Choosing the right location for your child’s birthday party or family gathering is more than just a matter of scenery. In the North Texas and Southern Oklahoma areas, the decision between a backyard bash and a public park celebration comes down to three major factors: power, permits, and space.

While both venues offer unique benefits, understanding the logistical requirements—especially for inflatables and carnival rides—is the key to a stress-free event.

The Backyard Bash: Maximum Control and Convenience

For many parents, the backyard is the go-to choice. It offers a level of flexibility that public spaces simply cannot match.

1. Power is Plug-and-Play

The biggest advantage of a backyard rental is access to electricity. Most standard inflatables, from toddler bounce houses to large obstacle courses, run on a standard 110v/20-amp household outlet.

• The Rule of 100: To prevent damage to blowers or electrical issues, your setup must be within 100 feet of a dedicated outlet.

• One Circuit, One Blower: We recommend that nothing else be plugged into the circuit being used for the inflatable to avoid blown breakers during the party.

2. No Permits Required

Private events like birthday parties or family reunions on your own property typically do not require state or city permits. You don’t have to worry about filing paperwork or paying extra reservation fees to the city of McKinney, Plano, or Durant.

3. Water Slide Flexibility

If you’re looking to beat the Texas heat with a water slide, the backyard is almost always the winner. Most public parks prohibit water-based rentals due to drainage concerns and the massive amount of water required. In your backyard, all you need is a standard garden hose that reaches the unit.

The Park Party: Scaling Up for the Crowd

Public parks are fantastic for larger gatherings where your guest list might outgrow your yard. However, they come with a specific set of rules that require advanced planning.

1. Navigating the Permit Gauntlet

Unlike a backyard party, hosting at a park often requires a reservation and a permit, especially if you are bringing in “mechanical” entertainment.

• Insurance Matters: Many cities in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma require the rental company to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI).

• Pro-Tip: At Clown Around Party Rental, we are already compliant with Texas and Oklahoma safety regulations, and our rides are regularly inspected and insured. This makes the permit process much smoother for you.

2. The Power Problem (and Solution)

Public parks rarely allow you to use their electrical outlets for high-powered blowers. If you choose a park, a generator is a necessity.

• Generator Rentals: We provide portable generator rentals to ensure your bounce house or carnival ride stays fully inflated throughout the event.

3. Surface and Space Considerations

Parks generally offer flat, level grass surfaces, which are ideal for safely anchoring inflatables. However, you must ensure the specific area you’ve reserved has enough “Clearance Zone” (usually 5-10 feet of extra space on all sides) to prevent the inflatable from touching trees or pavilions.

Comparison at a Glance

Expert Advice: Which Should You Choose?

Choose a Backyard if:

• You want a Water Slide or Dunk Tank.

• You are on a budget and want to avoid permit and generator fees.

• You want the party to last into the night without park “curfews.”

Choose a Park if:

• Your guest list exceeds 30-40 people.

• You want to host a Large-Scale Carnival with mechanical rides like the Go Gator Roller Coaster or a Rock Climbing Wall.

• Your backyard has too many obstacles, such as low-hanging power lines or steep slopes.

Regardless of the venue, Clown Around Party Rental handles the heavy lifting—from delivery and professional setup to ensuring every unit is cleaned, sanitized, and inspected before it arrives at your event.

Ready to book? Check out our full inventory of interactive games and carnival games to find the perfect fit for your space!