Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS FUN ON THE RUN?

Fun on the Run is a local company that provides interactive inflatable rental attractions for all ages since 1996. We cater to functions such as company picnics, corporate events, carnivals, tradeshow booths, private birthday parties, and school and church lock-ins.

DO YOU RENT ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES INFLATABLES?

Yes! Recently the range of attractions has expanded into golf games, carnival games, dunk tanks, photo booths and casino gaming.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT I WANT TO RENT?

We will be more than happy to make suggestions for your event based on the information you provide. Give us a call or drop a quick e-mail to info@funontherun.com.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Each attraction has its own base price. Those base prices include delivery and set-up within the Peoria area, use of the attraction at the event, teardown and removal.

WHAT IF I’M IN A DIFFERENT STATE?

No problem. We provide service all across North America. Please call for any potential extra travel fees if your event is located outside the Peoria IL area.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE MY EVENT OUTSIDE?

No. Although most scheduled functions occur outside during the spring and summer, all Fun on the Run attractions can be set up indoors as well — even dunk tanks — ask us how! The only restrictions are floor space and ceiling height. School and church lock-ins are great examples.

IF MY EVENT IS OUTSIDE, DO I HAVE TO SET UP ON GRASS? 

Not necessarily. If any attractions need to be set up on any surface but grass, such as gravel, concrete or blacktop, tarps will be laid down to protect both the inflatable and its participants. Keep in mind that NO SHOES can be worn during play in any of our inflatables. To avoid a potential problem with heat on the feet or a risk of damage to the attractions, please keep placement in mind when planning your event.

WHAT ABOUT ELECTRICITY?

All inflatables from Fun on the Run require standard 110v outlets with grounded plugs. Each unit draws approximately 12 to 15 amps of power, allowing its blower to run continuously. It is best to set the inflatables within 75 to 80 feet of the outlets designated for use. In the event plugs are not available or are located too far away, Fun on the Run can provide gas-powered generators at an additional charge.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF IT IS RAINING OUTSIDE THE DAY OF MY EVENT?

Well, that depends. This question has become a point of confusion with some people. The one thing that you can be sure of is that if it is raining at the start of your event, or has been raining enough that the area where your event is to take place is soaked, we will not set up. A few possible options include: rescheduling your event, cancelling attractions for your event, moving your attractions inside if space allows, or swapping your attractions for something that could fit inside (if available). As much as we would like your event to occur without a hitch, we will always fall on the side of caution. We know this must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, so please contact us for more specific information.

WHAT ABOUT OTHER WEATHER CONDITIONS?

Other than the rain issue, winds can turn out to be a problem. Typically when the winds start to gust over 15 mph, the inflatables will have to be emptied and unplugged. Even with stakes driven into the ground, enough air can get underneath the attraction and send it tumbling down the street (something none of us wants to explain to a parent). If the inflatable is set up on a hard surface and we were only able to place sandbags at the corners, we may shut the attraction down sooner. Like the rain situation, we will always fall on the side of caution and deal with it individually.

CAN THE TEMPERATURE ALSO AFFECT MY EVENT?

Definitely. Typically here in the Midwest, the outdoor season for us can start around late March and go through the middle or end of October. As a rule of thumb, we don’t allow most inflatables outside if temperatures drop to 55 degrees or cooler. We have had issues in the past where the vinyl became cold enough to harden and crack. However, the crazy weather in the last couple of years has enabled us to do outdoor events in early March and, in some cases, early December. Ask about our non-vinyl inflatables without this restriction if your event falls at an odd time of year. For events planned in these “grey zones,” we don’t usually charge a deposit. Just come up with a Plan B to keep those kids occupied — or maybe we can squeeze everything into your garage or basement.

CAN I HAVE MY INFLATABLE OUTSIDE PAST DARK OR OVERNIGHT?

Typically, no. Once the sun goes down and dew and moisture start accumulating on the vinyl, a slippage problem can develop. This creates a liability issue for both Fun on the Run and you, our customer. As always, there are exceptions to this, so give us a call to get specific answers for your event.

DO I NEED SPECIAL INSURANCE IF I RENT THESE ATTRACTIONS?

It depends. Some private and public facilities require specific coverage from vendors that come onto their property. Fun on the Run is fully insured up to $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. We offer the option for you to be shown as “certificate holder” at no charge, or “additional insured” on our current policy at a nominal fee.

WILL MY OWN HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER ANYTHING?

Maybe. Without seeing your policy, we can’t say one way or the other. Besides, we’re not in the insurance business. Your insurance agent is best-equipped to answer those questions.

We thought this might be helpful for some of you parents who were roped into helping out or weren’t at that last meeting to defend yourself from being volunteered.

HOW EARLY CAN WE RESERVE ATTRACTIONS FOR OUR LOCK-IN?

As soon as you have a date established, you can make the call. We know some school districts determine lock-in dates a year in advance. That works to your advantage, so get with your principal or superintendent ASAP and reserve attractions for your event.

OKAY, HERE IT IS APRIL-MAY AND WE JUST WRAPPED UP OUR LOCK-IN, BUT I CAN’T GET AN ANSWER ABOUT NEXT YEAR’S CALENDAR. WHAT DO I DO? 

Unfortunately, there’s no good answer for that one. Until a date is set, we really can’t do much. In order to reserve anything from us, we must have an exact day to work with. We aren’t able to hold attractions until your date is set.

ALRIGHT, I HAVE A DATE AND A LOCATION FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR, WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Okay, now we’re rolling. Either call or e-mail us with your wish list of attractions. We will be able to tell you then exactly what is available and provide both a rental price and a written proposal.

HOW DO I RESERVE WHAT I WANT?

Once availability is determined, you can reserve at that time. The rental agreement will be sent to you with two copies: one for your records, and one to sign and return immediately.

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW WHAT I WANT OR WHAT IS APPROPRIATE OR POPULAR FOR MY EVENT?

Give us a call. We’ve worked with over 500 post-prom and post-grad events since 1996. We know what works, and we’ll offer suggestions that make you look good for pulling off the perfect event.

DO I HAVE TO PAY A DEPOSIT?

Of course you do, silly. The standard deposit is 50% of the total rental. But here is the nice thing: your deposit is not due until January 15th of the year your event takes place. This seems to work pretty well since most schools don’t start fundraising until after school starts in the fall. However, we will be happy to take your money sooner.

WHAT IF I CAN’T PAY THE DEPOSIT BY MID-JANUARY?

That can create a problem. It tends to leave a really bad taste in our mouths when a customer totally blows us off after reserving attractions and signing the agreement. Just think of it — we’ve been holding in good faith something that other schools had asked for and were told was not available. Our only recourse is to scold you over the phone and remind you that the next time we do hear back from your school, your name and lack of consideration just might come up in the conversation (just kidding…maybe). Of course, there will always be someone who doesn’t inquire until March for an April lock-in. If we do have anything you want available, the deposit and a signed copy of the rental agreement will need to be returned ASAP.

WHEN WILL YOU DELIVER AND SET-UP THE ATTRACTIONS?

We always seem to get calls in January asking what time of the day we will be there for a May event…that always makes us laugh. Most times, we can’t give an exact answer until two to three days before the event takes place. Sometimes, if everyone’s schedule allows, set-up can take place the day or evening before the event. This tends to coincide nicely with some schools’ decorating plans. While we will attempt to work around your schedule, some set-ups must accommodate our route timetable. These will be dealt with individually.

WHEN WILL YOU PICK-UP?

While we will do our best to work with your schedule, some pick-ups must be shuffled to fit into our route timetable. We deal with these on a case-by-case basis.

I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Well, since you appear to have internet access, you can always email us at info@funontherun.com. A quick phone call will also get the job done. Make sure you leave at least one good number to call back on.

DO I NEED SOMEONE TO SUPERVISE THE ATTRACTIONS?  

Yes. In order to minimize the risk of injury, an adult must stay and supervise at all times. We will provide both a written guideline for inflatables and a verbal explanation to lessen the potential for any incidents.

WILL FUN ON THE RUN PROVIDE ATTENDANTS TO STAFF THE ATTRACTIONS?

In certain situations, Fun on the Run will require its own personnel to stay and attend each attraction. In others, you have the option to attend it yourself. Prices for most attractions do not include Fun on the Run attendants. This allows you, as the customer, to save money and avoid paying for an unneeded service. Please contact us for specific information.