Bouncy castles are a brilliant way to keep children entertained, laughing, and wonderfully worn out. They’re especially popular in the warmer months when garden parties and family get-togethers are in full swing.
But what happens if you don’t have a big grassy lawn?
Can you put a bouncy castle on concrete, a driveway, or another hard surface?
The short, honest answer is: no – not safely outdoors.
And there’s a very good reason for that.
At Best Party Hire, we only set up bouncy castles outdoors on real grass, or indoors in halls. Below is the full explanation, without the fluff, so you can make an informed and safe decision.
Why Hard Surfaces Are a Problem Outdoors
When a bouncy castle is used outside, the biggest risk isn’t falling off — it’s movement or lift caused by wind.
Outdoor inflatables must be securely anchored to the ground in line with:
Grass allows us to peg the castle deeply into the ground using steel stakes that are tested and approved as part of the inflatable’s design.
Hard surfaces don’t.
“But Can’t You Just Use Weights?”
This is one of the most misunderstood areas in inflatable hire.
Required Weight Per Anchor Point
European safety standards state that each anchor point needs at least 165kg of weight.
A small inflatable can easily have 6 anchor points.
That means:
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165kg × 6 = 990kg of weight
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Standard sandbags weigh about 25kg
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You’d need around 40 sandbags to meet the minimum requirement
That’s before we even talk about transporting them or trip hazards.
In short: sandbags are not a safe or practical solution outdoors on hard ground.
Other “Fixes” You Might See (And Why They’re Risky)
Tying to Walls, Posts, or Vehicles
This creates ropes around the inflatable — a serious trip hazard, especially on hard surfaces where falls are more dangerous.
Thunderbolts (Concrete Anchors)
Thunderbolts can only be used in solid concrete (not tarmac, paving slabs, resin, or block driveways).
They also require:
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Drilling multiple holes into the surface
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Specialist pull-strength testing
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Full compliance to keep insurance valid
They leave permanent damage and still rely on strict testing — which is why we don’t offer this service.
What About Indoors on a Hard Surface?
Indoors is a completely different story.
In village halls and community centres:
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There’s no wind to contend with
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Inflatables are weighted and positioned differently
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Safety mats are used around the open sides
This is why bouncy castles are absolutely fine on hard floors indoors, as long as the space is suitable.
Wind Speed Rules (Very Important)
This rule applies everywhere, regardless of surface:
If wind speeds reach 24mph or above, no inflatable should be used outdoors.
It doesn’t matter if it’s pegged, weighted, or bolted down.
Anchor points are tested to specific limits during PIPA testing. Adding more weight or bigger pegs does not change those limits.
At Best Party Hire, we always check official forecasts right before your hire.
Outdoor Hire Rules at Best Party Hire
To keep things simple and safe, our outdoor rules are:
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Grass only – no concrete, tarmac, paving, decking, or artificial grass
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Flat and clear area – no slopes, stones, or sharp objects
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Weather dependent – no high winds or severe conditions
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Private land preferred – public fields usually require council permission
If the weather turns or grass isn’t available, we’ll always talk you through safe alternatives.
Indoor Alternatives (Very Popular!)
If grass isn’t an option, or you’re planning ahead for unpredictable weather, we offer:
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Low-height bouncy castles
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Perfect for village halls and community centres
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Available across Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth, and Southam
It’s a stress-free backup that still delivers all the fun.
“But We Had One on Our Driveway Last Year…”
We hear this a lot.
Unfortunately, not every company follows the rules. Some will take shortcuts that put children at risk and invalidate insurance.
A properly run inflatable business will always say no if something isn’t safe — even if it means turning down work.
Final Word
So, can bouncy castles go outside on hard surfaces?
No — not safely.
But yes, they absolutely can go:
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Outside on real grass, properly pegged
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Indoors on hard floors in halls, correctly set up
That’s why at Best Party Hire, we stick to what’s proven, tested, and safe — every single time.
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