A birthday during your Algarve holiday does not need an elaborate programme. A small celebration at your villa can bring together family, a birthday tea and an activity the children enjoy. Before choosing a bouncy castle, though, check two things: whether your accommodation allows the party and whether the space is suitable.

This guide covers the details you can organise before you arrive, from speaking to the property manager to arranging access on the day. To compare equipment, browse the JumPlay catalogue for models, dimensions and prices.

Start with the villa owner or property manager

A holiday rental is not automatically an event venue. Before inviting guests or booking entertainment, explain your plans to the owner or manager: how many children and adults will attend, whether anyone is visiting from outside your booking, and when the celebration will take place.

  • Check that hired equipment and outside suppliers are allowed.
  • Ask which outdoor areas you may use and whether there are noise or timing restrictions.
  • Agree how the delivery team will enter, where they can unload and who will meet them.
  • Keep written confirmation of the arrangements to avoid misunderstandings.

If you have not checked in yet, ask for recent photographs of the garden and the route from the entrance. Holiday listing photos may not show steps, narrow gates or furniture that now occupies part of the space.

Look at usable space, not just the garden photograph

Measure the clear area you intend to use rather than the whole garden. Describe the ground surface and show nearby features such as trees, walls, steps, pools and walkways. Send wider photographs as well as pictures of the access route, together with your measurements.

The dimensions of a bouncy castle are not the full space required to install it. JumPlay needs to confirm the additional clearance and setup conditions for the particular model. Do not choose one simply because its measurements appear to fit between two walls.

Our guide to choosing a bouncy castle covers equipment selection in more detail. For a villa party, the key is to have the location assessed before building your plans around a specific inflatable.

Choose one main activity and leave room for everything else

You do not need to fill the garden with entertainment. A suitable bouncy castle can be the main activity, with a separate area for food and somewhere quiet for children who want a break.

If you are considering face painting or balloon modelling, check the session length, number of participants and where the activity will take place. These services are listed in the catalogue, but must be quoted and confirmed for your party; they are not automatically included with an inflatable.

Also agree who will supervise the children during each activity. Equipment being delivered and set up does not mean supervision is included. If you need additional support, make that clear when enquiring.

Plan around access as well as the birthday cake

It is easy to choose a time for the cake and overlook the practical arrangements. Setup needs to be completed before the equipment is used, and someone must be able to let the team in again for collection.

Avoid arranging delivery at the same time as check-in without agreeing this first. If you only receive the keys in the late afternoon, the team may not be able to enter earlier. Likewise, make sure collection works with your check-out time.

JumPlay's standard hire period is up to six hours, with timing adjustments subject to confirmation. A shorter party does not automatically mean a lower price: request a quote for the hours you actually need.

Have an alternative if the garden cannot be used

If rain or wind is forecast, discuss the arrangements before the day. Do not assume an inflatable can simply be moved into a room, and do not improvise a cover or alternative installation. Ask the team what is possible for that equipment and location.

You could prepare board games, drawing or another simple activity yourself in an area the accommodation allows you to use. This does not replace the assessment of hire conditions, but it means your entire celebration does not depend on the garden.

What to send when you enquire

You can start organising your party while you are still abroad. A useful first message includes:

  • The date, preferred times and town or postcode;
  • The children's ages and approximate number attending;
  • Your preferred equipment or type of activity;
  • Measurements and photographs of the clear space and access route;
  • Confirmation that the accommodation allows the activity;
  • Any entry, check-in, check-out or collection restrictions.

Delivery, setup and collection are included at no extra charge in Portimão, Lagos and Lagoa. For other locations, tell us where the party will take place so we can confirm travel arrangements and the final quote before booking. There is no need to send property access codes in your first message; those details can be arranged when needed.

Have a date and a space in mind? Tell us a little about your party, and we can confirm suitable options and availability.