Becoming more popular at birthday parties all over, bounce houses are an exciting and fun activity for guests and the birthday boy or girl. Bounce Houses (or Bouncy Houses) appeal to children of all ages, up to about the age of 10.

With many styles, colors and designs to bounce houses, one is sure to fit in with the theme of your child’s birthday party. You can rent them or even choose to purchase them, altohough if you decide to purchase, you need to consider how much it will get used. If it will be used only a few times, it is perhaps better to rent. Some themes that can be found on bounce houses are:

• Disney Princesses
• Finding Nemo
• Sponge Bob Squarepants
• Castles & Knights
• Sports
• Jungle
• Hot Air Balloons
• Holidays
• And many more!

However, before deciding to rent a bounce house for your next party, some tips should be followed to make sure you are getting a safe inflatable:

1. Ask the vendor if they are insured. Find out if a copy of the insurance certificate can be supplied to you before you rent the inflatable.

2. Ask the vendor if all employees have been fully trained and are experienced in working with and operating an inflatable.

3. Ask what kinds of safety measures they can provide you with.

The price of the bounce house rental should never be a deciding factor in which one you ultimately rent! The only considerations should be given to the safety and well-being of the guests who will be enjoying the bounce house. If you have any other questions about the inflatable, do not hesitate to ask!

If you go ahead and rent the unit for your party, here is a check-list of things to watch for/do when the vendor employee arrives:

1. Make sure that a tarp is placed on the ground to protect the bottom of the bounce house (or other type of inflatable).

2. Make sure that the bounce house is properly and completely staked down or weighted heavily with sand bags.

3. Once the bounce house is completely inflated, make sure that there is no damage visible on it, like rips or holes.

4. Make sure that the bounce house is completely inflated. There should not be any sagging areas anywhere.

5. Make sure the vendor employee covers all operating procedures and safety rules verbally. After that has been completed, as printed listing of all the above should be given to you, as well.

Again, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask! It is the responsibility of both the vendor and YOU to keep the guests safe when using the rented bounce house.

Now, the operation of the bounce house is up to you. As with any kind of ‘ride’, a bounce house has many safety rules that should be followed. Samples of some common rules listed by many bounce house vendors are:

1. The bounce house should be attended at all times by a responsible adult over the age of 18.

2. Children under 3 should never use a bounce house, unless it is a very small unit designed specifically for them.

3. Children should not be grouped by age, but by size!

4. Follow the maximum ride capacity guideline strictly! Never allow more guests to go into the bounce house if the maximum is already inside.

5. Frequently do safety checks of the bounce house, as shown to you buy the vendor employee.

6. Do not use the unit in high winds or during rain. If bad weather should strike, turn the bounce house off.

7. Follow the posted rules on the bounce house at all times:

a. Take off shoes before entering the bounce house.
b. Empty pockets before entering the bounce house.
c. Remove all jewelry, watches, and glasses before entering the bounce house.
d. No flips, cartwheels, wrestling or other types of behaviors while in the bounce house.
e. No food or drink in the bounce house.

8. If an accident should occur, seek medical attention right away.

A bounce house can be the center of the birthday party fun. So, keep it safe and allow all the guests to enjoy it!