A bounce house is a large, inflatable contraption in which children jump and play. Also called moonwalks, jumpers or inflatable bouncers, these are popular to rent or purchase for parties, festivals and special events. Bounce houses come in a variety of themes, like castles, animated characters and obstacle courses.
Typical costs:
Most rental companies rent bounce houses for blocks of 4, 6 or 8 hours. The calculated hourly rate is typically $10 to $80 per hour, with rates from $30 to $50 an hour being the most common.
To rent a standard bounce house typically costs $100 to $250 a day. Equipped with a jumping area only, these bounce houses are typically 15 feet long, tall and wide. The Moonwalk Bounce House[1] from Indiana's Planet Bounce is around this size and rents for $170 a day.
To rent an elaborate bounce house typically costs $200 to $575 a day. While standard bounce houses have a jumping area only, elaborate inflatables may include slides, climbing walls or splash areas. At Mikco's Cool Bounces in the Washington, D.C., area, a Castle Combo 5-in-1[2] with a jump area, obstacles, basketball hoop, climbing area and slide rents for $375 for eight hours.
To buy a residential bounce house typically costs $250 to $600. These inflatables hold three to five children at a time. The Princess Dreamland Bounce House[3] by Blast Zone costs $300 and can hold up to three kids.
To buy a commercial-grade bounce house typically costs $1,000 to $2,000. These structures can hold five to 10 children at once and are made of high-quality materials that are durable enough to use repeatedly. For example, Magic Jump Inflatables sells the Ball Pit[4] for $1,500.
Most rental companies include delivery, setup and pickup in their price quote. Bounce houses can be set up can be on any flat, grassy area or concrete. They can not be placed on dirt or gravel.
Rental companies should always clean and sanitize a bounce house before delivery.
The rental company should provide proof of liability insurance, which will cover personal injury expenses at a party.
A standard-sized bounce house can be from 8 to 15 feet in each dimension.
Three to 10 children may be able to safely use the bounce house at the same time, depending on weight restrictions and the rental company's policy.
Additional costs:
Rental companies typically request a 50% deposit to reserve a bounce house. There may also be a delivery and setup charge of up to $50, though this is typically included.
A generator may be needed if the 50- to 75-foot cord provided will not reach a power outlet from the bounce house location. Generators are available for rent for $85 to $100.
Companies have various cancellation policies based on weather other circumstances. (Bounce houses are not safe to use in the rain, so many companies make exceptions for this.) For instance, Bounce Houses Ohio calls the morning of the event and offers customers the chance to cancel a rental if rain is expected. On the other hand, A-1 Bounce House Rentals in Dallas charges a 25% cancellation fee if less than 48 hours notice is given.
Additional cleaning fees may apply if party guests use silly string, gum or candy in the bounce house. For example, Bounce Houses Ohio charges a $250.00 cleaning fee if any of the above items are found.
Some rental companies, such as Ziggy's Entertainment[5] in Virginia, may be able to provide an attendant to supervise children for an additional $30 an hour.
Discounts:
Some companies will rent a bounce house for 4 hours rather than a full day (6 or 8 hours). You may save $50 to $75 by reserving for only 4 hours of the day.
Shopping for a bounce house:
Look for a rental company that is fully insured and inspected. The Safe Inflatable Operators Training Organization maintains a searchable database and recommends that consumers always obtain a copy of the company's insurance certificate before signing a contract. SIOTO lists more safety tips[6] for consumers at its website.
Search for bounce house rentals by doing a simple Web search or browsing the International Moonwalk Rentals Directory[7] . Companies are listed in this third-party directory at no charge.
If looking to buy a bounce house, read the specifications carefully. Even though a bounce house is constructed of commercial vinyl does not mean that it is suitable for commercial use.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
I have really wanted to jump house for a long time because my I never played on One before because my dad never wants to buy me one and I never had one for a long time
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
Radiologist Fee Paid: 350.00 Any radiologist reading your mammogram will be at least $350. They have 11-13 years of training after high school before they begin work. If they are not board certified, watch out. Most are and it beats getting cancer... [more]
DIY Ceiling Paid: 50.00 We bought a house with a cheap paint job. The ceilings were sprayed the same color as the walls. During COVID I painted the ceilings and a bathroom. A 120 square foot room took me about 4 hours (2 coats)... [more]
DIY vs Installed Small Deck Paid: 3000.00 We paid $1300 for materials and $1700 for labor on a 100 square foot composite deck plus a redwood gate. It took 30 hours, done last year. My husband built a 100 sf heart redwood deck for about $1000 in materials in 2019... [more]
Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 756.00 This service was wayy to expensive in my opinion. For a 20-25 minute total visit I had to pay out of pocked 756 - 187 to OBGYN, 229 to pathologist, then 340$ for facility fee or the hospital. I don't even know what that charge was for... [more]
Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram and Third Mammogram Paid: 1389.66 My 2021 bill, still in shock! Weill Cornell, in-network provider, billed my insurance $908 for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram, and $712 for a third mammogram one breast... [more]
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]