Few things bring an event to life like an inflatable. From bouncy castles and giant slides to interactive assault courses and human table football, they draw a crowd, get people involved and create the kind of fun guests remember. But before you book, there’s an important decision to make: will your inflatable be set up indoors or outdoors?
It might sound like a minor detail, yet the choice affects everything from safety and space to logistics and contingency planning. Here’s what event organisers need to consider when deciding between indoor and outdoor inflatables.
The key difference
At its heart, the indoor-versus-outdoor decision comes down to three things: the space you have, the weather you can’t control, and how the inflatable is secured. Outdoor setups offer room for bigger, more ambitious inflatables but depend on the British weather. Indoor setups give you certainty and year-round reliability but are limited by the dimensions of your venue. Understanding both sides helps you plan an event that runs smoothly whatever the season.
Considerations for outdoor inflatables
Outdoors is the classic choice for summer fun days, festivals, fêtes and corporate events, and it opens up the full range of large inflatables. But it comes with a few important factors:
Weather and wind
This is the big one. Under the industry safety standard, no inflatable should be used outdoors in winds above 24 mph (Force 5 on the Beaufort scale), and some have even lower limits. Wind must be measured properly with an anemometer, not a phone weather app. Rain and waterlogged ground can also stop play, so a wet-weather contingency plan is essential for any outdoor booking.
Ground and anchoring
On grass, outdoor inflatables must be firmly secured with metal ground stakes. On hard surfaces where stakes can’t be used, heavy ballast weights are required instead. Proper anchorage isn’t optional it’s what keeps everyone safe.
Space and scale
The great advantage of outdoors is room. Large slides, obstacle courses and multi-unit setups all need the space that only an outdoor site can offer.
Power
You’ll need a suitable power supply for the blower, or a generator if mains power isn’t nearby.
Considerations for indoor inflatables
Indoors is ideal for winter events, school activities, shopping centres and anywhere you need certainty regardless of the forecast. The considerations shift:
Ceiling height
This is the single most important indoor factor. The venue must have enough clearance for the inflatable when fully inflated, with space to spare above it. Taller inflatables such as slides may simply not fit, so always check the height of both the unit and the room.
Floor space and access
Beyond the inflatable’s footprint, you need clear space around it, plus doorways and corridors wide enough to get the equipment in and set it up.
Anchoring indoors
Ground stakes obviously can’t be used inside, so indoor inflatables are secured with ballast weights to hold their shape and prevent movement, in line with the operator’s instructions.
Weatherproof certainty
The big win indoors is reliability. No wind, no rain, no last-minute cancellations which makes indoor setups perfect for events that simply have to go ahead.
Safety: what every organiser must check
Whether indoors or out, event organisers have a legal responsibility to ensure the inflatables they hire are safe. Before you book, make sure any inflatable:
- Complies with the British Standard BS EN 14960 and carries a valid PIPA tag or ADiPS Declaration of Compliance, showing it’s been inspected.
- Has been inspected annually by a competent person.
- Comes with a trained operator or attendant to supervise safe use.
- Is covered by the hire company’s public liability insurance.
A reputable hire company will provide all of this as standard and if a supplier can’t, that’s your cue to look elsewhere.
When to choose indoor or outdoor
So which is right for your event? Choose outdoors when you have the space and want the biggest, most impressive inflatables, and your event falls in the warmer, drier months just always have a weather backup plan. Choose indoors when you need guaranteed certainty, you’re hosting in autumn or winter, or your outdoor space is limited. The good news is that many inflatables are suitable for both, so with the right advice you can find something that fits your venue perfectly either way.
How Novel Events can help
At Novel Events, we make choosing the right inflatable easy. Our huge inflatables hire range includes options suitable for both indoor and outdoor events, from classic bouncy castles to interactive team-building units all delivered, set up and supervised by our experienced staff, with delivery across the UK.
Not sure whether inflatables or games suit your space best? Explore our indoor games hire and outdoor games hire collections too, or get in touch and our team will help you plan an event that’s fun, safe and hassle-free whatever the weather.
FAQs
Can inflatables be used indoors?
Yes, many inflatables are suitable for indoor use. The key requirement is enough ceiling height for the unit when fully inflated, plus space around it and access to get it in. Indoors, inflatables are secured with ballast weights rather than ground stakes.
What wind speed is too high for an inflatable?
No inflatable should be used outdoors in winds above 24 mph (Force 5 on the Beaufort scale), and some have lower limits. Wind must be measured with an anemometer, and inflatables should never be operated outside if conditions exceed the safe limit.
What should event organisers check before hiring an inflatable?
Check that the inflatable complies with BS EN 14960, carries a valid PIPA tag or ADiPS certificate, has been inspected within the last year, comes with a trained operator, and is covered by public liability insurance. Organisers are legally responsible for ensuring the equipment they use is safe.