Category Archives: Event Planning

Back to School Party Ideas!

Students have returned to school and the hectic lead up to the first day of school has subsided. New classes, teachers and friends can be duly celebrated with a back-to-school party. There are numerous ways to celebrate and themes that can be utilized to provide a fun time for students.

Inflatables

Depending on the available space, individuals can rent waterslides, carnival games, mechanical rides and virtual reality experiences, along with sports arenas and obstacle courses. To make food easy and simple, there are also fun food machines that can be rented.

Scavenger Hunt

There’s something about a scavenger hunt that intrigues people of all ages. In keeping with a back-to-school theme, children can be set the task of finding fun school-related items or things in nature for a science-based theme. Be sure to supply some fun prizes for everyone.

Photo Booth

A photo booth can easily be rented and individuals will supply the items that youngsters can combine in any way they desire for their fun, silly photos. Be creative and include Halloween costumes and items from other holidays, oversized sunglasses, fun hats and accessories. Many of the items can be found at dollar stores.

Ice Cream & Smoothie Bar

Create an ice cream or smoothie bar with lots of fruits and toppings. It’s a great way for youngsters of any age to stay cool with healthy treats. Add some music and let the fun begin.

Balloons

Individuals have a lot of latitude when planning parties with balloons. They can host a water balloon bash. For a nighttime party, there are glow in the dark balloons and those that shine under a black light. Hold a balloon bust party where students step on balloons to break them for prizes. Balloons are available in an array of shapes and colors.

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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Foam Cannons for Your Kid’s Party!

One of the most popular and trendy themes for a kid’s event is a foam party. Kids get to have all the fun they want to play and party in several feet of fluffy, non-soapy suds – without any of the mess or clean-up. When the party is over, the foam simply dissipates by itself.

Foam parties are a relatively inexpensive way to throw a highly memorable kid’s party. All you need is access to electricity to run the machine and a source of water. However, if you want to join in the fun, hire a professional operator.

You’ll need a foam machine that can be rented or purchased at any number of stores, and liquid or gel foam formula. The solutions are hypoallergenic, scent free, non-staining, and biodegradable. They’re safe on skin and garment-friendly.

You can also add some features to make parties extra special that includes black lights, color additives, inflatable foam pits, and specialized UV foam that glows. Add your favorite music and let the fun begin. Depending on the capacity of the machine, the foam can cover up to a 40×40 ft. area in your yard or driveway.

A foam party is appropriate for children of all ages. Don’t forget a camera to document the event. There will be plenty of opportunities for fun photos as kids pile foam on their heads to create hairdos or make foam beards and mustaches, and they can even craft foam snowmen. Keep towels and sunscreen on hand, along with a change of clothes, but kids will quickly dry off in the sun.

Attendees should wear clothing that’s comfortable and something parents won’t mind if it gets wet. Fast drying materials are recommended and swim suits are best. The only limitations are clothing that may not be water-friendly and garments made of suede, along with flip-flops and heels that could cause a fall.

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

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

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

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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Kid Friendly Favorites from the Air Fryer

Air fryers are a healthy alternative to frying foods in oil or baking in the oven. They’re especially beneficial as they can reduce the number of calories by up to 80 percent. There are dozens of foods that can be prepared in an air fryer that are also kid favorites.

One of the benefits is that foods cook faster – even frozen items – making it possible to quickly prepare foods from the freezer to the air fryer. It can be difficult to get youngsters to eat some foods, but air frying opens up new horizons. The following are just some kid favorite foods to cook in an air fryer.

Corn Dogs

There’s something about a hotdog surrounded by a cornbread coating that kids love and part of the attraction is that the food is on a stick.

Chicken Tenders/Nuggets

Whether it’s chicken tenders or nuggets, it’s a healthy alternative to chicken fried in oil or even baked chicken.

Tater Tots/French Fries

One of the benefits of an air fryer is that cooks can get the desired crispiness for fries and tots without the need to deep fry them. The same is true if a child is a fan of sweet potato or zucchini chips or onion rings.

Pizza Rolls/Pockets

A finger food with the flavor of pizza – it’s no wonder that they’re a kid favorite – and they can easily be prepared for an after-school snack or for the lunchbox. Use pita bread rounds to make personalized mini pizzas.

French Toast

When the breakfast food is prepared in an air fryer it typically comes out extra crispy, providing a perfect base for syrup or fruit toppings. French toast can also be cut into “fingers” for dipping.

Mozzarella Sticks

Just pop frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer for a quick and healthy snack. Pair the cheese sticks with any type of dipping sauce the child likes best.

Pigs in a Blanket

The tasty smokies wrapped in a crescent roll aren’t just hors d’oeuvres for adult parties. Kids love them too and they make a delicious finger food snack.

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

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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Entertainment for Your Summer Birthday Party

It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a summer birthday party for an adult or child, there are inflatable entertainments to accommodate any interest or theme. Inflatable entertainments are an affordable option that guests will never tire of playing. Inflatables enable you to throw a party that will be a special memory for years to come.

Interactive Games

Few things are as exciting as a bungee trampoline, available with single, double and quad jump stations. Depending on the ages of the attendees, you can select from a virtual rollercoaster, rock climbing wall, zorba balls, or 9-hole mini golf. Guests will also find fun with a warp speed interactive arena, disco dome, sumo arena, 3-lane skee ball or human sized lawn games.

If you’ve never experienced bull riding, surfing or snowboarding, now is a perfect opportunity to give it a try. Mechanical bulls can be rented for your party, along with games that give people the opportunity to try their hand at surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding. Guests can also try catching a big wave with a robo surfer. Don’t forget bounce houses for younger children.

Obstacle Courses

Inflatable obstacle courses enable friends and family to compete against each other in a variety of friendly competitions. You can select from mazes from which guests have to escape or choose inflatables highlighted by warrior style contests. For children, there are options that include a Candy Land themed or Zoo Island toddler combo.

Waterslides

From waterslides with a whopping 40 ft. drop to those of a mere 14 ft., single, double and triple lane models are available for some friendly competition. They have multiple themes and some can be affixed to an inground swimming pool for a final splash down into the pool. Others end in a splash pool at the end of the slide.

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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What to Include in Your Outdoor Event Budget

There are dozens of details to consider when planning an outdoor event and one of the most important is your budget. Knowing how much you have to spend will affect every aspect of the event and its ultimate success.

Food

Feeding guests is going to be a major part of your expenses. Always plan on extra food. Serving a simple menu can help cut costs. Burgers, hotdogs and punch are far less expensive than steak, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Find out if any guests are vegan or have food allergies and plan for some options that meet their dietary requirements. Peruse dollar stores for low-cost table service.

Entertainment

Instead of a band or DJ, consider creating a playlist that can be broadcast over your stereo. If dancing is on the agenda, rent a portable dance floor. Inflatables can provide hours of fun and they’re economical compared to other types of entertainments. Consider if you’re going to decorate for the event. There are dozens of dollar stores that offer economical decorations.

Location

Depending on the size of your guest list, consider holding the event at a public park. They may be free to use, even for larger groups. Holding an event at home is even more budget-friendly, assuming you have the space.

Permits and Insurance

If a park is the event destination, you may need a permit. Some public spaces issue permits for a nominal fee. It may not be much, but the cost should be figured into your budget. Don’t assume that your homeowner’s insurance will cover any damages or injuries incurred at an at-home party – there may be exclusions.

Sun and Rain

Blazing sun and unexpected rain present a problem. Tents or canopies provide essential shade if no natural shade is available. They also provide shelter from the rain. It can take a significant bite out of your budget, but it’s well-worth the expense.

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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Family Vacation Planning Post COVID

In the post COVID-19 pandemic environment, travel isn’t as simple as it was in the past. Those planning on a family vacation will have many more things to consider and requirements to meet than before. One simple omission could put the brakes on a well-deserved respite.

Passport

Travel outside the U.S. requires a passport. If you’re applying for the first time or need to renew, begin the process early. The U.S. Department of State is behind. Routine processing can take up to 3 months. Expedited processing, which costs extra, can take up to 2 months.

Vaccine Cards and Masks

A vaccination card is critical and travelers should be current on all boosters. COVID-related requirements vary widely among countries. Some require a negative test within a specified number of days prior to boarding a plane, while others require a minimum quarantine time upon arrival.

Some countries still have mask requirements in place within certain indoor areas or when utilizing public transportation. Masks should be worn over the nose and mouth. Be prepared for changes. Countries can, and do, change their rules according to rates of infection and the situation can change at a moment’s notice. Travel bans may be instituted.

Rates

The cost of airfare and accommodations have increased significantly. Be prepared to pay more, but still shop around for the best rates. Deals are still available, but individuals will need to do the legwork online to find them – or book with a travel agent who should be able to keep you advised of current COVID requirements.

Travel Insurance

Be aware that not all travel insurance plans cover COVID-related interruptions or cancellations, while others cover some situations but not all. Purchasing “cancel for any reason” coverage will provide individuals with some reimbursement, even if it doesn’t cover the full cost.

Travel insurance may or may not include quarantine-related delays and losses. Some of the policies provide benefits ranging from $100 to $2,000 per day, along with medical coverage for quarantine or hospitalization. Choose “interruption for any reason” coverage.

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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