be responsible for ensuring that no sharp objects enter the entertainment that could potentially puncture the bounce house. Never let children under the age of 6 use a bounce house as they lack the motor skills and balance required to be safe.

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

Tips for Planning a Family Reunion

A family reunion is the perfect occasion to catch up on what families are doing, let cousins get reacquainted, and visit with far flung relatives. The gathering can be held in the back yard or at a posh venue. A successful gathering will depend on proper preparation long before the event takes place. Some family reunions are one-day events, while others take place over an entire weekend. Decide on duration early.

Location

The number of attendees will dictate location. That’s why it’s essential to send out notification of the event early. Even a year before hand isn’t too early. Once everyone has responded, it will be easy to plan everything from the location to the food.

Activities and Amusements

While many attendees will want to spend their time talking and taking photos, it’s always a good idea to include some games and activities. It can encompass simple games such as horseshoes, a bean bag toss or a scavenger hunt. A game of baseball may be welcome.

Individuals can even choose to offer dancing. Portable dance floors can be rented and music can be provided via a band, DJ or through streaming a mix list.

Food

A catered event will eliminate headaches about the menu, but it can also be expensive. Many families take a potluck approach. It’s an opportunity for family to share their favorite dishes or award-winning recipes.

Pot luck meals work if attendees are fairly local, but extra food will need to be arranged to accommodate appetites if long-distance relatives will be in attendance. Don’t forget to ascertain if anyone is vegan or has food allergies and share that information with others if a pot luck is planned.

Tables and Chairs

Ample seating and table space is critical, not only for a place to place the food, but for people to sit and eat. A rented venue will take care of those needs, but it’s something to consider if it’s a less formal environment.

Comfort and Weather

Storms and squalls can blow in at any time. Events at indoor venues provide shelter in the event of a storm and air conditioning for relief from the hot and humid summer weather. If the event isn’t at the host’s home or a rented venue, plan on renting tents and a portable air conditioner for the tent.

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

5 Bounce House Safety Rules for a Fun Party

Few youngsters can resist the springiness of a bounce house and it’s one of the most often sought inflatables for parties involving young children. They’re also one of the top rentals by church groups and non-profit organizations for community events. Before making the decision to rent a bounce house for a children’s party, there are 5 critical safety rules that everyone should know and enforce.

Adult Supervision

An adult should be present at all times when a child is in a bounce house. Never leave children unattended. The adult will be responsible for monitoring youngsters and ensuring that too many children aren’t in the inflatable at the same time. Inflatables also have weight limits for each child. Try to place children of a similar size in the bounce house at the same time.

Bounce houses are never safe for children under the age of 6 – they lack the coordination and balance needed to use them. Set rules that no tumbling, flips or wrestling is allowed and remove any child that doesn’t follow the rules.

Pick a Place

The location where a bounce house will operate is a critical safety component. The ground should be flat, free of sticks and rocks, and not set on any protrusions such as irrigation sprinkler heads. Never set bounce houses near sheds, fences or other type of structures. Take care that the inflatable isn’t near overhead electric lines or tree limbs.

Shoes and Sharp Objects

It’s important that youngsters remove shoes, jewelry and other items before they enter the inflatable. Be sure that children aren’t carrying anything in their pockets that could potentially puncture the bounce house.

Weather Concerns

Never let children in the bounce house in weather conditions that are rainy or windy, if lightning is seen, or thunder is heard. Wind that are strong enough to blow about small branches, dust or paper presents a danger to a bounce house and those using it. Have children exit and move them to a safe area.

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: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

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Blog, Bounce House Rental

Best Entertainments for Kids Outdoor Parties

Anyone that’s ever hosted a kid’s party knows the advantages of holding it outdoors. Attendees can work off excess energy and cleaning up is much easier. There are any number of interest-grabbing entertainments of which individuals can avail themselves. Hosts can choose old-school games and activities or select inflatables for those that want to create a lasting impression.

Inflatables

The sheer selection of available inflatables can be overwhelming, with choices for kids of any age. There are bounce houses and water slides for the younger set. For older kids, there are 40-ft. high water slides, mazes, obstacle courses, and mechanical rides. Sports games are always popular and include bungee trampolines, rock walls, Zorb balls, mini golf and sumo arenas. Inflatable carnival games such as skee ball are also available.

Glam Party

For teen and tween girls, a glam party is sure to please. Professionals bring the salon to the home with make-up, nail and hair styles for any young woman.

Scavenger Hunt

Hosts don’t need to spend a lot to host a nature-based scavenger hunt. The activity can be as simple or elaborate as desired.

Water Balloon Fight

Water balloons are an excellent, budget-friendly activity. It’s a great way for youngsters to keep cool and water balloons are a perennial favorite for kids of all ages.

Limbo

While it may bring to mind memories of the 1950s for hosts, it requires little in the way of equipment and few kids can resist the body-bending activity.

Magicians

“Magic” mesmerizes young and old and it’s a particularly good option for younger generations.

Movie Night

This is a great activity for overnight parties during warmer months. It can be tailored to boys or girls and keeps attendees occupied. It can be accomplished with a very large outdoor TV or with a projector and sheet. Just serve some popcorn and let the show begin.

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, Event Planning

Catering Ideas to Make Your Event Memorable

Buffet-style catering is by far the most popular idea for informal social parties. It’s also great for DIY people that enjoy cooking and the clean-up is fairly quick and easy. There are four basic types of catering – wedding, corporate, social and concession. Working with a professional caterer eliminates stress and they have multiple menus and options from which to choose.

The type of catering will obviously depend on the guests and the specific reason for the event. A full-service professional caterer does more than simply deliver the food. They also serve it in an appealing way and provide the table service, along with tables, seating and décor. In many instances, a caterer can also book a special venue and provide entertainment if desired.

Backyard BBQ

There are caterers that can actually roast a pig or side of beef in the client’s backyard. BBQ style events typically have a western theme, but can also take on an international flavor.

Tropical

Bring on the tiki torches and mocktails. A tropical themed event can incorporate a variety of elements and dishes from multiple island nations.

Retro

Individuals can let their imaginations run wild with a retro party. Catering can accommodate food and décor from the 1920s to visions of ancient Egypt. A retro party can include themes from movies and TV shows.

Toga

Believe it or not, toga parties are still in style. They don’t emulate the sense of a frat house as in popular movies, instead exuding a sense of the opulence and decadence of Rome.

Clean Eating

Fresh, locally sourced menus take center stage to highlight these events. They feature menus that can be served in various ways and fit in with virtually any décor or theme.

International

For those that prefer an international touch, caterers can take a page from the Scottish Highlands, Bollywood and Paris to Britain’s royalty, a Brazilian carnival or Mexican fiesta.

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, Event Planning

Outdoor Event Spaces Must-Haves

An outdoor event provides an affordable alternative to pricy venues. However, there are some essential amenities that the outdoor space must have and the South Florida climate also presents some challenges that will require solutions.

Permits and Insurance

At least one permit will be required, and possibly more, depending on the location, number of people that will attend, or if roadways will be affected by the volume of traffic. The permit is especially important when food or beverages will be available.

Liability insurance provides protection should someone be injured during the event and is typically a requirement by municipalities for before issuing a permit. Individuals will have to secure the use of the property before applying for any permit and there may be time limits on when the application must be submitted.

Bathrooms

Whether its restroom facilities in a park or portable toilets, they’re critical. When portable toilets are used, they need to be strategically placed and in sufficient numbers that long lines and waits don’t occur.

Pest Control & Sanitation

No one can enjoy activities if they’re constantly being bothered by insects. The pests also have the potential to spread disease. Have a professional treat the area prior to the event. Be sure plenty of trash receptacles are placed strategically throughout the grounds and plenty of help is available to assist with clean-up and other details. Consider contracting with a professional trash service for trash receptacles and removal of trash.

Food

Whether it’s prepared meals or traditional carnival fare such as hot dogs, burgers and popcorn, people want to eat. They’ll also expect water and soda. That’s where professional vendors are invaluable.

Running Water

People need a source of clean running water for spills and other situations. It provides a source of fresh water for people if bottled water isn’t available and for service dogs.

Electricity

Any event will require access to electricity whether its held day or night. It’s critical for safety lighting, entertainment and food vendors. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit on hand.

Phone Access

Most people have cell phones and it’s a mistake to plan an event where service is unavailable or sketchy. Attendees won’t be happy and it may be needed in the event of an emergency.

Tents and Canopies

Tents and canopies provide shade from the sun or an unexpected rain shower. Seriously consider at least one air-conditioned tent, especially for infants and the elderly where they can cool off.

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

Explaining Traditions to a Child

traditions

Every family and culture has traditions that are conducted during the holidays, but children often assume that everyone celebrates in the same way. For children to understand their family’s traditions, it’s essential that parents talk to their children about them.

It’s not just the traditions practiced during holidays that matter. Children also need to know about the smaller things their family does ranging from tucking them in at night to special ways of saying goodbye as they head for the bus.

Habits to Traditions

What begins as a habit will transition into a tradition over time if repeated often enough. A tradition can be foods, actions or other practices handed down through generations. It may also be something newer and of shorter duration that’s been incorporated into the celebration. Traditions can be based on religious beliefs, personal values, relate to a family’s country of origin, or honor an ancestor.

Traditions aren’t always solemn recitations or actions – they can be funny and humorous – and smaller traditions are just as important as the larger ones. The whole point of traditions is to connect with family over shared bonds. It’s equally important for parents to teach tolerance of those that celebrate differently.

Tell a Story

Parents also need to understand that the explanation doesn’t have to be complicated and should be tailored to the age of the child. Elementary-age youngsters are great at asking “why” and they love stories. In learning about the family’s traditions, it gives children a sense of identity, belonging and stability.

Change is Good

Traditions change and evolve over time as new practices are added and pieces are discarded. The way traditions are celebrated now has changed from those of the past. Many grew out of technological advances. For instance, using electric lights on the Christmas tree instead of candles One of the great things about traditions is that every generation has the power to enact change while keeping the core values. Don’t be afraid of change or overlook the benefits that can come with 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/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

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Blog, Event Planning

Fall Festival Entertainment

Public and private fall festivals are a tradition, providing a farewell to summer and celebrating the autumn season. Whether the event is held as a private event or conducted by local businesses or communities, there are some things to keep in mind.

Consider the atmosphere to be created and think about the sights, sounds and flavors of a county fair. There are always certain entertainments that have a long line to be played. Equipping a fall festival with the right entertainment will result in a successful event.

Inflatables

A bounce house or playground for younger festival-goers is essential. There’s a myriad of bright and colorful themes from which to choose that will appeal to children. Adults enjoy competition and festival organizers can choose from an extensive range of obstacle courses, rock-climbing walls or a corn maze.

Mechanical Rides

For those that want something more challenging, consider a bungee trampoline, a virtual rollercoaster, mechanical bull, or a space-based interactive arena. There are also inflatables that enable people to test their skills at snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding.

Games

A range of games is critical and there’s an extensive selection from which to choose. Organizers can offer traditional favorites from skee ball, wack a mole, battle-ax game and ring toss to Plinko, basketball throw, connect four and football challenge. Photo booths are also available.

Music

A steady stream of upbeat music enhances the atmosphere and encourages individuals to have fun. Strategically placed speakers ensure that music reaches all areas of the festival grounds. Rock music is the traditional choice and it doesn’t have to rely on current hits. Don’t be reticent about including some “oldies” from artists encompassing Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, Beyonce, Pink, Madonna, Aretha Franklin, Joan Jett, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.

Food

No festival would be complete without food. Virtually everyone enjoys a BBQ for a more filling option, but don’t overlook cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and hotdogs for those that want to walk the festival while they munch. Don’t forget to have enough tables and chairs so people can eat and rest in comfort.

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

Holiday Party Entertainment Ideas

Holiday Party Entertainment

Parties are standard fare during the holidays. Individuals will receive numerous party invitations and hosts will want their event to be one that’s remembered long into the new year. Entertainment is a key ingredient to keep guests engaged, but that doesn’t mean expensive bands or acts.

For individuals planning a holiday party to be held at home, there are options for a variety of budgets and interests. Don’t forget to rent a photo booth to record all the fun. The images make great souvenirs.

Secret Santa

There are multiple variations of this. In one version, each guest brings an anonymous wrapped gift and each person takes turns choosing one from the pile. Some choose to host a Secret Santa with gag gifts, white elephant gifts, or a Yankee Swap in which each person has the opportunity to swap their gift with the person that went before them. Set a price limit for the gifts and one that’s comfortable for everyone.

Scavenger Hunt

The host buys a gift for each guest and hides them before the party. Guests then hunt until they find a gift. When everyone has a gift, it’s time to open them for a fun surprise.

Candy Cane Hide-and-Seek

Hide candy canes and let people seek. The person collecting the most will receive a special prize.

Gift Swap

This entertainment can be conducted with everyone bringing cookies made with their favorite recipe. Alternatives include a mug swap where everyone brings in an anonymously wrapped mug as a gift.

Karaoke

A karaoke-based holiday party enables everyone to be a star and guests to enjoy their favorite holiday music. People can sing alone, as a duo, or form groups.

Pajama Party

Fancy party clothes can be fun, but what about adult comfort? All guests need is a set of pajamas for a fun and relaxing party where everyone is comfortable.

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: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

https://twitter.com/SBounce