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We're in the business of inflatables, so yes — we think every summer party should have one. But we also know that a great party is more than a bounce house. After delivering to many families across Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and the surrounding area, here's what we've seen actually make a party.
The Core Formula
The best outdoor kids' parties share a structure that isn't complicated:
Unstructured active time + one organized activity + food that's easy to eat outside + a simple end.
The inflatable handles the first part. Here's how to build around it.
Food That Works Outside
Michigan summer heat plus outdoor parties equals one rule: keep it simple and portable.
The setups that work best:
- Hot dogs and burgers on the grill — Classic, crowd-pleasing, and adults appreciate them too.
- Pizza delivery — More popular than you'd think at backyard parties. Guests arrive, kids bounce, pizza shows up at the height of hunger. No prep, no dishes.
- Taco bar — Set out the components buffet-style. Kids and adults build their own. Works great for mixed-age crowds.
- Popsicle table — This one is underrated. A cooler of popsicles or ice cream bars as the sun gets high is always a hit. Budget maybe $20, deliver infinite joy.
What to avoid: anything that requires utensils and a table for messy sauces. Kids coming off an inflatable are sweaty, distracted, and not interested in fine dining.
Games Beyond the Inflatable
For parties where kids need more than bouncing — or where you have a wide age range — here are the activities we've seen complement inflatable rentals the best:
Water balloon station — Set up a fill station and let kids do the rest. Pairs naturally with wet inflatables or a warm day but please keep them out of the inflatable.
Giant Jenga or Cornhole — Good for older kids and adults. Keeps everyone occupied between food and bounce time.
Relay races — You'd be surprised how much mileage you get out of a simple egg-and-spoon or sack race. Easy to organize, requires no equipment, takes 10 minutes.
Photo booth corner — A simple backdrop and a few props (sunglasses, silly hats, a "party" sign) creates a natural spot for photos you'll actually want. Works especially well if you're doing a themed party.
Themes That Work in a Michigan Backyard
A cohesive theme makes everything feel intentional even when the setup is simple.
- Under the Sea / Pool Party — Easy to execute with blue tablecloths, fish decorations, and the water inflatable running.
- Tropical / Hawaiian — Leis, pineapple cups, and a playlist. Pairs perfectly with the Volcano Slide.
- Sports Theme — Our Sports Bouncer is literally on brand. Add a few small sports activities and you're done.
- Construction / "Dig It" Party — Surprisingly popular for 3–5 year olds. Dump trucks, yellow accents, and a sandbox with hidden toys.
Music and Atmosphere
This one gets overlooked more than anything else. Music turns a backyard into an event.
We offer a JBL PartyBox 710 rental with two wireless mics — it's a serious outdoor speaker that you'll hear across a large backyard. At $85, it's one of the best additions to a party. Consider a curated playlist ahead of time: kids' party playlist for the first hour, adults-friendly background music during food, and your birthday kid's favorite songs for the cake moment.
Handling the Weather
Michigan parents know: always have a plan B.
- Tent or pop-up canopy — Worth renting or borrowing for shade alone, even on sunny days. A shaded food table is always appreciated.
- Watch the radar the night before — Most inflatables need to come down in lightning or sustained high winds. We'll communicate with you early if weather is a concern.
- Have an indoor option if possible — Even just knowing "we can move the food inside if it rains" reduces stress significantly.
The End of the Party
Goodie bags are optional and often end up in a junk drawer. What kids actually remember: the inflatable, the cake moment, and being with their friends.
End the party on time. Kids (and parents) appreciate a clear end time, especially at outdoor summer parties that start in the afternoon heat.
Let us handle the biggest part of your party. Book your inflatable rental at pointeshorespartypros.com — serving Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and surrounding communities. Setup and teardown always included.