Buying guide for Best trampolines for kids
What parent doesn’t love activities that keep their kids active and engaged? However, with the popularity of smartphones, tablets, and video games, it can sometimes be a battle to get your children off the couch. Investing in a kids’ trampoline is an easy way to help your children stay fit, have fun, and cut down on screen time.
Trampolines for kids are just like any standard trampoline, but they’re designed specifically with younger users in mind. These smaller trampolines are outfitted with safety features to keep children from injuring themselves. If you’ve thought about buying a trampoline for your family, but you’re unsure about the safety aspects, a trampoline designed for kids can give you peace of mind and still provide plenty of good times for your children.
But it all comes down to choosing the right one. Considering how many kids’ trampolines are on the market, wading through all the options can be pretty overwhelming.
Key considerations
Springs vs. springless
Springs: Traditional trampolines are made of a fabric bounce mat connected to a frame by a series of metal springs. The springs, not the fabric, provide the bounce. There are some safety concerns about trampoline springs because it’s easy to fall between them and get injured. Fortunately, modern kids’ trampolines are designed with safety in mind. These have padding and other features to prevent children from getting hurt.
Springless: Some kids’ trampolines have no springs. Instead, they have flexible fiberglass rods that provide the bounce. While these may be safer, not all springless trampolines offer the same strong bounce as trampolines with springs, so your kids may not have quite as much fun on a springless trampoline.
Location
Before you purchase a kids’ trampoline, it’s important to determine where you’re going to place it. Position your kids’ trampoline with the following guidelines in mind:
- Place it on level ground.
- Place it on grass or other soft surface. It’s less likely to stress the frame.
- Leave at least 24 feet of clearance above. If you plan to put your trampoline outside, make sure there are no tree branches or other obstructions above it.
- Leave at least 6 feet of clearance all around, away from shrubs, fencing, and structures.
Size
When choosing a size for a kids’ trampoline, start by figuring out how many children will be using it at one time.
4 to 8 feet: If you only need a trampoline for one jumper, a model of this diameter is sufficient. Smaller trampolines are also best for toddlers as young as two. A small size also works best if you want to keep your trampoline indoors.
9 to 13 feet: For two children at a time, ages six and up, this size trampoline is best. These trampolines are best suited for outdoor use.
14 to 16 feet: If you want a trampoline for three or more kids, ages six and up, opt for this size. Like midsize trampolines, a trampoline this size is best used outdoors.
"Don’t place a kids’ trampoline on asphalt, concrete, pavers, or other hard surfaces. Soft ground like sand or grass is ideal because it acts a cushion in case your child falls off. "
STAFF
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Shape
Trampolines for kids are available in four shapes: round, oval, square, and rectangular.
Round: These are the most common, but they tend to draw jumpers to the middle, which can lead to injuries if more than two kids are using the trampoline at the same time. But if you’re purchasing a trampoline for just one child to use, round is a good option.
Oval: These trampolines also pull jumpers toward the middle, but they offer a larger jumping surface, so it’s easier for multiple jumpers to avoid bumping into one another.
Square: It’s easier for jumpers to stay in one spot as they bounce on a square trampoline, so they’re not as likely to bump into one another. A square model is ideal if you’re buying a trampoline for multiple kids to use at the same time.
Rectangular: Like square trampolines, rectangular models don’t cause jumpers to drift toward the middle, so they’re not likely to bump into one another. Rectangles offer the largest jumping surface of all the shapes, which makes them ideal for practicing gymnastic stunts.
Trampoline features
Safety
Enclosure: A safety net or enclosure keeps kids from falling off when they’re jumping on the trampoline. When it comes to safety features, an enclosure is one of the most important on a kids’ trampoline, particularly if you want a model that’s large enough for multiple users. The more durable enclosures are usually made of polyethylene (PE), which resists dust, moisture, germs, and fungus. It also has a little flexibility to it, so it won’t tear if children fall into it. Avoid enclosures made of polypropylene (PP) or polyester because these rigid materials can tear if stretched too far.
Enclosure entrance: A safety enclosure must have some type of entrance so kids can get on and off the trampoline. Most enclosures have a zippered entrance, but to make it as easy as possible to enter and exit the trampoline, look for one with an enclosure with zippers on both sides of the entrance. To prevent the entrance from ripping or tearing, opt for a trampoline that features reinforced stitching along the zippered track.
Padding: If you choose a kids’ trampoline with springs, it’s important to select a model with well-cushioned padding to protect your children from the springs’ sharp edges.
Handlebar: Some trampolines designed for young children have a handlebar for additional safety. The bar can help steady children as they jump and prevent them from falling off the trampoline. Handlebars are usually only found on small trampolines for solo jumpers. Keep in mind that a trampoline with a handlebar typically doesn’t have a safety enclosure.
Weight capacity
Pay careful attention to the weight capacity of a kid’s trampoline if multiple children are going to use it at once. In most cases, the larger the trampoline, the greater its capacity. The capacity of most models is between 100 and 330 pounds.
For your safety
Carefully read the safety guidelines in the owner’s manual before allowing your children to use a trampoline.
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Kids’ trampoline prices
Trampolines for kids vary in price based on the size and features offered. Most models cost between $65 and $950.
Inexpensive
The most affordable kids’ trampolines are small models that are 8 feet in diameter or less. These typically cost between $65 and $285, with trampolines that don’t include a safety enclosure coming in at the lower end of the price range. These models are best if you only need a trampoline for one child or a toddler.
Mid-range
These kids’ trampolines are between 9 and 13 feet and range from $285 to $460. They typically include a safety enclosure and work well if two or three children over the age of six will be using the trampoline at the same time.
Expensive
The most expensive kids’ trampolines measure 14 to 16 feet. They come with a safety enclosure and usually cost between $460 and $950. One this size is ideal if you need a trampoline for two to five kids over the age of six.
Tips
- Always supervise children when they’re using a trampoline. This is a good rule of thumb no matter how old they are.
- Make sure your kids take off their shoes before jumping on a trampoline. Shoes can damage the trampoline’s surface.
- Never allow kids to jump onto a trampoline from another surface or off the trampoline onto another surface. Injuries are more likely when a trampoline is used in that way.
- Don’t let kids jump on a wet trampoline. It’s extremely easy to slip and get injured.
- Invest in other backyard games. If you're likely to host more kids than can safely use the trampoline at one time, have some simple outdoor activities, like sack races or soccer balls, handy for kids to play with while they wait for a turn on the trampoline.
Caution
Avoid injuries. Have your kids remove any jewelry, as well as any sharp items in their pockets before jumping on a trampoline.
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FAQ
Q. Are kids’ trampolines safe for toddlers?
A. Midsize and large trampolines for kids aren’t recommended for use by children under the age of six. However, some smaller trampolines are designed specifically for younger children, ages two or three and up. Carefully read the product specifications for any trampoline you’re considering to make sure it’s safe for your toddler to use.
Q. What type of maintenance does a kids’ trampoline require?
A. It’s important to keep the surface clean of dirt and leaves because debris can build up in the springs and cause damage. Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush to wash the trampoline every so often. You should also examine the trampoline regularly for any signs of wear and tear that might lead to injuries.
If you live in a climate with harsh winters, invest in a cover to protect the trampoline from the elements. Some trampolines aren’t meant to left outdoors in winter, so make sure that yours is designed to hold up to the snow and other weather conditions. If it’s not, put your trampoline in storage for the winter.
Q. How long does a trampoline for kids usually last?
A. Depending on the materials, how it’s used, and how well you maintain it, a kids’ trampoline can last anywhere from two years to two decades. If you have several kids who use the trampoline every day, it’s likely to wear out more quickly. Older, heavier children also put more strain on a trampoline, which can cause wear and tear. And if you don’t properly winterize your trampoline, it isn’t likely to last long.
