Bounce House Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

Party Authority – Marlboro, New Jersey’s Trusted Inflatable Rental Company

Bounce houses, water slides, combo inflatables, and dunk tanks are crowd-pleasers at birthdays, backyard parties, and community events. At Party Authority, safety isn’t just a priority — it’s our standard. Whether you’re planning a party in Marlboro, Freehold, Howell, or anywhere in Monmouth County, these expert safety tips will help ensure every child has fun and stays safe.

1. Always Supervise Children with an Adult

No matter how calm the party, active adult supervision is essential. A responsible adult should be nearby at all times to enforce rules like no roughhousing, pushing, or climbing on the walls. Consistent supervision significantly lowers the risk of kids injuring themselves or others.

2. Group Kids by Age and Size

Kids of different sizes have different bounce energy — and mixing big and small ones can lead to collisions and injuries. Keep younger children in their own group or assign bounce times so kids of similar age and size use the inflatable together.

3. No Shoes, Food, or Toys Inside

To protect children and your inflatable:

• No shoes or sandals — they can cause trips and scrapes, and damage the surface.

• No food or drinks — spills cause slips and choking hazards.

• No hard balls, toys, or sharp objects — items in pockets or toys thrown inside can injure kids or puncture the unit.

4. Keep the Bounce House Dry Unless it’s a Water Unit

Using water (hoses, sprinklers, etc.) on a dry-only bounce house turns the surface dangerously slippery and increases risk of falls and injury. Wet conditions should only be used on inflatables specifically designed for water play.

5. Follow Capacity & Play Rules

Every inflatable has recommended limits for number of kids and weight. Overcrowding increases bumping and collisions — it’s safer to have fewer kids bouncing evenly than many packed in at once. Ask your Party Authority staff when you rent if you’re unsure of limits.

6. Set Up Smart

Safety begins before play starts:

• Flat, even surface only — slopes or rocks can cause tipping or loss of bounce.

• Clear away obstacles like branches, power lines, fences, or garden tools.

• Secure anchoring — properly staking or weighting the inflatable prevents shifting or lifting in wind.

7. Pay Attention to Weather

Wind and rain affect safety:

• High winds (>15–20 mph) can destabilize inflatables and should stop play immediately.

• Rain or wet grass — surfaces become slick and unsafe unless you have proper water-slide units intended to be wet.

8. Establish Fun Rules Before Play

Kids jump better when they know the rules! A quick safety talk before play helps set expectations:

✔ No flipping or wrestling✔ One child at a time on slides✔ Stay away from walls and entrances✔ No rough play✔ Always remove glasses, jewelry, and loose items.

Why Safety Matters

Bounce houses are a blast — but improper use can lead to scrapes, sprains, or worse. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, improper anchoring and lack of supervision have led to serious injuries in past years.

By following common sense rules and these established safety tips, you give every child the best chance at a fun, carefree party that parents can relax through.

If you’re planning a party in Marlboro or Monmouth County, New Jersey, and want professional guidance and safe rental setup, Party Authority has you covered. From bounce houses and water slides to combo inflatables and dunk tanks, we make safety simple so your event can be unforgettable.

📞 Contact us today to book your inflatable rentals — and keep the fun both safe and exciting!

732-580-8459

www.partyauthorityllc.com