Planning a birthday in Sacramento usually comes down to one big question: what will keep a backyard full of kids happy for two hours? Two of the most popular answers are a bounce house and a video game truck. Both come to your home, both are a big hit, and both take the pressure off parents. They are very different experiences, though, and the right choice depends on your child's age, the time of year and the kind of party you want.
Age matters most
Bounce houses are a classic for preschoolers and early elementary kids. Little ones love to jump, and a bounce house is simple enough for any age to enjoy.
A game truck is built for slightly older kids. The Extreme Game Truck Sacramento party is for guests 7 years of age and up, and children 6 and under are not permitted in the game truck. That makes it a great fit for the age when many kids start asking for a "gaming party" and feel they have outgrown bounce houses. If your guest list is mostly 7 to 14 year olds, a game truck is often the bigger wow.
Sacramento weather is a real factor
Anyone who has hosted a party in Sacramento in July knows the problem. Afternoon temperatures regularly climb past 100 degrees, and an outdoor inflatable in direct sun can get hot and tiring quickly. Winter brings the opposite challenge, with rain and tule fog that can cancel outdoor plans.
Our Sacramento game truck is a 20-foot, climate-controlled trailer. Kids play inside in comfortable air whether it is a scorching August afternoon in Elk Grove or a drizzly February Saturday in Roseville. That year-round reliability is one of the biggest reasons Sacramento parents choose a game truck for summer and winter birthdays.
How many kids can join in?
With a bounce house, everyone takes turns in small groups, and the rules about how many kids can jump at once depend on the unit.
The Extreme Game Truck trailer accommodates 20+ players total: up to 12+ players inside, depending on the size and age of the players and the games being played, plus up to 8 players at the outside gaming stations. Kids can play together on PS5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch, take turns on the racing simulator, and with the Wi-Fi add-on, play online games and try virtual reality.
Who keeps the party running?
A bounce house still needs a parent watching the entrance and refereeing turns. A game truck party includes a personal Game Coach who runs the games, keeps turns fair and keeps the energy up for the whole party. For many parents, that is the best part: you get to actually enjoy the party, talk with other families and take photos.
Setup, space and cleanup
An inflatable needs a flat open area, anchoring and usually a power outlet for the blower. A game truck needs a place to park. Our truck is completely self-powered, so it can set up in front of your home in Natomas, East Sacramento or the Pocket, at a school, or anywhere it can pull in. If you are thinking about a park such as William Land Park or McKinley Park, check with the city about vehicle access first, since parks have their own rules.
Because the action happens in the truck, there is no mess in your living room. It is a party at your house, not in your house.
What does a Sacramento game truck party cost?
Extreme Game Truck Sacramento parties are $325 for 90 minutes Monday through Thursday and $375 for 90 minutes Friday through Sunday. Each additional hour is $150. The Wi-Fi add-on for online gaming and VR is $60, and you can add a Buzzy Booth photo booth for $60 for 1.5 hours. Certain areas may require a travel fee. Bounce house pricing varies widely by rental company and size, so it is worth comparing quotes for your date.
Can you do both?
Absolutely. For mixed-age parties, some families book a game truck for the older kids and keep simple backyard activities for younger siblings. Since the game truck is only for ages 7 and up, a little extra planning for younger guests keeps everyone happy.
Quick comparison
- Best ages: bounce house for younger kids; game truck for ages 7 and up
- Hot or rainy days: game truck, thanks to the climate-controlled trailer
- Supervision: game truck includes a personal Game Coach
- Setup: game truck is self-powered and only needs a place to park
- Group size: game truck fits 20+ players total (12+ inside, up to 8 outside)
Book your Sacramento game truck party
We serve Greater Sacramento, West Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Davis, Woodland and surrounding areas. See packages and photos on our Sacramento game truck page, book online, call (877) 573-9873, or contact us to check your date.
