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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Bouncy castle in front garden

65 replies

Harryfrog12 · 12/05/2021 09:36

Is this weird.
Its my little ones 5th birthday in june just in time for rule change.
Moving to a new house at the end of may and she has asked for a bouncy castle for her party. The back garden is decent but odd shape and with patio and flower beds not enough room for a bouncy castle. The front is plenty big enough though.
Its on a main road but set back with a little access road.
Not sure if its a good idea or not

OP posts:

Seeline · 12/05/2021 09:38

You will need to make sure no one wanders off whilst playing.

You will get all the neighborhood kids coming for a go.

You won't be able to leave it unattended.

skirk64 · 12/05/2021 09:38

I wouldn't, especially if this was going to be one of my neighbours' first impressions of me. I guess it depends on the area though? If half the neighbourhood has knackered sofas and broken lawn mowers strewn over their front gardens then it's more likely nobody will care than if it's a nice, quiet, tidy area.

HeddaGarbled · 12/05/2021 09:43

I wouldn’t so soon after moving in. Next year, maybe, when you know the neighbours. Don’t get off on the wrong foot.

Frankie4me · 12/05/2021 09:45

Is there a fence and gate to keep guests in and others out? Are you willing to have someone out there to supervise for every minute that the castle is setup?

MindyStClaire · 12/05/2021 09:48

So long as you can secure the garden and there's no risk of any children escaping I don't see why not. I live in leafy suburbia and wouldn't bat an eyelid.

murbblurb · 12/05/2021 09:51

It is only going to be there for one day so I'm sure the neighbours can cope. You need to supervise constantly, kids do get hurt in these things. The hire company will advise.

user1493494961 · 12/05/2021 09:54

Can't see the problem if it's for a party . It will only be there for a few hours.

ShirleyPhallus · 12/05/2021 09:55

I think it’s a lovely idea. With lockdown opening up I’d love to see some kids being happy and sounds of laughing. It’s for one day, it’s not like you’re leaving it there forever.

Overdueanamechange · 12/05/2021 09:57

If you have a fence and gate then yes, its fine.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 12/05/2021 10:04

Few years ago I lived on a street on large 4/5+bed houses. Several of my neighbours had nannies. One had a driver..

Back gardens were dark, soggy and had a mole infestation. Front gardens were long, dry and sunny, with massive drives. There were trampolines, wooden play frames, playhouses...
We did also have massive hedges at the front, but low fences between the gardens. But generally, the front gardens were considered to be for the children.

Original poster

Harryfrog12 · 12/05/2021 10:31

Yes its a nice street. Im already pretty unpopular with the neighbours as have had workmen in and out for the last week. It has a brick wall and gate but not a high one.
I dont mind neighbours kids popping in tbh.
Yes thats is a worry as ill be busy with food etc i need someone to be constantly at the front. It wont be hundreds of kids its family (about 8 kids) and friends kids about another 4 or 5 but they are all mainly youngish under 7

OP posts:

Original poster

Harryfrog12 · 12/05/2021 10:33

Ive got mum guilt as last year was a let down and thats all shes asked for

OP posts:

Mehoooole · 12/05/2021 10:38

They're is nothing wrong with having a bouncy castle in your own garden for a day or two for a child's birthday.

eosmum · 12/05/2021 10:39

Can't see the issue, it's one day and you'll get to meet neighbours. You will need an adult constantly supervising obviously. Our neighbours across did it a week after moving in and had an ice cream van as well, they were very popular when the kids came knocking on the door to tell everyone to get a free ice cream.

SD1978 · 12/05/2021 10:39

Maybe a note through the neighbours doors? Hi, hope the builders haven't been too disruptive, and we're looking forward to netting you all. Daughter is also having a birthday on x day, and we are having a bouncy castle in the front garden from x-y time. You're welcome to drop by for a bounce and a chat and we are looking forward to moving in soon maybe?

MargaretThursday · 12/05/2021 10:39

How comfortable are you with policing it?

Obviously it may all go smoothly with her friends and a couple of neighbours' children of similar age happily bouncing being sensible and not over the number limit.

But you could get teens deciding they were going on, refusing to come off, meaning it's potentially unsafe for your dd and her friends. Or the entire neighbourhood children wanting to go on and once meaning you are way over numbers etc.

If you are confident you could deal with the above then, go ahead, but make sure you (or a responsible adult) are out the whole time it's out. If you think that you would struggle with it, then I wouldn't.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 12/05/2021 10:41

It would be fine as long as you could be absolutely certain that you had eyes on all kids at all times, and no one could wander.

Are parents staying or are they leaving kids in your care?

0ntheg0again · 12/05/2021 10:41

I was going to say a big fat no as I thought it was a permanent fixture but for a one day birthday party! Go for it, perhaps try and talk to the neighbours before hand or put a note in their letterboxes saying what you are doing

SnarkyBag · 12/05/2021 10:41

As long as a responsible adult is on watch duty then I don’t think it’s a problem

AllesAusLiebe · 12/05/2021 10:56

Context is key here. What is your street like? Are there lots of other families? Is it a quiet area?

I wouldn't do it because I know I'd be judged (...and it would be a cold day in hell before I made a mess of my lawn with a bouncy castle! )

Frankie4me · 12/05/2021 11:04

Given your updates, I’d go ahead. Your daughter will have a lovely day, and if you play it right it might be an opportunity to have a chat to some neighbours and for your daughter to make some friends in the street.

RonObvious · 12/05/2021 11:09

I would do it. If you're really worried about the neighbours, then maybe drop a bottle of wine round and pre-warn them the day before (we have student neighbours who have done this with us fairly regularly - although for parties, rather than bouncy castles! - and it really does make a difference). But otherwise, I've seen bouncy castles in people's front gardens and not thought twice about it.

OldEvilOwl · 12/05/2021 11:10

is there a gate?

JimBobNoJob · 12/05/2021 11:14

As long as you have a secure garden and somebody on duty to supervise it’ll be fine.

Original poster

Harryfrog12 · 12/05/2021 11:18

I have already been with wine to apologise for the noise.
I love the icecream van idea that is genious.
There is a gate to segregate but the surrounding brick wall is really low so easily climb over.
I wonder if i got one for just 2 hours early on then they take it away and everyone can go in the back then

OP posts:

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