Best Trampoline For Kids: Outdoor Equipment Reviews For Parents

For some, it is a rite of passage. For others, it is a way to get the kids out of their hair so they can have a few minutes of peace. It has turned into an Olympic sport. It has also been the subject of numerous viral videos thanks to several spectacular jumping fails.

Trampolines are one of those items that bring back fond childhood memories. The neighbors all came around, had a jumping party, and everyone got to show off their awesome airborne tricks. The best outdoor trampolines for kids have evolved over the last generation to offer improved safety features, better rebounding, and higher weight tolerance levels.

There are many reasons to want a trampoline, here you’ll find the perfect one for your property.

Which Are the Best for Kids?

Trampolines must have certain safety features to be suitable for child use. Outdoor trampolines are intended for older children and teens only. These are the top-rated models in this category that provide an excellent rebounding surface, have a reputation for safety excellence, and won’t break your budget.

Picture	Name	Our Rating	Diameter	Price
	Skywalker Trampolines Jump 'N Dunk	4.4	15 Feet	$$$$
	Skybound 7 Indoor/Outdoor Trampoline	4.5	7 Feet	$$
	Sportspower My First Trampoline	4.7	7 Feet	$$
	Exacme TUV Approved Trampoline with Safety Pad	4.3	16 Feet	$$$$
	Merax Trampoline with Safety Enclousure and Hoop	4.5	14 Feet	$$$
	Bounce Pro Trampoline with Flash Light Zone	4.9	14 Feet	$$
	Giantex Trampoline Combo	4.5	12 Feet	$$$
	Little Tykes Trampoline	4.3	7 Feet	$$
	Kangaroo Hoppers Trampoline with Safety Enclosure	4.2	15 Feet	$$$$
	Ultega Jumper Trampoline with Safety Net	4.0	14 Feet	$$$$
Picture	Name	Our Rating	Diameter	Price

What Shape of Trampoline is Right for Me?

The shape of an outdoor trampoline can affect how high a user can bounce. It can affect the size of the jumping area. It will also dictate the amount of space in your backyard that will need to be dedicated to your new trampoline.

In theory, a trampoline can come in any shape. For practical purposes, however, there are four common shapes that you’ll find when shopping for a trampoline that the kids can use. Each common shape has a specific set of benefits that are worth considering.

• • Round. This is the most common trampoline shape on the market today. The benefit of owning a round trampoline is that it provides the user with an equal amount of jumping space. That makes each rebound more consistent, no matter where impact with the surface may occur.

• • Oval. This trampoline shape offers the same benefit as the round trampoline, but the side-to-side jumping area is a little longer on each side. This shape is usually easier to fit into a smaller backyard as well.

• • Rectangle. The reason why gymnasts use this type of trampoline is that the bounce is even throughout the length of the design. You have a greater area of maximum impact, which gives you consistent air time when using the trampoline.

• Square. This design gives the trampoline better corner-to-corner jumping, along with more jumping space when compared to a round trampoline of a similar size.

Round trampolines tend to be the most cost-effective design for families, with numerous entry-level options available. Oval trampolines are a little more expensive but can meet specific space needs. Rectangle trampolines are good for large yards when multiple people may wish to use the product. Square trampolines tend to be the most expensive, but they also provide one of the best overall jumping experiences.

The shape of the trampoline will always play a role in how it fits on your property. Size alone is not an accurate guideline to use. A trampoline may have 4 or 6 legs. Those legs can be U-shaped or W-shaped and that will affect the stability of the product.

Remember to install your trampoline on a flat surface only.

What Size of Trampoline Is Right for Me?

Most outdoor trampolines that are designed to be used by kids will come in a variety of sizes. The diameter may be as small as 7 feet for a round trampoline, while the length of a rectangular trampoline can be up to 17 feet. Square trampolines may be up to 14 feet in length. Every manufacturer offers their own minimum and maximum size, so you may find the occasional trampoline that falls outside these norms.

It is important to remember that the published measurement of the trampoline is based on the frame size. For a 17-foot rectangular trampoline, the measurement is obtained with frame-to-frame spacing. That means your actual jumping space is going to be less than what the published specifications are going to be.

The jumping mat or padding over the coils is part of the frame-to-frame measurement.

Frame height is an important consideration to think about while shopping as well. The average frame height places the jumping surface about 3 feet off the ground. Some models for younger children may be lower than this, while larger trampolines for teens and young adults may be 4-5 feet off the ground.

What Is the Bounce Effect and Why Is It Important?

The bounce effect is the amount of work that it takes to achieve air time on a trampoline. The jumping surface, often referred to as a “jump mat,” is usually black and should be UV-protected to give it the strength to resist outdoor elements. Tighter weaves on the jump mat will provide extra strength for more usage time.

Larger jump mats will typically make users work harder to receive a lengthy amount of time in the air. Springs or compression rods are typically used to enhance the amount of bounce received. Straps and bungee cords may be used on cheaper models instead of springs or rods, but these models tend to provide less bounce.

What Safety Features Should a Trampoline for Kids Have?

Remember the days when you and your buddies would jump off the roof of your home, land on the trampoline, and then go flying off it to hit the ground somewhere? Many of us were daredevils back in the day.

To prevent the current generation of children from embracing their inner daredevils, several new safety features have been incorporated into the modern trampoline design. A trampoline may or may not be sold with these features, so it is important to carefully review product specs and the best trampoline reviews to ensure you’re receiving the right amount of safety for your family.

• • Spring Padding. Most trampolines today cover the springs or coils that are used to enhance the bounce effect. This prevents many of the pinching and entrapment injuries that can occur when using a trampoline. A variety of colors and thicknesses are usually available for this safety feature.

• • Enclosure Netting. This safety feature prevents a jumper from falling off the trampoline. Most enclosure nets are designed to withstand the weight of a child and then drive them toward the center of the trampoline. They can attach to the trampoline through a variety of methods and have various entry methods that are used. Springfree has the best enclosure net, which catches the jumper with flexible netting and rods.

• Weaving. A tight weave is required for any safety feature to prevent fingers or toes from getting caught in them. A jumper should always have socks on at the bare minimum while using the trampoline to help prevent injuries as well.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) governs trampoline safety and set specific industry standards that must be followed to receive their certification. Manufacturers are not required to follow these industry standards. One way to ensure that you’re purchasing the safest possible trampoline for your family is to see if the safety features, frame height, and weight tolerance are approved by the ASTM.

How to Care for Your New Outdoor Trampoline for Kids

An outdoor trampoline should always be strapped to the ground to prevent it from becoming airborne in the wind. You can use stakes to secure it the legs to the ground. Straps can secure the jump mat to the ground as well. It is a good idea to take down an enclosure if a wind storm is expected.

In winter, any soft materials should be removed from the trampoline to be protected from the cold weather. Only trampolines with a frame that is resistant to corrosion should be left outdoors, especially in areas that receive snow consistently during the winter.

High humidity environments along a salt-water coast should be inspected at least once per month to ensure the frame is not rusting.

A safety check of the trampoline should always be done before it is used. Inspect the jump mat and safety enclosure for tears or rips. Padding should be inspected at least once per month.

Cost to Expect with a New Outdoor Trampoline

Pricing for an outdoor trampoline is dependent on three factors: the size of the trampoline, the quality of the frame, and the inclusion of safety features.

Entry-level trampolines tend to be priced around $200. With a safety enclosure and padding, that price can rise above $300, even for the smaller models.

For the largest trampolines in this category with full safety features, the final price may exceed $800.

Most families will find an excellent trampoline that meets all their safety and quality expectations for $500 or less. At that price, you can typically find a 14-foot rectangle or 10-foot round trampoline with an enclosure and a corrosion-resistant frame.

Reviews of the Best Outdoor Trampolines for Kids

Skywalker Jump N’ Dunk

We really loved the amount of space that comes with this 15-foot diameter trampoline. There’s enough space in the trampoline for a fun game of 1-on-1 basketball with the included small backboard and net that attach to the safety enclosure. 96 springs are part of the design and provide plenty of strength with their 6.5-inch size. It features a dual-zipper closure for entry and the enclosure poles are padded in case there’s a hard foul. If you’re looking for some backyard fun, give this trampoline a closer look.

Click here to find the best price on Amazon.

SkyBound Super 7

This is one of those backyard trampolines with younger kids in mind. It has a unique frame design, like U-shape, but with three legs instead of four to provide supports. The trampoline is small enough that it could be used indoors for some homes, but can also be setup outdoors and then easily stored in the garage. Safety foam covers the steel tubes to ensure the safe use of the trampoline as well. Just one note of caution: pay attention to the maximum recommended weight limit. It’s just 110 pounds.

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Sportspower

This 84-inch trampoline offers a curved enclosure net, naturally funneling big jumpers back toward the center of the model. It has a maximum user weight of just 100 pounds, but it can also be used indoors or outdoors. There are six legs on the frame, supporting the unit as if it were a mini trampoline. The entire product is manufactured with UV-resistant materials and all ASTM safety standards are either met or exceeded. If you’re looking for a good first trampoline for the kids, this is definitely an option to think about.

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ExacMe

If you want a trampoline with the works, but you don’t have the budget to spend $600+ on something, then give this model a try. It offers 12 balanced contact points on the frame, giving it a very stable experience. The 7-inch springs provide a heavy-duty bounce effect that is consistent throughout the jump mat. A higher weight limit, at 375 pounds, means everyone in the family can join in on the fun. It also has longer net poles and a solid enclosure that is supported by the same 12 points of contact to avoid damage or injury. It is one of the best investment values in this category by far.

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Merax

This 14-foot round trampoline provides a basketball hoop and a ladder for entry as two of its key features. The hoop attaches to one of the safety enclosure poles instead of the net, so you have more weight support behind the feature. The space feels a little limited for more than two people, however, so competitive games might be out of the question. The weight capacity is 330 pounds, however, so even the parents can play. Assembly is a bit tough, with the trampoline coming in 3 boxes, but overall, there is a lot of fun to be found with this model.

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Bounce Pro

This trampoline provides a party for the backyard. Although we were initially hesitant about the flashlight zone on this model, it was easy to install under the jump mat with just bungee cords. When the kids jump on the trampoline, the lights flash and spin, providing multiple colors that make for a good time. It is all based on a galvanized steel frame with UV resistance built into the products. It would be nice to have the enclosure be inside the steel springs instead of outside, but that’s the only negative we saw with this product. Make sure the max weight limit works for your family.

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Giantex

If you’re looking for a nice backyard trampoline that doesn’t cost too much, give this model a look. Its 12-foot frame circumference offers plenty of jumping space. It supports up to 375 pounds at a time, offers 5 U-shape legs for support, and comes with a rain cover, spring cover, and safety enclosure and they’re all super easy to install. There are 72 springs in total with this design and the galvanized frame makes everything feel like it’s heavy-duty. Be careful about landing on the springs, but otherwise, this is a great value purchase that most budgets are going to be able to afford.

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Little Tikes

This 7-foot trampoline took us all a bit by surprise. It has a surprisingly small jumping area inside, so only one kiddo at a time should be using it. The frame is made from plastic, not metal. Despite this fact, it is rated for outdoor use only. Yet, once you get a kid in there and bouncing, you can see how durable and sturdy this product really is. The safety enclosure is quite tall and reinforced, so kids aren’t going to come tumbling out of it. Assembly was easy. It supports 105 pounds at maximum. Considering the price, dealing with the stubborn zipper is a negative we can handle.

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Kangaroo Hoppers

This brand wasn’t on our radar before trying out trampolines, but they are certainly there now. The brand encourages kids to jump “just like a kangaroo” and that’s what they’ll want to do with this model in your backyard. The safety features are streamlined and strong, just like the frame. You’ve got multiple color choices, a free ladder that comes with the trampoline, and UV-coating to prevent sun damage. Supported by 90 springs, the PE mesh jump mat is consistent, strong, and fun to use. Make the investment and we think you’ll be just as happy as we were to try this trampoline out for a while.

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Ultega

This outdoor trampoline gets all the basics right. It features 8 padded poles, attached to four Z-shaped frame legs, for the best overall support in this category. The net comes inside the 88 springs instead of outside for added safety. The height of the frame is a little tall at 35 inches, but that gives you a good bounce as well. It also comes with its own frame anchors and is surprisingly lightweight. If we had to choose just one trampoline from this batch, this one would be a top contender.

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The best outdoor trampolines for kids will reduce injury risks while enhancing their jumping fun. Choose the model that best works for your budget and you may find it difficult to drag your kids out of the backyard from now on.