Looking for a way to “WOW!” the kids (and adults) at any event? The answer is pretty simple: rent a bounce house. While bounce houses are rather expensive to own and store, they are surprisingly affordable to rent for an event or party. But how much does it cost to rent a bounce house?
In this blog, we’ll go over everything you need to know about renting a bounce house for your event!
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bounce House?
Bounce houses are super common and perhaps even expected at large events. But the truth is that anybody can rent a bounce house for any reason! Many families choose to rent bounce houses for special occasions like birthdays or family reunions. We also get plenty of inquiries from DIY wedding planners running child-friendly weddings or who simply want to add a flair of fun for bachelor/bachelorette parties.
Regardless of the purpose, the first question to answer is how much a bounce house rental is actually going to cost you.
How Much to Rent a Bounce House
How much it costs to rent a bounce house actually boils down to the type of inflatable you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay between $150 and $400 per day, not including delivery and set-up. Some specialty bounce houses may be more expensive and could cost up to $800 per day. But for most parties and events, expect not to rent a specialty or themed bounce house. Generally, these are the types of bounce houses rented for events:
- Regular Bounce Houses: Enclosed inflatables that are primarily designed for bouncing and jumping. They typically feature four inflatable walls and a roof-like structure, making them safe and suitable for children of all ages. These are classic for straightforward fun at any kid-centric event.
- Combo Bounce Houses: These combine the traditional features of a regular bounce house with additional elements such as slides, tunnels, or climbing areas. They are ideal for larger events or parties with a lot of space. Keep in mind that these take up more room than a traditional bounce house!
- Obstacle Course Inflatables: Interactive setups that include multiple challenges like climbing walls, slides, tunnels, and other barriers. These courses are designed to promote physical activity and can be competitive.
- Dry/Water Slides: Versatile inflatable slides that can be used either as a traditional dry slide or as a water slide. These inflatables are designed to offer dual functionality: during warmer weather, they can be connected to a water hose to create a fun and refreshing water slide experience, complete with splashes and a pool at the base for landing.
Prices to Rent a Bounce House
| Bounce House Type | Estimated Price Range Per Day |
|---|---|
| Bounce Houses | $100 – $500 |
| Bounce House with Slide (Combo) | $250 – $500 |
| Obstacle Course Bounce House | $380 – $900 |
| Dry/Water Slides | $200 – $600 |
How Much Is It to Rent a Bounce House vs. to Buy?
If you frequently host events and/or parties where there are a ton of kids, you might wonder: how much does it cost to buy a bounce house, and should I? The answer to this question is a little convoluted. For most people, buying a bounce house simply doesn’t make sense. But there are exceptions to this rule.
Should I Buy a Bounce House?
For most party and event planners who host a lot of parties, buying a bounce house simply doesn’t make sense. Even if you buy your bounce house on clearance, you are looking at spending at least $1,500 for a single bounce house. And that’s if you’re okay with the same theme at every event. Want a different theme for a new occasion? Get ready to shell out another couple of thousand dollars.
Every. Single. Time.
In addition to the hefty up-front cost, owning a bounce house comes with ongoing hassles *cough* sorry, we mean commitments. Storage and maintenance. Storing a large inflatable requires significant space, typically not available in standard homes or garages. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety and longevity, involving cleaning, repairs, and safety inspections. These tasks not only eat into your time but can also become pretty expensive over the years.
And at that point, you may as well start your own inflatable rental business!
When Does It Make Sense to Buy a Bounce House?
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Commercial Use: If you run a business that specializes in children’s entertainment or event planning, purchasing your own equipment could save money in the long run. Having your own bounce houses means you can offer immediate availability without rental fees, potentially increasing your profitability.
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Frequent Large-Scale Community Events: For organizations that host frequent large events, such as schools, churches, or community centers, buying a bounce house might be cost-effective. If the frequency of these events justifies the expense, the investment can pay off, providing a free activity for children at every event.
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Rental Business: Starting a bounce house rental business can turn a significant purchase into a revenue-generating asset. If you’re looking to enter the event rentals market, investing in high-quality inflatables could provide a steady income stream.
Additional Considerations for Renting a Bounce House
If you’ve decided to rent a bounce house for your next event, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
1. Space
You’ll want a flat, open space to place the bounce house—think about the size of the one you’re renting and then add a bit more room around all sides for safe entry and exit. Grass is usually the best surface because it’s soft and reduces the risk of injuries. Try to avoid uneven areas, slopes, or hard surfaces like concrete that could be unsafe for the little jumpers.
Also, make sure the spot you pick is free of overhead hazards. Low tree branches or overhead cables can be a big no-no for safety.
2. Power
Bounce houses need a steady stream of power to keep them inflated, so you’ll need to ensure there’s an electrical outlet nearby. Typically, these inflatables require a standard 110-volt outlet, which is what you’d find in your home for small appliances.
No outlet nearby? No worries! This is a common scenario, especially in parks or larger outdoor spaces. In these cases, a portable generator is fine. You can usually rent one from the same company providing the bounce house, or they might even include it as part of the rental package. Just make sure you check how much power the generator needs to supply to keep the bounce house inflated.
3. Weather
If there’s a chance of rain or it’s going to be very windy, having a backup plan is crucial. Any rental company worth their salt will not let you utilize an inflatable bounce house during inclement weather (thunderstorms or windy conditions). This is a big safety hazard! Most bounce house rentals come with flexible rescheduling policies for bad weather, so be sure to ask about those options before you finalize your rental.
Monitor the forecast leading up to the event and stay in touch with your rental company. If things look iffy, they’ll help you make the call. This way, you can focus on enjoying the day.
4. Safety Precautions
Safety is super important when it comes to bounce houses, and a few simple steps can make all the difference.
- Always have an adult keep an eye on the bounce house when it’s in use.
- Don’t exceed the limit on how many jumpers you can have at once. If you’re not sure what the guidelines are for this, ask your rental company.
- No shoes, no sharp objects like belts or jewelry, and definitely no food or drinks inside.
By following these simple safety tips, you’ll ensure that everyone has a great time without any bumps or bruises.
5. Set Up
Under no circumstance should you set up a bounce house that you have rented from a rental company. The folks who deliver your bounce house are pros at making sure it’s installed safely and securely. They know all the tricks to anchor it down tight, even if it gets a bit breezy. Trying to set up a bounce house yourself could spill out safety hazards for you and your guests, so we do not recommend that you attempt to DIY this part!
Aim to have the bounce house fully set up at least an hour before the party starts.
Ready to Find the Perfect Bounce House Rental? We Can Help!
So, how much does it cost to rent a bounce house? Expect to spend between $150 and $800 depending on your needs. For smaller events, you will likely need to budget around $300 for your bounce house rental, while larger events may need to budget up to $1,000. If you’re ready to start shopping, let Reventals help! Reventals is the largest online marketplace for party rentals in the US. Simply put the items you want in your cart and submit it, then we’ll send you an invoice for your event.
We take care of the most annoying parts of party planning for you — no more calling around or worrying about the quality of your vendors. We only take rentals from the best of the best, meaning all the items we rent out are high quality, and all of our vendors are professional and punctual. The best part? You don’t pay a dime for our service.
Start planning your next party here!
