Party Rentals at Home or a Play-Venue Party Package?
Rentals at home suit families with a yard, patio or room who want to choose the look and keep the timing loose. A play-venue package is the better answer if you have no space for the guest list, a rainy-season date with nowhere indoors, or you want staff to run the games.
At a glance
Both work. The right one depends on your space, your guest list, the season and how hands-on you want to be.
- Home rentals: your space, your theme, and delivery and pickup windows you choose.
- A play venue: their space, their staff and their schedule.
- No room, a big guest list or a rainy month with nowhere indoors: a venue is usually simpler.
- Some parks and community rooms let you bring rentals; the venue guides list them by city.
How the two compare
| Rentals at home (or a park) | A play-venue package | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Your yard, patio, garage or living room, or a park picnic site where the city allows rentals | The venue’s own space |
| Who runs it | You, with an attendant included for hosted workshops and the bubble house | Ask the venue which staff are included |
| What it looks like | You choose the pieces, colors and theme | The venue’s own setup |
| How long | Delivery and pickup windows you choose. Same-day pickup is standard, and next-day pickup costs nothing extra. | Set by the venue |
| Weather | Bounce houses are outdoor pieces; soft play, ball pits and tables set up indoors | Indoors at an indoor venue |
| Price | Item by item, plus delivery; see the cost guide | Ask the venue for its package price and what it covers |
When a play venue is the better answer
- No yard or room big enough. Check the space guide first: a castle bounce house needs about 13 × 13 ft cleared, and soft play from 15 × 12 ft of floor.
- A guest list your home can’t hold.
- A date in the rainy months and no indoor space. Our bounce houses are designed for outdoor use.
- You want staff to run the games and clean up. We deliver, set up and pick up; apart from hosted workshops and the bubble house, the party itself is yours to run.
- You want a bounce house and your parks don’t allow one, and the yard is too small. See backyard or park for each city’s rule.
Have a date in mind?
See what’s free for your party date, live, and book online in a few minutes. Delivery, setup and pickup included.
When rentals at home work better
- You want the party to look a certain way. Our castles come in nine colors, and the tables and chairs in styles and colors to match a theme. Browse party themes.
- Mixed ages. A soft play corner for the toddlers beside a bounce house for older kids. What to rent for each age shows what suits whom.
- You’d rather not watch the clock. Same-day pickup is standard, and next-day pickup costs nothing extra.
- You already have a park in mind. Soft play, ball pits and tables need no power; check the park’s rules for rentals when you reserve.
Or both: a venue that lets you bring rentals
Some community rooms and picnic sites let you bring your own rentals. Our venue guides list parks, rooms and party spots city by city, with how to book, each city’s bounce house rule and whether outside rentals are allowed: East Bay, San Francisco & the Peninsula, South Bay and Tri-Valley & Contra Costa.
Rentals that set up almost anywhere
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to have a party at home or at a play venue?
It depends on the guest count and what you rent. Our cost guide prices home setups item by item from today’s catalogue. Ask a venue for its package price for the same number of kids, and compare what each includes: delivery, setup, staff and cleanup.
Can I bring rentals to a party venue?
Some community rooms and picnic sites allow it. Ask the venue first, and check the venue guides for each city’s rules.
What if I have no yard?
Soft play, ball pits and kids tables fit in a living room, garage or covered patio. If none of those fit the guest list, a venue is the simpler choice.
Keep planning
Bringing the party home?
See what’s free for your party date, live, and book online in a few minutes. Delivery, setup and pickup included.