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Looking to boost turnout and profits at your next school fundraiser in Cookstown, Innisfil, Alliston, or across Simcoe County? Bounce house rentals are a proven, family‑friendly anchor that deliver high engagement with manageable logistics. Here’s how to use them strategically—so you raise more money, keep kids safe, and make volunteers’ lives easier.

Why inflatables work so well for schools

• High smiles per dollar: One inflatable can entertain dozens per hour, keeping families on site longer (and spending at other stations).

• Scalable: Works for small yard events or full‑field fun fairs; indoors or outdoors.

• Flexible themes: Classic castles, obstacle courses, and mega slides fit everything from kindergarten fun days to middle‑school carnivals.

• Sponsor‑ready: Bright visuals + steady foot traffic = easy, high‑value sponsor visibility.

• Low complexity: Professional crews handle delivery, setup, and takedown; volunteers focus on lines and admissions.

Fundraising models that actually work

Pick one model (or a hybrid) and make it easy to understand at the gate.

• Wristbands (most popular)

• Price: $10–$15 per child for a 2–3 hour play window

• Pros: Fast transactions, predictable revenue, fewer line delays

• Tip: Offer family caps (e.g., $30 max per family)

• Pay‑per‑play

• Price: $2–$3 per turn; good for single units

• Pros: Low entry cost; works when you have only one inflatable

• Cons: Slower queues, needs cash/card handling at each line

• Hybrid

• Wristbands for standard inflatables + premium ticket for a mega slide or long obstacle course

• Great for maximizing revenue while keeping base experience accessible

• Pre‑sales

• Sell wristbands online ahead of time with QR check‑in; reduces gate congestion and helps forecasting

Throughput: how many kids can you serve?

Actual numbers vary by age mix and supervision, but these conservative estimates help plan lines and revenue.

Pro tip: Post “Max users,” “Ages,” and “Time per turn” at each entrance. Assign a volunteer “line manager” to keep things flowing.

Smart lineups for Cookstown schools

• Small event (≤250 attendees)

• 1 combo unit + toddler soft‑play corner

• Wristbands or $2/turn

• Medium event (250–500 attendees)

• 1 combo + 1 obstacle course + toddler zone

• Wristbands recommended; add leaderboard to the obstacle course

• Large fun fair (500+ attendees)

• Long obstacle course + mega slide + classic castle + toddler zone

• Fenced “play zone,” wristbands, and one attendant per unit

Keep the toddler area physically separate with mats or barriers to prevent accidental bumps.

Safety and compliance in Ontario (school‑friendly checklist)

Reputable Simcoe County providers will share documentation proactively. Ask for:

• Insurance: Certificate of Insurance (commonly $2–$5M Commercial General Liability). Can the school/board be added as Additional Insured?

• Inspections and maintenance: Recent inspection/maintenance logs for the exact units you’re renting; operators follow manufacturer guidance and North American best practices for inflatable amusements.

• Electrical safety: One blower per dedicated 120V/15A GFCI‑protected circuit. CSA‑approved outdoor extension cords with cord covers.

• Anchoring: Stakes on grass or proper ballast on asphalt/turf, plus entry/exit mats.

• Wind and weather: Clear wind limits per unit (many are in the 32–40 km/h range). Operators should monitor gusts and pause if limits are approached.

• Supervision: Trained attendants or a brief for volunteers on capacity, grouping by size, and rules.

• Venue rules: Many schools require proof of insurance and floor protection indoors. Confirm early with your principal or facility coordinator.

Indoor vs. outdoor in winter and shoulder seasons

• Indoors (gyms/halls): Ask for low‑profile inflatables and non‑marking floor protection. Confirm ceiling height and door widths.

• Outdoors: Plan for level ground, staking/ballast rules, and a weather Plan B. Use tarps to protect turf and reduce mud.

Budget and ROI: sample scenarios (Cookstown/Simcoe County, CAD)

Typical day rates:

• Small bounce house: $225–$375

• Combo (bounce + slide): $325–$550

• Obstacle course (25–45 ft): $550–$1,150

• Mega slide: $450–$850

• Toddler soft play add‑on: $150–$350

• Generator (if needed): $100–$200

• Attendant: $35–$60 per hour

• Delivery/travel: distance‑based

• HST applies

Example A: Medium fun fair (wristbands)

• Units: Combo ($450) + Obstacle course ($800)

• Attendants: 2 attendants × 3 hours × $50 = $300

• Generator: $150 (if needed)

• Delivery: $75

• Total cost ≈ $1,775

• Revenue: 200 kids × $12 wristband = $2,400

• Net ≈ $625 (before sponsorships and concessions)

Example B: Add sponsor support

• Local business “Play Zone Sponsor”: $500 banner + MC shout‑outs

• New net ≈ $1,125

Layer in food sales (pizza, popcorn, bake table) and silent auction items to multiply returns.

Sponsor activation ideas

• Naming rights: “ABC Dental Fun Zone” signage at the entrance

• Leaderboard: Branded timing board for the obstacle course

• Photo backdrop: Sponsor logo wall at the exit

• Social shout‑outs: Thank sponsors in event promos and post‑event photos

Operations: volunteers, layout, and power

• Staffing roles

• Gate/wristband desk (2)

• Line manager at each inflatable (1 per unit)

• Safety spotter/rover (1)

• First‑aid lead (1)

• Runner/floater (1)

• Layout tips

• Keep 3–5 m between inflatables; clear entry/exit lanes

• Separate toddler space; shade or indoor calm zone if possible

• Place generators downwind and away from doors/windows

• Power plan

• One 120V/15A GFCI circuit per blower

• CSA‑approved cords, fully uncoiled, with covers across walkways

• Keep blowers on dry, level ground; protect from splash, not airflow

• Payments

• Mix cash and tap (Square/Stripe)

• Float for change; QR pre‑sale check‑in line

Inclusivity and sensory‑friendly options

Small touches make every family feel welcome:

• Low step‑in heights; wider entries

• “Quiet session” (20–30 minutes) with music off and smaller groups

• Pictogram rule signs for non‑readers and multilingual families

• Line‑skip passes for children who struggle with queues (discreetly offered)

Weather Plan B (Ontario reality)

• If winds approach the unit’s limit or heavy rain/lighting appears, pause or deflate temporarily—safety first.

• Build rescheduling terms into your contract; set a decision time (e.g., 7:00 a.m. event day).

• Communicate clearly via the school’s channels (email, socials, SMS).

Timeline for PTA/Parent Council planners

• 6–8 weeks out: Reserve venue; request quotes; confirm insurance and documentation; pick your inflatable mix.

• 3–4 weeks: Finalize layout and power; recruit volunteers; design signage and wristbands.

• 1 week: Reconfirm delivery window, access/parking, and weather policy. Share a site map with the provider and volunteers.

• Event day: Walk‑through to verify anchors/ballast, mats, cord covers; brief line managers; set up first‑aid point and water station.

• After: Collect photos, tally results, thank sponsors, and record lessons learned.

Ready‑to‑send quote request (copy/paste)

Subject: School Fundraiser – Bounce House Rentals (Cookstown) – Quote Request

Hello [Company Name],

We’re hosting a [school name] fundraiser in Cookstown on [date], [start–end time]. Expected attendance: [X] families; ages [range]. Venue: [indoor gym/outdoor field], surface [grass/asphalt/gym floor]. Space is [dimensions], gate/door width [measurement].

We’re considering:

• [Combo castle] + [Obstacle course] + [Toddler soft play]

• Attendants: [yes/no], preferred for [units]

• Power: [number] dedicated 120V/15A outlets available; generator needed? [yes/no]

Please provide:

• Day rates, delivery, HST, and any bundle discounts

• Insurance certificate (CGL $[2–5]M) and ability to list the school as Additional Insured

• Recent inspection/maintenance records for the units

• Wind/weather policy and rescheduling terms

• Floor protection (if indoors) and anchoring/ballast plan

Photos of the units and exact footprints would be great. Thank you!

[Your name]
[Role/PTA]
[Phone/email]

The bottom line

Bounce house rentals in Cookstown make school fundraisers more attractive, more profitable, and easier to run. Choose age‑appropriate units, price with wristbands, post clear rules, and staff each line. Lock in safety docs, power, and a weather fallback, and you’ll have a play zone that parents love, kids remember, and sponsors want to support—year after year.