Buying guide for Best trampolines with enclosures
Written by Ariel Lynch
Updated March 2024
For at-home activities packed with family fun, nothing delivers quite like a trampoline in your yard. Trampolines offer hours of playtime, exercise, and laughter shared by the entire family. What better way to spend a summer afternoon?
The number of trampoline variations can be overwhelming, with a wide range of shapes from round to rectangular and sizes for toddlers, teenagers, and adults. When choosing a trampoline for your home, you’ll want one that satisfies your family’s needs and offers peace of mind in terms of user safety.
When considering your options, understanding the key features offered by trampolines with enclosures will help you choose the best model for your home. For example, how might different trampoline sizes and shapes suit your family? Weight capacity is an important issue. How many people might jump on your trampoline at the same time, and how large (or small) are they?
How to choose the best trampoline with an enclosure
Yard size and shape
Unless you have a tall, sizable indoor gym or garage, you likely plan to place your trampoline outdoors. Before choosing a trampoline size and shape, note the size and shape of your yard.
You want a trampoline large enough to accommodate everyone but not so large that it engulfs your entire yard. If you don’t already know the square footage of your yard, break out the tape measure and grab some measurements.
As a general rule, leave 2 feet of open space around the perimeter of your trampoline. Avoid placing the trampoline close to rocks, bushes, and other obstacles, and choose an area of ground that’s as flat as possible so the trampoline sits evenly and is sturdy.
Overhead clearance matters, too. You don’t want jumpers hitting their heads on trees or roof overhangs, so think about this as well when choosing and setting up your new trampoline.
Family size
How large is your family, and how many people will be regularly jumping on your trampoline? The number of typical users should dictate the size and shape you ultimately choose—as well as the weight limit of the trampoline you buy.
If you have a large family and entertain guests often, consider a larger trampoline that can support multiple users.
Think, too, about the ages of your children and the fact that they will be growing. A small trampoline specifically for young kids may not last long. And while you may not want young children bouncing around on a large, tall trampoline unattended, the net enclosure adds a level of safety to their playtime. (Note: Even if the trampoline has an enclosure, little kids at play should still be supervised!)
Octagonal trampolines are different from standard circular models. They tend to have a higher weight capacity and offer higher bounce potential.
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Why should I buy an enclosed trampoline?
You could buy an open trampoline instead of an enclosed trampoline. However, open trampolines pose a higher rate of risk.
A netted enclosure helps prevent users from accidentally bouncing off, which is the most common cause of trampoline-related hospital visits. And trampoline injuries are indeed possible: Each year, over 100,000 serious trampoline injuries occur. the majority of which afflict children aged 6 to 14.
While you could purchase an open trampoline now and add on a netted enclosure later, it’s far safer to have the net in place from the start. Plus, it’s much easier and often cheaper for consumers to buy a trampoline/enclosure package.
Enclosed trampoline features
Shape
Circle: The most popular trampoline shape is the classic circle, which sits nicely in a rectangular or square yard. These tend to be the easiest to find and also cost less than other shapes. However, round trampolines tend to force bouncers to the center due to the nature of gravity. Collisions may ensue if there are too many jumpers.
Oval: Oval trampolines offer a fair compromise between circular and angular trampolines. They provide more jumping surface area and tend to have a more evenly distributed bounce. However, they are also harder for consumers to find, and they tend to wear a higher price tag than trampolines of other shapes.
Octagon: Octagonal trampolines are similar to circular ones, but they feature distinct perimeter edges that are typically covered by a rounded spring pad. Advantages of an octagonal trampoline include higher bounce and a greater weight limit. They’re not as popular as circular trampolines, however, and they tend to cost more.
Square and rectangle: Large square or rectangular trampolines accommodate more people and tend to offer a higher bounce and more controlled landings. They also boast a larger jumping surface area because jumpers are able to stay in place more easily. Gymnasts and acrobats can use them to practice aerial tricks. Notably, square and rectangular trampolines are some of the priciest choices.
Size
Trampoline size varies depending on the shape. Circular and octagonal trampolines are specified by a diameter length in feet. Square or rectangular trampoline dimensions are expressed in length and width.
- Round trampolines made for toddlers start around 4 to 6 feet in diameter. Larger choices for adults may stretch 10 to 17 feet in diameter.
- Oval trampolines are generally only available in larger sizes, which tend to measure around 10 by 14 feet or 11 by 16 feet.
- Square and rectangular trampolines are generally larger, with widths of 7 to 8 feet and lengths of 10 to 12 feet or more. The largest rectangular models measure up to lengths of 16 or 17 feet. Larger rectangular trampolines are typically reserved for use in gymnastic gyms and similar settings.
Weight capacity
The amount of weight a trampoline can hold varies based on size and shape. Most trampolines are built to support at least 200 pounds, although toddler-size trampolines have weight limits of 50 to 100 pounds.
Octagonal and rectangular trampolines are the sturdiest and therefore offer the most substantial weight capacities. The largest of these models can typically support up to 300 or even 450 pounds.
Net doors
Enclosure nets are built to be durable. They are flexible yet strong, designed to withstand the regular strain from being pulled or fallen on. They are typically made from materials built to withstand wind, rain, and sun since the majority of users store their trampolines outside.
Two types of “doors” allow users to enter and exit a trampoline enclosure: zippered doors and pull-apart doors that hang loosely and can be spread apart as needed. Zippered doors can be problematic, largely due to the fact that rain can rust the metal, causing the zipper to eventually misalign or break with use.
DID YOU KNOW?
The advertised diameters for circular, octagonal, and oval trampolines aren’t exactly as they appear. A 12-foot standard trampoline would actually only have 10 feet of jumping surface area. If you want 12 feet of jumping space, purchase a trampoline with a 14-foot diameter.
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How much do enclosed trampolines cost?
Inexpensive
Round enclosed trampolines are the most common and least expensive. You can find smaller models for toddlers and small children that cost $100 to $350. It’s difficult to find oval, square, and rectangular enclosed trampolines in this price range.
Mid-range
Larger circular trampolines with diameters measuring 10 to 14 feet typically cost around $350 to $900. Since square and rectangular models are usually only found in larger sizes, their starting price is comparable, ranging from $400 to $1,000.
Expensive
The biggest and highest-quality enclosed trampolines cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 or $3,000. The largest rectangular models are the most likely to sit in the $2,000 to $3,000 range.
If a pull-apart or zippered door isn’t your style, consider tailoring your net to your specific needs by adding Velcro or even a magnetic closure.
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Tips
- Consider getting your own trampoline ladder. Use it for support and safety and to avoid potentially dangerous falls.
- Consider purchasing a trampoline that includes a spring safety pad. You can also purchase and add on a spring cover yourself if your trampoline doesn’t have one.
- Station your trampoline in a wide, open space. Avoid putting it under tall trees or near large bushes. Fallen leaves or flowers can collect on the trampoline surface and stick to feet or catch in the springs. If it rains, the debris will rot and pose a tricky cleanup job.
- Practice common sense when using your trampoline. Concussions and broken bones are among the most common trampoline injuries. Avoid dangerous or risky aerial stunts, and keep a close eye on children when they’re playing on your trampoline.
FAQ
Q. Are trampolines with enclosures safer than those without enclosures?
A. While they tend to prevent the majority of trampoline-related injuries, they’re not foolproof, and trampoline nets come with their own set of warnings and cautions. They can keep children and adults from bouncing off and falling, but they have also been known to cause common injuries, including rolled and sprained ankles.
Q. Can you replace the net?
A. Contact the company that made the trampoline to find out if they make replacements. They typically do. Your net might even be covered under the manufacturer's protection. You could also order a replacement net from an outside source, though it might be harder to get the sizing specifics right.
Q. How long can I expect my trampoline and enclosure to last?
A. This depends on the amount of use it gets, your living environment, and the size and weight of its users. Trampolines tend to last a number of years. You should be able to enjoy yours for up to five years or longer if it’s maintained well and sits in a mild climate.
Nets wear out in less time—typically two to three years—but as mentioned, they can be replaced.
Q. Can trampolines with enclosures be used indoors?
A. Yes, but indoor trampolines are typically much smaller and shorter and are usually geared toward younger children. There isn’t as much need for an enclosure with these smaller models, though a lot of the toddler trampolines do feature them.
