Rent a bounce house or just buy one?

[Anonymous]

I asked for where to rent a bounce house, and surprisingly most people said to just buy one. (Not in DC so that’s not what I’m asking).

Do people actually do this? It’ll be $179 to rent. Around $200 to buy, but it’s not as big I don’t think.

Thoughts? If you bought one, which one? Needs to be for ages 3-8.

[Anonymous]

I would never buy one, where would I put it?

We rent one for birthdays. A huge one.

[Anonymous]

Op here.

We would *sort of* have space for it? Someone said it folds up the size of a suitcase.

[Anonymous]

Seems like a liability

[Anonymous]

I ended up buying one but the party was for 2 and 3 year olds. It folds into a large duffle bag and I keep it in a closet. It was a good investment because it was fort first child born 12 years ago and all 3 of my kids have enjoyed it. We mostly use it inside. My youngest is 6 and it is a favorite for cold weather play dates.

If you have older kids or a big crowd I would rent.

[Anonymous]

For 3 the small one you can buy if fine. The big ones 8 year olds use are in the thousands. Just rent.

[Anonymous]

I bought a cheap one and one 3yo loves it but the other complains it isn’t bouncy enough. She has a point, it isn’t as bouncy as the nice ones but they still get decent use out of it.

[Anonymous]

Depends. If it's a big one then rent, something to do with insurance.

[Anonymous]

There are inexpensive well reviewed ones on amazon (150$ish). Obviously not as big and sturdy as the rental ones but fun to use. We put ours out when we’re having dinner parties and the kids bounce and get some energy out.

[Anonymous]

Rent for sure.

I wouldn’t want to deal with setting it up and putting it away. Plus the ones you buy are never as good as the rented ones. A three year wouldn’t notice but a four year old definitely would.

[Anonymous]

Wait long enough and the wind will deliver one from a neighboring yard.

[Anonymous]

Rent

[Anonymous]

We own two - a professional grade one and a regular indoor one. The big one is really heavy and awkward to move around and it takes up a ton of space. The smaller one that we use indoors is fun but not birthday party quality but is fun for rainy days.

For a party I’d just rent one. For long term use buy one that’s not too heavy

[Anonymous]

We have one that was about $150 that we got when our twins were 4. We use it a lot in bad weather, but it’s only good for 3-4 younger kids. It fits in our basement room. For a party, you’d probably want a bigger one.

[Anonymous]

I own one but you would be renting a nicer one than you buy.