With the summer around the corner, your kids are itching to get outdoors for some fun in the sun. Keeping them entertained when schools close is challenging, and when they have time on their hands with nothing to do, kids can become a nightmare to handle.
Every parent knows that the secret to success with your kids is to give them plenty to do. You need to wear them out during the day with as much physical activity as possible. There are plenty of ways to keep your kids busy all day outdoors.
A trampoline is a great way to entertain your kids and give them a workout at the same time. Trampolines are tons of fun for kids and even some adults too! Bouncing through the air and doing tricks takes hours of practice. With a trampoline in your yard, you can keep the kids out in the yard while you enjoy some quiet time in the house.
Trampolines come in different shapes and sizes, and with different build qualities and price tags. In this review, we’ll unpack the details of our analysis on the best trampolines for your backyard this summer. After reading through the top choices, we recommend you look at your buyer’s guide and FAQ section.
Our Top Picks
If you don’t have the time to go through all the trampolines in this review, then this section is for you. Check out our top three models.
We have the best overall, best premium, and best budget model. Choose the trampoline that suits your needs and checkout right now. Your kids will be bouncing on their new trampoline by the weekend.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Skywalker 15-Foot Jump N’ Dunk
This model is our top choice for the best overall trampoline. We like a larger surface for the kids to bounce on, allowing them to practice bigger tricks. It’s the ideal choice for kids older than 6-years, and they’ll continue to grow into it for a few years. With plenty of spring and a durable mat, you’ll get plenty of use out of this trampoline, and years of fun for your kids. - The Premium Pick: ORCC Trampoline
If you’re looking for the best premium model trampoline, the ORCC is the top choice in this review. It’s not as big as the Skywalker, but there’s’ still plenty of mat space. The durable frame and catch net stop accidents fast, and this model’s overall build quality is fantastic. This model suits children from 4-years to 12-years. - The Budget Pick: 5ft Kids Trampoline
For kids 1 to 8-years old, there’s this model. It’s an excellent choice for first-timers, and it’s got a great price tag. You get all the top safety features you get with a premium model at an affordable price. This trampoline is only suitable for one or two small children at a time, but it’s still plenty of summertime fun for the kids.
Best Trampolines Reviews
After reading through our top picks, you might want to know your other options for the best trampolines. Let’s unpack our top choices in more detail and look at some of the other top models we selected for this review.
Skywalker 15-Foot Jump N’ Dunk – The Best Overall Trampoline
The 15-foot Skywalker Jump ‘n Dunk wins our award for the best overall trampoline in this review. Let’s be honest: if your kids want a trampoline, they’re hoping you get them the biggest possible.
The 15-foot “Jump ‘n Dunk” from Skywalker is every kid’s backyard bouncing dream. This model features a large 15-foot mat surface with weatherproof construction. The polyethylene mat has a 400-lb weight rating and meets ASTM standards for quality.
- SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY: Our outdoor trampoline for kids and adults with basketball hoop is designed with a patented no-gap enclosure system, protecting children from pinch points and openings (Patent #RE45, 182).
- LARGE JUMP MAT: With its expansive jump mat, this backyard trampoline for kids provides plenty of room for bouncing fun. Jump safely on this spacious outdoor trampoline with enclosure net.
- BASKETBALL HOOP: Throw, shoot, and slam dunk with the included basketball and recreational trampoline basketball hoop on this large trampoline with net enclosure.
- DURABILITY: Enjoy endless family fun on your backyard trampoline for kids with the support of a galvanized steel frame. Thanks to the rust resistant frame, this outdoor trampoline with enclosure net is a safe trampoline where your kids can thrive.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY: With over 100,000 happy customers since our company was founded in 2005, Skywalker Trampolines creates heavy duty trampolines for adults and kids that provide children with fun and safe ways to play.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Skywalker features a unique safety net harness system. The net incorporates into the exterior of the mat, removing any contact with the spring buckles.
This model comes with an integrated basketball hoop included in the side netting. It makes for a fun game, and all your kids will think they’re playing for their favorite NBA team.
This trampoline is suitable for parents with two kids or more, and ages seven and up.
- Safe design with no-gap enclosure for no pinch-points
- Slam-dunk basketball hoop included
- Tested to ASTM standards
- 3-year extended warranty
- Reinforced t-sockets to prevent structural twisting
- Large 15-ft bounce mat
- Weatherproof
- 1-year warranty on the safety netting
ORCC Trampoline – The Best Premium Trampoline
ORCC makes the best premium trampoline in this review. This model features a 1.65-inch galvanized, rust-resistant frame that’s suitable for outdoor use and storage. Included with your package is a weatherproof cover to ensure the springs stay dry and free of rust.
The robust galvanized springs provide plenty of stretch and resilience to give your kids a bouncy experience that brings a smile to their face. This model has a 400-lbs weight rating, and it comes with all the accessories you need, including large wind stakes, two pairs of gloves, and t-hooks to help you stretch the mat when setting up the frame.
- 【Safety is Top Priority】Experience peace of mind with the ORCC Trampoline, now boasting CPC certification in the USA, rigorously tested under CPSIA guidelines. Meanwhile, our trampoline, tested to ASTM F381-16 specifications, ensures a structure that excels in firmness, corrosion resistance, and UV protection, exceeding industry standards and providing a safe, durable option for endless fun.
- 【Longer Durability Frame】Constructed with hot-dip galvanized steel, the ORCC trampoline features a robust frame that boasts a dual-layer protective coating of iron-zinc alloy and zinc. This advanced technology ensures exceptional durability, granting the trampoline over a decade of rust resistance—even in coastal environments prone to harsh weather.
- 【High Weight Capacity】Constructed with premium Q195 steel known for its superior strength, our trampoline ensures exceptional sturdiness. We employ reinforced T-joints, surpassing industry norms in both length and thickness, to connect the frame's steel tubing securely, preventing any deformation or bending. High strength steel and sturdy structural design grants our trampoline an impressive static weight capacity of up to 1,200 lbs and a dynamic weight limit of up to 450 lbs!
- 【Elevated Net and Frame】Elevate your peace of mind with our 6FT safety net, higher than standard 5.5FT nets on the market. This extra height grants children the liberty to jump within the trampoline's embrace. Coupled with our elevated frame , it ensures an exhilarating bounce , effectively eliminating the hazard of foot contact ground.
- 【Great Bounce Trampoline】The ORCC trampoline's jumping mat features advanced weaving technology with a unique three-warp and four-weft technology, ensuring appropriate air permeability and superior load-bearing performance for the ultimate bouncing. Engineered with 7-inch galvanized springs, rigorously lab-tested for over 100,000 bounces, our springs maintain perfect integrity and exceptional elasticity. All springs are securely covered with a dense, 15mm-thick foam pad for superior protection
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 15-foot model is the flagship trampoline in the range, and in this review, and it’s a great choice if you have the budget. This trampoline can fit three to four kids maximum, depending on their age.
- Professional, classy design
- Available in four sizes, 10, 12, 14, 15-foot options
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Cover, wind stakes, and ladder included
- Sturdy safety net
- Good customer service
- Challenging assembly
5ft Kids Trampoline – The Best Budget Trampoline
If you have young kids under the age of 5-years, they’ll love this model for their first trampoline. The reinforced sides act as a playpen, and you can fill this model with balls to make a bouncy ball pit for even more fun for your kids.
This trampoline is more for indoor use, with an octagon bounce mat for best performance. The frame comes with padded tubes for extra safety and a spring cover. The safety netting Velcro’s onto the frame, with a zip to ensure the kids stay inside and don’t fall out.
- 【Safe Trampoline for Kids】: Safety is top priority. The gapless design eliminates the gap between the spring and the jumping mat, which can well protect the child's feet from getting stuck. The fully encrypted PE fence ensures that your toddler will not fall off the trampoline. The environmentally friendly sponge tube provides more intimate protection, allowing baby to play safely and at ease. Grecodown upgraded 5FT trampoline is absolutely safe and reliable for children.
- 【Upgraded Stable Steel U-shaped Legs】: The redesigned U-shaped leg structure is safer and more reliable than traditional welded U-shaped legs. The overall structure of the trampoline is more stable and has greater weight bearing capacity. At the same time, it has better shock absorption performance. All U-shaped legs have two silent protective pads, which can effectively prevent slippage, reduce noise and protect the floor. Let the kid fully enjoy the ultimate sense of jumping.
- 【Indoor & Outdoor 】: This is an indoor and outdoor trampoline. When the weather is sunny, can carry it in the yard, and when in the cold winter and rainy day, no longer suitable for use outdoors trampoline and other sports, Grecodown trampoline can continue to use in indoor, the right size and the color of beautiful, let your honey indoors can have a fun and healthy indoor sport.
- 【Excellent Bouncing Performance】: 36 heavy-duty rust-proof 4-inch springs are more durable, have lasting elasticity without deformation, and rebound faster. The high-quality PP jumper is more non-slip, wear-resistant, strong and breathable, and easy to clean. This makes Grecodown trampoline excellent jumping performance, with a maximum load-bearing capacity of 335 pounds, which can fully accommodate 2-3 children to play together. It is an excellent choice as a birthday gift for children.
- 【Easy to Assemble】: Contains complete installation tools and installation instructions, you do not need to use additional tools, you can easily install it in 40 minutes. If you find that the accessories are missing, please contact us immediately. we will provide you with 100% refund or re-send quality products, so just feel free to contact us immediately.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model has a rating of up to 220-lbs max weight, so it’s a robust design thanks to the octagon shape. We think it’s an excellent choice for a first trampoline. This trampoline is the best budget choice in this review for small children. It has premium features at an affordable price point, making it great value for money.
- A great choice for small kids under 5-years
- Good for a first trampoline
- Sturdy safety enclosure
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Safe design
- Affordable
- Not suitable for large kids
- You’ll need a bigger size in a year or two
Skywalker Trampolines 8-Foot Jump N’ Dunk
This model is the 8-foot version of our award-winning model for the best overall trampoline. With the 8-foot model, you still get all the benefits and unique design features of the 15-footer, but at a more affordable price point. This 8-footer is a solid choice for single children up to the ages of 10 to 12-years.
- Safety First: Skywalker prioritizes safety with a patented no-gap enclosure, eliminating gaps between the trampoline mat and the net to protect you from pinch points and openings. We meet or exceed ASTM standards for a secure experience.
- Durable Design: Our recreational trampolines feature a weather and rust-resistant galvanized steel frame. Reinforced T-sockets at each leg and enclosure joint enhance frame stability - your trampoline will withstand the test of time for years of fun!
- Maximum User Weight: The trampoline with basketball hoop is tested to support up to 275 lbs, in compliance with ASTM standards. This rigorous testing ensures that the trampoline spring cover and trampoline pad are durable and safe for multiple users.
- UV Protection: The trampoline safety net offers UV protection from tightly woven polyethylene, reducing exposure to harmful UV rays - perfect for outdoor use! The trampoline mat is made of UV-protected polypropylene, woven to prevent slipping.
- Basketball Hoop Fun: Have more fun with the included trampoline basketball hoop! This attachment has a foam basketball and hook-and-loop breakaway rim, providing safe and exciting play. The trampoline cover and net are included to prioritize safety.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model has a 200-lbs weight rating and the same safe design for the safety netting and spring buckles as the 15-foot model. The corrosion-resistant frame and padding make it a top choice for parents with smaller yards or fewer children.
- A good choice for smaller gardens in townhouses and clusters
- Basketball hoop included
- Safe design with a no-gap mat to stop pinching
- 3-year warranty on the frame
- Reinforced t-sockets to prevent structural twisting
- Weatherproof
- Suitable for one child at a time
Kids Trampoline with Safety Enclosure Net
This model is another great choice for smaller families with kids that want a trampoline in their indoor playroom. This model features a durable and sturdy design with galvanized steel tubing. The 5-foot diameter trampoline is easy to handle and offers a simple set up in a few minutes.
- 【Indoor & Outdoor Trampoline 】- This is a kids trampoline that can be used both indoors and outdoors. When the weather is fine, it can be placed in the yard, and in cold winter and rainy days, the trampoline can be used indoors, with the right size, safety and reliability, so that your baby can have a fun and healthy physical exercise indoors.
- 【Safe & Reliable】- Thickened sponge pad eliminates the gap between the spring and jumping pad, which can well protect the child's feet from getting stuck. 360° soft-touch enclosure net ensures that your child will not fall off the trampoline. Environmental protection sponge tube to provide more intimate protection, so that the baby play safe and secure.
- 【Robust Framework】- The improved frame structure makes the trampoline more stable, while having better shock absorption performance. Installation does not require any screws. All U-shaped legs have two silent protection pads, which can effectively prevent slippage, reduce noise and protect the floor. kovhzcu trampoline allows toddler to fully enjoy the ultimate feeling of jumping.
- 【Excellent Bouncing Performance】- The 36 heavy-duty, rust-resistant 4-inch springs are more durable, with long-lasting elasticity that won't deform and faster rebounding, providing excellent bouncing performance. The children's trampoline also includes an adjustable hanging basketball frame and ball, allowing kids to experience the fun of jumping and shooting.
- 【Easy to Assemble】- Complete installation tools and instructions are included for easy installation in 30 minutes without the use of additional tools. If you find that an accessory is missing, please contact us immediately. We will offer you a 100% refund or resend a quality product, so please feel free to contact us.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get a padded spring cushion around the edge of the mat, with a safety net circling the outside. This model suits young kids up to 5-years, and has a safety weight rating of 220-lbs. It’s a good choice for two small kids, and it comes with a zip door on the safety net for easy access and protection.
- An excellent choice for kids
- Safe design with sturdy netting and frame
- Suitable for two small kids 4 to 5-years
- Set it up indoors or outside
- Easy assembly
- Affordable
- Not weatherproof
Round Backyard Trampoline
This 10-foot model is a great choice for families who live in cluster homes or townhouses and can’t fit a 15-foot model in their yard. This trampoline has excellent performance thanks to its high-elasticity jumping mat and 60-high-tension springs.
- 👉【ASTM Safety Certified】: Safety always is top priority,Our kid trampoline is made up of high quality stainless steel and various accessories. The trampoline have been tested and approved with ASTM F381, ASTM F2225-15（R2020）Standard Safety Specifications.You can ensure that our trampoline is safe for your family. Let you and your kids play safely on the trampoline.
- 👉【Safety Protection Portfolio】The safety protection combination is around the trampoline. It is a safety fence made of high strength nylon. The safety fence combines with steel pipe perfectly and connects the fence with spring cover. This also eliminates the gap between the jumping mat and the fence, making the exercise trampoline a whole, to ensure that children can safely and happily play in the kid trampoline.trampoline for kids exercise trampoline workout trampoline
- 👉【High Elasticity Heavy Jumping Pad】Our trampoline is wrapped in 60 high-tension steel springs(8FT 48pcs / 12FT 72pcs/14FT 72pcs) , providing a very strong elasticity for the exercise trampoline, when children play in our kid trampoline, they can jump higher.trampoline exercise trampoline kids trampoline
- 👉【Strong Frame Structure】Our trampoline is made of stainless steel frame. The frame is made of galvanized stainless steel. They are durable and rust resistant, and also provide longer life exercise trampoline. The T section can connect each top rail safely and stably, and provide a solid foundation for the whole kid trampoline.exercise trampoline kid trampoline mini trampoline
- 👉【The U-Shaped Solid Foot】There have Three U-shaped solid feet (8FT 4pcs /12FT 6pcs/14FT 6pcs )at the bottom of the trampoline, which can divide the pressure on the kid trampoline equally into four supporting feet, providing sufficient stability and support for the whole exercise trampoline.exercise trampoline kid trampoline workout trampoline
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model has all the essential safety features you need, with a padded spring cover and a nylon safety net with safety zip. The galvanized frame is corrosion-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. This model is easy to set up and breakdown, and has a weight safety rating of 330-lbs.
- A good choice for townhouses and clusters
- Suits one to four children, depending on weight
- Safe design with anti-pinch covering
- High-elasticity jumping pad
- Weatherproof
- No ladder included
Skywalker Trampolines 10 -Foot Round
The 10-foot Skywalker above-ground trampoline is another solid choice for your backyard this summer. This model comes with reinforced t-sockets to stop the sheer force from breaking the frame. You get a durable nylon net and the same patented safety net technology that keeps your hands and feet away from the spring buckles.
- Safety First: Skywalker prioritizes safety with a patented no-gap enclosure, eliminating gaps between the trampoline mat and the net to protect you from pinch points and openings. We meet or exceed ASTM standards for a secure experience.
- Durable Design: Our recreational trampolines feature a weather and rust-resistant galvanized steel frame. Reinforced T-sockets at each leg and enclosure joint enhance frame stability - your trampoline will withstand the test of time for years of fun!
- Maximum User Weight: The trampoline with basketball hoop is tested to support up to 275 lbs, in compliance with ASTM standards. This rigorous testing ensures that the trampoline spring cover and trampoline pad are durable and safe for multiple users.
- UV Protection: The trampoline safety net offers UV protection from tightly woven polyethylene, reducing exposure to harmful UV rays - perfect for outdoor use! The trampoline mat is made of UV-protected polypropylene, woven to prevent slipping.
- Basketball Hoop Fun: Have more fun with the included trampoline basketball hoop! This attachment has a foam basketball and hook-and-loop breakaway rim, providing safe and exciting play. The trampoline cover and net are included to prioritize safety.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The fade-resistant spring pad protects from spring bite, and it doesn’t fade in the sun’s UV rays. Skywalker has great customer service. They also have a full range of spare parts available for the range of trampolines.
This round model is a great choice for townhouses and cluster homes with smaller yards.
- Safe design with no-gap netting
- 3-year warranty on frame
- Reinforced t-sockets to prevent structural twisting
- Weatherproof
- 1-year warranty on netting
Trampoline Buyer’s Guide
By now, you probably have a model in mind for your kid’s trampoline. In our buyer’s guide section, we’ll give you everything you need to know about selecting the right models to suit your kids and your yard space.
What are the Factors You Need to Consider when Purchasing a Trampoline?
If you want to bring a trampoline into your yard for some fun for your kids this summer, there are a few things you need to know. Check out these critical factors for choosing your trampoline. Review the points before you settle on the model that’s right for your kids and your yard.
Mat Surface and Yard Space
Where are you going to put this trampoline? Do you have room in your yard? If you live in an apartment, you’re not going to fit more than a 5-foot model in a bedroom, and that’s not suitable for kids older then 5-years.
If you have a cluster home or a townhouse, a 10 to 12-foot model is the better choice. With this size, you can set it up on a patio, or in the yard, without it cramping your outdoors area. There are 15-foot and 17-foot models available, and this size is best for freestanding homes with large backyards.
Before you order your trampoline, it’s important to note that you need a flat, level surface to position the frame. You can’t set up your trampoline on uneven ground, or you’ll end up causing an accident.
You might have to do some landscaping to make the area around the frame level. Alternatively, you can set it up on a level patio or deck. Make sure you keep some space around the edges of the trampoline. Avoid placing it near objects like rocks or fence spikes that could cause an accident if someone falls off the trampoline.
Avoid setting up your trampoline on concrete surfaces, without setting up crash mats to break a fall. Crash mats prevent your kid from banging their head on the hard concrete or tikes if they fall out of the safety netting.
It’s best to set up your trampoline on a level part of your lawn where grass offers some protection from breaking falls.
Mat Shapes
Trampoline mats are the heart of the equipment. The mat features design and construction with sturdy, durable materials that offer weatherproof protection and stand up to years of everyday use. Trampoline mats come in a variety of shapes. Here are some of the most common styles you’ll find available for your trampoline.
- Round – This shape is the most common, and it’s the best choice we recommend for your new trampoline. Round trampoline mats are ideal for one-person use. The mat provides and even distance to the edge, and the “power-bounce” spot is directly in the center of the mat.
- However, with round mats, it’s more challenging to have two or more children on the trampoline at the same time. If you want a trampoline that suits multiple kids using it at once, look for a rectangle shape.
- Rectangular – This shape is the best choice for multiple users. The rectangle provides excellent coverage for two or three kids using the same mat. However, rectangular trampolines are more common in built-in versions, rather than above-ground models.
- The rectangular mat is also a good choice for kids that want to learn to do tricks. The longer mat gives more bounce control, with a longer “sweet spot” compared to a circular mat.
- Oval – This shape is not common, and we don’t have any of these models in this review. We think that a round trampoline mat is a much better choice than an oval.
- Square – A square mat provides a large bouncing surface, but it feels uneven towards the edges. We prefer a circular model over a square mat.
- Octagon – An octagon is a great choice for a mat. It’s a good mid-point between a square and a rounded model. The springs distribution provides a larger “sweet spot” than a circular or round model. Octagons are not common, and they often feature on expensive models.
Sizing Your Trampoline Mat
The trampoline mat is a vital part of your setup. Choosing the right size mat is critical for your yard, and your kids use. Smaller mat sizes are for younger kids. A 5-foot mat will support one kid, and weight up to 100-lbs. Trying to get a 5-foot mat for your 12-year old kid isn’t going to work.
If you have a family of two or more children using the trampoline, it’s best to buy a larger mat. Mats come in 5-foot, 1, 12, 15, and 17-foot models. Choose the mat size to match your kid’s age. A 15-foot mat is a good choice for ages 7 to 12-years. 5-foot mats are suitable for up to 5-years, and a ten or 12-foot mat is ideal for an in-between option.
Safety Pads and Features
When your kid gets used to their trampoline, they might start bouncing pretty high. As a parent, it’s kind of scary to see your child bouncing 10-feet in the air with a huge smile on their face. The reality is that accidents can happen on a trampoline.
If your kid comes off the trampoline, it could result in anything from a mild knock to a broken bone. When selecting your trampoline, it’s vital that you look for the best safety features to protect your kids. Padding is an essential part of the safety features.
Your trampoline comes with a steel frame, and if your child makes forceful contact with that frame, it could cause severe injury. Therefore, you need a model with adequate padding on the frame to protect your kids during falls.
The padding alone is not enough to prevent an injury, but it stops a hard fall and protects your child from the springs. The springs are a potential source of serious injury. Every time your kid bounces on the mat, the springs open. If your kid lands on the spring while open, it might “bite” their skin when it contracts as the energy of the bounce dissipates, and the spring travel closes.
The pads prevent spring bite, and they go along way to stop injury. However, they won’t stop your child from falling out of the trampoline.
Safety Nets and Zips
As mentioned earlier, you get built-in and above-ground trampolines. The primary difference between the two is that the mat is elevated above the ground by up to 3-feet. Three feet is a long way to fall for a youngster, and they could end up doing themselves severe injuries, such as breaking an arm or leg.
Built-in trampolines don’t have this issue because the mat is at ground level. Therefore, to mitigate the risk of injury to the user, above-ground trampolines feature safety nets. These nets attach to the outside diameter of the trampoline, forming a protective barrier.
Most nets don’t look that sturdy, but they are more than capable of preventing your child from taking a nasty tumble that causes severe injury. Look for a model with the netting attached to the inside of the padding, not the outside.
Sturdy Steel Base
When your kids are using the trampoline, the last thing you want to happen is to tip it over. That’s a nightmare that sends everyone to the emergency room in a hurry. A sturdy steel frame ensures that your trampoline has the weight to stay put when your kids are bouncing around.
We recommend that you go for a model that offers stakes to attach your frame to the ground. The stakes prevent any tipping of the structure due to user behavior or the wind.
Weather-Proofing
Ensure that the frame of your trampoline has a weatherproof coating if you intend to keep it outside. Smaller 5-foot trampolines might not need a weatherproof coating, as you can keep them inside. A weatherproof coating stops corrosion of the metal parts that weakens the structural integrity of the frame.
However, ensure that the model you’re interested in buying features a weatherproof mat that’s resistant to fading and direct sunlight damage. The mat is the fastest wearing component of the trampoline., therefore, make sure you get a model with a thick and durable mat made from long-lasting materials.
The springs are also another concern for weatherproofing on your trampoline. Most springs feature design and construction with galvanized steel, making them reasonably weatherproof. The addition of a weatherproof safety mat will help keep your springs out of the rain. We also recommend looking for models that include covers if you want to keep your trampoline outside.
Ladders
If the mat surface is three feet above the ground, asking your four-foot child to climb onto the trampoline might make them take a tumble on the floor.
We recommend you look for a model that includes a ladder. While a ladder will eventually not be necessary, it helps your kids gain confidence by using the trampoline in the early stages. Steps can also prevent your kids from using the trampoline without your permission. If they can’t get onto the trampoline, then they can’t use it.
User-Friendly Assembly
Most manufacturers will ship your trampoline to you in several boxes. It’s a heavy package, so make sure you choose a retailer that offers free shipping – such as Amazon Prime. When you receive your trampoline, you’ll have to put it together yourself.
Assembly is not rocket science, but if you’re a single mom with no experience around DIY stuff, you’ll probably have to call a handyman. Building the frame is easy, but stretching the mat over the frame and onto the springs is challenging, and requires dome strength and experience.
Most trampolines come with detailed instructions for assembly at your home. Make sure you always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines during the assembly proves. Remember to wear protective gloves when handling the springs and installing the mat. The last thing you want is to trap your hand in the spring during the installation.
When installing, look for models that offer a connectable frame. We recommend trampoline frames that have reinforced t-sockets. The t-socket can bear plenty of load and force. If the socket doesn’t have the necessary tensile strength to stand up to repetitive use, then there is a good chance the energy will eventually sheer the joint, resulting in a possible injury to your kids during use.
You kids will want to mill around the trampoline and get in the way during the installation. Keep them away from the build until it’s ready to go. Taking your child to the emergency room because they trapped their hand in the spring is an embarrassing thing to deal with as a parent.
Trampoline Seasonal Maintenance
Trampolines don’t require much in the way of maintenance. The springs will need replacing every 5-years or so, depending on use and the corrosion from outdoor use. However, you’ll need to assess your trampoline once or twice a year for corrosion or damage to the frame.
Before you allow your kids onto the trampoline, always ensure that there are no obstructions underneath the mat. Replace stretched or snapped springs immediately and ensure that the padding is still plush.
Using accessories like anchors and weather covers helps to reduce the wear and tear on your trampoline. As mentioned, the mat is the most expensive part of your trampoline to replace. However, you can extend its service life by years by using the mat cover included with your purchase.
What are the Benefits of Jumping on Trampolines?
Growing kids need all the exercise they can get. If you don’t tire them out during the day, expect them to keep pestering you all evening. A trampoline gives you kid plenty of hours of fun in the yard. Looking at kids bouncing on the mat can be a deceiving experiencing.
While they seem to be effortlessly bouncing in rhythm, they are using plenty of energy. The legs, calves, glutes, and back all take a workout. Jumping requires a strong core and a good sense of balance. Every parent wants to increase coordination, agility, and speed in their child. A trampoline does all of that and more.
The trampoline helps your child build their muscular and cardiovascular systems while allowing them to learn how to move their body in space. As your child gets more familiar with the trampoline, they’ll start doing more complicated tricks that require more efficient movement and control over their body.
What are the Risks of Jumping on Trampolines?
Bouncing around all day on a trampoline is loads of fun for kids. Adults might not understand what all the fuss is about, but the feeling of weightlessness is exhilarating for kids. It takes kids some time to learn how to master a trampoline.
During the beginner phase, you need to actively monitor your kids to ensure they don’t hurt themselves. Trampolines, especially above-ground trampolines, mean that your child can fall to the ground hard if they lose their balance during a misplaced move on the mat.
The risk of injury is minimal, but it is there. Parents need to be responsible for their kid’s use of the trampoline for the first few weeks.
Stay with your child until you’re sure that they have everything under control. Always ensure that they are bouncing with the trampoline net zipped up into the locked position. This strategy ensures they don’t fall out, causing a severe injury that lands them in the emergency room.
Trampoline springs are another source of injuries, and the bite of a spring can be excruciatingly painful for your child, leaving them with a lasting bruise on their skin for weeks. Ensure that the model you’re purchasing comes with a spring cover to keep your kid’s skin out of harm’s way.
What Kind of Trampoline Accessories are Available?
Trampolines come with accessories to make the experience more enjoyable and protect your trampoline from bad weather. We recommend you look for models that offer the following accessories.
- Basketball Hoops and Ball Sets – Some trampolines come with basketball hoops and nets, letting you kids act like the next Air Jordan. These entertainment accessories will keep your kids busy for hours in the summer and out of your hair.
- Ladders – A ladder is an essential part of your equipment for an above-ground trampoline. The ladder helps your kids get onto the trampoline without pulling on the springs. The ladder can also act as an access control feature, preventing your kids from bouncing on the trampoline when you’re not around.
- Wind Stakes – An anchoring system is vital for your trampoline. The anchor ensures that the wind doesn’t pick up your trampoline and send it into your neighbor’s yard. The anchor stakes also prevent the frame of the trampoline moving during use. If the frame tips over, it can result in a nasty injury.
- Trampoline Covers – A heavy-duty, durable trampoline cover is a great accessory. The sun’s UV rays are harsh, and they slowly weather the fibers in your trampoline mat. Eventually, the weathering effect causes the premature failure of the structure of the mat. As a result, you have dead spots in the mat, and it starts to sag. By using a weatherproof cover after your kids finish bouncing, you extend the longevity of the mat.
Trampolines FAQ
By now, you should have a good idea of which trampoline will suit your children. If you have some unanswered queries, then check out this list of FAQs.
Are trampolines safe for my children?
If you don’t treat a trampoline with respect and caution, there’s a good chance it will end up sending you to the emergency room sooner or later. However, provided you take care and practice good safety habits, you should never have any problems.
Use the safety net that comes with your trampoline and avoid doing outlandish tricks. If you have young kids using the trampoline, make sure you always have an eye on them and never let them use the trampoline unattended.
How much space do I need in my yard for a trampoline?
You’ll need at least five to ten feet from walls and other objects like trees and fences. Trampolines come with safety nets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fall out of the net. Falling onto the edge of a wall or a large rock could result in severe injury.
Trampolines come in different sizes. The smallest models in this review have a 5-foot mat, and the largest has a 15-foot surface. 5-foot models are ok for setting up indoors in a playroom. However, anything bigger needs to go outdoors.
5-foot models are suitable for smaller kids under 7-years. 15-foot mats are ideal for larger kids up to 13-years. When setting up your trampoline in your yard, make sure you don’t have any overhanging branches or overhead power lines nearby.
What is the recommended age range for trampolines?
We recommend you get your children bouncing around at age three or four. At this age, they have enough strength in their frame and coordination to ensure they don’t injure themselves. Kids from 5-years or older will have an easy time master the intricacies of the trampoline. The kids can keep using a 15-foot trampoline mat until age 12 to 13-years.
How much does a trampoline cost?
The price of your trampoline depends on the size, the quality, and the manufacturer. A 15-foot trampoline is going to cost a lot more than a 5-foot model. You can expect to pay up to $300 for a 15-foot trampoline, and between $150 to $200 for a 5-foot model.
What the difference between in-ground and above-ground trampolines?
The difference between built-in and above-ground trampolines – is the pit you have to dig. If you don’t want to spend hours of back-breaking labor digging a trampoline pit, get an above-ground model. No-one wants a big hole in their backyard, but a built-in trampoline is a good choice if you have a large yard with plenty of space.
There’s less distance from the ground to the mat surface, limiting any injury from falling off the mat doing tricks. However, what if your kids get bored with the trampoline? Then you have an eyesore in your back yard. With an above-ground model, you pack it away in the winter and bring it back out in the summer.
Conclusion
A trampoline is plenty of fun for the kids this summer. Keep them out of your hair and busy in the backyard with bouncy fun all summer long. By now, you should have a good idea of the right trampoline to suit your kids. However, if you’re still on the fence with your decision, why not rely on our top picks for your trampoline?
- The Skywalker 15-Foot Jump N’ Dunk is the best value buy if you have two or three kids, and all of them want to play on the trampoline. They grow into this model, and it’s sure to last them their entire youth. The sturdy and durable mat lasts for years, and the frame features reinforced t-sockets that stop any meatal shear and damage to the frame.
- If you want the best trampoline for your kids, the ORCC offers you plenty of selection, with four different size models to suit any size yard. The ORCC has an attractive setup, with excellent safety features and a ladder to help your kids onto the mat. It’s a good choice for kids of all ages, and you can select the mat size to their age or the size of your yard.
- Our budget choice for the 5-foot Kids Trampoline is an excellent choice for parents that want their kid to try bouncing. This trampoline has a smaller mat, but it’s a good choice for an indoor model. If you’re stuck indoors in bad weather, this model can keep your kids entertained – it’s a great choice for apartments.
