Trampolines are popular outdoor play equipment and are a great way for your kids to stay active in your garden. There are a lot of important questions to ask before buying, and we know safety is your biggest concern. You want to be sure to buy a product your kids can enjoy for many years. This guide will help you pick the best, safest, and bounciest trampoline for your family and outdoor space. Shop all trampolines >>
The first thing to consider is do you have space for a trampoline? The answer is probably yes! They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small one-person models to large multi-child bouncers. If you (or your kids) are determined to have one, you can easily find the perfect trampoline for your garden.
Keep in mind the grass underneath will eventually die. It is possible to move some trampolines around in your garden to avoid this issue, but we recommend embracing the inevitable and giving your trampoline a permanent home. Most can stand anywhere on flat ground, and you can use bark or artificial grass to keep the area under the mat more attractive.
In-ground trampolines are much closer to ground level, so they are a great permanent option for some gardens. Flat-ground trampolines are even more integrated, sitting evenly with your grass. This gives your kids a safe place to bounce while you enjoy an unobstructed view of your garden. These sunken trampolines should be placed with careful consideration as they require a lot of digging to leave adequate space below the jumping mat.
Another important decision is what shape you want and how much of a bounce you will need. Round trampolines are by far the most common because they will fit into just about any size garden while still giving you plenty of room to jump around. They are a bit safer because they are not as springy as other shapes, and they do not have any narrow corners. This makes them a great option for younger children.
Rectangle trampolines have the best bounce because they have more springs along their edges than any other shape. These are great for gymnasts, and they are commonly used at professional gyms for their extra lift. They are a popular choice among teenagers who are more resilient and old enough to bounce high safely.
Oval trampolines are a popular hybrid option and are ideal for growing kids. Oval mats offer more bouncing area like a rectangle but have a more controlled bounce like a round mat.
Size is an easy choice to make as this is usually determined by your available space. If have have trouble envisioning your garden with a big trampoline, lay a hosepipe around the area to give you a better idea of how much space it will take up.
| Size | Age | Garden |
|---|---|---|
| 6 ft >> | Toddlers and fitness | Small |
| 8 ft >> | Kids | Small and medium |
| 10 ft >> | Kids | Medium |
| 12 ft >> | Kids and adults | Medium and large |
| 14 ft >> | Kids and adults | Medium and large |
| 16 ft >> | Teens and adults | Large |
If you have the space, a large 14-foot or even 15-foot trampoline will be a favourite option. They are also the best size for aspiring and amateur gymnasts. But bigger isn't always better, and small 8-foot bouncers are best for personal fitness. They are also safer for small children. Medium size 10-foot and 12-foot trampolines are great for kids to grow into, and they can squeeze into smaller gardens more easily.
BERG trampolines are some of the most popular available today. BERG is a leader in innovation, and they were one of the first brands to offer the flat-ground model for a safe play area and seamless garden look. The unique BERG Airflow jumping mat has 50 percent more airflow than other models, and the twin spring design gives you even more bounce.
EXIT trampolines are also some of the best on the market, and EXIT's large in-ground rectangular models are a big hit with kids who want to bounce high. EXIT Toys cares about bringing you the best quality, safety, and price, making these big outdoor toys accessible to a wide audience eager for outdoor play.
Most importantly, ensure your trampoline has the right safety features to keep your kids having fun. Trampolines with enclosures are the most sought after, and almost all above-ground models available today are designed with safety nets to prevent falls. Underground trampolines are already a lot safer, so they don't always come with a net, but you can easily add a replacement net for maximum protection.
A trampoline anchor kit is a great way to keep your bouncer firmly rooted to the ground, and we recommend them especially for trampolines used in windy areas or by adults. A trampoline frame net can be added to taller standing trampolines to prevent kids and pets from crawling underneath the bounce mat.
Trampoline springs have protective padding to prevent kids from falling through and pinching their arms and legs as they climb on and off. You can use a removable ladder to make this even easier and to keep small kids from using outdoor equipment without supervision. The poles that hold nets in place are also padded to protect against bumps and bruises.
You want a trampoline that will grow up with your children, so it is important to care for it properly after installation. The frames are typically a durable and heavy steel construction to ensure they will stay in place through constant jumping and playing, but steel also means a potential for rust. To prevent this from happening, the frame will have a galvanised exterior, and some frames are even galvanised on the inside.
The steel springs are even more susceptible to rust, so they are also galvanised and further protected from the rain by the safety padding. Over time, the elements will start to creep in, but you can prevent a lot of rust later in life by applying a water repellent after a few years. Trampolines can survive outdoors all year, but storing them indoors during the winter is a great idea if possible.
The mats are made with strong UV-resistant waterproof polypropylene fibres that can resist any weather, but they can still wear out over time. Dirt from shoes can cause unnecessary wear, so be sure to wear only socks. A trampoline cover is the most practical protection and can easily be used all year to protect both the mat and springs.
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