Backyard Party Rental Guide: Everything You Need for an Outdoor Event

Throwing a backyard party means juggling a dozen decisions at once — tent or no tent, how many tables, what keeps the kids busy, and whether you need a generator for the bounce house. Rent the right equipment and the party runs itself. Skip something critical and you spend the whole event apologizing.

This guide covers every rental category, typical pricing, and what to ask vendors before you book.

What You Can Rent for a Backyard Party

Backyard party rentals fall into six categories. Match your guest count and event type to this list before requesting quotes.

1. Shelter — tents, canopies, shade structures
2. Seating — tables, chairs, high-tops, benches
3. Entertainment — bounce houses, photo booths, arcade games, yard games
4. Food & drink — catering equipment, mobile bars, concession machines
5. Ambiance — lighting, sound systems, dance floors, decorations
6. Specialty — extreme rides, DJ services, fog machines

Most rental companies offer package deals when you bundle three or more categories. Ask about bundles when you request quotes — savings typically run 10–20%.

Bounce House Rentals

Bounce houses are the single most-requested backyard party rental, and for good reason: they keep kids occupied for hours with zero effort from you.

Typical pricing by size:

Size	Price Range	Best For
Small (10×10)	$150–$250/day	Toddlers, small yards
Medium (15×15)	$200–$350/day	Kids 5–12, most backyards
Large (20×20+)	$300–$500/day	Older kids, big events
Combo (slide + bounce)	$350–$600/day	Mixed ages

Reserve your bounce house at least 3 weeks before the event if it falls on a weekday. Book 4–6 weeks out for weekend and summer dates — peak season fills fast.

Browse bounce house rentals in your area:

• Bounce house rentals in Hoboken, NJ
• Bounce house rentals in Mattituck, NY
• Bounce house rentals in Riverhead, NY
• Bounce house rentals in Norwalk, CT
• Bounce house rentals in Cherry Hill, NJ

What to Ask Before Booking a Bounce House

1. Confirm the delivery window and total rental hours
2. Ask about the rain and weather cancellation policy
3. Check whether the company carries liability insurance
4. Verify power requirements — large units sometimes need two outlets
5. Ask about surface requirements (grass is preferred, some units work on concrete)

Party Tent Rentals

Tents protect your guests from sun, rain, and wind. They also define the event space and make a backyard feel like a venue.

Choose your tent by guest count:

Guest Count	Tent Size	Style
20–30	10×20	Pop-up canopy
30–50	20×20	Frame tent
50–80	20×40	Pole tent
80–120	30×50	Pole or structure tent
120+	40×60+	Structure or sailcloth

Prices range from $200 for a basic canopy to $2,000+ for a large structure tent with sidewalls, lighting, and flooring. Most rental companies include delivery, setup, and teardown within a 15–30 mile radius.

Find tent rentals near you:

• Tent rentals in Edison, NJ
• Tent rentals in Long Island, NY
• Tent rentals in Allentown, PA
• Tent rentals in Shelton, CT
• Tent rentals in Philadelphia, PA

Tables and Chairs

The formula is simple: one 6-foot rectangular table seats 6–8 guests. One 60-inch round table seats 8–10. Add 15% more chairs than your guest count to account for people moving around.

Item	Price Range
Folding chair	$1.50–$3/each
Chiavari chair	$6–$12/each
6-ft rectangular table	$8–$15/each
60-inch round table	$10–$18/each
High-top cocktail table	$10–$15/each

Browse tables and chairs in the ABP equipment catalog to see what's available.

Photo Booth Rentals

Photo booths generate the most social media shares of any rental item. Expect to pay $300–$800 for a 2–4 hour photo booth rental that includes an attendant, props, and digital or printed copies.

Types of photo booths:

• Open-air booth — no enclosure, fits large groups, works well outdoors
• Enclosed booth — classic strip-style, better lighting, more privacy
• 360° video booth — rotating camera captures slow-motion video, trending for weddings and corporate events
• Mirror booth — full-length interactive mirror, premium option

Find photo booth rentals:

• Photo booth rentals in Jersey City, NJ
• Photo booth rentals in Brooklyn, NY
• Photo booth rentals in Scranton, PA

Catering Equipment and Mobile Bars

Renting catering equipment costs far less than hiring a full caterer. Consider this route if you plan to cook yourself or hire a personal chef.

Common catering rentals:

• Chafing dishes and warmers — $10–$25/each
• Beverage dispensers — $15–$30/each
• Portable grills (commercial) — $100–$200/day
• Mobile bar setup — $200–$500/day (bar top, shelving, glassware)

Pair your catering setup with concession machine rentals — snow cone, popcorn, and cotton candy machines run $75–$150/day and kids love them.

Entertainment and Extras

Round out your event with these add-ons:

• Arcade games — $150–$300/day per unit. Skee-ball, basketball shootout, and air hockey are the most popular.
• Dance floor — $200–$500 depending on size. Essential if you have a DJ or live music.
• Lighting — string lights, uplighting, and spotlights run $100–$400. They transform a backyard after dark.
• Sound system — $100–$250/day for speakers and a mic. Most DJ services include their own gear.

Explore the full ABP equipment catalog for everything available in your area.

How to Book: Step by Step

1. Pick your date and count your guests — this determines tent size, table count, and equipment needs
2. List your must-haves vs nice-to-haves — prioritize shelter and seating, then add entertainment
3. Request quotes from 2–3 vendors — compare pricing, delivery fees, and cancellation policies
4. Book early — the best vendors fill up 4–6 weeks before peak season weekends
5. Confirm logistics the week before — delivery time, setup location, power access, and weather plan

Request a free quote from ABP vendors →

Budget Planning by Event Size

Event Size	Budget Range	Typical Rentals
Small (20 guests)	$300–$800	Tables, chairs, canopy
Medium (50 guests)	$800–$2,000	Tent, tables, chairs, bounce house
Large (100 guests)	$2,000–$5,000	Large tent, full seating, entertainment, lighting
Premium (150+)	$5,000–$10,000+	Everything above plus dance floor, bar, DJ, photo booth

Weekend bookings run 20–30% higher than weekday rates. Book a Friday or Sunday event to save money without sacrificing the weekend feel.

FAQ

How much do backyard party rentals cost?

Backyard party rentals cost $300–$5,000+ depending on event size and equipment. A small gathering (20 guests) with basic tables and a canopy runs $300–$800. A full setup for 100 guests with a tent, bounce house, lighting, and photo booth costs $2,000–$5,000.

How far in advance should I book party rentals?

Book party rentals 4–6 weeks before your event for peak season (May–September). Weekday events can be booked 2–3 weeks out. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day and July 4th fill up 6–8 weeks early.

Do rental companies deliver and set up?

Yes — most rental companies include delivery, setup, and teardown within their service radius (typically 15–30 miles). Confirm the delivery window when you book. Some companies charge extra for setups that require stairs, long carries, or tight access.

What do I need to provide?

You provide the space, power outlets, and a flat surface. Bounce houses need a standard 110V outlet within 50 feet. Tents need an open area free of overhead wires and underground utilities. The rental company handles everything else.

---

Ready to plan your backyard party? Get a free quote from local rental companies →

Browse all party rental equipment or find vendors in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.