Tag Archives: event planning palm beach county

Non-Candy Treat Ideas for Trick-or-Treating

Children typically get more than enough sugary treats from trick-or-treating. Some parents prefer that their child receive a non-candy offering. While those goodies may make parents happy, youngsters aren’t usually very exited about toothbrushes and similar items. Take heart, there are a number of alternatives to sugary sweets that can be given out at Halloween – and trick-or-treaters will like them. The following are some non-candy treats that can be purchased with a Halloween theme that youngsters will actually play with after the candy is gone. Be aware that some items are inappropriate for very small children. Use caution and common sense when choosing non-candy alternatives.

  • Halloween crayons
  • Mini puzzles
  • Squishy toys
  • Zipper pulls
  • Bead necklaces
  • Magic Fortune Telling Fish
  • Pokémon Halloween trading
  • card packs
  • Glowing fake bugs
  • Mini book of find the hidden objects
  • Bookmarks
  • Halloween scented pencils
  • Silly straws
  • Whoopee cushions
  • Light up rings
  • Glow sticks and jewelry
  • Slime
  • Magnets
  • Foam mask
  • Vampire teeth
  • Witch fingers
  • Stampers
  • Mini Slinky toys
  • Stickers
  • Novelty eyeglasses
  • Bubbles
  • Play-Doh
  • Mini stuffed toy
  • Temporary tattoos
  • Bouncy balls with Halloween themes
  • Slap bracelets, from the 80s and 90s
  • Rubber duck toy
  • Scary keychain lights

Prepackaged Options

Halloween can be a busy time for parents, taking their youngsters trick-or-treating and attending children’s parties. If you discover that you’ve run out of time or don’t have time to order non-candy treats, there are still options.

Consider prepackaged items such as individually packaged Goldfish crackers, popcorn, pretzels, granola bars, trail mix bars, sugar-free candy, fortune cookies, and similar goodies. Another good choice is hot chocolate or apple cider drink packets.

A number of companies offer goodies for Halloween trick-or-treaters in mini sizes or individual bags. Try giving out some mini boxes of raisins or fruit roll ups. Another good option that’s also healthy are mini oranges, apples or bananas.

Why You Should Not Let Children of Varying Sizes Bounce Together

Almost every child enjoys a bounce house experience, but there are some basic bounce house rules that everyone should follow to mitigate the potential for injuries and ensure safe operation.

For Every Action…

When a large child jumps on one side of the bounce house, it’s going to create a reaction of equal force on the other side of the amusement. That ripple effect can throw younger, lighter children off their feet and increases the potential for a bloody nose, sprain or fracture. A responsible adult should monitor the inflatable at all times to ensure youngsters in the entertainment are of the same age and size.

A bounce house is for jumping and bouncing. Youngsters should not be performing somersaults or flips and roughhousing should be prevented. Children should never wear shoes in a bounce house – only socks.

Where to Set it Up

A bounce house should be set on open and level ground. A grassy location is best. Be sure the ground under the inflatable is free of sticks and stones. It should be established away from fences, outbuildings, sprinkler heads, and overhead tree branches. Be sure it’s properly anchored to the ground.

What Doesn’t Belong in a Bounce House

There are some things that should absolutely not be allowed in a bounce house. That includes food, drinks and gum. An adult should check each child before they enter the amusement to ensure they remove jewelry, eyeglasses and other sharp objects. Hard toys should never enter the bounce house.

Other Considerations

Choose a bounce house of the appropriate size for the youngsters that will be using it and limit the number of children using it to 4 or 5 at a time. Be aware of the weather – never use a bounce house in the rain. If the wind is strong enough to blow sand and small gravel around, it’s too strong for bounce house use.

5 Reasons Kids Love a Bounce House Party

You don’t have to have a reason to rent an inflatable bounce house and throw an impromptu children’s party. Few youngsters can resist the temptation to jump and bounce in a brightly colored inflatable. Bounce houses are available in dry and wet versions, along with those that incorporate an obstacle course, providing parents with options.

Don’t forget to have snacks and beverages on hand. Children burn a lot of energy and calories playing in a bounce house. It’s essential that they remain hydrated, even when using a wet bounce house.

Kid-Friendly Fun

It’s not a true party unless you invite some friends over. Youngsters get to play with their friends and you have the peace of mind knowing they’re in a safe environment.

Larger Than Life Entertainment

Most children are accustomed to seeing a bounce house in venues such as carnivals and fairs. The true size of a bounce house is revealed when set up in your back yard. Rental inflatables can accommodate multiple youngsters.

Multiple Themes

Inflatable bounce houses are available with multiple themes, allowing kids to pretend for hours. Bounce houses have themes appropriate for kids of all ages ranging from cartoon characters and fairy tales to superheroes and those with a holiday theme. They’re no longer simply square boxes. They can take the form of a snow globe, castle or gingerbread house.

There’s More Than Just Bouncing

Depending on the inflatable, bounce houses enable children to play traditional games inside, such as tag. With wet bounce houses, children can also slide and splash.

Healthy Exercise

Inflatable bounce houses are an ideal way for children to burn off excess energy and it’s a healthy way to do so. Bounce houses aid children in developing balance, motor skills, strength and lung capacity, while providing a heart-healthy cardio workout. A bounce house party is also a great way to support socialization skills.

Three Stress Saving Ideas for Planning Your Child’s Party

Celebrities are spending $200,000 for a child’s birthday party, while social media influencers are touting “bigger is better” ideas for gatherings. It tempts parents to spend more than they need to on their child’s party and focus on things rather than the child. The following tips can help you stop the madness, plan a stress-free party that will keep youngsters entertained, and won’t break your budget.

Invest in an Experience Instead of a Party

There are dozens of options for this, depending on the age of the attendees. Consider going bowling, taking everyone to that must-see movie, or going to an arcade. There’s almost no planning involved at all, other than creating a guest list and convincing a couple of other parents to help keep an eye on everyone. Parents simply drop their children off at the appointed location and pick them up at a pre-determined time.

Keep Food and Beverages Simple

If you’re planning a trip to the zoo or similar locale, seriously consider packing a picnic for everyone. Some locations have on-site grills if you want to cook hotdogs on the spot Consider ordering pizza or subs for a truly stress-free meal.

Forget About a Theme

Themes can be fun, but you’ll spend far more time trying to obtain matching napkins, paper plates and cups, along with games, decorations and party favors, than the entire party will last.

Focus on What’s Important

Know your budget and stay within it. Your child’s life isn’t going to be ruined if you can’t swing a traveling petting zoo or a local celebrity visit.

Limit the guest list to the number of people you can comfortably accommodate, whether the event takes place at home or somewhere else. Just because your child wants to invited the entire class doesn’t mean you’re obligated to do so. It doesn’t affect the quality of the party.

Summer Fun! How to Organize a Neighborhood Waterslide Party

There’s a lot of planning and work that goes into any party and that multiplies when organizing a neighborhood-based event. The following are some tips for ensuring party success.

Plan Early

There’s no guarantee that the weather will cooperate, but choose the day at least three months in advance. That gives you time to schedule your waterslide rental. Waterslides are often spoken for months in advance. It’s especially important if you have a specific theme in mind.
There will certainly be a permit required and an accompanying fee that must be paid. Be sure to check your homeowner’s insurance to see if any injuries or damages will be covered for the event.

Examine the Budget

The cost of a neighborhood pool party can quickly get out of hand. You’ll need to know if you’ll be paying for the entire cost yourself, if you’ll be asking for attendees to donate toward the cause, or if it will be a potluck style event.

Know Your Guests

Define the scope of the party. Decide if it will be certain families nearby, everyone on one side of the street, or the entire block. It’s essential that you know the ages of your guests. Waterslides are available in multiple heights. A 40-ft. waterslide is not appropriate for younger children. If a model is selected that deposits guests into an in-ground pool, it’s crucial to ascertain if everyone can swim or if a life vest will be needed for some guests.

Help is Essential

There are a lot of details to be considered, from food to flyers or if individual invitations will be issued. You’re going to need help to deal with invitations, RSVPs, how music will be provided and if someone will DJ, along with how food will be provided. Assign a person to handle each task and check back with them as needed to ensure success.

Keeping Kids and Pets Cool in a Heat Dome

Even though South Florida is home to cooling Atlantic breezes, the state is subject to heat domes just as much as the rest of the nation. A heat dome occurs when a strong high-pressure system combines with an El Niño – particularly high Pacific water temperatures. A heat dome results, trapping the hot air inside and preventing it from dissipating. It creates extremely high temperatures that are dangerous for children and pets. There are some ways that can help keep kids and pets cool in a heat dome.

Limit Playtime

Restrict outdoor playtime for children and pets. Stay in the shade whenever possible. If youngsters or pets must go out, it’s better to do so in the early morning or later in the evening. It’s important to remember that concrete sidewalks can reach temperatures of 125° F., even without being under the influence of a heat dome. It burns paws and bare feet.

Hydration and Cooling

The body sweats to cool off, which requires drinking more water in hot weather. It’s much more difficult for pets to reduce body temperature than people. Make plain, cool water available for kids and pets. Whether it’s a child or a pet, carry a bottle of water to keep them hydrated, even if the outing is only of short duration. Remain under air-conditioning if available and don’t be reticent about seeking a cooling center. Fans are ineffective for cooling in a heat dome – they simply blow around hot air.

Stoves and Windows

Blocking windows to keep sunlight from entering will benefit children, pets and the entire household and aid in keeping it cooler. Avoid cooking on kitchen stoves whenever possible and don’t use the oven.

Waterworks

One of the easiest ways to keep kids and pets cool is through water-based activities. Individuals can make use of a wading pool for youngsters or pets. A homemade slip and slide is another option. Misting hoses and sprinkler pads are equally effective for cooling kids and pets during a heat dome event.

Why Visit a Farm Market

South Florida is a hotspot for those seeking farm fresh foods and there are multiple locations from which to choose. What many don’t now is that farm markets provide far more than a place to purchase healthy and delicious fruits and veggies. Cash is always accepted and many farmers and vendors also accept credit and debit cards, along with SNAP benefits.

Farm to Table

Fruits and vegetables don’t get any fresher than those at a farm market. The produce is grown locally and doesn’t spend days in transport to distant locations before its sold. That farm to table approach means shoppers enjoy more flavorful produce.

Support Small Family Farms

Much of the produce, herbs and spices found at farm markets is grown on small family farms. That often results in a greater diversity of products available. Supermarkets often order a specific amount of certain fruits or vegetables and when it sells out, shoppers are out of luck. Small family farms often have a greater supply for a longer period of time than supermarkets.

Flowers to Dog Treats

Individuals will find far more than fruits and vegetables at a farm market. The marketplaces are open to a wide variety of vendors and individuals seeking to share their hobby projects, launch a home business, or establish their brands. Depending on the location, shoppers will find jelly, jam, preserves and fresh honey. There’s home-baked breads, pies and desserts.

An extensive number of independent creators of arts and crafts also sell at farm markets. Products range from hand-made jewelry, soap, cards and candles to wood crafts, pottery, baskets, and dog treats. Shoppers can find the perfect flower bouquet, garden and houseplants, salsa and items that are sewn, crocheted and knitted.

Empowering Knowledge

Farmers are always willing to talk about their produce. Shoppers can learn a great deal about how their fruits and vegetables are grown, harvested and packaged.

Food to Have at Your Southern Style BBQ

Like the U.S., South Florida is a melting pot of people, culture and customs. From catered events to backyard BBQs, food plays a central role in the festivities. There are a number of must-have dishes served, but cultural and regional influences from the diverse Florida population have added new nuances to traditional favorites.

Main Event

Meat takes center stage at a BBQ and each griller typically has their own BBQ sauce recipe. Favorite meats for the grill are ribs, pulled pork and chicken.

Vegetables

Try some corn on the cob, wrapped in aluminum foil with a generous helping of butter and left to cook on the grill. Another favorite is bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, cheese and bacon. Rice can be added if desired. No southern BBQ would be complete without fried okra, fried green tomatoes and collard greens. Potatoes are typically cut into chunks and grilled with any combination of spices.

Select Sides

Mac & cheese is a well-known comfort food. The southern version is marked by cheese – and plenty of it. Each cook has a preferred blend of cheeses for a delicious and filling side dish. Baked beans are a staple at southern BBQs. Onions, bacon, and rum or whisky may be combined for a unique taste treat. Individuals will also find deviled eggs that includes paprika to bacon bits.

Salads

Coleslaw, potato salad, and macaroni salad are essential. Coleslaw can be made with green or red cabbage. Potato salad encompasses potatoes, boiled eggs, onion, and mayo. It may contain a pinch of sugar, green peppers, pickles, celery, and mustard, depending on the cook’s individual recipe. Substitute macaroni for potatoes and the rest of the ingredients are similar for macaroni salad.

Bread

Cornbread, biscuits or both may be offered for eating as-is or making pulled pork sandwiches.

Desserts

From key lime pie, lemon meringue and pecan pie, the pastries play an integral role. Ambrosia is often called a salad, but typically served as a dessert. It combines whipped cream, oranges, cherries and pineapple for a delicious treat. Coconut is often included.

Beverages

Guests will be able to wash all that delicious food down with a tall glass of lemonade, sweet tea or a soft drink.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

Back to School Party Ideas!

Students have returned to school and the hectic lead up to the first day of school has subsided. New classes, teachers and friends can be duly celebrated with a back-to-school party. There are numerous ways to celebrate and themes that can be utilized to provide a fun time for students.

Inflatables

Depending on the available space, individuals can rent waterslides, carnival games, mechanical rides and virtual reality experiences, along with sports arenas and obstacle courses. To make food easy and simple, there are also fun food machines that can be rented.

Scavenger Hunt

There’s something about a scavenger hunt that intrigues people of all ages. In keeping with a back-to-school theme, children can be set the task of finding fun school-related items or things in nature for a science-based theme. Be sure to supply some fun prizes for everyone.

Photo Booth

A photo booth can easily be rented and individuals will supply the items that youngsters can combine in any way they desire for their fun, silly photos. Be creative and include Halloween costumes and items from other holidays, oversized sunglasses, fun hats and accessories. Many of the items can be found at dollar stores.

Ice Cream & Smoothie Bar

Create an ice cream or smoothie bar with lots of fruits and toppings. It’s a great way for youngsters of any age to stay cool with healthy treats. Add some music and let the fun begin.

Balloons

Individuals have a lot of latitude when planning parties with balloons. They can host a water balloon bash. For a nighttime party, there are glow in the dark balloons and those that shine under a black light. Hold a balloon bust party where students step on balloons to break them for prizes. Balloons are available in an array of shapes and colors.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

https://twitter.com/SBounce

Tips for Planning a Family Reunion

A family reunion is the perfect occasion to catch up on what families are doing, let cousins get reacquainted, and visit with far flung relatives. The gathering can be held in the back yard or at a posh venue. A successful gathering will depend on proper preparation long before the event takes place. Some family reunions are one-day events, while others take place over an entire weekend. Decide on duration early.

Location

The number of attendees will dictate location. That’s why it’s essential to send out notification of the event early. Even a year before hand isn’t too early. Once everyone has responded, it will be easy to plan everything from the location to the food.

Activities and Amusements

While many attendees will want to spend their time talking and taking photos, it’s always a good idea to include some games and activities. It can encompass simple games such as horseshoes, a bean bag toss or a scavenger hunt. A game of baseball may be welcome.

Individuals can even choose to offer dancing. Portable dance floors can be rented and music can be provided via a band, DJ or through streaming a mix list.

Food

A catered event will eliminate headaches about the menu, but it can also be expensive. Many families take a potluck approach. It’s an opportunity for family to share their favorite dishes or award-winning recipes.

Pot luck meals work if attendees are fairly local, but extra food will need to be arranged to accommodate appetites if long-distance relatives will be in attendance. Don’t forget to ascertain if anyone is vegan or has food allergies and share that information with others if a pot luck is planned.

Tables and Chairs

Ample seating and table space is critical, not only for a place to place the food, but for people to sit and eat. A rented venue will take care of those needs, but it’s something to consider if it’s a less formal environment.

Comfort and Weather

Storms and squalls can blow in at any time. Events at indoor venues provide shelter in the event of a storm and air conditioning for relief from the hot and humid summer weather. If the event isn’t at the host’s home or a rented venue, plan on renting tents and a portable air conditioner for the tent.

For More Information on our rental equipment or to reserve your bounce house or waterslide rental today, visit our website at https://www.southfloridabounce.com/

Connect with us on Social Media at: 

https://www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaBounce

https://twitter.com/SBounce