What Sky High Party Rentals and similar companies do
Party rental companies deliver inflatable bounce houses, water slides, games, and other entertainment equipment to your event location, set it up, and pick it up when the party ends. Sky High Party Rentals is one regional operator that handles this service — they own the equipment, transport it, manage the setup and takedown, and handle insurance and safety compliance. You rent by the hour or day, not by purchasing anything.
The company owns dozens or hundreds of inflatables in different sizes and themes. When you book, you choose which inflatable you want, pick a date and time window, and they deliver it to your address. A technician sets it up, makes sure it's anchored and running properly, and returns to take it down at the end of your rental period. You pay a flat rental fee that typically covers delivery, setup, takedown, and the rental time itself.
Key Takeaways
- Party rental companies own the equipment and handle all setup, operation, and takedown — you do not need to know how to run an inflatable.
- Rental fees vary by equipment size, rental duration, distance from the company's location, and current demand, so prices differ week to week.
- Most companies require a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due before or on the day of the event.
- You are responsible for providing a level outdoor space, keeping the area clear of hazards, and supervising children during use.
- Cancellation policies and weather policies vary by company — read the contract before you book to understand refund terms.
How pricing works and what affects the cost
Rental cost depends on the size and type of inflatable, how long you rent it, how far the company has to travel, and how busy they are that week. A small bounce house for a few hours might cost $75 to $150. A large combo unit with a slide and obstacle course for a full day could run $200 to $400 or more. Water slides and specialty inflatables cost more than basic bounce houses.
Distance matters because the company has to drive their truck to your location and back. If you live far from their warehouse, delivery fees may add $25 to $75 to your total. Weekend dates and summer months are busier, so prices may be higher during peak season. Some companies offer discounts for longer rentals — renting for a full day instead of four hours might cost less per hour.
Most companies require a deposit — often 25 to 50 percent of the total rental cost — to hold your date. The rest is due before the event or on the day of delivery. Some accept credit cards, some require a check, and some use online payment systems. Ask about payment methods when you call or visit their website.
What to do before you book
Before you contact a rental company, measure your outdoor space and note any obstacles. The company needs to know the length and width of the area where the inflatable will sit, whether the ground is level, and whether there are trees, power lines, fences, or other hazards nearby. Take a photo if you can — it helps the company decide whether their equipment will fit and whether setup is safe.
Check your event date against the company's calendar. Many rental companies book up weeks or months in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Call or check their website early to see what dates are open. Ask about their cancellation policy and weather policy before you commit — some companies offer full refunds if you cancel more than two weeks out, while others keep your deposit. Some will reschedule for free if weather is bad; others charge a rescheduling fee.
Confirm the company's service area. Not all rental companies deliver everywhere — some only serve a certain radius from their warehouse. If you live at the edge of their range, delivery fees may be steep, or they may not serve your address at all.
What happens on the day of your event
The rental company will arrive during a scheduled time window — usually a two-hour or four-hour window on the day of your party. A technician will unload the inflatable from the truck, position it in the space you've prepared, and anchor it to the ground with stakes or sandbags. They'll plug it into a power outlet (most inflatables need electricity to run the blower that keeps them inflated) and test it to make sure everything works.
The technician will show you how to operate the inflatable if needed and explain any safety rules — for example, how many children can use it at once, whether shoes must be removed, or whether adults need to supervise. They'll give you a phone number to call if something goes wrong during your rental period. Most companies ask you to keep the inflatable running the whole time it's in use; turning it off and on repeatedly can damage the equipment.
At the end of your rental time, the technician returns to deflate the inflatable, pack it up, and load it back onto the truck. You should have the area clear and ready for them to work. If the inflatable is damaged during your rental, the company may charge you a damage fee — this is why many companies require a damage waiver or deposit.
Your responsibilities as the renter
You are responsible for supervising children while they use the inflatable. The rental company provides the equipment and ensures it's safe to operate, but you must watch for horseplay, enforce any age or size limits the company sets, and make sure children don't use it if they're sick or injured. Remove shoes and sharp objects before children enter, and keep the area around the inflatable clear of toys, rocks, and other tripping hazards.
You must provide a level, open outdoor space with access to a power outlet. If your yard is sloped or has soft ground, the inflatable may not sit safely. If you don't have an outdoor outlet, ask the company whether they can run an extension cord from an indoor outlet or whether they can provide a generator. Some companies charge extra for generator use.
Keep the inflatable dry if it's a bounce house (not a water slide). If it rains during your rental, the company may ask you to stop using it until it dries. Water can damage the blower and make the surface slippery and unsafe. If you rent a water slide, you'll need to provide water and manage drainage so water doesn't pool in your yard.
What to ask before you sign the contract
Ask the company for a written contract or rental agreement that spells out the total cost, the rental dates and times, what's included, and what happens if you cancel or if weather forces a reschedule. Ask about their damage policy — what counts as damage, how much you'll be charged, and whether you can buy damage insurance or a damage waiver. Some companies include a small damage waiver in the rental price; others charge extra.
Ask whether the price includes delivery and setup or whether those are separate fees. Ask how long the rental period is — some companies rent by the hour, some by half-day blocks, and some by the full day. Ask what time they'll arrive and what time they'll pick up, and whether you can extend the rental if your party runs late (and what that costs).
Ask what happens if the inflatable breaks down during your event. Will they send a replacement? Will they refund part of your rental fee? Will they come fix it on the spot? Ask whether you need to provide anything — water for a water slide, electricity, a clear space — and what the company will provide.
Common issues and how to avoid them
The most common problem is that the rented space is too small or too cluttered. The inflatable arrives and doesn't fit, or the technician can't set it up safely because there are too many obstacles. Measure your space carefully and clear it completely before the company arrives. Remove lawn furniture, grills, toys, and anything else that could be in the way.
Another frequent issue is power. Most inflatables need a standard outdoor outlet or an extension cord from an indoor outlet. If you don't have one, tell the company before they arrive so they can bring a generator. Running an extension cord through wet grass or across a walkway is a tripping hazard and can damage the cord.
Weather cancellations happen. Rain, high winds, or lightning can make an inflatable unsafe to use. Understand the company's weather policy before you book — some will reschedule for free, some will charge a fee, and some will refund your money. If weather looks uncertain, ask the company the day before whether they think the event will go ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home when they set up and take down?
Yes, you should be present. The technician needs to know where to place the inflatable, confirm that the space is safe, and show you how to operate it. You also need to be there when they pick it up to make sure everything is accounted for and to discuss any damage.
What if my yard doesn't have a power outlet?
Tell the rental company before you book. Many can bring a generator for an extra fee, or they can run an extension cord from an indoor outlet if it's close enough. Some inflatables use battery-powered blowers, though these are less common for larger units.
Can I rent an inflatable for just one hour?
Most companies have a minimum rental period — often two, three, or four hours. Some offer hourly rates after the minimum is met. Check the company's website or call to ask about their minimum and whether they offer shorter rentals for a higher hourly rate.
What if it rains the day of my party?
Read the company's weather policy before you book. Some will reschedule your rental for another date at no extra charge. Others charge a rescheduling fee or keep your deposit. Some will refund your money if you cancel due to weather. Ask about this upfront so you know what to expect.
Am I charged if the inflatable gets damaged?
Yes, most companies charge a damage fee if the inflatable is torn, punctured, or stained during your rental. The amount depends on the damage. Ask about damage waivers or insurance when you book — some companies offer these for a small additional fee, which protects you if an accident happens.