Bounce houses are a lot of fun, and most injuries on them can be prevented. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated more than 18,000 bounce-house injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2018. The agency has also warned about inflatables lifted by wind when they weren't properly anchored. Whether you rent or own, these rules keep the fun going safely.

Before anyone jumps: setup safety

  • Follow the manufacturer's setup instructions every time.
  • Anchor every point. Use stakes on grass, or sandbags or water weights on hard surfaces. CPSC advises making sure the unit is properly staked and anchored on a flat, even surface.
  • Keep clear of hazards. Never place a bounce house near tree branches, power lines, or fences.
  • Protect the blower. Keep kids away from the blower and any generator, especially near standing water.
  • Check the surface. Remove rocks, sticks, and toys, and don't set up on a slope.

If you rent, a professional company handles setup. Still walk around the unit with the crew before they leave.

Weather rules

Wind is the biggest danger with inflatables.

  • If it's windy, don't use it. CPSC's guidance says maximum wind speed should be no more than 15 to 25 mph. Follow your unit's own limit, which may be lower.
  • Watch for gusts. Sudden gusts are more dangerous than steady wind.
  • Rain and lightning: get everyone out and turn off the blower.
  • When in doubt, get everyone out. Remove all riders before you deflate the unit.

A weather app with live wind speeds is worth checking throughout the party.

Rules for jumpers

Post these where kids can see them:

  1. An adult is watching at all times. CPSC says children should always be supervised by an adult.
  2. Group by size. Only kids of about the same age and size should jump together.
  3. Respect the occupancy limit. Never go over the maximum number of riders.
  4. No flips, wrestling, or tumbling. Most collisions start here.
  5. Shoes, glasses, and sharp objects off. Empty pockets too.
  6. No food, drinks, or gum inside.
  7. One at a time on slides, feet first. Clear the bottom before the next child goes.
  8. Stay away from the walls and entrance when someone is getting in or out.

Supervisor checklist

Pick a "bounce house captain" for each part of the party:

  • Watches the unit the whole time, not a phone
  • Runs turns and keeps the head count under the limit
  • Separates bigger and smaller kids
  • Watches the wind and the sky
  • Knows how to turn off the blower and get everyone out

Rental vs. home units

Rentals: Choose an insured, professional company that cleans and inspects its equipment and explains its weather policy. On Moon Bounce Houses you can filter for companies that report carrying insurance. Then confirm the details directly using our questions to ask before booking.

Home units: Stay within the age and weight limits, inspect seams and anchor points before each use, and store the unit properly. See our cleaning and storage guide.

Plan a safe, fun party

Safety starts with choosing the right equipment and the right company. Find rental companies near you, compare their policies side by side, and request quotes. Shopping for your own? Read our guide to residential bounce houses.

This article is general safety guidance and isn't a substitute for the manufacturer's instructions or local regulations.