Searching for a soft play rental in Montreal usually means one thing: you want a party where the littlest guests have the time of their lives, nobody gets bumped by the big kids, and you don't spend the morning hauling equipment. This guide answers the questions Montreal and South Shore parents ask us most — what a soft play rental actually includes, which ages it suits, how much room you need, and what it costs.
What is a soft play rental?
A soft play rental is a padded, toddler-height play zone delivered to your home or venue: think a ball pit, a soft slide, foam mats and climbing pieces, all set up for the party and taken away afterwards. Unlike a bouncy castle, nothing is inflated and nothing is bouncing — kids crawl, slide, climb and dive into the balls at their own pace. That's why soft play (you'll also hear soft play hire or play area rental) is the go-to for first birthdays, toddler parties and baby showers where babies and siblings share the same space.
What's included in a Happi Hop soft play rental
Every package arrives fully loaded. You choose the size and colours; we handle the rest:
- A ball pit in your choice of colours (7 palettes, from blush and lavender to mint, silver and clear).
- Foam floor mats under and around the play area.
- Bouncy animal riders for the youngest guests.
- A soft slide and staircase on The Classic, Clear and Grand Hop.
- Delivery, full setup and teardown — we arrive before your guests and pack everything away after.
Everything — including every single ball — is cleaned and sanitized before and after each rental with child-safe, non-toxic products.
Which ages is soft play best for?
Our setups suit ages 1 to 10, but the magic age range is 1 to 4. At that stage a soft, low, contained space is exactly what toddlers need: there's room to explore without big drops, hard edges or older kids flying past. The foam pyramid climber is safe from about 6 months with an adult close by, so even crawling babies at a baby shower can join in.
For older kids (5–8), adding the climber and choosing a larger pit turns the setup into a mini obstacle course that keeps them busy too — handy when you're hosting a mix of ages.
How much space do you need?
Measure before you book. As a rule of thumb, plan for a clear, flat area of at least 3 m × 3 m (about 10 ft × 10 ft) for a ball pit package, and a little more if you add the pyramid climber. Package footprints range from a 5 ft round pit (The Little Hop) to an 8 ft × 8 ft showpiece (The Grand Hop).
- Condos and living rooms: The Little Hop or The Classic Hop fit comfortably once the coffee table moves.
- Basements and condo party rooms: a favourite in Montreal winters — warm, contained and easy to supervise.
- Halls and venues: The Grand Hop plus climber makes a proper play corner for a big guest list.
- Backyards: great from late spring to early fall on flat, shaded ground — just keep an indoor plan B for rain.
Soft play vs. bouncy castle for toddlers
Both are fun, but they solve different problems. For children under about 5, soft play is usually the calmer and safer pick: low padded surfaces, no bouncing collisions with bigger kids, and no blower motor running all afternoon. A bouncy castle suits older, high-energy kids, but it needs a power outlet, more outdoor space and constant supervision of who's jumping with whom. If most of your guests are toddlers — or the party is indoors — soft play wins.
Soft play rental prices in Montreal
Our soft play packages are simple and posted openly (plus taxes):
- The Little Hop — $350: 5 ft round ball pit, mats and riders. Ideal for small spaces and first-time renters.
- The Classic Hop — $450: 6 × 6 ft pit with soft slide and staircase. Our most popular home-birthday setup.
- The Clear Hop — $550: 7 × 7 ft clear-wall pit with soft slide — the most photogenic option.
- The Grand Hop — $750: 8 × 8 ft pit with premium slide, built for halls and big events.
Popular add-ons: the pyramid climber (+$200), a custom vinyl name decal (+$75) and an extra ball colour set (+$35). Delivery starts at $50 for Montreal and the South Shore and is quoted from your event address. Compare everything on our pricing page or see each piece on the services page.
How to book (and when)
- ✅ Measure your space and pick a package that fits.
- ✅ Book 2–3 weeks ahead — or 4–6 weeks for May–August weekends, which fill first.
- ✅ Send your date, address and colours through our booking form; we confirm within 24 hours.
- ✅ A $50 deposit reserves your date. On party day, we deliver, set up and come back to pack up.
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Book Your Soft Play 🎉Quick answers
What is included in a soft play rental in Montreal?
Every Happi Hop soft play rental includes a ball pit in your choice of colours, foam floor mats, bouncy animal riders, delivery, full setup before your guests arrive and teardown afterwards. The Classic, Clear and Grand Hop packages also include a soft slide and staircase. A soft foam pyramid climber can be added for $200.
What ages is a soft play rental for?
Our soft play setups suit ages 1 to 10, and the foam pyramid climber is safe for babies from 6 months with supervision. Toddlers aged 1 to 4 get the most out of soft play, which is why it is a favourite for first and second birthdays and baby showers.
How much space do I need for soft play?
Plan for a clear, flat area of at least 3 m x 3 m (about 10 ft x 10 ft) for a ball pit package, and a little more if you add the pyramid climber. Living rooms, basements, condo party rooms, rented halls and flat backyards all work.
How much does soft play rental cost in Montreal?
Happi Hop packages start at $350 for The Little Hop and go up to $750 for The Grand Hop, plus taxes. Delivery starts at $50 for Montreal and the South Shore and is quoted from your event address. Setup and pickup are included.
Is soft play better than a bouncy castle for toddlers?
For children under about 5, soft play is usually the calmer, safer choice: low padded surfaces, no bouncing collisions with bigger kids, and no blower motor running. Bouncy castles suit older, more energetic kids and need a power outlet and more outdoor space.
We serve Brossard, Longueuil, Saint-Lambert, La Prairie, Boucherville, the South Shore, Montreal Island and Laval. Planning a birthday specifically? Read our ball pit birthday party guide. ☁️✨