School Events – What You Should Know! 🎓🎉

1. Choose the Right Attractions 🏰✨

Bounce Houses 🎈

• Options Include:

  • Tropical Bounce House
  • Princess Castle Bounce House
  • Sports-Themed Bounce Houses

• Pros:

  • Sure to be a hit with all age groups.
  • Ideal for younger children, especially ages 5 and under.
  • Most budget-friendly inflatable option.

• Cons:

  • Limited capacity (maximum 5-7 jumpers at a time).
  • Only one entrance and exit, which can lead to bottlenecks.
  • Not ideal for larger kids due to non-inflatable sides and reduced jumping space.

Obstacle Courses 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

• Options Include:

  • 40' Obstacle Course – Most popular and budget-friendly.
  • Adrenaline Rush Obstacle Courses.
  • 5-and-Under Obstacle Course.

• Pros:

  • Perfect for competitive play and teamwork activities.
  • Can accommodate a higher number of participants in rotation.
  • Suitable for all ages, including older kids and teens.

• Cons:

  • Requires significant space for setup.
  • Often more expensive due to size and complexity.
  • May need additional staffing to monitor multiple sections.

Interactive Games 🎮

• Pros:

  • Suitable for all age groups, offering diverse activities like basketball, axe throwing, and Alien Tag.
  • Promotes participation and keeps guests actively engaged.
  • Compact units fit well in small spaces.

• Cons:

  • Competitive nature may not appeal to all kids.
  • Smaller units may only accommodate one or two players at a time.

Extreme Attractions 🎢

• Pros:

  • High-energy activities that draw crowds and create a "wow" factor.
  • Ideal for older kids, teens, and even adults.
  • Adds uniqueness to the event, making it stand out.

• Cons:

  • Higher cost compared to standard inflatables.
  • Requires larger setups and more staff for operation.
  • Not suitable for very young children due to complexity and safety requirements.

Slides 🌊

• Options Include:

  • Lava Slide
  • Fiesta Paradise

• Recommended for Elementary Schools:

  • 14'-16' Slides: Perfect for "bigger" kids while remaining approachable for "little" ones, creating an inclusive experience for a wide range of ages.

• Pros:

  • Perfect for warm-weather events or summer celebrations.
  • Dual options (wet or dry) add flexibility.
  • High-energy fun that keeps kids entertained for hours.
  • High turnover – allowing the maximum number of riders.

• Cons:

  • Requires access to water and proper drainage for wet use.
  • Not suitable for colder months as wet slides, but dry slides are a great alternative.

2. Organize the Event Space 🗺️🏫

Inflatables 🎈

• Place larger inflatables in open areas like fields or gymnasiums to prevent overcrowding.
• Ensure adequate spacing between inflatables for safe entry and exit.
• Place attention-grabbing attractions like the Meltdown , Kapow, or Dizzy X in central locations to draw guests and create excitement.

Game Stations 🎮

• Position interactive games like Alien Tag or Hungry Hippo Attack along walkways or corners to encourage natural traffic flow.
• Group similar activities (e.g., sports games or carnival games) to create themed zones.
• Ensure accessibility and adequate spacing to prevent crowding.

3. Plan for Safety 🛡️✅

Key Safety Measures:

• Professional Setup:

  • Ensure all inflatables are installed by trained professionals who properly anchor and secure them to prevent movement or tipping.
  • Mechanical rides like the Mechanical Bull or Meltdown should be tested and operated by certified staff.

• Staffing & Monitoring:

  • Assign at least one trained operator or volunteer per attraction to monitor participants and enforce safety rules.
  • Use additional staff for crowd control and line management, ensuring orderly participation.

• Emergency Preparedness:

  • Have first-aid kits available at multiple locations, especially near high-traffic areas.
  • Develop a clear emergency response plan, including evacuation procedures, and communicate it to staff and volunteers.
  • If possible, have a medical professional or school nurse on-site for added safety.

• Participant Guidelines:

  • Clearly communicate age or height restrictions for each inflatable or attraction.
  • Post visible signs with maximum capacity limits and rules for safe usage, such as no flips or roughhousing.

4. Set Up a Ticketing or Wristband System 🎟️🎈

Ticketing Options:

• Tickets: Use physical tickets for individual attractions or activities, ideal for à la carte participation.
• Wristbands: Offer unlimited play wristbands for all attractions, providing maximum convenience and encouraging full participation.

Benefits of Wristbands:

• Convenience: Eliminates the need to carry or track individual tickets.
• Cost-Effective: Families enjoy multiple activities without additional costs.
• Encourages Participation: Allows attendees to engage freely with all attractions.

Staffing for Efficiency:

• Assign volunteers or staff to monitor attractions, collect tickets, or check wristbands.
• Use additional line managers for high-demand activities to ensure fairness.
• Set up a dedicated booth for ticket/wristband sales and inquiries.

5. Add a Theme or Seasonal Flair 🌟🎨

Theme Ideas:

• Carnival Day 🎪: Incorporate carnival tents, dunk tanks, and games like ring toss and balloon darts.
• Field Day 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️: Use obstacle courses, relay games, and team challenges like tug-of-war.
• Under the Sea 🌊: Feature water slides like Sea Splash and ocean-themed inflatables with sea creatures.

Seasonal Themes:

• Fall Festival 🎃: Add pumpkin-themed inflatables, hayrides, and corn mazes.
• Winter Wonderland ❄️: Include snow-themed bounce houses and artificial snow machines.
• Spring Fling 🌷: Use flower-inspired décor and colorful inflatables for a fresh, vibrant event.

6. Fundraising Opportunities 💰📚

Fundraising Ideas:

• Entry Fees or Wristbands: Charge a flat admission fee or sell unlimited play wristbands for maximum convenience.
• Food & Drink Sales: Offer popular snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, or BBQ. Consider partnering with local vendors or food trucks for variety.
• Silent Auction or Raffle: Gather donated items or services from local businesses and let attendees bid or buy raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes.
• Additional Ideas:
  • Set up a themed photo booth and charge for photos.
  • Sell school-branded merchandise like T-shirts or hats.
  • Host game challenges with small participation fees and prizes.

7. Promote Your Event 📣🎤

Promotion Strategies:

• Flyers: Send home bright, eye-catching flyers with key details and exciting attractions.
• Social Media: Use your school’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share updates, sneak peeks, and countdowns.
• School Channels: Include event details in newsletters, emails, and on the school website.
• Local Networks: Post flyers at local businesses, libraries, and community boards.
• Incentives: Offer early-bird discounts or share testimonials and photos from past events to drive interest.

8. Partner with A&E Air Jumpers 🎈🤩