What Happens If You Rent a Bounce House and It Rains?

Planning a party or special event is always exciting. You pick a date, send out invitations, and arrange fun activities like bounce house rentals to keep kids entertained. But if your event is outdoors, one thing can quickly change your plans: the weather. A common question many people have is, what happens if you rent a bounce house and it rains?

The truth is, inflatables are designed for fun, but not for wet, stormy conditions. Let’s break down what to expect, how weather can affect your rental, and what to do if rain is in the forecast.

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Are Bounce Houses Safe in the Rain?

When you search for bounce house rentals near me or jump house rentals near me, you’ll likely find inflatables of all shapes and sizes. While these are made with durable, commercial-grade materials, safety is always the priority. Light drizzles may not immediately cause issues, but heavy rain, strong winds, or thunderstorms make it unsafe to use a bounce house.

The main concerns include:

Slippery Surfaces – The floor and walls can become slick, increasing the chance of falls.
Electrical Equipment – Bounce houses require blowers to stay inflated, which must be kept dry.
Wind Hazards – Strong gusts can move or destabilize an inflatable.

For these reasons, most rental companies recommend deflating the bounce house if rain becomes heavy.

What Happens to Your Rental If It Rains?

Weather policies vary, but generally, if rain is in the forecast, you have a few options:

1. Reschedule Your Event
If possible, moving your party to another day ensures you get the most out of your rental. When searching for jumper rentals near me or jumpers for rent, ask about rescheduling policies ahead of time.
2. Move the Party Indoors
Some inflatable party rentals may fit inside a gymnasium, community center, or large indoor venue. If you have access to indoor space, this can be a great backup plan.
3. Choose Rain-Friendly Options
Not all inflatables are ruined by water. A water slide bounce house rental is actually designed for wet fun! If light rain is in the forecast and it’s warm outside, a water slide can still provide safe entertainment.
4. Pause and Restart

In cases of scattered showers, you may be able to pause activities, deflate the inflatable temporarily, and then reinflate it once the weather clears.

Protecting Your Rental

If you end up with rain during your rental, you’ll want to take some precautions:

Keep the Blower Dry: Cover the blower with a tarp or place it under a canopy.
Use Towels After Rain Stops: Dry off the inflatable to prevent slips once kids re-enter.
Avoid Muddy Areas: Set up on grass with ground tarps to minimize water pooling and mess.

By taking these steps, you help ensure both the safety of your guests and the longevity of the inflatable.

How Weather Affects Different Inflatables

Not all inflatables are impacted by rain in the same way. Here’s what to consider when choosing:

Classic Bounce Houses: Fun for dry days, but rain makes the surface too slippery for safe play.
Combo Units with Slides: These can be used if rain is light, but drying is necessary to prevent slips.
Water Slide Bounce House Rental: Perfect for warm weather with showers. They’re made to be wet and can turn rainy days into splash-filled fun.
Inflatable Obstacle Course Rental: Best on dry days, as wet surfaces can make climbing areas unsafe.

When browsing for a bounce house near me, consider the season and whether a water-ready option might be a smarter choice if you’re planning during unpredictable weather.

Planning Ahead for Rainy Weather

If you’re hosting an outdoor party, especially in spring or fall, it’s a good idea to prepare for rain. Here are some tips:

Check Forecasts Early: Keep an eye on weather updates as your event approaches.
Ask About Weather Policies: When booking bounce house rentals, ask if refunds or credits are available for rainouts.
Secure a Backup Location: If possible, have an indoor venue option as a backup.
Choose Flexible Dates: If your celebration isn’t tied to a specific day, consider rescheduling to avoid bad weather.

Why Renting a Bounce House Is Still Worth It

Even with the risk of rain, renting an inflatable is still one of the best ways to create lasting memories. Kids love the excitement of jumping, sliding, and racing through inflatables, and parents love the convenience. Compared to other forms of entertainment, bounce houses are affordable, safe, and fun for hours. Learn more more by reading our Guide to Bounce House Rentals in Sunnyvale, California.

The key is to plan ahead, choose the right inflatable for your event, and have a backup strategy in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

So, what happens if you rent a bounce house and it rains? Light rain may not ruin your event, especially if you’ve rented a water slide, but safety always comes first. Most of the time, you can reschedule, relocate indoors, or pause activities until the weather clears. With a little planning, your celebration can still go off without a hitch. Ready to book your rental? Call 650-740-3555 today to secure the perfect bounce house or inflatable for your next event.