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Group Size Guide
How many inflatables do you need?
Choose the right number and mix of inflatables based on your guest count, age groups, and event type. This guide helps you plan for a great experience without overcrowding.
Understanding Capacity
- •Each inflatable has a maximum simultaneous user capacity
- •Capacity is based on both user count AND combined weight limits
- •Throughput (users per hour) is different from simultaneous capacity
- •High-throughput units (obstacle courses) can handle more guests overall
- •Low-capacity units (small bounce houses) need rotation systems
- •Consider adding multiple units for events over 30 guests
Age Group Considerations
- •Toddlers (2-5 years): Need dedicated toddler units with shorter walls
- •Kids (6-12 years): Standard bounce houses, combos, and slides
- •Teens/Adults (13+): Large obstacle courses, sports inflatables, big slides
- •Mixed ages: Consider separate units or designated time slots
- •Never mix toddlers with older children on the same unit
- •Adult supervision required for all age groups
1-20 Guests (Small Event)
- •1 bounce house or combo unit is typically sufficient
- •Standard 15×15 bounce house handles this size well
- •Consider a combo (bounce + slide) for more variety
- •Add a game station for waiting guests if budget allows
21-50 Guests (Medium Event)
- •2 inflatables recommended for good flow and variety
- •Consider: 1 bounce house + 1 obstacle course
- •Or: 1 combo unit + 1 dry slide
- •Obstacle courses handle higher throughput than bounce houses
- •Add party games to keep non-bouncing guests entertained
51-100 Guests (Large Event)
- •3-4 inflatable units recommended
- •Mix different types: bounce, obstacle, slide, interactive
- •Include at least one high-throughput option (obstacle course)
- •Consider age-specific units if wide age range
- •Add yard games, dunk tank, or concessions
- •Professional event attendants strongly recommended
100+ Guests (Festival/Carnival)
- •5+ units with variety of activities
- •Dual-lane obstacle courses maximize throughput
- •Multiple slides (wet and dry options)
- •Interactive sports inflatables for teens/adults
- •Carnival games, dunk tanks, concession equipment
- •Professional attendants required for crowd safety
- •Wristband or ticket systems help manage flow
Event Type Recommendations
- •Backyard Birthday: Combo unit or bounce house - compact, crowd-pleasing
- •School Carnival: Obstacle courses + variety of slides - high throughput
- •Corporate Family Day: Age-diverse mix (toddler unit, big slides, sports)
- •Church/Community Festival: Mix of units + games + food equipment
- •Sports Team Party: Interactive sports inflatables + obstacle courses
- •Graduation Party: Obstacle courses, sports, photo-worthy slides
Mixing Ages Successfully
- •Dedicated toddler times: First 2 hours for ages 2-5 only
- •Separate zones: Toddler area vs. big kid area with clear boundaries
- •Dual-lane options: Some obstacle courses separate by size automatically
- •Supervision is key: Assign specific adults to watch age-mixing
- •Clear rules: Post age/size restrictions at each unit entrance
- •Wristband system: Color-code by age group for easy identification
✓Quick Reference
- •1-20 guests → 1 inflatable
- •21-50 guests → 2 inflatables
- •51-100 guests → 3-4 inflatables + games
- •100+ guests → 5+ inflatables + full entertainment package
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