NY Metro/Long Island

Expert Advice

KID'S BIRTHDAYS

Great Rentals for Backyard Birthday Bashes

By Debbe Geiger

Want to go all out for your child's birthday this year? There are so many ways you can make the day special simply by bringing the entertainment right to your backyard. The key to success, says Brian Stalter of Imagine That!!, a Hicksville, NY-based entertainment company, is to keep the kids busy. "You can't expect kids to be content with just one activity any more. They'll just run around and go nuts. You have to have things for them to do."

One of the most popular ways to do that is renting an inflatable contraption that they can bounce on, slide down, and play all over. They're available in many shapes and sizes, from 18-foot water slides to 65-foot long obstacle courses.

The most popular item is the castle jump/slide, says Nicole Baldwin of Bounce House Entertainment in Dix Hills, NY. This inflatable, which takes up 20-feet x 35-feet of your property, has an 18-square foot bouncing area as well as a 10-foot slide attached to the side. Two attendants will deliver the inflatable, set it up 30 minutes beforehand, and supervise its use. "They make sure no one gets hurt," explains Baldwin. They also go over the rules with the children and limit the number of kids using it at any given time.

The bigger the inflatable, the more they cost. The castle jump/slide runs $350 for two hours. Each additional hour is $125. The 18-foot water slide costs $395 and also comes with two attendants, while the 65-foot obstacle course costs $500 and includes three attendants supervising the kids. More supervision is needed ded because of its length, and because two people can race through the obstacle at the same time.

If you're thinking about inflatables and worried about rain policies, no need to worry. Most companies will honor a rain date or return your deposit.

Food rental machines

Providing fun food will also make your child's party more memorable. After all, it's not every party that can boast fresh-popped popcorn, just-crushed snow cones or just-spun cotton candy. "It's not pre-packaged," says Baldwin, "it's made right in front of you."

Each snow cone ice is crushed to order in the machine, and guests choose from among five flavors: cherry, blue raspberry, orange, grape, and lime. Popcorn, cotton candy and snow cone machines are available for $90 per hour per machine. The fee includes one serving attendant and enough supplies for unlimited servings.

Providing entertainment makes a party successful, says Baldwin, "because it keeps the children active and occupied." And when attendants are manning the equipment, parents can rest assured that the kids are safe. "It's fun for the children, and also for the adults," she says.

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