Rentals

Jumping castle and kids' party hire

Hire out jumping castles, slides and party games for children's parties, schools and events, delivered and set up.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

People with capital, a vehicle and safe storage who like kids' events.

In South Africa: Strong in metros and towns.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 4 hours a week · age 18+

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R400 to R900 per day

Published hire prices: a standard castle about R550 a day (Gauteng Party Hire); bigger units cost more (Jump Junction). We do not model monthly income.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R5 000 to R30 000
Every month
Transport, repairs, cleaning, insurance.
Payment fees
Deposit to book.
Margin
High once the castle is paid off.

How it is paid: Hire fee per day plus delivery. Our viability score for it: 53 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Ask 15 parents what they paid for party hire
    • Price one castle and blower new and second-hand
    • Success signal: weekends booked a month ahead

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Compare new and second-hand castles and check blower and stitching
    • Write a hire agreement with safety rules
    • Post your availability in parent groups

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Do your first four hires and photograph each set-up
    • Record bookings and repairs

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Add a second unit or party games
    • Partner with a party decorator

Weekend bookings start once you advertise. First income usually takes 7 to 60 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Jumping castle and kids' party hire: your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Parents, schools, churches, events.

Easy entertainment for children.

Is there demand?

Hire companies publish prices: a standard jumping castle at R550 a day (Gauteng Party Hire); larger units cost more (Jump Junction).

Birthday partiesSchool fun daysChurch events

Getting customers

WhatsApp status, school parent groups and Facebook.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Child injuries: anchor properly, supervise, and stop in wind
  • Tears and blower faults: repair kit and a spare
  • Seasonal: winter is quieter

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Grows with more units.

Legal and tax in South Africa

  • Use a written hire agreement covering supervision and safety rules.
  • Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start jumping castle and kids' party hire in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R5 000 to R30 000. Recurring costs: Transport, repairs, cleaning, insurance.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 21 days, and between 7 and 60 days. Weekend bookings start once you advertise.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Use a written hire agreement covering supervision and safety rules. Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Free tools for this

Test jumping castle and kids' party hire with your own numbersEstimate the tax on this side income

Not sure this is the one?

The free test ranks every option against your skills, time and budget.

Take the free test

Read next

Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy