Picking the right inflatable can make or break a kid's birthday party, a school event, or a backyard family gathering. There's a real difference between a toddler unit and a 15-foot bounce house, between a dry combo and a wet/dry combo, and between a 14-foot junior slide and a 21-foot wild rapids water slide.
This guide walks through the inflatable categories at Rose Party Rentals, with real prices, age recommendations, and setup requirements so you can pick the right unit on the first try.
- Step 1: Match the Inflatable to the Age Group
- Bounce Houses (13x13 and 15x15)
- Combo Bouncers (Bounce + Slide)
- Water Slides and Slip n' Slides
- Premium & Large-Group Units
- Space and Power Requirements
- Setup, Safety & Park Rules
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Match the Inflatable to the Age Group
The single most important factor is the age of the kids who will use it. Mixing toddlers and big kids in the same bounce house leads to bumps, crying, and parents pulling everyone out 10 minutes in. Here's the rough breakdown:
| Age Group | Best Choice | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 2-5 (toddlers) | Dedicated toddler inflatables | $75.99 - $129.99 |
| Ages 4-9 | 13x13 or 15x15 bounce houses | $159 - $189.99 |
| Ages 6-12 | Combo bouncers (bounce + slide) | $245.99 - $510.99 |
| Ages 8+ (warm weather) | Water slides & slip n' slides | $120.99 - $570.99 |
| Mixed ages / large groups | Obstacle courses & arenas | $345 - $510.99 |
Bounce Houses (13x13 and 15x15)
Bounce houses are the workhorse of any kid's party. At Rose Party Rentals, the standard bounce house comes in two sizes:
13x13 Bounce Houses — $159 to $189.99
The 13x13 fits up to 4-5 kids at a time and is perfect for backyards where space is tight. Popular themes include:
- Magical Unicorn — $189.99 (top pick for unicorn-themed parties)
- Pink Crown Castle — $159.99 (princess parties)
- Spaceship — $159.99 (space and astronaut themes)
- The Wizard — $159.99 (Harry Potter, fantasy)
- Sports Complex — $189.99 (sports-themed parties)
- K-Kastle Open Top — $159.00 (better visibility for parents)
15x15 Bounce Houses — $159.99 to $189.99
The 15x15 fits 6-8 kids and is the most popular size for ages 5-10. Rose's inventory has dozens of themes including:
- Castle bouncers — Pink & Purple, Royal, Red & Yellow, Blue & Yellow, Red & Blue ($169.99)
- Animals & characters — Pretty Pony, Honey Bear, Tweety Bird ($169.99-$189.99)
- Dinosaurs — Blue Jumpasaurus, Green Jumpasaurus ($169.99)
- Vehicles — Monster Truck, Skid Loader 14x20 ($169.99-$189.99)
- Tropical & nature — Palm Tree 15x15, Jungle Adventure ($169.99-$179.99)
Toddler Inflatables — $75.99 to $129.99
For ages 2-5, a regular bounce house is too tall and too rough. Rose Party Rentals' toddler inflatables have shorter walls, smaller bouncing surfaces, and softer features:
- Blast Zone (toddler) — $75.99
- Picasso Tiles (toddler) — $80.99
- Causeair House 15x15 (toddler) — $129.99
Browse the full bounce house selection to see what's available for your event date.
Combo Bouncers (Bounce + Slide)
A combo bouncer combines a bounce area, a slide, and usually a basketball hoop or climbing wall in one unit. They cost more than a standard bounce house but they keep kids occupied 2-3x longer. Some are wet/dry combos — the slide can be used dry or with a hose for water play.
Real combo prices from Rose Party Rentals' combo inventory:
| Combo | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blue & Gray Combo | Dry | $245.99 |
| Dalmatian Combo | Dry | $255.99 |
| Tiger Belly Combo | Dry | $260.99 |
| Wizard Combo | Dry | $280.99 |
| Pirates Combo / Princess Combo | Dry | $295.99 |
| Red & Blue Castle / Safari Combo | Dry | $310.99 |
| UFO Combo | Dry | $345.99 |
| Fire Station Wet/Dry Combo | Wet/Dry | $350.99 |
| Rainforest Wet/Dry Combo | Wet/Dry | $350.99 |
| All American Dual / Dual Dino / Dual Magical Unicorn / Color Block Castle / Dual Blue & Yellow / Dual Pink & Purple | Dual-Lane Wet/Dry | $399.99 |
| Dual Lane Mega Combo | Wet/Dry | $469.99 |
| Trilenium Combo | Premium | $480.99 |
When to choose a wet/dry combo
If your event is in June, July, or August in Chicagoland, a wet/dry combo is almost always the better call. Kids stay cooler, play longer, and parents get a longer break. You'll need a water source within 25 feet (a standard garden hose) and a flat grass area.
Water Slides and Slip n' Slides
For pure water fun on a hot summer day, dedicated water slides are the right call. Rose Party Rentals stocks:
| Water Slide | Size | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14' Inflatable Junior Slide | 14 ft | Ages 5-8, smaller backyards | $120.99 |
| 15' Inflatable Water Slide | 15 ft | Ages 6-12 | $250.99 |
| 33' Slip n' Slide | 33 ft long | Long, flat lawns | $339.99 |
| 34' Dual Slip n' Slide | 34 ft long | Two kids racing | $399.99 |
| 19' Wild Wave Jr Slide | 19 ft | All ages | $440.99 |
| 18' Dolphin Water Slide w/ Pool | 18 ft | Splash-pool cooling | $470.99 |
| 20' Dual Super Splash Slide | 20 ft | Racing two lanes | $475.99 |
| 18' Dual Lane Tropical / Palm Tree | 18 ft | Beach/luau themes | $535.99 |
| 21' Wild Rapids Water Slide | 21 ft | Ages 8+ & teens | $570.99 |
Premium & Large-Group Units
For school events, fundraisers, large birthdays, and corporate picnics, Rose Party Rentals also stocks:
- UFO Bouncer — $205.99 (large dome-style, all-ages)
- Extra Large Dome Bouncer — $375.99 (high capacity)
- Red/Blue Arena — $510.99 (interactive arena for sports games)
- Arena Dome PACKAGE — $499.99
For multi-station events, look at our obstacle courses and interactive attractions — these are designed to keep dozens of kids and adults entertained for hours.
Space and Power Requirements
Two non-negotiables: enough space, and enough power.
Space
Add at least 5 feet of clearance on each side and behind the inflatable. So a 15x15 unit really needs about 25x25 of clear ground. Combos and water slides need significantly more — measure before you book.
Per Rose Party Rentals' policy, the access route from the truck to your setup spot must be:
- 3 feet wide minimum for standard bounce houses
- 4 feet wide minimum for larger units (combos, water slides, obstacle courses)
Power
Each inflatable blower needs a standard 20-amp 110v outlet within 25 feet, on a dedicated circuit. The blower runs continuously while kids are using the unit. Combo and dual-lane units use 2 blowers, so you'll need 2 separate circuits.
If your venue doesn't have outdoor power (or your park/field doesn't have outlets), Rose Party Rentals rents generators as part of our equipment category. Just ask when you book.
Surface
Grass is best. Concrete is acceptable for most units. Dirt or rocky soils are not acceptable and will be assessed a minimum $100 cleaning fee per Rose Party Rentals' policy. If your yard is mostly mulch or gravel, ask about laying a tarp before delivery.
Setup, Safety & Park Rules
Rose Party Rentals' team handles full delivery, setup, and pickup. Standard rental period is 24 hours, with delivery 1-2 days before your event between 7 am and end of day (sometimes as late as 9 pm). Pickup happens the day after.
Safety guidelines
- An adult must supervise the inflatable at all times.
- No shoes, food, drinks, silly string, or sharp objects inside.
- Limit the number of kids based on the size — overcrowding causes injuries.
- Don't operate in winds above 15 mph or during heavy rain.
- Keep similar age/size kids together to prevent collisions.
Park and public-space events
If you're planning to set up at a Glendale Heights, Schaumburg, or Bartlett park, here's what to know:
- $300 park fee applies on top of the rental.
- Same-day delivery is required for parks and starts at $325 with a 1-2 hour delivery window before your event.
- Park pickup is restricted to Monday-Friday 8 am-6 pm and Saturday-Sunday 8 am-2 pm.
- Most park districts require a permit and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) — Rose Party Rentals can provide one for an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the right bounce house for toddlers?
For ages 2-5, choose a dedicated toddler inflatable like the Picasso Tiles ($80.99) or Blast Zone ($75.99). These have lower walls and smaller bouncing surfaces. Don't put toddlers in a regular 13x13 or 15x15 bounce house with bigger kids.
How many kids fit in a 15x15 bounce house?
Generally 6-8 similar-aged kids at a time. Reduce that number if you're mixing ages or sizes — collisions in inflatables cause most of the bumps and bruises we see.
Can I rent an inflatable for one day or one hour?
Rose Party Rentals' standard rental period is 24 hours. We typically deliver 1-2 days before your event and pick up the day after, so you actually get the unit for longer than a single party.
What's the deposit and cancellation policy?
A 50% non-refundable deposit secures your reservation. Balances are due two weeks before delivery. Cancel 73+ hours ahead and the deposit becomes store credit with the balance refunded. Cancel within 72 hours and the entire amount stays as store credit.
What if it rains?
If you cancel before our crew has loaded your order, the monies paid are held as a rain check valid for two years. Once the truck leaves the warehouse, it's a full charge and no rain check.
Do you have a damage waiver?
Yes — the damage waiver and cleaning fee are mandatory and each runs 10% of your rental. The waiver does not cover intentional damage, silly string, or permanent marker on the inflatable.