Planning an unforgettable event involves many moving parts — from the venue and food to entertainment and guest comfort. But when it comes to event entertainment that’s fun, energetic, and suitable for all ages, few options match the excitement of inflatable party hire. Whether you’re organizing a kiddie party, corporate event, family fun day, or community celebration, inflatables offer versatile, scalable, and memorable entertainment.
At Wacky World, we know that choosing the right inflatables can make or break your event. With countless styles, themes, and sizes available, how do you select the perfect setup? This guide walks you through everything you need to know about picking the right inflatable attractions for your special day.
1. Know Your Event Type and Audience
The first step in choosing the right inflatables is understanding the type of event you’re hosting and the primary audience.
- Kiddie Party Entertainment: Young children enjoy soft play areas, mini bouncy castles, inflatable slides, and themed obstacle courses.
- Family Fun Day: A mix of adult-friendly and child-friendly inflatables works best. Consider inflatable games, human table football, and giant obstacle runs.
- Corporate Events: For team-building, look into competitive inflatables like gladiator duels, inflatable assault courses, or interactive games.
- School Events or Fundraisers: Think about safe, group-friendly inflatables like mega slides or bounce ‘n’ play zones.
The right inflatable should suit the age, energy level, and interests of your guests.
2. Assess the Space Available
Inflatables come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s crucial to measure your event space accurately.
- Indoor Venues: Check ceiling height and floor clearance. Soft play sets, mini castles, or inflatable ball pits are excellent for confined spaces.
- Outdoor Spaces: If you’re hiring inflatables for gardens or fields, you can choose larger items like mega obstacle courses, water slides, and wipeout-style challenges.
- Surface Type: Grass is ideal for pegged-down inflatables. For hard surfaces like concrete or tarmac, inflatables can be secured with weights.
Pro Tip: Ask your inflatable hire provider (like Wacky World) for a site survey to confirm the best layout and safety setup.
3. Choose a Theme to Tie Everything Together
Events with a consistent theme feel more polished and engaging. Whether you’re aiming for a jungle party, princess celebration, superhero gathering, or summer beach bash, inflatables are available in a wide variety of themes.
- Cool Things to Hire for Parties UK include:
- Pirate Ship Bounce Houses
- Unicorn or Princess Castles
- Space-Themed Obstacle Courses
- Animal Safari Slides
- Disco Domes with Internal Lights & Music
A well-chosen theme adds to the atmosphere and gets kids (and adults!) even more excited.
4. Prioritize Safety and Quality Standards
Safety should be your top priority. All inflatables hired from Wacky World comply with UK safety standards and are fully insured.
When choosing an inflatable hire company, check for:
- PIPA or RPII safety tags
- Full public liability insurance
- Regular equipment maintenance and cleaning
- DBS-checked and trained staff for supervision
Your inflatable hire provider should also guide you on safety rules, occupancy limits, and the importance of anchoring and mats.
5. Mix & Match for Different Age Groups
A successful event caters to everyone — from toddlers to teens and even adults. Mixing inflatable styles allows every guest to find something exciting to do.
- Toddlers: Soft play zones, inflatable play parks, and sensory play areas
- Kids (5-10): Bouncy castles, obstacle courses, climbing walls
- Teens & Adults: Inflatable games like bungee runs, sumo suits, and football darts
If your event is large, consider hiring a variety of inflatables spread across zones so guests can explore and interact at their own pace.
6. Understand Duration & Supervision Needs
Ask your provider about rental time slots and whether they include delivery, setup, and takedown. Also, find out if supervision is needed or included.
- Short-Term Parties (2-4 hours): A few key inflatables will be sufficient
- Full-Day Events: Rotate attractions or add interactive stations to avoid queues
At Wacky World, we offer flexible hire durations and staffing options to ensure your event runs smoothly.
7. Consider Local Options for Convenience
When looking for bouncy castle hire in Preston or anywhere in the UK, local companies offer better logistics, faster support, and often more affordable pricing.
Choosing a local hire service means:
- Quicker setup and collection
- Lower transportation costs
- Support from a team who knows your area and its regulations
If you’re based in the North West, Wacky World is your go-to for inflatable party hire with nationwide delivery available too.
8. Plan for All Weather Conditions
The UK is famous for its unpredictable weather. Be sure to have a contingency plan:
- Outdoor Events: Use waterproof covers or gazebos
- Rainy Day Plan: Book an indoor venue as backup or choose weather-resistant inflatables
Wacky World offers advice on all-weather hire, and many inflatables are suitable for indoor and outdoor use alike.
9. Add Extras for a Fully Loaded Experience
Inflatables are amazing, but pairing them with other party features creates a full entertainment package:
- Food Stalls: Candy floss machines, popcorn, ice cream vans
- Games & Attractions: Nerf battle zones, inflatable assault courses, photo booths
- Chill Zones: Bean bags, seating areas, shaded tents
Packages like these are perfect for family fun days, festivals, or school fetes.
10. Get Help From the Experts
Choosing the right inflatables doesn’t need to be stressful. When you partner with a professional hire service like Wacky World, we help you every step of the way:
- Personal consultation
- Venue assessments
- Custom packages
- On-site supervision
Our team has supported everything from backyard birthday parties to large-scale corporate events, and we’re here to help you plan something incredible.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right inflatables is the key to creating a dynamic, engaging, and safe event that guests will remember for years. Whether you’re planning kiddie party entertainment, a family fun day, or a school or corporate event, inflatable attractions provide unmatched fun and flexibility.
For those looking for cool things to hire for parties UK-wide, Wacky World offers an extensive catalogue of themed inflatables, obstacle courses, interactive games, and more. And if you’re in the North West, don’t miss out on our bouncy castle hire in Preston — we guarantee reliable service, safety, and pure fun.
Visit hire.wackyworld.co.uk to explore our inflatable hire packages and start planning the ultimate party experience today!
