Booking & Pricing

1. How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks ahead, especially for weekends in spring and summer when our calendar fills up fast. Last-minute booking? Reach out anyway — if we have the date open, we'll make it happen.

2. What's included in the rental price?

Every package includes delivery within the Des Moines metro, full setup, and teardown — so you don't lift a finger. The price covers the equipment for your selected time block (4 or 12 hours), all accessories needed to run the activity, and our team making sure everything is ready to go before guests arrive.

​

4. Do you require a deposit, and how do I reserve my date?

Yes — a [50%] non-refundable retainer secures your date, with the remaining balance due 7 days before your event. To book, head to our Book Now page, select your package and date, and you'll be guided through reservation and payment. We accept all major credit and debit cards.

5. What's your cancellation and refund policy?

Life happens — we get it. Cancel 14+ days before your event and we'll refund everything except the non-refundable retainer. Cancel 7–13 days out, and we'll refund 50% of payments beyond the retainer. Within 7 days, we're unable to offer a refund because we've already turned away other bookings for your date. The full policy lives on our Refund Policy page.

​

Delivery, Setup & Site

6. Do you deliver, and how far do you travel?

Yes — we deliver, set up, and tear down everything ourselves. We service the Des Moines metro and surrounding communities. If you're outside our standard area, message us at customercare@popuppartydesmoines.com and we'll quote a travel fee.

7. How much space do I need?

It depends on the package. Laser tag works best in a yard at least 30x30 feet or in an open park area. The backyard movie night needs a flat 15x15 ft area for the inflatable screen plus seating space in front. Teepee slumber parties need indoor space — figure roughly 6x6 ft per teepee. Field day setups can flex from a small backyard to a large open space. Not sure if your space works? Send us a photo when you book and we'll let you know.

8. Can you set up indoors, or only outside?

Teepee slumber parties are indoor-only. Movie nights, laser tag, and field day games are designed for outdoor use but can sometimes work in a large indoor space (gymnasium, finished basement, garage) — just ask when you book. We'll need to know about ceiling height, doorway access, and flooring.

9. What if my yard isn't perfectly level or has obstacles?

Most yards work just fine. We can work around mild slopes, garden beds, and play structures. What we do need: a clear path for our delivery cart, no overhead hazards (low branches, power lines) where equipment will be set up, and a reasonably level area for inflatables and the screen. If we arrive and the site isn't safe to set up, we'll work with you to find an alternative — but we may not be able to refund the retainer if the site issue wasn't disclosed beforehand.

​

Weather & Day-Of

10. What happens if it rains or the weather turns bad?

We watch the forecast closely. Several of our setups (the inflatable screen, teepee tents, laser tag) aren't safe in high winds, lightning, heavy rain, or temperatures below 40°F. If we need to cancel for weather, you can reschedule within 12 months at no extra charge or get a full refund of all payments. If you choose to proceed despite a weather warning from us, the standard damage policy applies.

11. Will someone show us how to use everything?

Absolutely. Our team walks you through every piece of equipment during setup — how to operate it, safety basics, and what to do if something goes sideways. We'll leave a printed quick-reference guide too, and our phone number is always a text away during your rental window.

​

Safety, Waivers & Insurance

12. Are waivers required?

Yes. The host (the person booking) signs a Rental Agreement when they book. For active packages like laser tag and field day, we also ask that the parent or legal guardian of every minor attendee sign a Participant Liability Waiver before the activity. We provide a fillable waiver template you can email out with your invitations — most parents knock them out in two minutes.

13. Are you insured, and is the equipment safe?

Yes — Pop-Up Party Des Moines (PopUpPartyDesMoines LLC) carries general liability insurance, and we're happy to share a certificate of insurance with venues that require one. Every piece of equipment is inspected and cleaned between rentals. Bedding for teepee parties is washed after every event.

​

Damages & Logistics

14. Is there a damage deposit, and what counts as damage?

Yes — a refundable damage and cleaning deposit is collected with your final payment and returned within 7 business days after the event, assuming everything comes back in good shape. Normal wear is expected and never charged. Damage means things like tears in fabric, lost game pieces, broken laser tag headsets, or food residue that requires deep cleaning. If anything happens during your event, just let us know — we'd rather hear about it from you than discover it at pickup.

Still Have Questions?

Didn't see your question here? We'd love to hear from you. Email us at customercare@popuppartydesmoines.com or send a message through our contact form, and we'll get back to you within one business day.