FAQs: Soft Play, Ball Pond & Bouncy Castle Hire in London
Dancing Cubs provides mobile soft play, ball ponds, bouncy castles and other children's event equipment throughout London. These frequently asked questions explain how to choose equipment, plan your venue, arrange delivery and book online. For details specific to an item, check its product page before booking.
Choosing Your Play Equipment
What can I hire from Dancing Cubs?
You can hire soft play packages, ball ponds, soft play climbing frames, toys and big games and bouncy castles. We also offer individual products and equipment for larger event installations. Browse the categories to compare designs, sizes and activities.
What ages is your children's soft play suitable for?
Our children's soft play is mainly intended for babies, toddlers and young children, with many products designed for the 0–5 age range. Suitability varies by item, so check the age guidance on each product page. Some toys and games may also be suitable for older children. Children must be supervised during play.
Do you have equipment for babies and first birthdays?
Yes. For a baby's first birthday or an event with younger children, you can explore The Baby Soft Play Package and our first birthday party ideas. Check the contents and age guidance of each product to choose an appropriate play area.
Can I choose a colour scheme or party theme?
Yes. Dancing Cubs offers luxury colours soft play and themed soft play. Options include The Sea Life Soft Play Package, The Princess Soft Play Package, The Dinosaur Soft Play Package and The Jungle Soft Play Package. The colours and equipment included depend on the product you select.
Can I hire a ball pond without a soft play package?
Yes. Ball ponds can be hired as individual products. You can compare different shapes, sizes and designs on our Ball Pit Hire London page. If you only need loose balls for a suitable existing play area, see 1 x Bag of Balls.
Can I combine products to make my own play area?
Yes. You can add multiple items to the same booking form, such as a soft play package, ball pond and suitable toys. Check their combined dimensions, the children's ages and the space needed between activities. If you would like help planning the layout, contact us with your venue measurements and the products you have in mind.
Do you have soft play suitable for adults?
Yes. Dancing Cubs has a separate Adult Soft Play Hire service. Do not assume that standard children's soft play or ball ponds are suitable for adult use. Check the intended users and limits of each product before booking, particularly for mixed-age events.
Venues, Space & Set-Up
Can soft play be set up indoors or outdoors?
Many soft play products can be used indoors or outdoors when the space, surface and weather conditions are suitable. Outdoor soft play and ball ponds must be kept dry. Check our indoor set-up and outdoor set-up guidance before booking, and tell us if your venue has any restrictions.
How much room do I need for soft play or a ball pond?
The required space depends on the products you choose. Measure the usable floor area, check each item's dimensions and allow room for access and supervised play. Tables, chairs, doorways and fixed furniture can reduce the available space. For a smaller venue, explore our small-space equipment or send us your measurements for guidance.
Can you deliver to an upstairs room or a venue with restricted access?
We can consider venues with stairs, lifts, loading restrictions or limited parking, but we need those details before the booking is finalised. Tell us the floor number, lift dimensions where relevant, distance from the loading point and any fixed supplier access times so that we can assess the delivery and set-up arrangements.
Can a bouncy castle be set up on artificial grass, a patio or a driveway?
Our outdoor inflatables require suitable grass for anchorage. They can also be installed in appropriate indoor settings. Do not assume that artificial grass, a patio or a driveway is suitable for an outdoor bouncy castle. Contact us before booking if you are unsure about the surface at your venue.
Do I need an electrical socket for soft play?
Most standard soft play pieces and ball ponds do not require electrical power. Inflatables require a suitable power supply, and our bouncy castle bookings need a power source within 25 metres of the set-up area. Check the requirements of any powered product you select and confirm the socket location with your venue.
What happens if rain is forecast for my outdoor event?
Contact us as soon as possible if rain or unsuitable weather is forecast. Soft play and ball ponds must be kept dry, and outdoor inflatable use is subject to suitable conditions. An indoor alternative may be possible if the equipment fits and the venue is suitable. Read our Weather Policy for the applicable arrangements rather than assuming an outdoor booking can proceed under cover.
Delivery, Booking & Payment
Which parts of London do you deliver to?
Dancing Cubs provides equipment hire throughout Greater London, including Central London, North London, South London, South East London, East London and West London. Our service also includes locations such as Lewisham, Hackney, Greenwich, Chelsea, Lambeth and Tower Hamlets. Contact us with your venue address if you need to check a particular location.
Do you deliver, set up and collect the equipment?
Yes. Dancing Cubs delivers, sets up and collects hired equipment. Standard delivery and collection hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm, with routes planned around confirmed bookings, event times and venue access requirements. You can request preferred times, but a specific slot cannot be guaranteed simply because it has been requested. Read our Delivery page for more information.
How do I book, and do I pay when I submit the form?
Choose your products, select Book Online and enter your event details. You can add more than one item to the same booking form. No payment is taken at the initial booking stage. For information about payment arrangements after your booking request, see our Payment page and booking guide.
How far in advance should I book?
Book as early as you can if you need a particular product or event date, especially for weekends, school holidays and seasonal events. Availability varies, so you can also check with us about a booking at shorter notice.
Can I hire equipment for more than one day?
Yes. Dancing Cubs offers long-term soft play hire for projects and events requiring equipment beyond a single day. Tell us the dates, venue, intended use and access arrangements so that we can discuss a suitable hire plan.
What should I do if I need to cancel or change my booking?
Contact us as soon as possible with your booking details and the change you need to make. The applicable terms depend on your booking and the reason for the change. Read our Cancellation Policy and Terms & Conditions for the relevant provisions.
Cleaning, Supervision & Event Planning
Is the equipment cleaned between hires?
Yes. Dancing Cubs cleans, sanitises and checks its soft play equipment and ball ponds between hires. Ball pool balls are washed using specialist cleaning equipment. You can read more about the process on our Ball Pool Cleaning page.
Does the hire include someone to supervise the children?
Do not assume that a standard equipment hire includes play supervision. An appropriate adult must supervise children and ensure the equipment is used in accordance with its age guidance and our Safe Play Guidelines. If your event requires dedicated staff, contact us to discuss your requirements before booking.
Can you provide soft play for weddings, corporate events or nurseries?
Yes. Dancing Cubs supplies children's play equipment for weddings, nurseries, schools, hotels, exhibitions and corporate family events. Explore our wedding entertainment for children, corporate event soft play hire and hotel soft play ideas. Tell us about the children's ages, expected attendance, venue and event format when enquiring.
Can you help me choose equipment for a sensory play area?
Yes. Tell us the ages and needs of the children attending, the space available and any preferences concerning colour, sound or activity levels. We can discuss products and layouts that may suit your event. Individual children have different preferences, so no single arrangement will be suitable for everyone.
Can you coordinate a soft play area with a corporate colour scheme?
We offer colour-coordinated and themed equipment that may suit a corporate event or brand activation. Browse our brand colours and product launch sections, then contact us with your brief. The available colours and any personalisation options will depend on the products and the proposed installation.
Still Have a Question About Your Booking?
For help choosing equipment, checking venue access or planning delivery, use our Contact page, email hire@dancingcubs.co.uk or call 07936 961 025. Include your event date, venue address, children's ages and the products you are considering so that we can respond to your enquiry.