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What is an inflatable? Blast Zone has the answers!

What is an inflatable?

What is an inflatable? Blast Zone has the answers!
What is an inflatable anyway?

What is an inflatable?

Inflatables, also known as bouncers, jumpers, or moonwalks, are air supported structures typically used for birthday parties and other events. While a popular theme among inflatables is a castle theme, Blast Zone inflatables come in a huge range of themes, color schemes, shapes, and applications.

Inflatables work by connecting a blower that runs continuously while the inflatable is in use. The blower is constantly turning and pumping out plenty of air to not only inflate the attached bouncer or slide, but also to support players as they bounce or slide about.

Blast Zone inflatables always come with the required blower included, and everything needed to set them up. That includes the inflatables themselves, the blower motor, anchoring stakes, an instruction manual, a repair kit, and a storage bag or cinching straps, depending on the model. Water inflatables would also include a sprayer kit which is compatible with a standard garden hose.

Blast Zone Inflatables Come in Various Types

Blast Zone inflatables come in two different grades to suit just about any need. The home-use line boasts a huge selection of backyard bouncers, slides, combos, and inflatable play parks. Families with a home-use inflatable have their very own bouncer on-hand for birthdays, holiday parties, or your standard summer fun.

For business owners, Blast Zone offers a diverse line of commercial grade inflatables. Blast Zone’s commercial inflatables are built to be versatile and very durable. They’re perfect for any commercial application. From schools, day care centers, and church events to party rentals and indoor bounce centers, Blast Zone’s commercial selection has something for everyone.

With Blast Zone’s water inflatables, available in both home-use and commercial grade, summer boredom becomes a thing of the past. Water inflatables are hugely popular during the summer months. Because some of the larger water inflatables can be used wet or dry, these awesome slides and play parks can also be used for year round fun.

 

Blast Zone Inflatables are Easy to Setup and Use

For those expecting a complicated setup, guess again! Blast Zone inflatables are notoriously easy to setup. The process consists of unboxing, unrolling, attaching the blower and tying off any extra vents. From there you simply turn it on. Most of the home-use bouncers and slides inflate in a minute or so, and after inflating, anchoring is the final step.

Inflatables are typically anchored using either ground stakes or sandbags for weighted anchoring. Thanks to the option of sandbags for weighted anchoring, Blast Zone Inflatables can also be used indoors to help beat the heat or to chase away the rainy-day blues.

Some of Blast Zone’s most popular inflatables are nice and compact, like the Magic Castle Bounce House. This means they can typically be transported and setup by just one person! Even in the case of commercial inflatables, where you may need some extra helping hands or a hand truck to assist with the transportation of heavier items, setup is just as simple.

The operation of Blast Zone Inflatables consists of a setup which can be completed in minutes, and adult supervision during use. They’re so easy to use, it makes sense that they’re popping up in backyards and businesses all over the US and Canada.

Blast Zone Inflatables are a great way to get kids active

Because kids today spend so much time in front of screens, bouncing makes for an awesome alternative. Blast Zone Inflatables are a great excuse to get kids outside to enjoy some fresh air. Because bouncing and sliding is so much fun, kids can get the exercise that they need without even realizing it!

Even if the weather isn’t ideal, Blast Zone inflatables can be set up in the house to keep children occupied. Protect your furniture from becoming a jungle gym! Bouncing on couches, chairs, or beds is less appealing when there’s an actual bounce house right there in the living room!

As long as they are properly anchored and you have the space, any Blast Zone Inflatable can be used indoors or outside.

Blast Zone Inflatables often pay for themselves

When most people think about inflatables, they think birthday parties. While inflatables can be used to entertain for just about any occasion, they’re always a hit at a birthday celebration. If you’ve ever rented a bouncer before, you know that rental costs can really add up, especially if you’re having a party more than once a year.

Most home use inflatables end up paying for themselves after just a few uses. Inflatable water parks bring the amusement park to your own back yard, saving families a ton on travel and admission costs. Many find that when they own their own inflatable, they’ll break it out every weekend, if not every day, just because they can!

When it comes to commercial grade inflatables, the payback is even more apparent. Many rental companies can earn back the cost of their commercial inflatable in no time, depending on the frequency that it is being rented out. Summer camps, day cares, churches, and schools often find that a having a commercial inflatable in their arsenal increases the fun for everyone involved, and might even make their organization even more appealing to new members.

Blast Zone inflatables come in many shapes and sizes.
Blast Zone has an inflatable for every occasion!

What are inflatables? Inflatables are a no-brainer!

Blast Zone Inflatables are colorful, exciting, easy to use, and most of all, they are crowd pleasers. Because they come in so many shapes, sizes, and themes, they offer both flexibility and fun. They are easily setup and can be used indoors or outside. They allow kids to get the exercise that they need, without even realizing it. Best of all, kids expend their excess energy so bedtime is no longer a pain for parents. Little jumpers sleep soundly after a day of bouncing, sliding, and smiling wide.

Blast Zone inflatables are anything but ordinary. They offer excitement, a fun and safe play experience for kids, along with excellent quality and durability. Blast Zone not only offers the best in both home-use and commercial inflatables, they’re also backed by a warranty and a US-based customer support team that goes above and beyond industry standards.

Plan a Memorable Birthday Party for Your Toddler

Party planning checklist!
Party planning checklist!

When people plan birthday parties they are planning a special day not just for their children, but also for themselves. Children grow so fast, and a huge part of sharing your life with a young child is trying to slow down from time-to-time and enjoy it, even for just a day.  You and your guests will surely remember the party for years to come, and look back at those early parties with fondness. Not only will your child remember more than you might expect, but those early positive experiences can have a lasting influence.

Memory and early childhood amnesia are still being studied today. While there are plenty of theories, the rules of memory retention in children have not yet been entirely decided.  Just how much of life will your Toddler remember in the long run? Some say that children cannot retain memories until fluent language develops. Others suppose that young children cannot develop memories until they have developed a sense of self.  A child’s memory improves as the section of the brain known as the hippocampus develops. While the average age for an adults earliest memory is around 3 years old, there are still plenty of people who report having earlier memories intact through adulthood. The capabilities for very young children to retain memories is still being studied and debated.

While your toddler may not be able to remember the explicit details of their lives before the age of 3 in the long run, the implicit memories still have a huge impact on children as they grow. Throwing an unforgettable birthday party for your toddler means that not only are you creating early childhood memories for your little one, but also that you are introducing them to new traditions which will repeat each year.

When you begin planning your Toddler’s birthday party, look to invite family and friends with children in the same age group. While younger children may not seem particularly social, it is important to introduce them to their peers so they can learn to socialize in the comfort of their parents’ presence. Inviting other toddlers also gives you the opportunity to socialize with other parents, possibly building life-long friendships for your kids.

The beauty of entertaining toddlers and young children is that you don’t need as much structure to keep them engaged. Toddlers typically do better with free play. Especially with mixed ages, many of your guests may be at different stages of play. While your toddler might enjoy playing with other children, some younger kids tend to prefer parallel play, meaning they play on their own beside other children.

You can plan for some party games, but be sure to keep them simple and easy to understand. When you are thinking of games keep in mind that your party guests will likely have varying degrees of sensory and motor development. For this reason, it is a good idea to make sure that games are fun without putting much emphasis on competition or prizes. Games like “pass-the-ball” or “follow-the-leader” are classics, but you can also experiment with group activities instead of games, such as coloring pages or easy crafts like paper masks.

It would also be a great idea to have some open play areas set up for the kids who may not be ready for guided play, or who don’t get into the party games. An easy way to do this is setting up a soft play area or a bouncer like the the Magic Castle Bounce House, which is a staple at many toddler parties. The Magic Castle is perfect for toddlers. It is also nice and compact which means it can be used indoors or outdoors. Because the Magic Castle can support three kids at a time, it makes for a great way to entertain your toddler and their friends. If you have a larger space for your party and are looking for a bouncer to accommodate more children, the Big Ol Bouncer is another great option for a toddler’s birthday bouncer.

When it comes to feeding your toddler-guests, easy finger foods are your new best friends. Keep things cute by cutting sandwiches into cool shapes using cookie cutters. You get food in fun shapes, and sandwiches are generally easy to make in a variety of flavors. Other easy toddler-friendly foods include pizza, bite-sized fruits and veggies, cookies, crackers, and juice boxes.

When it comes to a toddler’s birthday party, a big concern for hosts is entertaining the adults. If you have a bounce house set up, the toddlers will likely entertain themselves. It would be a good idea to have some entertainment or good conversation lined up for the parents, as well as some better food. Most of the time parents will keep themselves entertained on their own, by interacting with children and other grown-ups as well. Even so, it can’t hurt to think proactively and try your best to make sure that between the toddlers and the adults everyone has a good time.  And as always, adult supervision is important in monitoring safe play, with or without a Bounce House.

Recap:

  • Toddler Birthdays are about making memories.
  • It is possible to plan a party that your toddler won’t forget.
  • Invite other toddlers.
  • Toddler parties don’t require as much structure to keep kids engaged.
  • Keep any games or activities simple.
  • Finger foods are your friend.
  • Be sure to keep your grown up guests in mind.

 

Throw a Princess Themed Birthday Party

Throw a Princess Party!
Throw a Princess Party!

When you’re young, a birthday is that one day a year where your family treats you like royalty. If you’ve got a little princess with a birthday coming up, you can make her big day extra special with a princess themed birthday party. Princesses are like celebrities to young girls. They look up to fictional princess characters in awe and admiration. Hosting a princess party for your girl means she and all her friends get to be something like a celebrity for a day.

Princess Parties are a treat for your little princess and all of her friends as well. While Princess-themed parties are fairly common, the beauty is how flexible the theme is. A great princess party can come in the form of a daytime bash or a sleepover. The details are key. As long as you’re able to put a royal spin on things, you’re set.

Start of by choosing a date and a venue. Typically themed parties are easiest to accomplish at home, but you may find a venue willing to work with your theme and help make the party magical. You’ll want to create a guest list and send out invitations about 3 weeks ahead of the party, giving guests plenty of time to RSVP. Be sure to inform guests of the theme and let them know if costumes are allowed or encouraged.

Once you have the “who?”, “what?”, “when?”, and “where?” decided, you can officially start planning for decor. Knowing the layout of your party space will allow you to plan your decor according to the princess theme. When it comes to a themed party, the decor is essential in helping party-goers get into character. It helps to create a plane of imagination where party guests really are princesses, and you want that feeling to last as long as the party does. You can use tulle, streamers and balloons to transform your room, with accents and details to focus the onto the princess theme .

For a princess party, simple ways to keep your theme are to utilize a royal color scheme. Gold or Silver with accent colors of your choice is a great way to capture the elegance and luxury of royalty while still decorating with a color scheme that your little princess will love. Pink is a popular color among princesses, but unless you’re throwing a surprise party, ask your princess for her input!

Your little lady may be more enthusiastic about decision making that you’d think. Ask her to help with decisions regarding decor, food, and activities. This allows her personality to really show through. It ensures that she’ll love her party, and allows her friends to get a feel for who she is and what she likes. You can have her help choose the food or simply serve her favorites. The beauty of a princess party is that you can choose pretty much any food. At a princess party, presentation is everything. You can find plastic great party ware that mimics the look of fine silver or check for fancy-looking serving trays at thrift stores.

Entertaining your princesses doesn’t need to be difficult. Give them the royal treatment. Recruit some helpers if possible and create a glam station. Use body glitter, stickers, barrettes and stick-on jewels to help guests get into character. When guests get settled in, they can be transformed into princesses with party favors like crowns or tiaras and DIY wands made with art supplies like popsicle sticks and construction paper. You can keep princesses entertained with games like pin-the-kiss-on-the-frog-prince and pass the poison apple (think “hot-potato”). Classic party games like musical chairs can also be made to fit the theme with the right music.

Many birthday parties include a bouncer and your princess party need be no different. The Princess Dreamland Bounce House by Blast Zone is the perfect scene for a royal ball. Princesses can check their wands at the door and then bounce, twirl, and dance the day away. Good luck getting them to come out before midnight! Turn on the tunes and watch them go. The Princess Castle Combo comes with a slide, and can be used with water, adding another element to their royal regalement. Of course, adult supervision is important in monitoring safe play, with or without a Bounce House.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting more excited about hosting the princess party than you may have initially intended. It can be a lot of fun and the magic of make believe can be contagious. Have fun with it and don’t be too caught up hosting to enjoy playing along a bit. Finally, be sure to take plenty of photos. A princess party is the kind of affair you won’t easily forget, but it is also definitely an occasion worth sharing. When you see your little princess all decked out with her favorite friends, you’ll want to take plenty of pictures.

Recap:

  • Themed Parties put a fun twist on an otherwise ordinary birthday celebration.
  • A Princess Party is a great way to make the birthday girl feel extra special.
  • Select a date and venue, and make sure they can accommodate a themed event.
  • Set up your royal food and decor.
  • Put a fancy princess spin on your games and entertainment.
  • Have fun and take plenty of photos.
Pirate Themed Birthday Party

Throw a Pirate Themed Birthday Party with a Pirate Inflatable

Throw a pirate party!
Throw a pirate party!

Themed parties aren’t just for grown ups. In fact, kids might actually be more impressed by a well executed themed party than anyone over the age of twelve would be. Themed parties can be just as structured and memorable as a regular birthday themed party, if not more.

Planning

The first step in planning a Pirate themed party is to select your date and venue. You’ll want to plan around other community events and any other potential birthdays. Scheduling conflicts with other parties can mean your guests only show up for half of the party, if they come at all. While for some this may be guesswork, you can try to avoid this awkward situation by asking a few of the parents you plan to invite. Throw out your desired dates to see if it would work for your perspective guests. If it seems open for the majority, it’s probably safe to start planning.

If you are thinking of holding the party at a venue, you’ll want to call ahead to confirm they’ll allow your themed decor and games. Typically, your own home or backyard is a great place to hold a themed birthday party because you have no limitations on decor or entertainment.

You’ll want to create pirate themed invitations and send them with plenty of time for guests to clear their schedules and then RSVP. For birthday parties, it is generally recommended that you send out invitations 3 weeks ahead of time and request an RSVP one week before the party. This gives people time to move things around in their schedules if needed, and you have a week to follow up with people who have not yet responded. Be sure to send a themed invitation, and mention on the invite that it is a themed party. This allows them to come prepared. If costumes are encouraged, let your guests know in the invitations!

When planning a themed party, the theme should go beyond just the decor. You’ll want to see that theme in all aspects of the party, including food and entertainment. While Pirate themed decor is easy to find at most party stores, you can stretch your budget by choosing a color scheme to go along with your theme. In addition to the standard plates, cups, and napkins, you can use an ocean theme to keep your decor cohesive. You can use blue cloths with fishing net thrown on top to create a sea-themed table covers, and use party beads or costume jewelry as treasure to be laid out strategically.

The final part of planning an amazing Pirate themed birthday party is to plan the food. You can create your own pirate themed creations or go with some pre-packaged options like Pirate’s Booty and Chips Ahoy cookies. For a fun home-made creation, try filling a punch bowl with sprite, sugar, water and coconut extract for a yummy island punch. To mimic ocean water, you can add a drop or two of blue food coloring.

Execution

On the day of the party, be sure to set up the food and decor ahead of time so that all of your guests get the full experience. Placing the finishing touches as guests arrive may help to save on time, but it can away some of the magic. You may notice their excitement building as your guests look around and see your commitment to the pirate theme. As people arrive you can pass out eye patches, pirate hats or other pirate themed favors. Passing out an eye patch for each child is great because it encourages kids to get into character. You can also hang a list of pirate lingo and encourage all guests (parents included) to speak like a pirate. Getting silly with the kids is a sure way to loosen up any accompanying adults who may feel uncomfortable, especially if you don’t know each other as well as the kids do.

A good party is nothing without awesome party games. You can create a fun pirate themed twist on most classic party games like pin the tail on the donkey. Try pin the “X” on the treasure map instead. A treasure hunt is also a fun way to get kids working together. Even games like a three-legged race can be piratized by simply changing the name! Games are a great idea for some guided fun, but you can also keep it simple with free-play or hired entertainment.

A great party needs entertainment and choosing the entertainment for a themed party doesn’t have to be a huge challenge. The standard options are still there, just with a pirate themed twist. A clown is only an eye-patch away from being a pirate clown, and balloon animals can be swapped for balloon swords! And what is a birthday party without a bouncer? A Pirate Themed inflatable from Blast Zone such as the Pirate Blaster should do the trick! With a bouncer and slide, your party guests have their very own pirate ship to play on.

When you’re throwing a themed party, the number one rule is to make sure that you enjoy it! Themed parties are sure to set the celebration apart from an ordinary affair no matter how far you decide to take the theme. It can be great fun planning and making sure that the details are on-theme, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. Have fun with it and take plenty of photos! Your Pirate party is sure to be an unforgettable event for you and for your guests, and the photos will be a treat to the family and friends who couldn’t make it!

Recap:

  • Themed parties are fun and memorable.
  • A Pirate Theme is a classic recipe for adventure.
  • Select a date and venue, and make sure they’re Pirate-friendly.
  • Set up your Pirate themed food and decor.
  • Put a Pirate spin on your games and entertainment.
  • Have fun and take plenty of photos!