Remember those bounce houses and jumpy castles from childhood? Put a spin on the inflatable games concept with this college or 18th birthday party idea: an inflatable games party with plenty of grown-up appeal and an abundance of "wow" factor.
The Party
This is a great party for a large group - anywhere from 50 to several hundred people. And it's a natural for a carnival-themed outdoor celebration, with carnival-style food and colorful striped awnings to provide shade. Hire a neighborhood garage band - extra points if the members are friends of your 18-year-old's - to provide musical entertainment, or load up the boomboxes.
The Plan
These games, which are rented by the hour (typically with a four-hour minimum) require considerable space. The game rental company can give you the necessary square footage figures. Plan to use a park or large field. If it's a public park, you may need to reserve the space ahead of time, and figure out a plan to handle outsiders who want to join in the fun.
Consider teaming up with other families in hosting this event. You can celebrate multiple birthdays at once, while reducing the expenses (an important consideration for a party like this) and increasing the number of adult helpers. And while teens may not be thrilled at the idea of lots of parents around, they will appreciate the results: plenty of great food, many photographers, and someone to bandage or ice any injuries from overzealous jousting.
So book the space, reserve the games and send out the invitations - perhaps a DIY confetti-hurling card to get everyone in the mood? In addition to all the games, food and party supplies, be sure to pack plenty of water, ice and sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
One caveat: Do not hold a party of this type on a breezy day, and make absolutely sure you hire party rental company staff to install and adequately tether the structures, and to supervise them throughout the event. There have been instances, most recently in New York in June 2011, in which high winds and inadequate anchoring sent bouncy houses soaring into the air.
Read on for inflatable games possibilities and food suggestions...
