How to Choose the Best Bounce Castle for Your Child’s Party
From temporary tattoos and cake toppers to fake mustaches and swords, there’s no doubt that kids parties can be weird. But they don’t have to be. With the right bounce castle, you can create a space that’s as wholesome as it is entertaining.
Whether your child likes unicorns or zombies, we bring you a list of things to consider when buying a bounce castle for your child’s party.
It’s all about the size
Bounce castles come in different sizes and shapes for different ages, so it’s important to select one that’s appropriate for your child’s age. If you’re buying a bounce castle for an indoor party, choose one that is smaller in size (8’x10’) and without a slide.
If you’re purchasing a bounce castle for an outdoor party, you can go with one that’s slightly bigger in size (10’x12’).
If you’re planning to rent a bounce castle, you can refer to the rule of thumb used by party rental companies. They recommend renting a bounce castle that’s appropriate for kids within a range of two to three years of the age of the birthday boy or girl.
Check the company’s safety standards
You can’t go wrong with a company that has been around for more than three years. Bounce castles are inanimate objects that can’t defend themselves when children misuse them. It’s important that you buy one from a company that takes the necessary measures to ensure their customers’ safety.
A good bounce castle company should have:
- A detailed safety checklist that all workers must follow
- A standard rental policy that includes a waiver to be signed by the child’s parent or guardian
- A maintenance checklist for its inflatable units
- Proper insurance coverage for its customers
- A clear refund policy
Bounce floor or bounce wall?
The most common bounce castle type is the bounce floor. A bounce floor sits on top of an inflated floor that serves as a protective barrier between children and the ground. Bounce walls, on the other hand, are a rigid, inflatable structure that resembles a castle wall.
Bounce walls are ideal for a backyard party since they give you more options for customizing the space. You can use them to create a bounce castle with a slide, a basketball court, or a playground area.
If you want to create a bounce castle with a bounce wall, make sure you pick a castle with a door so that you can walk inside the structure.
Don’t forget about shade and clean-up
If you’re hosting a party outdoors, make sure you provide your guests with a shaded area where they can sit and eat their lunch. It’s also a good idea to sponge-clean the bounce castle after each session.
If you don’t have the time or resources to clean the castle, you can also have it professionally cleaned. Some companies also offer a service to roll up and store their castles for you after the party ends.
Assign a few adults to watch over kids
Regardless of your kids age you’ll want to assign a few adults to watch over them as they jump around on the inflatable structure. This helps prevent accidents and injuries that may occur while the kids are playing.
If you’re hosting an indoor party, make sure you choose an appropriate space to set up your bounce castle, like a large room or an indoor gymnasium. If you’re hosting an outdoor party, make sure you pick a shaded area where the kids can play without getting overheated.
Wrap Up
Bounce castles are great for both kids and adults, especially during a hot summer day. With plenty of options in the market, you can choose a product that’s suitable for your child’s age and interests.
Make sure you pick a product that comes with a safety net and has been tested for lead and other toxic elements.