A Guide to Safely Setting Up Soft Play and Bouncy Castles Outdoors

Last Reviewed August 2025

At Dancing Cubs, the safety of your children is our absolute priority. When you hire our soft play or bouncy castles for an outdoor event, careful planning of the setup area is crucial.

Our team will always set up your chosen equipment in the safest way possible. This guide, informed by our extensive experience and adherence to safety regulations, provides essential information to help you prepare your outdoor space for a fun and secure event

Preparing the Setup Area for Soft Play & Inflatables

A safe setup begins with a well-prepared space. Please ensure the designated area is ready before our team arrives for delivery and setup.

Clean and Clear Space: The entire setup area must be thoroughly clean and completely clear of all obstacles, debris, and animal waste. This reduces the risk of trips, falls, and damage to the equipment.

Grass Preparation (if applicable):

  • If the setup is on grass, please ensure it is cut a few days before the event date.
  • All grass cuttings must be raked and removed from the area. Leftover cuttings can become slippery, cause skin irritation, or be tracked into the play equipment.

Optimal Placement: We will position the play area or inflatable in the middle of a clear space, away from fences, walls, trees, bushes, and any other fixed structures. A wide, open area significantly lowers the likelihood of children tripping, falling, or colliding with surrounding objects.

Overhead Obstructions:

  • Trees and Branches: For bouncy castles and inflatables, low-hanging branches are a significant hazard. They can rub against the inflatable, causing costly damage, or worse, allow children to climb the tree and jump onto the inflatable unsafely. Please ensure all branches are trimmed well above the height of the inflatable, or an alternative setup location is chosen.
  • Clotheslines/Wires: Any clotheslines, wires, or similar overhead obstructions must be removed if they are in the way of the inflatable or play area.

Weather Considerations: Sunny Days & Heat Management

Outdoor equipment, particularly inflatables and soft play, can get extremely hot under direct sunlight. Taking precautions on sunny days is vital for comfort and safety.

  • Shade is Key: We highly recommend using a marquee or gazebo for protection, especially for soft play equipment, to keep it cooler and prevent surface temperatures from becoming dangerously high.

  • Inflatable Roofs: Our bouncy castles with rain/sun roofs will naturally offer more shade and stay cooler than those without.

  • Personal Sun Protection: Encourage all children to wear sunscreen, sun hats, and light-colored clothing.

  • Hydration: Provide plenty of fresh drinking water and encourage frequent water consumption to prevent dehydration.

  • Socks: Advise children to wear socks, as bare feet can get easily burned on hot surfaces.

Bouncy Castles and Inflatables: Safety & Compliance

Dancing Cubs is committed to providing safe and compliant inflatables.

HSE & BSEN14960 Compliance: To comply with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Regulations, all our bouncy castles and inflatables undergo annual testing by a competent person. This ensures they meet the rigorous safety standards of BSEN14960 (the European standard for inflatable play equipment).

Secure Anchorage is Paramount - Grass Only Outdoors: For outdoor setups, we only install bouncy castles and inflatables on real grass. This is because proper anchorage is critical for safety. We use robust pegs that penetrate the ground sufficiently to withstand the required 163 kg of uplift force per anchor point, as mandated by safety standards.

No Hard Surfaces Outdoors: We cannot set up inflatables outdoors on concrete, patios, tarmac, decking, artificial grass, or any other hard surface. Achieving the necessary 163 kg of weight per anchor point on these surfaces is unattainable with standard weights we can transport in our vans. Attempting to do so would compromise safety and violate regulations. Indoor setups on hard surfaces are possible as wind speed / gusts are not a consideration indoors.

Power Source Management: Ensure the power source for the inflatable is positioned so that wires are not a trip hazard. We will use RCD-protected extension leads where possible, and ensure all cables are safely routed.

Safe Entry & Exit: Consider the area around the step of the bouncy castle. Ensure there is clear space and that children will not collide with any objects if they fall out or jump off.

General Safety Considerations: Think Safety First!

The points above serve as a comprehensive guide for preparing your outdoor play area. Our dedication to the safety of your children and their guests is unwavering, and taking these considerations into account significantly aids in creating a secure environment.

  • Supervision: While we ensure the equipment is safe, adult supervision is always required. Designate responsible adults to supervise the children at all times while the equipment is in use.

  • Emergency Contact: Ensure you have our emergency contact details readily available.

  • First Aid: Consider having a basic first-aid kit on hand.

Please contact us if you'd like additional information or have any questions regarding your specific outdoor setup. We're here to help you plan a safe and memorable event!

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