How to Plan a Backyard Bash for Memorial Day Weekend with Bounce House Rentals
Planning to host friends and family this Memorial Day weekend? This guide will walk you through how to create a festive, family-friendly backyard bash using expert party supply rentals in Long Island. From selecting the right bounce house rentals in Suffolk County to setting up adult-friendly lounge areas and festive food stations, we’ll help you kick off summer in style—with minimal stress and maximum fun.
Why Memorial Day Weekend Is the Unofficial Start to Party Season
Memorial Day marks more than just a long weekend—it’s the start of outdoor celebration season in Long Island. After a long winter, it’s the perfect time to open your yard, fire up the grill, and bring people together.
As event rental professionals with years of experience, we’ve helped families, community organizations, and local businesses plan everything from laid-back BBQs to backyard blowouts. And it all starts with choosing the right rentals.
Step 1: Choose a Bounce House That Suits Your Guest List
Bounce houses are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for kids—but choosing the right one is key. Here’s how we recommend deciding based on age group and space:
For Toddlers (Ages 2–5):
- Go with small or toddler-friendly bounce houses with safety nets and lower heights.
- Ideal for intimate parties with lots of parents nearby.
For Kids (Ages 6–10):
- Medium-sized bounce houses with slides or obstacles are always a hit.
- Consider a bounce house and slide combo if you expect a full yard of energy.
For Tweens & Teens:
- Interactive inflatables like obstacle courses or larger-scale houses keep older kids engaged.
- Add a competitive edge with relay races or challenge games.
Browse Outdoor Fun Rentals for our current inventory of bounce houses, obstacle courses, and combo units available for delivery across Long Island.
Pro Tip: We recommend placing bounce houses on a flat grassy area, at least 10 feet from fences or overhanging trees. Setup and safety checks are included with all Pink Elephant rentals.
Step 2: Build a Backyard Layout That Works for All Ages
To keep your Memorial Day party flowing smoothly, create dedicated zones in your backyard. This helps avoid overcrowding and keeps everyone engaged. Here’s a sample layout our planners often use:
Backyard Bash Setup Zones
Zone | What to Include |
Kids’ Zone | Bounce house, shade tent, water table, mini chairs |
Dining Area | 6- to 8-foot banquet tables, folding chairs, trash bins |
Food & Drink | Buffet tables, chafing dishes, fun food machines (see below) |
Lounge Area | Soft seating, cocktail tables, umbrellas or canopy tent |
Photo Spot | Backdrop or balloon arch, props, sign that says “Welcome Summer\!” |
Step 3: Add Memorial Day-Themed Food Stations
Nothing brings people together like food—especially when it’s easy, festive, and fun. Consider incorporating interactive snack stations that keep guests coming back for seconds.
Crowd-Pleasers for All Ages
- Popcorn Machine – Add red, white, and blue popcorn bags for a patriotic twist
- Hot Dog Cart – Classic and perfect for DIY toppings
- Snow Cone Station – Great for cooling down kids after a bounce session
- Cotton Candy Machine – A sweet way to signal “party mode”
You can find all of these under our Fun Foods Rentals, available for weekend delivery and setup.
Step 4: Style Your Space with Lounge Décor & Backdrops
Yes, Memorial Day can be laid-back, but that doesn’t mean your space has to look basic. We’ve seen more hosts this year incorporating lounge furniture and floral or Americana-themed backdrops to elevate the ambiance.
For Adults:
- Soft white lounge sofas and rattan coffee tables
- Rustic or modern high-top cocktail tables for standing conversations
- Linen packages in navy, white, or soft blue-gray
For Everyone:
- A red, white, and blue balloon arch
- A floral wall or star-spangled banner backdrop
- DIY photo props like mini flags, sunglasses, or themed signs
These elements help tie your event together visually, making it feel well-planned without being overdone.
Event Planner-Approved Tips for Memorial Day Backyard Parties
From our team of event stylists who’ve set up hundreds of summer parties:
Book early. Memorial Day weekend is a peak time for rentals across Long Island.
Plan for sun (and shade). Tents or umbrellas help guests cool off in style.
Think about lighting. If your event goes into the evening, add string lights or lanterns.
Stay flexible. Weather in May can be tricky—always have a rain plan in place.
Why Clients Choose Pink Elephant Party & Tents
In our 15+ years serving Long Island, we’ve earned a reputation for on-time delivery, quality inventory, and excellent customer service. From small family barbecues to large-scale community events, we help clients pull off stress-free celebrations—fast.
Delivery & Setup Included
Safe, sanitized inflatables and equipment
All rentals coordinated by a dedicated event professional
Ready to Plan the Perfect Memorial Day Weekend Bash?
Pink Elephant Party & Tents has everything you need—from bounce house rentals in Suffolk County to lounge décor, linens, tents, and more.
Book now—popular items go fast for Memorial Day weekend!
Contact us today for availability →