First-Time Renter Guide

Jump to what you need

• How to choose an inflatable
• What to expect
• How to choose a reputable company
• How 3 Monkeys measures up
• Our other guides
• Helpful reads
• Guides for popular rentals

How to choose an inflatable

The right unit depends on the ages of your guests, how many people will play at once, and whether you want jumping, sliding, or a little of both.

If you are planning a first birthday, or another kind of party, start on our Events page. It has ideas for first birthdays, toddler parties, church festivals, school carnivals, company picnics, and many other event types.

If you would rather start with a bundle instead of picking each item, we also have pre-built party packages for kids, teens, adults, schools, churches, and larger events.

What to expect when you rent with us

1. Browse and book

   Look through the equipment and reserve your date online, or call the office and we will help you choose. Our friendly staff would rather answer a question now than have you feel unsure later.

   If you want to spread the cost out, we offer flexible payment options, including weekly, monthly, or quarterly payments.

2. Get your space ready

   We will tell you how much room you need and what to have ready, like a clear path and a nearby outlet. Our delivery guide is written with first-time renters in mind. It covers things like mowing the yard, checking for low limbs and power lines, and making sure your outlet is close enough, with a 50- or 100-foot extension cord at no extra charge.

   Read Preparing for Delivery

3. We deliver and set up

   Our crew brings the equipment, sets it up, and walks you through the basics before we leave. You do not have to lift or figure it out on your own.

   Want to see if we come to your town? Our Delivery and Pickup page lists the counties we serve. Our main delivery area is within 60 miles of our shop in 17322, and we will go farther when the delivery fee and order minimum work for the event.

4. A short training, so you feel confident

   Every rental includes customer training. Watch the videos that match what you rented, and keep the operator instruction sheet handy during the event.

   Go to First-Time Renter Training
   Open Safety Guides & MSDS Sheets
   Open the Operator Instruction Sheet

5. We pick up

   When the party is over, you do not pack a thing. We come back and take care of it. If you are wondering whether you need to be home for drop-off or pickup, that is covered on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Want the longer version, including planning ideas and common questions? Visit our Party Rental Resources page, and start with the First-Time Renter section.

How to choose a reputable rental company

Not every company follows the same rules. In Pennsylvania, inflatable and amusement-ride rentals are regulated by the Department of Agriculture. Before you book with anyone, including us, we think you should ask these questions.

• Is the equipment registered in Pennsylvania?

  Every amusement ride or attraction used by the public in Pennsylvania has to be registered with the Department of Agriculture for that year. Ask if the units are registered, and look for the state registration plate with a current-year sticker.

• Do they carry the liability insurance Pennsylvania requires?

  Pennsylvania law says a ride cannot be operated for the public unless liability insurance is in place. Ask for a certificate of insurance. The legal minimum depends on the class of ride: $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate for Class I, or $250,000 and $500,000 for Class II. Many venues ask for higher limits than the minimum, so it is fair to ask what coverage they actually carry.

  You can also review our insurance information, including our liability, workers' compensation, and commercial auto coverage, and how to request a certificate.

• Who inspects the equipment, and how often?

  Pennsylvania requires a department-licensed qualified inspector to inspect a ride before it is used by the public, and then at least every 30 days or each time it is set up at a new location, whichever comes first. Ask who does those inspections. The law requires a qualified inspector. It does not require that person to work on the company's staff, so an inspector on staff is an extra step, not the legal minimum.

• Are the rides a type Pennsylvania has approved to operate?

  New ride types are reviewed before they can be used in Pennsylvania, and the state keeps a list of approved ride types. Manufacturers also have to meet ASTM F24 standards. We have not found a simple public "approved manufacturers" list, so the better question is: is this unit a type approved or registered to operate in Pennsylvania, and does the manufacturer follow ASTM F24?

• Do they follow ASTM F24 standards?

  Pennsylvania uses the ASTM International F-24 Committee Standards for amusement rides and devices. That covers manufacturers and the companies that set up, run, and inspect the equipment. Ask if the company follows ASTM F24.

How 3 Monkeys measures up

Here is how we stack up against those questions. We have been a family-owned company since 2007, and the second generation is part of the business today.

• In business since 2007.
• Second-generation family owners.
• Fully insured.
• We follow ASTM F24 standards.
• PA registered.
• Licensed inspectors on staff through the PA Department of Agriculture.

If you want to read more about our team, our training, and the way we take care of events, visit our Trust page.

If you want more of the planning and safety detail in one place, our Party Rental Resources page also has a section on choosing a rental company.

Our other guides

Use these when you are ready for more detail.

Helpful reads

These articles from our Articles page come up a lot for first-time renters, new parents, and people planning a first school, church, or company event.

• How much money does it cost to rent a bounce house?

  Walks through typical bounce house prices, including what a 15x15 rental costs with us, and the safety questions to ask so you are not shopping on price alone.

• What age is a bounce house for?

  Explains that guests need to be able to stand and keep their balance, that toddler bounces are made for ages 1 through 6, and what to consider for older guests or anyone with a health concern.

• Do you tip for a bounce house rental?

  Our take on tipping: if the delivery crew took good care of you, a tip is a kind way to say thank you. If the service was not good, let the office know instead.

• Party Planning Tips

  A simple checklist for planning a party, covering the date, location, invitations, food, and the equipment you might need, so you don't forget the basics.

• Carnival Games

  A printable instruction sheet for carnival games, dunk tanks, and movie screens, with rules, volunteer tips, and age suggestions. Especially handy if you are new to running a church, school, or community carnival.

You'll find these and a few more, including summer staycation ideas, on our Articles page.

Guides for our most popular rentals

When you are looking at a specific attraction, these pages go into more detail. They cover the rentals people look at most often.

Still have a question?

If a question is still on your mind, our Frequently Asked Questions page covers things first-time renters ask a lot, like how much space you need, what delivery includes, whether you need to be home for drop-off and pickup, deposits, and our weather policy.

If you are not sure which inflatable is the right fit, or you just want to talk it through, call the office. We are happy to help you make a good choice for your event.

You can also reach us through our contact page or email info@3monkeysinflatables.com.