Jumping Castle Hire - FAQ
1) How much notice do you need for a jumping castle booking?
That really depends on the time of year (warmer times book out earlier) and which castle you want to book (some designs are quite popular). Also, if you want a specific castle design to fit in with a theme you would need to secure it early. To be quite confident of getting what you want, at the time you want, we suggest booking 4-6 weeks in advance (more for corporate or Christmas bookings). If you find there is less time than that then please still contact us as we have a large number of jumping castles and should be able to set you up with something suitable.
2) What are the basic requirements for any jumping castle set up?
Every castle booking requires a level ground area at least the size indicated for each castle (go to the castle description page), preferably grassed – see question 7 below. This area also needs to have open space above it so look out for trees, powerlines, pergolas etc that encroach on to your designated ground space. Most of our castles are at least 4m tall. Then we need access to power for the full booking time (a generator can be hired for use at a park) and we need access to get the castle in and out. For the backyard castle bookings a pathway at least 1m wide is needed and maneuvering the castle up and over stairs, decks or any other structures/obstacles is generally not possible. If you are not sure as to the suitability of your site please phone the office to arrange a site inspection.
3) What is required to make a booking?
We need to get all the details about you and the party/event and then we require a deposit to be paid in order to secure your booking. See “booking terms and conditions” for more details about the payment options.
4) How long does the castle stay at my house/event for?
The minimum hire time is generally 3 hours for Gecko Gang supervised bookings and 4 hours for self-supervised bookings, although we do offer longer time slots if required. For all castle bookings the start times are on the hour (depending on availability on the day) and the castles are available at any time during daylight hours.
5) Is the set up and pack up done within my booked time?
No the set up and pack up is always done outside your booked time. For backyard parties the set up and/or pack up can be done anytime during the 2 hours prior to your booked start time. This is because we have many castles to set up and we usually fit a couple in at the one time so someone gets theirs early. For supervised bookings the castle will generally be set up in the 30-60 minutes prior to your booked start time. Access will need to be available so if we are planning on setting your castle up early we will phone you to make sure someone is at home or onsite at the required time.
6) What sizes are the jumping castles?
We have many different sized castles available. Some are suitable for back yards and others are best in a park or open space. Go to the jumping castle description page where there is information about the sizes and space requirements for each castle.
7) What surface can the castle be set up on?
A grassed area is by far the safest as we can peg the castle down securely and know that it won’t go anywhere. Some of our smaller jumping castles can be set up on concrete/smooth bitumen using sand bags and a safety crash mat for the entrance. This type of set up requires one of our trained operators to supervise. We can also set up on artificial turf. Sandbags are required and depending on the site, sometimes a crash mat and a supervisor are also required. Dirt, mulch, rough concrete/bitumen and/or gravel are not suitable surfaces for jumping castles at any time. A site inspection is required for any booking wanted for any surface other than normal grass to make sure the surface and space is suitable.
8) Can the castle be set up against a wall or trees?
No, the castle must have at least 200mm clearance from any structure surrounding the set up area. This space is included in the area allocation for each castle.
9) Can I get the castle set up in a park?
Yes we can set up in a park. Generally, these areas are governed by TAMS, NCA or Queanbeyan City Council for across the border. Approval is required to set up in these areas as is vehicle access and access to power. You can go through Canberra Connect, or direct to the council for Qbn bookings, and they will put you through to the correct department. Sometimes there is a fee to open any gates or power boxes.
For ACT parks you can go to http://www.tams.act.gov.au/city-services/public_land_use
For events in the Parliamentary triangle you can go to http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1677&Itemid=163
For Queanbeyan events you can go to http://www.qcc.nsw.gov.au/Discover-Queanbeyan/Parks-and-Gardens/Parks/Parks
10) Does someone need to supervise the kids while on the castle?
Yes, the children need to be supervised at all times by an adult over 18 years. When in your backyard this can be anyone appointed by you who is suitable. When in a park or on a concrete/hard surface the castle will need to be supervised by one of our trained staff.
11) What are the costs for each jumping castle?
As we have many different castles and there are many different set up/location/timing possibilities we prefer to quote you over the phone or email for your particular event requirements. For private party castle bookings you can go to the party castle price list. For all other bookings pease fill out the enquiry form and one of our staff will then contact you to give you a quote or you can call us on 1300 GECKO GANG (1300 432564).
12) What ages can go on the jumping castles?
Most of our jumping castles are suitable for children up to 12 years of age. However, there are some exceptions. Go to the jumping castle description page where there is information about the age requirements for each castle. Also, you could tell us about your event and what you would like, and we may be able to suggest a castle/ride that is suitable.
13) What is the latest I can have my castle booking for?
Our jumping castles are all safest when used in natural daylight and therefore have to be packed up before dusk at any given time of the year. We generally have a 4pm maximum end time from June – August and a 7pm end time in November – February and somewhere in between (usually sunset) the rest of the year. Please phone the office to check for your event date.
14) I have booked a castle and I am worried about the weather. What happens if it rains?
Jumping castles are not much fun in the rain. Even though they have covers, they don't stay completely dry and the kids will get wet feet going in and out of the ride as well. This makes the risk of slipping over much greater. There is also an electric blower continually attached to the castle which cannot be left running in the rain. It is for these reasons that we don't set up rides/castles in the rain. If the weather is uncertain on the day of your booking there are 3 options you can choose from. For private backyard events go to the jumping castle booking “terms and conditions” page where your options on a wet day are listed. For corporate events go to the CONTRACT page for more info on wet weather cancellations.
15) If my ride is cancelled due to the weather; can I get anything else to replace it?
If you have other services booked as well as the ride, they can still go ahead inside or under cover but by the weekend, all our staff have usually been booked for other jobs. If the forecast, before the weekend, is looking grim you could look at adding extra services then so that, in the event of the ride being cancelled, you already have something else secured.
16) What happens if I need to cancel my castle booking for some other reason other than weather?
Please go to the jumping castle “terms and conditions” page where you will find our cancellation policy.
17) Do you have adult jumping castles?
We have some castles suitable for many mixed aged events where the kids and adults want to participate. We also have a Super slideand a Stick Up Wall which are great for all ages as well. Unfortunately, the castles are not made to take the weight and pressure of a purely adult event (like 21sts or 40ths). Also, as the castles have to be packed up by dusk so the service usually doesn't suit most adult events.
18) Do you have public liability insurance?
Yes we have $20 million public liability insurance with Altiora. Click here to see a copy of the policy.
19) I live out of town - can I get a jumping castle out there?
Generally we can only offer our jumping castle services to address within the main suburban area of Canberra and Queanbeyan. We may offer our service out of town but we would only have available a minimum 5 hour hire in winter or a 7 hour hire in Summer plus there would be a travel charge applicable.
20) Is there anything else I need to know?
Please be aware that streamers, poppers, silly string, chewing gum, food and drink must be kept out of the castles at all times. Pets must be locked away out of reach of the castle for the entire booking time. You also need to keep any naked flame – outdoor fire, fireworks, and cigarettes well away from the jumping castle. Children must also be completely dry in order to ride.
Please give us a call if you still have any questions on
0481 069 896 or click here to fill out an online enquiry.
