Having a bounce house at your home is sure to bring your child's birthday party to the next level. However, there are a few steps you must take before the unit is delivered to ensure everything goes smoothly, and your landscaping remains intact.

How to Get Ready for a Bounce House

1. Pick the House

These unique activity centers are available in many themes, from princesses to dinosaurs, so keep these options in mind when selecting one. Also, consider whether you want the house to have extra features for additional fun, such as a slide.

2. Assess Your Yard

Bounce houses require even, debris-free bases, so walk around your yard looking for sticks, garbage, toys, or rocks that may be dangerous. Also, clean up any pet or animal waste to keep the bottom of the bounce house clean.

You might also want to mow the lawn to avoid matting down longer grasses, which can make it difficult to cut once the house is gone. Additionally, shorter grass will provide a better cushion in case there are immovable obstacles, such as tree roots.

3. Turn Off Your Sprinklers

Avoid watering your lawn for 24 hours before the bounce house arrives to promote a dry landing space. Turn your automatic sprinklers off for a day before the delivery, and keep them off during your event to avoid surprising your guests.

4. Set up a Shoe Removal Area

Before people go into the bounce house, they'll need to remove their shoes. This protects the unit and promotes safety by removing hard objects. It's easier to promote barefoot play by including a shoe rack or placing a rug outside the entrance. You might also want to stash a sign next to the door, indicating that guests must take off their shoes before bouncing.

5. Assess Your Power Access

Bounce houses require power to maintain inflation. Speak with your rental company to learn how close the unit needs to be to an outlet. Most require 100 feet of extension cords, so be sure you choose an area that's close to a power source.

If you’re looking to rent a bounce house, contact Leap N' Laugh The Ultimate Bounce House Experience in Rochester, NY. Their facility includes in-house slides, tracks, and obstacle courses, and they also rent out jumpers to families throughout Monroe County. Call (585) 469-8922 or visit their website for more information on their different themed options.