Soft Play vs Bouncy Castle Hire Colchester – Which is best?
GabSav’s Party Hire – Your Go-To Bouncy Castle Colchester Team!
Planning a party and wondering whether to hire soft play or a bouncy castle? Whether it’s a kids’ birthday party, a family get together, or even a wedding, choosing the right entertainment is key to keeping little ones happy.
While bouncy castles are a fun, high-energy option, they might not always be the right fit for your space or age group. Soft play, on the other hand, provides versatile and safer play—especially for younger children.
Let’s break it down and help you decide which is best for your Colchester party!
1. Space
Bouncy Castles
Available in various sizes, but most require at least 10ft x 12ft of bounce space, plus 2ft-3ft for the airflow tube and the blower too.
Needs a flat surface, indoors or outdoors.
Not ideal for tight spaces with sharp tree branches or low-ceiling indoor venues.
Soft Play
Modular setup with interlocking safety mats, making it fully adjustable to your available space.
Can fit into smaller venues indoors or outdoors.
Doesn’t provide the same high-energy excitement as a bouncy castle.
2. Age Ranges
Bouncy Castles
Best suited for ages 3+, but younger children can use it with adult supervision.
Great for burning off energy at lively parties or being the life of the party!
Not ideal for babies or toddlers unless closely monitored.
Soft Play
Perfect for babies, toddlers, and young children.
A popular choice for 1st and 2nd birthday parties.
Older children may find it less engaging than a bouncy castle (have both)
3. Cost Breakdown
Bouncy Castle Hire: From £60+, depending on size, features, and popularity.
Soft Play Hire: Starts at £80+, depending on the amount of equipment required.
A tip from us: Some companies (including us!) offer bundles with both bouncy castle & soft play to cater to all age groups.
4. Safety Considerations
Bouncy Castles
Safe when rules are followed, but requires constant adult supervision.
Ideal when children are of similar age & size.
Can become unsafe if overcrowded or used improperly (e.g., flips, rough play).
Soft Play
Generally safer, with soft, cushioned equipment.
Perfect for younger children & supervised play.
Still requires supervision, especially with ride-ons or ball pits.
5. Pros & Cons
Bouncy Castle
Pros: A standout attraction at any event, keeps kids entertained for hours, and great for outdoor fun.
Cons: Weather-dependent (rain and wind could cancel the booking), requires a large space, and may have cleaning fees for outdoor setups.
Soft Play
Pros: Safer for toddlers, works in smaller spaces, and comes in customisable themes.
Cons: Not as exciting for older kids.
6. Can You Hire Both? Absolutely!
Many Bouncy Castle Colchester companies (including us!) also offer soft play hire because they work perfectly together. This way, all age groups are included, and nobody misses out on the fun!
At GabSav’s Party Hire, we currently offer our Gabie Soft Play Package and are looking to expand our range soon! Until then, we happily recommend Little Seahorses Soft Play for additional soft play options.
7. Need Help Planning Your Event?
We love helping our customers find the perfect entertainment for their events. If you have questions about your bouncy castle Colchester hire, soft play hire, or trusted local suppliers, get in touch!
Check out our Local Party Suppliers page for even more great Colchester-based party services.
So when you're looking for a reliable Bouncy Castle Colchester company, think GabSav's Party Hire.
Not local to Colchester? We don't just serve the bouncy castle Colchester locals, we cover Tendring, Sudbury and Witham too. We are always open to travelling further if needed!
Book Now, Bounce Later!
