You've planned, designed, and rented your inflatables—now it's time to set up. Follow these steps to ensure everything is safe, secure, and ready for hunting.
1. Prep the Venue
- Clear the area of debris: rocks, sticks, glass, or sharp objects that could puncture inflatables.
- Mow the grass (if using a field) to prevent long grass from tangling with inflatable anchors.
- Mark power cords with brightly colored tape to avoid tripping hazards.
- Set up a "Blower Station" near the power outlet—this is where you'll plug in the electric blowers for the inflatables. Keep it supervised to prevent kids from tampering with cords.
2. Inflating the Inflatables
Most inflatables come with electric blowers—follow the manufacturer's instructions for setup. Here's a quick checklist:
- Lay out the inflatable flat, ensuring it's not twisted or folded.
- Attach the blower to the inflation valve and secure it tightly (use the provided clips or Velcro).
- Turn on the blower and let the inflatable expand. This takes 2–5 minutes, depending on size.
- Once fully inflated, close the inflation valve (if needed) and secure the blower with ropes or stakes to prevent it from falling over.
3. Anchoring: Safety First
Never skip anchoring! Even a light breeze can send an unanchored inflatable rolling. Use the following to secure your structures:
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Stakes:
For grassy areas, use metal stakes (at least 12 inches long) through the inflatable's anchor loops. Hammer them in at a 45-degree angle for maximum hold.
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Sandbags/Water Barrels:
For concrete or asphalt (e.g., a parking lot), use sandbags (25–50 lbs each) or water barrels tied to anchor loops.
- Check the manufacturer's guidelines—most require 4–6 anchors per inflatable (one on each corner).
4. Hiding the Eggs
Now for the fun part! Get creative with hiding spots:
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On Top:
Balance eggs on the roof of a cube bunker or the peak of a dome.
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Inside:
Tuck eggs inside tunnels, under
inflatable obstacle beams, or in the corners of a bounce house.
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Behind:
Place eggs behind bunkers or obstacles—kids have to move around to find them.
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In Plain Sight (But Tricky!):
Stick eggs to the side of a
clear inflatable dome tent using double-sided tape (test the tape first to avoid damaging the inflatable!).
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Special Eggs:
Hide 5–10 "golden eggs" with prizes (small toys, candy, or bounce house tickets) in extra-tricky spots, like inside a narrow tunnel or on top of a tall
inflatable obstacle.
5. Adding Finishing Touches
- Set up signs: "Toddler Zone," "Adventure Zone," "Bounce House Entrance."
- Add decorations: Balloons, streamers, or inflatable lighting decorations (like egg-shaped lights) for evening hunts.
- Place trash cans and recycling bins around the venue to keep it clean.
- Set up a first aid station with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and hand sanitizer.