Ronnie's Awesome List presents a guest article by Angie Buss, Founder of The Party Buss.

A bounce house is a great outdoor activity guaranteed to entertain kids of all ages. However, if you’re not careful when making your selection your party can turn real bad, real fast. Whether you’re planning a birthday at a local park, a backyard BBQ or getting a head start on end-of-school year parties, make sure your event’s a success with these tips for renting a bounce house.

Questions to ask your vendor

Do Your Research :: Make sure the vendor you select is licensed and insured as well as has all the necessary equipment for set-up, usage and tear down. This reassures you that the company stands by its products and services. Be sure to ask if their bounce houses are commercial-grade quality. Insist on receiving a copy of all paperwork and signed agreements. 

Count on the Experts :: You’re hiring the professionals so verify that they will provide delivery, set up, tear down and pick up. This means less stress for you on party day and a safer experience for the children.

Clean :: Confirm that the bounce house is properly sterilized before and after use. This is important to avoid serious illness with anyone coming into contact with the unit.

Take Root :: Bounce houses typically come with a set of stakes to root the unit to the ground, ensuring the unit stays put. Ask if the company uses longer metal stakes instead of plastic stakes. This provides peace of mind that your bounce house will put and reduces the chances of the house shifting or moving.

Bounce House Tips

Themes :: Ask about the different shapes, sizes and designs available to rent. These days there’s a wide variety to choose from, enabling customers to choose one that best fits their party’s theme.

Size Matters :: Double (and triple!) check the size of your event location and the space you’re able to dedicate to a bounce house. Ask for the unit dimensions when making your reservation.

Pump It Up :: Generators are required to inflate a bounce house so find out if your neighborhood or community has any noise ordinances.

Supervision and Rules :: Overcrowding the bounce house affects its durability and it can even be damaged, potentially causing harm to the children inside it. Have a responsible adult monitor the activity inside the bounce house.

Companies that service the Bay Area

Astro Jumps
San Rafael
(415) 499-095   

Jubilee Jumps
Rohnert Part, CA
(415) 889-5781  

Rabbit Jumps
Novato, CA
(415) 525-7863

Jumpin’ Jacks
Sonoma County
(415) 883-5188

Party Jump
Santa Rosa, CA
(707) 528-7529

Angie Buss is the Founder of The Party Buss, Since launching The Party Buss in January 2015, Angie's been planning and designing birthday parties, graduation parties, large scale events, happy hours and much more. In addition to parties, The Party Buss hosts seasonal events such as holiday craft sessions and floral workshops. Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.