How Much to Rent a Bounce House for Birthdays, Schools & Festivals

How Much to Rent a Bounce House for Birthdays, Schools & Festivals

Planning a party, school event, or community festival? Bounce houses are always a hit, but before you book one, you probably want to know the big question: how much does it cost to rent a bounce house?

The short answer: $100–$500 per day for a basic bounce house, but prices can go higher depending on size, theme, and add-ons. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from average costs to money-saving tips, so you can rent with confidence.


Average Bounce House Rental Prices

Here’s a quick look at the average cost ranges for different types of bounce house rentals:

Type of Bounce House

Average Price (Per Day)

Small Standard Bounce House

$100 – $250

Large or Combo Bounce House

$250 – $400

Inflatable Slide + Bounce Combo

$300 – $500

Obstacle Course or Interactive

$400 – $800+

Festival-Sized or Custom Units

$600 – $1,000+

Quick Tip: Weekend rentals (Friday–Sunday) may cost 10–20% more than weekday rentals due to higher demand.

Factors That Affect Bounce House Rental Prices

Several variables impact your final cost. Understanding them will help you get the best deal:

1. Size & Type of Bounce House

Larger or themed inflatables cost more. Combo units with slides or obstacles are usually priced higher than standard jumpers.

2. Rental Duration

Most companies rent by the day (4–8 hours). Extra hours can add $25–$50 per hour.

3. Delivery & Setup Fees

Some companies include delivery/setup in their pricing, while others charge $50–$100 extra, especially if you’re outside their local area.

4. Season & Demand

Spring and summer weekends book fast. Expect higher prices during peak event seasons like graduation months or school fair weekends.

5. Insurance & Cleaning Fees

Professional companies usually include liability insurance and cleaning — worth the extra cost for safety and peace of mind.

Bounce House Rentals for Birthdays

Birthday parties are the #1 reason people rent bounce houses. For a backyard party, you can expect to spend:

  • Small house (ages 3–6): $150 – $200
  • Medium combo unit (ages 6–10): $200 – $350
  • Themed house (Disney, superheroes, etc.): $250 – $400

 

Money-Saving Tip: Host your party on a weekday or Sunday afternoon — many companies offer discounts for off-peak rentals.

Bounce House Rentals for Schools

School events need bigger, safer setups that can handle lots of kids at once.
Typical pricing looks like this:

  • Standard bounce house: $250 – $400
  • Obstacle course: $500 – $800
  • Multiple inflatables package: $1,000 – $2,500

 

Pro Tip: Ask for school or nonprofit rates — rental companies often give discounts for educational events.

Bounce House Rentals for Festivals & Community Events

Festivals often rent multiple inflatables to keep kids entertained all day. Costs depend on the scale:

  • Single inflatable rental: $400 – $800 per day
  • Full festival package (3–5 units): $2,000 – $5,000+

 

Some companies provide attendants to monitor safety — usually $25–$50 per hour per staff member.

Tips for Saving Money on Bounce House Rentals

  • Book early — especially for spring/summer weekends.
  • Compare at least 3 vendors for the best price.
  • Bundle rentals (tables & chairs, concession machines) for package deals.
  • Pick up yourself (if allowed) to skip delivery fees.
  • Ask about discounts for schools, nonprofits, or repeat customers.

Sample Cost Breakdown

Here’s what a typical Saturday birthday rental might look like:

Item

Cost

Medium Combo Bounce House (6 hrs)

$300

Delivery & Setup Fee

$50

Taxes/Insurance

$25

Total

$375

Final Thoughts

Renting a bounce house is one of the easiest ways to turn any birthday party, school event, or festival into an unforgettable experience. While prices can range from $100 for a simple setup to $1,000+ for large-scale events, the key is knowing what you need, comparing options, and booking early to get the best deal.

Think about your audience (kids’ ages, number of attendees), your space (backyard vs. school field), and your budget. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors for discounts or packages because most are happy to work with you.

Bottom line: a little planning goes a long way. With the right rental, you’ll keep kids entertained, parents happy, and your event stress-free while staying within budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How far in advance should I book a bounce house?

Ideally 3–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (spring/summer).

2. Are bounce house rentals safe?

Yes — professional companies like Jump Around Party Jumpers use commercial-grade inflatables and follow strict safety guidelines. Always check that they are insured.

3. Do I need power for the bounce house?

Yes. Most require a standard outlet. If your event is at a park, you may need a generator (usually $50–$100 extra).

4. What if it rains on my event day?

Most companies offer rain checks or rescheduling at no extra cost — but always confirm their weather policy.

5. Can adults use the bounce house?

Some inflatables are adult-friendly. Ask your rental company for weight and age limits.

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