What you pay for when you rent a bounce house
A bounce house rental includes the inflatable structure itself, delivery to your location, setup, takedown, and pickup — usually all for one flat fee. The price depends on the size of the bounce house, how long you rent it, your location, and whether you add extras like a slide, basketball hoop, or water feature. Most rental companies charge by the day, with a minimum rental period of four to eight hours.
The rental fee covers the cost of the equipment and the labor to transport and install it. Some companies include a blower (the air pump that keeps it inflated) and stakes or sandbags to anchor it; others charge extra for these. A few require you to provide a power outlet within a certain distance — usually 50 to 100 feet — so the blower can run continuously during your event.
You are responsible for providing a flat, clear space at least as large as the bounce house footprint, plus a few feet of clearance on all sides. The rental company will tell you the exact dimensions when you book. You also need to keep the bounce house dry and supervise children while they use it, though the rental agreement typically makes the renter liable for damage or injury.
Key Takeaways
- Bounce house rental prices vary widely by region and size, so calling three to five local companies for quotes is the fastest way to know what your event will cost.
- Most rentals require a flat, level space at least 15 to 20 feet on each side, a nearby power outlet, and a signed liability waiver before delivery.
- Delivery and setup are usually included in the quoted price, but cancellation policies, damage deposits, and add-on fees vary by company.
- Peak rental season is May through September, and popular dates book weeks or months in advance, so booking early gives you more options.
- The rental company is responsible for safe delivery and setup, but you are responsible for supervision and for keeping the bounce house in the condition you received it.
How to find and book a bounce house rental
Start by searching online for "bounce house rental near me" or "party rentals [your city]" to find companies in your area. Most have websites showing photos, sizes, and base prices. Call or email at least three companies to compare prices, available dates, and what is included in the rental.
When you contact a rental company, have ready: the date of your event, the time you need the bounce house (setup to takedown), the address where it will be set up, and the age range of children who will use it. Some companies ask for the number of children expected, because that affects which size bounce house they recommend. Ask whether the price includes delivery, setup, takedown, and pickup, or whether any of those cost extra.
Once you choose a company, you will sign a rental agreement that spells out the rental period, the total cost, the cancellation policy, and your liability for damage. Most companies require a deposit — often 25 to 50 percent of the rental fee — to hold the date. The balance is due before delivery, usually by check, credit card, or bank transfer.
Delivery, setup, and what happens on the day
The rental company will give you a delivery window — usually a two-hour or four-hour block on the day of your event. They arrive with the bounce house on a truck, unload it, position it in your designated space, anchor it with stakes or sandbags, and plug in the blower. Setup typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The blower runs continuously during the rental period and must stay plugged in the entire time.
You are responsible for keeping children supervised while they use the bounce house and for enforcing any rules the rental company provides — such as removing shoes, limiting the number of children inside at once, or keeping out children under a certain age or above a certain weight. The rental agreement usually states that you assume liability for injuries or damage that occur during the rental period.
At the end of the rental period, the company returns to deflate the bounce house, remove the blower, take down any anchors, and load everything back on the truck. This takedown and pickup usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If the bounce house is visibly damaged — torn seams, punctures, stains that won't come out — the company may charge a damage fee, which is deducted from your deposit or billed separately.
Factors that affect the price you pay
Size is the biggest cost driver. A small bounce house (12 by 12 feet) rents for less than a large one (20 by 20 feet or bigger). Combo units that include a slide, climbing wall, or basketball hoop cost more than a basic bounce house. Water slides and splash pools cost significantly more because they require extra setup, drainage, and cleanup.
Location matters. Rural areas and small towns may have fewer rental companies, which can mean higher prices or limited availability. Urban areas usually have more competition and lower prices. Some companies charge a delivery fee if you are far from their warehouse, or they may not deliver beyond a certain radius at all.
Season and timing affect availability and sometimes price. Summer weekends (May through September) are peak season, and popular dates fill up weeks or months ahead. Some companies offer discounts for weekday rentals or off-season bookings. Holidays and school breaks are also busy, so booking early is important if your event falls on or near those dates.
What to check before you book
Ask whether the rental price includes delivery, setup, takedown, and pickup. Some companies bundle these; others charge separately. Confirm the rental period — whether it is four hours, eight hours, or a full day — and what happens if you need the bounce house longer. Many companies charge an hourly overage fee if you keep it past the agreed time.
Ask about the cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule, what happens to your deposit? Some companies refund it if you cancel more than a week or two in advance; others keep it or explore it to a future rental. Weather cancellations are usually handled differently than customer cancellations, so ask specifically about rain or wind.
Confirm what power outlet you need to provide. The rental company will tell you the voltage and whether a standard household outlet works, or whether you need a dedicated circuit. If you do not have a suitable outlet near your setup space, ask whether the company can run an extension cord (and whether that costs extra) or whether you need to rent a generator.
Ask whether the company provides liability insurance or whether you need to obtain it yourself. Some event venues require proof of insurance before you can bring in a rented bounce house. If your homeowner's or renter's insurance does not cover it, the rental company may offer a one-day insurance add-on for a small fee.
Common add-ons and upgrades
Beyond the basic bounce house, rental companies offer slides (which attach to the side or front), climbing walls, basketball hoops, and obstacle courses. Water slides and splash pools are popular in warm months but require a water source and drainage. Themed bounce houses — shaped like castles, dinosaurs, or cartoon characters — usually cost more than plain ones.
Some companies rent tables, chairs, and canopies separately, so you can create a full party setup. A few offer attendants who supervise the bounce house during your event for an additional hourly fee. This is useful if you have a large party and cannot watch the bounce house yourself the entire time.
Delivery and setup fees, damage waivers, and insurance add-ons are common. A damage waiver typically costs $20 to $50 and protects you from being charged for minor wear and tear. It does not cover intentional damage or damage from misuse.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the bounce house arrives damaged or the blower does not work, contact the rental company when ready. Most will send a replacement or offer a refund. If the bounce house deflates during your event, the blower may have come unplugged or the power may have gone out — check the outlet and the cord first. If you cannot fix it, call the company and they will send someone to repair or replace it.
If a child is injured while using the bounce house, document what happened and seek medical attention if needed. Report the incident to the rental company in writing. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover the injury, depending on your policy and the circumstances.
If the bounce house is damaged during your rental period, report it to the company before they pick it up. Take photos if possible. The company will assess the damage and may charge you a fee. If you dispute the charge, ask for an itemized estimate of the repair cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a big backyard to rent a bounce house?
You need a flat, level space at least as large as the bounce house footprint, plus 3 to 5 feet of clearance on all sides. A 15-by-15-foot bounce house needs roughly a 20-by-20-foot clear area. If your yard is smaller, ask the rental company whether they have a smaller model, or consider renting for a park or community space instead.
What happens if it rains on the day of my event?
Most bounce houses can operate in light rain, but heavy rain or lightning means the company will not set up or will ask you to stop using it. Check your rental agreement for the weather cancellation policy. Some companies offer to reschedule at no charge; others keep your deposit or charge a cancellation fee. Consider renting a canopy or tent to cover the bounce house if rain is possible.
Can I set up the bounce house myself, or do I have to use the rental company's crew?
Most rental companies require their own staff to set up and take down the bounce house. This ensures it is anchored safely and the blower is installed correctly. Attempting to set it up yourself may void your rental agreement and your liability coverage.
How far in advance should I book?
For weekend rentals during peak season (May through September), book at least two to four weeks ahead. For weekday rentals or off-season dates, one to two weeks is usually enough. Popular dates and large bounce houses book faster, so call early if you have a specific date in mind.
What if the bounce house gets damaged and I am not sure if it was already damaged?
When the company delivers the bounce house, inspect it carefully and point out any existing damage. Ask the delivery crew to note it on the rental agreement. Take photos of the bounce house in its initial condition. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.