Frequently Asked Questions - Bouncy Castle & Inflatable Hire
We’ve pulled together some of the most common questions customers ask when booking our bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle courses, disco domes, and party extras. Whether you’re hiring for a birthday in Coleraine, a school fun day in Portrush, or a corporate event in Ballymoney, you’ll find helpful information right here.
We want your hire experience to be smooth, safe, and stress-free. From bad weather to setup access, from last-minute bookings to safety rules – it’s all covered below. If you can’t find the answer you need, just navigate to your chosen product and book online, or contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
What inflatables are best for competitive games at parties?
For events where you want guests to compete, we have fantastic options like the Bungee Run, Sumo Wrestling Suits, Penalty Shootout and Football Darts. These are brilliant for school sports days, team-building events, or simply adding fun challenges to a birthday party.
Do you offer inflatables suitable for both boys and girls?
Yes—our range is huge and includes themes that appeal to everyone. Superhero Bouncy Castles like the Avengers Bouncy Castle with Slide 15x12ft are always a hit, while Unicorn Bouncy Castles and Princess Bouncy Castles are perfect for those who love magical and colourful designs.
Are there inflatables that combine slides and bouncing?
Many of our most popular products are combos, which means they feature both a bouncing area and a slide. Examples include the Party Time Bouncy Castle & Slide 15x12ft, Unicorn Box Bouncy Castle & Slide Combo 15 x 12ft and Barbie Bouncy Castle & Slide Combo 17x15ft.
Do you hire water inflatables for summer parties?
We have amazing water options for sunny days! The Water Slide 30ft and Waterslide with Pool 60ft are perfect for outdoor summer fun. They’re always in demand for garden parties and community events during the warmer months.
What inflatables are best for really big events?
For school fairs or community fun days, our giant obstacle courses are ideal. Options like the Extra-Large Inflatable Obstacle Course 80ft, Spiral Obstacle Course 46ft, and Graffiti Obstacle Course 42ft provide high-energy entertainment for lots of children at once.
Are there bouncy castles that work well for themed parties?
Absolutely! For pirate themes, you can hire the Pirate Bouncy Castle & Slide 15x12ft. For gamers, we have the Fortnite Bouncy Castle & Slide Combo 17x15ft and Minecraft Bouncy Castle with Slide 15x12ft. We also have Frozen Bouncy Castle & Slide Combo 17x15ft for fans of the beloved movie.
Do you provide inflatables with music and disco lights?
Yes! Our disco inflatables are always a big hit. The Disco Box Bouncy Castle with Light & Speaker 15x12ft, Dancing Disco Dome with Internal Slide and Candy Twist Mini Dancing Dome all combine bouncing with music and lights to create a party atmosphere.
Are there products that aren’t just bouncy castles?
We offer lots of extras and alternative inflatables for added fun. These include the Wiggle Car Race Track, Giant Connect 4, Giant Jenga and even the Inflatable Pub—a fantastic option for adult events or weddings.
Do you have inflatables that fit smaller gardens or indoor venues?
Yes, we have plenty of compact options such as the Football Bouncy Castle 12x12ft, Unicorn Curved Bouncy Castle 12x12ft and Toxic Waste Bouncy Castle 12x12ft. These are ideal for limited spaces without compromising on fun.
Can you supply inflatables for weddings and family gatherings?
Definitely! Many couples choose inflatables to entertain younger guests during wedding receptions. Products like the Party Time Play & Slide Bouncy Castle or Toddler Playzone are perfect for keeping kids busy while adults enjoy the celebration.
When can your bouncy castles be booked?
Our inflatables are available for hire 365 days a year. During peak season, which runs from March to September, we get quite busy, so it’s best to book early to secure your preferred date.
What happens if there is rain or adverse weather?
If the weather is too severe on the day of your booking, you may cancel by calling us before 10 am or at least 2 hours before the scheduled setup time, whichever is earlier. Safety is our priority, and we understand that the weather can be unpredictable.
How much space do I need for an inflatable?
The space required will depend on the size of the inflatable you choose. In addition to the dimensions of the inflatable, you will need to allow about 4 feet of additional space on each side and front and back for safety and ease of access.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
You can cancel at any time up to 6 pm the day before the inflatable is due to be delivered. If you cancel after this time, you may be liable for a £25 fee to cover costs such as staff, fuel, and other expenses.
Can I make a last-minute booking for today?
Yes, you can make a same-day booking as long as we have availability. However, our online booking system does not support same-day bookings, so please call us on 07454170033 to arrange it.
Are you insured? Who is liable if an injury occurs?
We have £10 million of public liability insurance to cover setup faults or equipment issues. However, as per our terms and conditions, once the inflatable is in your care, you are responsible for its safe use. We cannot be held liable for any injuries that occur due to misuse. It’s important to follow the provided safety instructions to keep everyone safe.
What if there is no electricity on-site or within 30 metres?
No worries! We offer a 6KVA Silent Diesel Generator for hire at £25 per day. It can power up to three inflatables and even a music system, making it ideal for outdoor locations with limited electricity access.
What kind of access is required for delivery?
We generally require access through a standard door opening to deliver our inflatables. Please ensure there is enough space, and if you have any concerns, feel free to contact us for clarification.
Can I hire a bouncy castle for an indoor event?
Absolutely! Our inflatables can be set up indoors, but it’s important to check the ceiling height of your venue to make sure it can accommodate the inflatable. If you’re unsure, please contact us, and we’ll help you determine if it’s suitable.
Are your inflatables safe?
Yes, safety is our top priority. We use RCD devices, conduct pre-event safety checks, and ensure our equipment is regularly inspected to guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience for all. We comply with all safety standards to ensure that your event is not only fun but also secure.
Can I collect the inflatable myself?
No, Coleraine Castles only provides inflatables to venues that our team can deliver and set up. Our insurance does not allow customers to transport or set up equipment themselves. All of our staff members have completed a comprehensive four-weekend training course to ensure safe delivery, setup, and takedown.
Do you have inflatables that are suitable for indoor halls?
Yes! Many of our castles, such as the Football Bouncy Castle 12x12ft, Unicorn Curved Bouncy Castle 12x12ft and Toxic Waste Bouncy Castle 12x12ft, are low enough to fit inside community centres and sports halls.
Can you provide inflatables for community fundraisers and school fun days?
Our School Fairs & Community Fundays packages are perfect for big events. Large obstacle courses like the Party Time Obstacle Course 46ft and interactive games like Football Darts keep everyone entertained while raising money for good causes.
What inflatables are best for themed birthdays like dinosaurs, princesses or superheroes?
We have an inflatable for every theme. For dinosaur fans, try the 3D Dino Obstacle Course 34ft. For princess parties, the Princess Bouncy Castle & Front Slide 15x12ft is a popular choice. And superhero lovers adore the Avengers Bouncy Castle with Slide 15x12ft.
Do you have inflatables for toddlers and very young children?
Our Toddler Activity Zones like the Toddler Playzone and Paw Patrol Junior Activity Zone Inflatable are designed for under-5s, with soft play features and safe designs that parents love.
What if I want something completely different from a standard bouncy castle?
We have loads of alternatives, including the Wiggle Car Race Track, Rock & Roller Gladiator Duel, Bungee Run, Sumo Wrestling Suits and even the Inflatable Pub for adult events.
Are there inflatables with multiple activities in one?
Yes! Combos like the Party Time Bouncy Castle & Slide 15x12ft, Unicorn Box Bouncy Castle & Slide Combo 15 x 12ft and Barbie Bouncy Castle & Slide Combo 17x15ft combine bouncing with slides for double the fun.
Do you have inflatables for competitive team games?
We offer a wide range of inflatables designed for group play, including the Demolition Zone Inflatable Fully Enclosed, Penalty Shootout, Football Darts and Bungee Run. These are great for school events, corporate days, or just lively garden parties.
Can I hire inflatables with music and lights?
Our disco range is perfect for party atmospheres. The Disco Box Bouncy Castle with Light & Speaker 15x12ft, Dancing Disco Dome with Internal Slide and Candy Twist Mini Dancing Dome all feature music and lighting for the ultimate celebration.
Do you have inflatables suitable for summer garden parties?
Absolutely! Our Water Slide 30ft and Waterslide with Pool 60ft are ideal for hot days. Pair them with fun extras like the Giant Connect 4 or Giant Jenga for a full day of outdoor fun.
What if I want something really big for a large event space?
Go big with our obstacle courses! The Extra-Large Inflatable Obstacle Course 80ft, Spiral Obstacle Course 46ft and Graffiti Obstacle Course 42ft are designed to keep large groups entertained at schools, fairs and community fundraisers.
Can you supply inflatables for weddings or adult parties?
Yes—weddings and family gatherings are a big part of what we do. Adults and older kids love games like Bungee Run, Sumo Wrestling Suits, Penalty Shootout and even the Inflatable Pub for something completely unique.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept cash on delivery, bank transfer, and online card payments via our secure booking system. You’ll receive full payment instructions during the booking process. In some cases, a deposit may be required to secure your date, particularly for premium inflatables or packages.
Do you offer any weekend deals or special offers?
Yes! Our weekend special allows you to keep your inflatable from Friday through to Monday for the price of a single-day hire. This offer is subject to availability and applies to most areas we cover. It’s a great option if you’re planning a full weekend of celebrations.
Do I need to supervise the inflatable during use?
Yes. A responsible adult must supervise the inflatable at all times while it is in use. This helps ensure children are using it safely, and that no overcrowding or misuse occurs. We provide clear safety instructions on delivery and are happy to explain how to monitor activity.
Are your inflatables suitable for all age groups?
Most of our inflatables are designed for children, but we also offer options suitable for teenagers and adults, including our Obstacle Courses, Sumo Suits, and Inflatable Pubs and Nightclubs. Always check the age suitability in the product description or ask if you’re unsure.
Can inflatables be used in the rain?
Many of our inflatables come with built-in shower covers, so they can still be used during light rain. However, for safety reasons, inflatables should not be used during heavy rain, strong winds, or thunderstorms. If the weather is too severe, you may cancel your booking by 10am on the day or at least 2 hours before setup.
Can I hire more than one inflatable for the same event?
Yes! You’re welcome to book multiple inflatables for the same event. Many customers choose to combine a Bouncy Castle with a Disco Dome, Demolition Zone, or Water Slide. We also offer bundle deals and party packages – ask us about available discounts when booking.
What time will my inflatable be delivered and collected?
We typically deliver inflatables between 7:00 am and 12:00 pm, depending on the route and your location. Collection usually happens in the early evening, though exact times can vary. We will confirm your estimated delivery and collection times the night before your booking.
Are the inflatables cleaned between hires?
Yes. Every inflatable is fully cleaned and sanitised before each hire. We take cleanliness seriously and make sure that all equipment is in top condition, both for safety and hygiene. You can book with confidence knowing your inflatable will arrive fresh and ready to go.
What kind of delivery access is required?
We need clear, unobstructed access to your setup area. Most inflatables can be delivered through a standard doorway, but please let us know if there are stairs, tight corners, gravel paths, or narrow gates. This helps us ensure smooth delivery and setup.
Do inflatables need to be supervised?
Yes – every inflatable and all other equipment (including soft play) must be supervised by a responsible adult over the age of 18 at all times. Supervision helps keep children safe and ensures the equipment is used properly.
Can we move the inflatable after it's been set up?
No, once installed, inflatables must stay exactly where our team positioned and secured them. This ensures they remain safe and stable throughout your hire period.
Can children eat or drink while using the inflatable?
For safety and hygiene reasons, food and drinks are not allowed on any inflatable. This helps to prevent choking and avoids mess or damage to the equipment.
What should children remove before using the inflatable?
Children should take off shoes, badges, and jewellery (like large earrings or necklaces) before entering. We also recommend removing glasses, plastic hairbands, and anything else that could hurt them or others. Adults must remove high heels if stepping on safety mats.
How many children can use the inflatable at once?
This depends on the inflatable’s size and the age of the children. Follow the guidance printed on the front of the inflatable – usually near the step – to avoid overcrowding.
Can we bring toys or balloons onto the inflatable?
No hard, sharp, or large items should be taken onto inflatables, as they pose safety risks. Balloons should also be kept off inflatables, as burst balloons and strings can be dangerous for smaller children.
Can we use face paint, silly string, or other party decorations?
Please keep items like face paint, coloured streamers, henna, party poppers, and silly string away from all equipment. These products can cause permanent staining, and you may be liable for cleaning or damage costs.
Can we spray water on the inflatable?
No – spraying or pouring water onto the inflatable is strictly not allowed. It can make the surface dangerously slippery, damage the materials, and make the unit unusable for future bookings. If an inflatable is deliberately soaked, you may be charged double your hire fee.
Can we use the inflatable in bad weather?
Inflatables must not be used in wind speeds or gusts over 24mph, during thunderstorms, or in heavy rain. For safety, remove children from the inflatable if conditions change.
Are smoking or pets allowed near the inflatable?
Smoking, barbecues, glass, and pets are not permitted on or near the inflatable for health and safety reasons.
Can large and small children use the inflatable together?
We advise against mixing children of different sizes, as it increases the risk of injury. Try to group children by age and size for safer bouncing.
Can children climb on the sides or walls?
No – climbing, hanging, or sitting on inflatable walls or slide sides is unsafe and not allowed. Children must use slides one at a time, feet first, in a seated position.
Where should safety mats go?
Safety mats should stay exactly where our team positioned them, especially at slide exits. They must not be moved during your hire period.
Can children bounce on the front step of the inflatable?
No – the step is only for getting on and off. It’s not designed for bouncing and must be kept clear.
Are inflatables safe for people with back or neck problems?
Anyone with a history of back or neck injuries should not use the inflatable for health and safety reasons.
What should we do if it rains during the party?
Take all children off the inflatable and cover the blower with a table or similar object to keep it dry. Do not turn the blower off. Once the rain has stopped, towel-dry the entrance and exit before allowing children back on.
Can we switch off the blower?
If the inflatable is not being used for a while, you can turn the blower off at the mains. But if multiple blowers are connected to a single extension lead, only plug in one at a time during re-inflation.
What if the blower stops working?
Immediately remove all children and turn the blower off. Wait a minute or two, then try turning it back on. If it doesn’t restart, please call us straight away for assistance.
What should I do if the equipment fails?
Contact us immediately if you experience any issues with the equipment. Don’t try to fix it yourself.
What if someone is injured?
If an accident happens that needs medical treatment, you must inform us straight away. Treatment must be sought within two hours, and a full report of what happened will be required.
What products do you offer for hire?
Coleraine Castles offers a wide range of inflatables and party extras for every type of event. Our products include Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Courses, Water Slides, Disco Domes, Sumo Suits, Inflatable Pubs and Nightclubs, Gazebos, Marquees, and Canopy Tents, Demolition Zones, and much more. Whether you are planning a birthday party, community fun day, or corporate event, we have the perfect solution to keep your guests entertained.
What areas do you deliver to?
We serve a wide range of locations across Northern Ireland, including Coleraine, Portrush, Portstewart, Ballymoney, Limavady, Ballycastle, Ballymena, Garvagh, and beyond. If you’re unsure whether we deliver to your area, please contact us!
What types of bouncy castles can I hire for a birthday party?
We have a huge variety of themed inflatables perfect for birthdays, including Unicorn Bouncy Castles, Superhero Bouncy Castles, Princess Bouncy Castles and Dinosaur Bouncy Castles. Popular birthday choices include the Unicorn Disco Play & Slide Bouncy Castle, Avengers Bouncy Castle with Slide 15x12ft and Princess Bouncy Castle & Front Slide 15x12ft.
Do you have inflatables suitable for school fairs and community events?
Yes! Our larger obstacle courses and multi-user inflatables are perfect for big events. Top picks include the Extra-Large Inflatable Obstacle Course 80ft, Graffiti Obstacle Course 42ft and Bungee Run. We also have a dedicated page for School Fairs & Community Fundays.
What are the best inflatables for toddlers and pre-school events?
Our Toddler Activity Zones are specially designed for younger children, with soft play features and safe low-height walls. The Toddler Playzone and Paw Patrol Junior Activity Zone Inflatable are ideal for nursery and playgroup events.
Can I hire themed castles for boys and girls of different ages?
Absolutely! We have options to suit everyone:
Do you offer inflatables for Christmas events?
Yes, our Christmas Party Hire range is perfect for festive fun. You can choose the Christmas Bouncy Castle & Slide Combo 15x12ft, the magical Christmas Snow Globe, or even Santas Magical Grotto for community fairs, school events, or winter wonderlands.
What if I want something really eye-catching for a big event?
Our 3D Bouncy Castles make a bold statement at any party. Popular options include the 3D Tiger Head Box Bouncy Castle & Slide Combo 15x12ft, 3D Circus Bouncy Castle Play & Slide Combo and 3D Celebration Large Bouncy Castle Play & Slide Combo.
Do you hire out extras to go alongside bouncy castles?
Yes! We have lots of add-ons to complete your event. These include Giant Connect 4, Giant Jenga, Sumo Wrestling Suits and Bluetooth Speaker & Disco Lights.
What inflatables are best for large outdoor spaces?
Our big obstacle courses and slides are ideal for fields, school playgrounds, and village greens. Popular choices include the Party Time Obstacle Course 46ft, Toxic Waste Assault Course 40ft, and Waterslide with Pool 60ft.
Can Coleraine Castles help with weddings, corporate events or family fun days?
Yes—we cater to a huge range of events! Products like the Penalty Shootout, Bungee Run, Demolition Zone Inflatable Fully Enclosed and Rock & Roller Gladiator Duel are fantastic for adults and teenagers as well as kids.
How do I choose the right inflatable for my space?
Each product on our website lists dimensions, so you can pick the perfect fit for your garden, hall or outdoor space. Smaller options include the Football Bouncy Castle 12x12ft and Unicorn Curved Bouncy Castle 12x12ft, while larger venues are great for products like the Spiral Obstacle Course 46ft.
Do you have inflatables with music and lights?
Yes! Our disco range combines bouncing with sound and light. Check out the Disco Box Bouncy Castle with Light & Speaker 15x12ft, Dancing Disco Dome with Internal Slide or Candy Twist Mini Dancing Dome.
Can I hire inflatables for themed events (pirates, video games, etc.)?
Of course! We have something for every theme: