Bouncy Castle & Soft Play Hire FAQs

Find practical answers about booking JumpAbouts bouncy castles, soft play, slides, inflatable games and other party equipment. This guide covers delivery, setup, payment, weather, venue access, power, overnight hire and preparing for your booking.

For more information before placing an order, you can also read our hire terms, check where we deliver or follow our online booking guide.

Where does JumpAbouts deliver?

JumpAbouts delivers bouncy castles, inflatables and soft play to a large local area including Bexley, Bexleyheath, Bromley, Blackfen, Belvedere, Chislehurst, Dartford, Darenth, Erith, Eltham, Gravesend, Greenhithe, Hextable, Horton Kirby, Orpington, Petts Wood, Sidcup, Swanley, Wilmington and Welling, plus many other nearby towns.

See our Delivery Areas page for the full list and links to individual local hire pages.

How long does it take to set up a bouncy castle?

A typical bouncy castle takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to set up securely. Packing the inflatable away normally takes around 20 to 25 minutes. Larger or more complicated equipment may require additional time.

How should I prepare my garden before delivery?

Please make sure there is clear access from the delivery vehicle to the setup area. We transport equipment using a trolley, so bins, rubbish and other obstructions should be moved before we arrive.

The setup area should also be cleared of toys, garden furniture, trampolines, sharp objects, pet mess and anything else that could obstruct or damage the inflatable. Please check for low branches and other overhead obstacles too.

You must measure your available space before booking. As a general guide, allow an additional 1 metre at each side and 2 metres behind the bouncy castle so it can be installed and secured correctly. Always check the dimensions and space requirements of the particular product you intend to book.

How much is the booking deposit?

The online booking deposit is £35 per booking. This secures your chosen date and equipment.

How can I pay for my hire?

You can pay the remaining balance in cash on delivery, or pay in full by card online when making your booking.

What happens if it rains on the day of my bouncy castle hire?

Our covered bouncy castles have rain covers or sun shields that can help with light rain. Heavy rain and high winds can make outdoor inflatable use unsuitable.

If there is heavy rain at the time of your hire on the morning of the party, or conditions are unsuitable because of high winds, our weather cancellation arrangements may apply. Please read our terms and conditions for the full policy that applies to your booking.

How long do I get the bouncy castle for?

For standard home bookings, you normally have the equipment for the day. Deliveries are generally made between 7am and 11:45am, with collections from 5pm to 8pm.

We will contact you in connection with your delivery when the team is on the way.

How do delivery and collection times work for halls and venues?

For venue bookings, you choose the required delivery and collection times when completing the online booking form. Please allow suitable time for our team to install the equipment before your event begins and pack it away afterwards.

If you are hiring a hall, check the venue's access times before completing your booking. Our Halls To Hire section may also help if you are still looking for an indoor venue.

What ages can use your bouncy castles?

Many of our children's bouncy castles are intended for children up to 12 years old, while selected family and adult bouncy castles are designed for older users too.

Age and user suitability can vary between inflatables, so always check the individual product information before booking.

Can I hire a bouncy castle seven days a week?

Yes. JumpAbouts operates seven days a week throughout the year, subject to availability. This includes summer parties, winter indoor events, birthdays, school events and seasonal celebrations.

How do I book a bouncy castle or soft play?

Bookings are made through our online booking system. Choose the bouncy castle, soft play package, slide, inflatable game or other equipment you would like, open its booking page and select your event date.

The system lets you check availability, enter your delivery details, add available extras and complete your booking. See our How to Book guide for step-by-step instructions.

Is JumpAbouts insured?

Yes. JumpAbouts holds £5 million Public Liability Insurance. Our inflatables and electrical equipment are tested as required, with annual safety testing carried out where applicable.

Can I keep a bouncy castle overnight?

Overnight hire is available on selected family and adult inflatables for an additional charge. Standard children's bouncy castles are not normally available for overnight outdoor hire.

Where overnight hire is permitted, the location must meet the required security and installation conditions. Check the individual product details and our terms before booking.

Can I hire a bouncy castle during winter?

Yes. JumpAbouts operates throughout the year. Indoor halls are particularly useful during colder or wetter months, but it is important to check the available floor space and ceiling clearance before booking an inflatable for an indoor venue.

What happens if the inflatable does not fit when you arrive?

It is the customer's responsibility to make sure the booked inflatable fits the intended setup area and that suitable access is available.

If the area is unsuitable, there is insufficient height clearance, access is obstructed or the equipment cannot safely reach the setup location, our team may be unable to install it. The booking may still be charged in full, so please measure carefully and provide accurate access and surface information when booking.

Can you take a bouncy castle through my house?

Where access requires equipment to pass through a property, please make sure the route is sufficiently wide and clear before we arrive. Bouncy castles and associated equipment can be large and heavy even when packed.

Our team will take reasonable care, but the customer accepts responsibility for the access route and for any damage to walls, floors, door frames, fittings or other property resulting from bringing equipment through the premises.

What should I do before the JumpAbouts team arrives?

• Clear the route from the delivery vehicle to the setup area.
• Remove toys, garden furniture, trampolines and other obstacles.
• Clear away all pet mess.
• Check for branches or other overhead obstructions.
• Make sure the setup area matches the measurements required for your chosen equipment.
• Make sure you selected the correct surface type when booking.
• Have any outstanding balance ready unless you have already paid online.
• Make sure a suitable electricity supply is available where required.

How close does the electricity supply need to be?

We normally supply a 25-metre extension lead. If the suitable power point is further away, please tell us when booking. A longer lead may be required, with a maximum distance of approximately 45 metres.

A reliable electricity supply is required for electrically powered inflatables. Generator hire can also be selected for suitable bookings where required.

Can I hire inflatables for more than one day?

Yes. Multi-day hire is available for suitable equipment and dates. Where the option is available, select the additional hire period through the online booking system.

Can I attach balloons, banners or decorations to a bouncy castle?

No. Balloon arches, banners, posters, garlands and other decorations must not be attached directly to our inflatables. Decorations can mark, stain or tear the material and may result in damage charges.

If you are planning a themed wedding, christening, birthday or other styled event, keep freestanding decorations safely away from the inflatable rather than fixing them to it.

Can we use water on the bouncy castle?

No. Our inflatables must remain dry. Do not use paddling pools, hoses, water balloons, water pistols or other water-based activities on or around the inflatable.

A £30 cleaning charge may apply if equipment is returned wet or soiled.

Can children use face paint, glitter or party sprays on the inflatables?

No. Please do not use face paint, glitter, silly string, confetti, party sprays, chewing gum, food or coloured drinks on or near the inflatables. Pets and sharp objects must also be kept away from the equipment.

Many of these substances can permanently stain or damage inflatable material, so please make sure guests know the rules before using the equipment.

Still have a question about your booking?

If your question is specific to a venue, product or event, please contact JumpAbouts before booking. You can also message us on WhatsApp at 07448 044199. Please send a message rather than calling the WhatsApp number.

Email: sales@jumpabouts.co.uk