Frequently Asked Questions
Planning an event can be exciting – but we know it often comes with lots of questions! At Bounce-Abouts, we want to make hiring an inflatable as easy and stress-free as possible.
We’ve created this FAQ section to answer the most common questions about our products, delivery, setup, safety, and booking process. Whether you’re hiring a bouncy castle for a birthday party in Magherafelt, a fun obstacle course for a school fête in Draperstown, or adult inflatables for a community event in Cookstown, you’ll find everything you need to know right here.
If your question isn’t answered below, please get in touch – our friendly team will be happy to help. You can call us on 07798 875532 or use our online booking system to check availability and secure your inflatable today.
What types of inflatables do you offer?
We have one of the largest selections of inflatables in Mid Ulster and Northern Ireland. Our range includes bouncy castles, bouncy castle and slide combos, obstacle courses, disco domes, rodeo bull hire, sumo suits, and Inflatable games. Popular products include the Unicorn Bouncy Castle & Front Slide Combo, High Energy Disco Assault Course (Extra Large), and Rodeo Bull Hire 2hrs (Includes Supervision).
What events are your inflatables suitable for?
Our products are perfect for birthdays, weddings, school fun days, charity fundraisers, corporate events, and community celebrations. For example, our White Bouncy Castle (15ft x 15ft) is ideal for weddings, while the Didi Car Inflatable Race Track is always a hit at school fairs and team-building events.
What age ranges can use your inflatables?
We have inflatables for all ages. Many of our castles are perfect for children aged 3–10, while adult inflatables like the Adult Bouncy Castle and Sumo Suits (Adults) are great for teenagers and grown-ups. We also have toddler-friendly options, such as mobile party play house items like the Party Play House - Mobile Soft Play Centre.
Do you provide equipment for large events?
Absolutely! For bigger crowds, we recommend products like the Inflatable Assault Course (Extra Large) or the Disco Obstacle Course with Music Speaker (1 Part), which are perfect for school fun days, public events, and fundraisers.
Do you deliver to my area?
We deliver across Mid Ulster and beyond, including Magherafelt, Cookstown, Draperstown, Moneymore, Bellaghy, Dungiven, and many other towns throughout Northern Ireland.
Are your inflatables safe?
Yes. Every inflatable is designed and manufactured to BS EN 14960 standards, regularly inspected, and cleaned after every hire. We supply safety mats as standard and secure outdoor castles with ground stakes (or sandbags for indoor use).
How do I book?
Our online booking system makes it quick and easy to check availability and secure your inflatable. Just click on the Book Now or Check Availability buttons on your chosen product page. Once you book, we’ll confirm the details and contact you before your event.
What makes Bounce-Abouts different?
We’ve been serving families, schools, and communities for over 25 years and have never missed or cancelled a booking. Our range is huge, our service is reliable, and we take pride in helping create amazing memories for our customers.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for busy summer weekends and holidays. Popular items like the 3D Princess Carriage Bouncy Castle & Front Slide Combo and water slides book up quickly.
Do you supervise the inflatables?
Most of our hires are self-supervised, but some items (like rodeo bull hire) include a trained operator for safety. We provide full setup instructions and safety guidelines with every booking.
What happens if it rains?
Many of our inflatables, such as the 3D Digger Bouncy Castle & Front Slide Combo, include built-in rain covers, so light showers aren’t a problem. If heavy rain or extreme wind is forecast, we’ll discuss rescheduling options with you.
Do you set up the inflatables?
Yes! Our team handles delivery, setup, and collection. We’ll ensure the inflatable is safely installed with stakes or sandbags, and we supply safety mats as standard.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes, Bounce-Abouts holds £10 million public liability insurance, giving schools, councils, and corporate clients full peace of mind when hiring for events.
Do you offer package deals?
Yes, we can create packages that combine castles with extras like slush machine hire, soft play hire, or sumo suits. Packages are great for larger parties, weddings, and community events.
Can you fit inflatables indoors?
Many of our castles, such as the Box Bouncy Castle (Low Roof), are designed for use in halls or gyms with lower ceilings. We’ll advise you on the best options for your chosen venue.
Do you charge extra for delivery?
Delivery is included within our main service areas, such as Magherafelt, Cookstown, Draperstown, Bellaghy, Moneymore, and Dungiven. For areas further away, we may apply a small travel charge, which we’ll confirm when you book.
What surfaces can inflatables go on?
We can set up on grass, artificial grass, or indoors on hard flooring. For safety, we cannot set up on concrete, gravel, or uneven ground.
Do you provide generators?
For locations without access to electricity, we can supply a petrol generator for an additional fee. Just let us know when you book.
Do you require a deposit?
Some larger items or packages may require a small deposit. For most hires, payment is taken on the day by cash or card, or in advance if you prefer.
Can adults use the inflatables?
Absolutely! We offer adult inflatables like the Adult Bouncy Castle and Sumo Suits (Adults), as well as fun challenges like the Rodeo Spinning Disc / Human Roulette for older users.
Do you clean the inflatables?
Yes – all our inflatables are cleaned and sanitised after every hire, ensuring they arrive fresh and ready for your event.
When do you deliver?
We usually deliver your inflatable the day before your party at no extra cost, collections in summer months are typically the day after the party and norma;;y in the afternoon. If you need a specific delivery or collection time – for example for an indoor hall party or a school fête – just let us know when booking, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. We can even arrange a surprise delivery if you’d like your inflatable to be a party-day reveal! (this may have a little extra charge applied).
What do I need to do before you arrive?
Our inflatables are delivered on a sack barrow, so we’ll need a clear, obstacle-free path (around 3ft wide). Please make sure the access to your garden or venue is clear, and that there’s a mains electricity supply within 50m of where you’d like the unit. If this isn’t possible, we can supply a generator for hire – just let us know when you book. Preparing the area in advance helps us stick to our schedule, especially on busy summer days.
Where can the castle go?
For safety, any outdoor inflatable must be placed on a flat or gently sloping grass area so that it can be pegged down securely. Please ensure the area is free of stones, sharp objects, pet mess, or excessive mud, and prune back any overhanging trees or bushes. The inflatable cannot be placed directly against fences, walls, or hedges. Barbecues must be at least 10ft away.
Do you belong to any trade organisations?
Yes – we’re proud members of the B.I.H.A. (British Inflatable Hirers’ Alliance) and T.I.P.E (The Inflatable Play Enterprise), so you can book with complete confidence.
When should I book?
We get very busy at weekends, bank holidays, and during the summer months, so it’s best to book as early as you can. However, we often have last-minute availability, so if you need an inflatable on the day, just give us a call – we’ll always try to help.
Do you hire castles overnight?
Yes! Overnight hire is available – just let us know when booking, and we’ll arrange a suitable collection time.
What happens if it rains?
Most of our inflatables come with shower covers, so light rain is usually fine. If heavy rain or strong winds are forecast, we’ll contact you on the day to discuss whether you’d like to proceed, rearrange, or choose an alternative setup.
Do you fully install the inflatable?
Yes – we deliver, fully install, and secure the inflatable with all safety mats provided. We’ll also give you written safety instructions and talk you through everything before we leave. After your event, we’ll dismantle and remove all equipment.
Will the inflatable fit in a hall?
Many of our inflatables are suitable for indoor use, including lower-height units like the Box Bouncy Castle (Low Roof). Please confirm the ceiling height with the venue before booking.
Do you hire equipment for adults?
Yes! We have adult inflatables such as the Adult Bouncy Castle and fun challenges like rodeo bull hire with Rodeo Bull Hire 2hrs (Includes Supervision). Adult units are specially built to handle heavier use and prevent damage.
Do you hire equipment for school fêtes and events?
Definitely! We regularly work with schools and community groups. Our obstacle courses and Inflatable games like the Target Inflatable Football Game are perfect for large-scale events.
Do you offer discounts?
We often have package deals and weekday offers. Give us a call or check our website for current special offers.
How should I clean the castle if needed?
Our inflatables are thoroughly cleaned after every hire, but if you need to remove any marks during your event, use warm soapy water only. Do not use chemical cleaning products, as they can damage the material. Face paint should be wiped off immediately to prevent staining.
Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes – we have £10 million public liability insurance. Please note, however, that supervision is always the responsibility of the hirer.
How long does it take to set up?
Setup and collection usually take around 15 minutes, depending on the inflatable and ease of access.
What if I need to cancel?
Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel your booking. We understand that plans can change, and we’ll always try to be flexible.
How do I book?
You can book online 24/7 using our simple booking system, or call us on 07798 875532. Payment can be made on delivery by cash or card.
What is the age limit for using the inflatables?
Most of our inflatables are suitable for children up to 11 years old. If you need equipment for teenagers or adults, please book one of our adult inflatables like the Adult Bouncy Castle.
Can adults use children’s inflatables?
No – adults should only use inflatables specifically designed for adult use. Using children’s castles as an adult can damage the equipment and risk injury.
Can food, drinks, or chewing gum be taken on the inflatable?
No – to avoid choking hazards, spills, and mess, food, drink, alcohol, and chewing gum must be kept away from the inflatable. Cleaning charges may apply if equipment is returned dirty.
Can we use face paints or party poppers on the inflatable?
Please avoid face paints, silly string, coloured streamers, and party poppers on or near the inflatable, as they can permanently stain or damage the material.
What items should be removed before using the inflatable?
All shoes, glasses, jewellery, badges, and sharp objects must be removed before use to prevent injuries and damage to the inflatable.
Can pets or toys be taken onto the inflatable?
No – pets, toys, or sharp objects must never be allowed on or near the inflatable.
Who is responsible for supervising the inflatable?
A responsible adult must supervise the inflatable at all times to ensure safe play, prevent overcrowding, and stop unsafe behaviour such as pushing, fighting, or somersaulting.
What should we do if the blower stops working?
If the blower stops, remove all users immediately. Check that the power is still connected, the tubes are attached, and nothing is blocking the blower. If it overheats, turn it off for 1–2 minutes before restarting. If it still doesn’t work, contact us on 07798 875532.
What happens if it gets windy or rains heavily?
If wind speeds exceed 19–24mph (Beaufort Scale 5), the inflatable must be deflated immediately. If the inflatable becomes wet or it rains heavily, switch the blower off until conditions improve. Towels can be used to dry the surface once the rain has passed.
Can we bounce on the safety step?
No – the step is designed for getting on and off only, not for bouncing. Bouncing on the step can lead to falls and injuries.
Are there any health restrictions for users?
Anyone with back or neck problems, or who is feeling unwell, should not use the inflatable.
Who is liable for damage or misuse?
The hirer is responsible for the inflatable during the hire period. Any damage caused by misuse, neglect, or theft may result in a replacement charge.