Bounce House Rentals: 5 Things to Know Before You Book
Birthdays are pure joy for kids. They play with their friends, eat plenty of cake, and get away with a little extra mischief for the day. For the grown-ups organizing it all, though, the story is a bit different.
Parents juggle everything — the venue, the cake, the food, the guest list, the activities. It's tiring and, let's be honest, a little stressful. But ask any parent and they'll tell you it's worth it. The look on their child's face on the big day makes every bit of effort pay off.
And nothing lights up that face quite like a bounce house. Bold colours, big footprint, and endless bouncing energy — an inflatable instantly turns a backyard or park into a party. The trick is choosing the right rental so everyone stays safe and the fun never stops. Here in Montreal, Laval and across Quebec, a good local company makes that easy. Here are five things to check before you book.
1. Confirm the Rental Company Has Insurance
Never do business with a company that lacks liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage. In Quebec, reputable inflatable rental companies carry liability insurance — it protects you if an accident happens because of how the equipment was set up.
Many people also don't realize that if a delivery worker gets injured on your property, you could be exposed. That's why the company should carry worker's compensation insurance too. A trustworthy provider will have this sorted out and be happy to show you the paperwork.
2. Keep a Supervisor On Duty at All Times
The safety of the children always comes first. To keep the party running smoothly, one responsible adult should always be watching the kids going in and out of the bounce house.
Many rental companies offer a trained attendant as an add-on service — a great option for larger events or when the adults want to relax. If you'd rather handle it yourself, just make sure a dependable grown-up from your circle is on supervision duty the whole time.
3. Inspect the Bounce House on Arrival
Always give the inflatable a quick look-over when it's delivered. You want to be sure it's in good condition before the kids climb in — nobody wants to pay for a damaged unit. Checking on arrival also protects you: if you miss existing wear or a small rip, you don't want to be blamed for causing it later.
A good company sets up in front of you and walks you through the unit, so this step is usually easy and reassuring.
4. Make Sure It's Clean and Sanitized
A clean environment is essential for little ones. They'll jump, land on their hands, and then dash off to grab a cookie — so you don't want them carrying around anyone else's germs.
Choose a company that cleans and disinfects every bounce house before and after each event. This is especially important for kids' parties, where sharing is constant. When the equipment shows up fresh and sanitized, everyone can play worry-free.
5. Pick the Right Setup Spot
Bounce houses need space — the bigger models especially. Measure your area ahead of time so the inflatable fits comfortably with room around it.
A few tips for choosing your setup location:
- Grass is best. It's the most anchor-friendly and comfortable surface. Concrete works too, but it's less ideal and may require sandbags instead of stakes.
- Watch for underground utilities. Bounce houses use steel anchor stakes that can damage buried wires, gas lines, or water and sewer lines. If your area has utilities underground, check with the proper authorities well before the event.
- Consider access. Make sure there's a clear path for delivery and an outlet or generator nearby to power the blower.
The Bottom Line
Bounce houses are one of the easiest ways to create a festive, unforgettable atmosphere for your child's birthday. To keep the day safe, clean and stress-free, choose your rental company carefully. Look for one that provides a clear contract covering insurance, sanitization and safety — and knows the local venues, parks and neighbourhoods of the Montreal region.
At Cool Games, we deliver clean, well-maintained châteaux gonflables and inflatable games across Montreal, Laval and the surrounding shores — safety and fun always come first. Ready to make your child's big day one to remember? Request a quote and we'll help you find the perfect bounce house for your event.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before renting a bounce house in Montreal?
Confirm the company carries liability and worker's compensation insurance, keep an adult supervising at all times, inspect the unit on arrival, ensure it's cleaned and sanitized, and pick a suitable setup spot. Cool Games sets up in front of you across Montreal, Laval and the surrounding shores so you can review the unit before the kids climb in.
What's the best surface to set up a bounce house on?
Grass is best because it's anchor-friendly and comfortable, though concrete can work with sandbags instead of stakes. Watch for underground utilities, since steel anchor stakes can damage buried wires, gas or water lines, and make sure there's clear delivery access and power nearby for the blower.
Do I need someone to supervise the bounce house during a kids' party?
Yes, one responsible adult should always watch the children going in and out to keep everyone safe. Many rental companies, including Cool Games, offer a trained attendant as an add-on, which is handy for larger events or when the grown-ups want to relax.
Are rented bounce houses cleaned between parties?
A reputable company cleans and disinfects every bounce house before and after each event, which matters especially at kids' parties where sharing germs is easy. Cool Games delivers clean, well-maintained châteaux gonflables so children can play worry-free.