Getting your kid to spend time outdoors isn’t easy nowadays. With so much entertainment to be had in computers, playstations, and iPads, it’s tough to make playing outside an enticing activity. Fortunately, there’s one thing that kids of all ages would agree on as a source of endless fun – jumping on a trampoline. Of course, just like with most products on the market, not all trampolines are kid-safe. To ensure maximum entertainment and safety, you’re going to need to do a lot of research. Probably not something you thought you’d end up doing when buying something as simple as a trampoline. And if you’d rather jump right in and buy one, no worries. We’ve already done the work for you. Below is the 10 best trampolines for kids in the market today.

Indoor Trampolines:

#1: Little Tikes 3′ Trampoline

This is an indoor trampoline that’s perfect for your little toddler. This model is perfect for burning all that energy that your little one has stored away, ensuring he’s sleeping soundly by bedtime. The recommended age range is 2 to 5 years old. The maximum weight capacity is 55 pounds. The trampoline has a kid-friendly design with a balance bar to keep them steady and safe while they jump to great heights. As an added bonus, this is a springless design which means a lower risk for injury. However, only one kid is allowed to jump on the trampoline at a time. The foam on the handle isn’t so durable. And while it is easy enough to assemble, it’s a pain to take apart. Plus, some parents have complained about the protective mat not staying in place.

#2: The Original Toy Company Fold & Go Trampoline

This indoor trampoline is perfect for kids aged 3 to 7. It has a max weight capacity of 150 pounds, a diameter of 36 inches, and a height of 34 inches. It is ASTM approved, features six legs instead of four for extra stability, and has a springless design. The trampoline also features a handlebar for extra stability. Assembly is so easy, just screw on the handle and legs then your kid is ready to go! However, the foam on this one is also easily torn apart by little teeth. This isn’t a portable trampoline as the manufacturer claims. Also, it does rock a bit when an overly enthusiastic kid bounces on it. Not enough to tip over but just a little bit that you may be concerned.

#3: Gymenist Portable And Foldable Trampoline

The Gymenist Portable & Foldable trampoline isn’t much different from the one made by The Original Toy Company. It also features a handlebar, 6 legs, a durable mat, and a springless design. Assembly is quite easy and the quality of the steel frame is great. Its weight capacity is 150 pounds which makes this ideal for children 3 years old and above. The main difference is in the price; this model is slightly cheaper. Plus, this is more easily disassembled for storage or transport than the other model. However, it still has poor quality foam on the handle. The directions for assembly aren’t clear. Also, the blue cover isn’t so durable. A few parents have reported rips in theirs.

Outdoor Trampolines:

#1: Skywalker 12-ft Trampoline

This 12-feet round trampoline from Skywalker Trampolines is ideal for big kids who have energy to burn. The frame is made of heavy gauge galvanized rust resistant steel with 6 W-shaped legs for increased stability. It feature reinforced T-sockets which attach the enclosure to the trampoline’s frame, preventing it from getting twisted. The enclosure net itself is attached to the jumping mat so there are no gaps. The spring pad is UV-protected and filled with 1-inch thick foam for added protection. Assembly will take a couple of hours, on average, but it’s not that difficult. It just takes time. However, the instructions aren’t written well. It doesn’t come with a ladder. And the padding on the poles don’t last very long.

#2: Zupapa Trampoline

The Zupapa Trampoline comes in a variety of sizes, the largest one is 15 feet. This trampoline features a no-gap jumping mat design to lessen the chances of injury, a net enclosure for added safety, and a galvanized steel tube frame for durability. What we love about this trampoline is that it comes with everything you need for assembly including videos, gloves, and tools. The trampoline comes with a ladder and 6 pieces of wind stakes for added stability. There’s even a rain cover for weather protection. The max weight capacity of this model is 375 pounds. However, the foam padding won’t last long – 2 years max. The ladder doesn’t stay in place which can be a possible cause for injury. And the instructions are poorly written. But for the price, this is one trampoline that will be living in your backyard for years to come.

#3: Sportspower My First Trampoline

This ASTM approved mini trampoline is perfect for children aged 3 and up. You can rest easy knowing your kid is having fun outdoors using a very safe piece of equipment. The frame is made of galvanized steel with a foam outer edge. Its max weight capacity is 220 pounds though it can only allow one jumper at a time. The beauty of this trampoline is that it can still fit indoors. However, the bottom of the legs can scratch your floors. The instructions are also poorly written in this one.

#4: Exacme T-Series Trampolines

This Exacme trampolines is 15-feet wide with an enclosure, pad, and ladder. It features a rust-resistant galvanized steel heavy duty frame, sturdy straps and ropes, and a wide-tooth zipper. The enclosure has high density PE netting for better durability and increased safety. The max weight limit is 398 pounds enabling even teens and adults to join in on the fun. However, it does cost quite a bit of money. The zipper needs to be more heavy duty as there have been some complaints regarding breakage. And the screw holes aren’t properly aligned in some which has caused frustration when setting up.

#5: AirZone 55-Inch Trampoline & Enclosure

The AirZone 55-Inch Trampoline is a springless design trampoline that uses a soft bungee cord suspension system to ensure that your kid remains safe while bouncing. The trampoline is ASTM approved and can be used inside or outside your home. For worried parents, this trampoline is perfect for little kids because it has less bounce than most trampolines which prevents your little one from performing dangerous stunts. We loved that this trampoline comes with a 2-year warranty for the metal parts which can take a beating after a while. However, the zipper is of poor quality and can easily get broken. Only 1 kid is allowed at a time, especially since the max weight limit is just 60 pounds.

#6: Skybound Super 7 Trampoline

The SkyBound Super 7 is another indoor/outdoor trampoline that’s perfect for little kids. It features a safety enclosure net made of high quality mesh netting, safety foam padded steel tube frame, and yellow zinc plated springs which are found under the jumping mat which reduces the risk of injury. This trampoline comes with a weight limit of 105 pounds and can easily accommodate kids ranging from 3-10 years old. The octagonal frame is made of heavy duty galvanized steel while the steel legs are wrapped in molded plastic to prevent scratching your floors. A reinforced dual zipper ensures that the netting stays closed while your child is bouncing around. However, the included screws gets stripped easily so it’ll be better if you have your own. The zipper isn’t easy to pull up and down; it has a tendency to get stuck. And some parents reported that the metal bars came greasy and needed cleaning prior to set up. Not a deal breaker but inconvenient when you have an impatient kid waiting for you to finish.

#7: Little Tikes 7′ Trampoline

The Little Tikes 7 feet Kids Trampoline features a durable, high quality pad protector that covers the springs, a blow-molded plastic and steel frame, heavy duty steel poles, and high quality PE netting. This hexagonal trampoline is rated up to 100 pounds. There’s even two shoe pockets to store your kids’ shoes when they’re jumping inside. However, it won’t do well in the sun (despite being for outdoor use) so we recommend using this in the shade. The zipper, like with a lot of other models, is a weak point and can easily break. The foam padding on the poles won’t last more than a year though you can replace them with pool noodles.

How to Buy the Best Trampoline for Kids

A trampoline is a great way to get your kid some much-needed outdoor time. It can even become a source of exercise that you find enjoyable. Now, shopping for a trampoline may seem easy enough. But it isn’t a small thing. It’s going to take up space in your backyard and cost quite a bit of money. Not only that, the American Academy of Pediatrics deems recreational trampoline use a high-risk activity. You should definitely take time to choose a trampoline that your kids would be safe using. It can’t be an impulse buy that you or your kid won’t be able to bounce from. Which leads us to this guide. Below are some tips on how you can find the best trampoline for your kids that’s safe, durable, and a source of endless fun.

Types of Trampolines

Round

Round trampolines are the most common type as well as the most affordable.

It has an even distribution of springs which means that the bounce isn’t too high. It also tends to direct or push the user towards the center if they jump near the edge so there’s a lesser chance of falling and injury. However, these don’t have as much bouncing space and the lack of a high bounce may not be ideal if your kid is planning on practicing any gymnastics. The Skywalker 12-ft Trampoline is a round trampoline that gives decent bounce and room for more than just one kid.

Rectangular

Rectangular trampolines are what you’d normally see in gymnastics as they enable users to bounce very high. These are typically made of heavy steel in order to withstand the effects of rebounds. Rectangular trampolines are usually larger which doesn’t make them ideal if you have a small yard. They’re also more expensive.

Square

Square trampolines are slightly larger than round ones which means more space for your kids to bounce on. They do offer a little more rebound than a round trampoline but not as much as a rectangular model. This is ideal if your kid wants a little more bounce without risking their safety.

What size should I get?

The size of your trampoline should be big enough to accommodate the maximum number of people who will be using it simultaneously but still small enough to fit in your yard. Take note that each bouncer should have enough space in his area that he won’t be in danger of colliding with another bouncer. Most trampolines would range between 8 to 16 feet wide. If you were to have two to three people bouncing simultaneously, it is recommended that you get something that’s 14 to 16 feet wide. The Zupapa Trampoline, for example, is 15 feet wide.

How much weight should it be able to take?

Keep in mind that even though children will be the ones bouncing on the trampoline (for the most part, anyway), don’t get the maximum weight limit that is just equal to how much weight will actually on the trampoline. Add a safety cushion of about 50 pounds. For example, if you have two kids who will be using the trampoline each weighing 50 pounds, don’t go for a model that has a max weight capacity of 100 pounds. Instead, get a trampoline that’s rated for up to 150 pounds. The Sportspower My First Trampoline, for example, is rated for up to 220 pounds – perfect for letting your kid jump around with a friend.

Also, you need to take into consideration that children grow and the fact that even adults will be tempted to use the trampoline from time to time. We recommend that you get the highest rated weight limit that you can afford and still fit in your backyard.

What safety features do you want?

A lot of trampolines feature a spring cover made of plastic material or PVC. Some will even feature cushioning or foam which stops your kids from getting hurt when they bounce onto the springs.

Another safety feature is the net enclosure which helps prevent kids from falling off the edges of the trampoline. Make sure that the net is attached directly to the frame and there is no gap for the children to get their feet stuck into. While a lot of trampolines for kids feature a safety enclosure, you can also buy one separately. The Exacme T-Series Trampolines, for example, features a durable enclosure made of high density PE netting.

A ladder is not one of the most important features of a trampoline since you can easily buy one separately. However, it’s still something you should consider if you’re going to go for a large trampoline. How high is the trampoline? How easily can your children climb on or off it?

Take note that some trampoline models are listed as soft-edge trampolines. This is because the springs and frame can be found beneath the jumping mat instead of at the sides. This not only increases the amount of space for jumping, it also reduces the risk of injury; your kid won’t accidentally land on the springs and hurt himself. Of course, this type of trampoline comes with a high price; some even costing as much as $1,500 to $3,000.

To ensure that the trampoline is safe, you need to check if it is ASTM approved. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is the regulating body that checks trampoline safety; it created safety guidelines that must be followed by manufacturers when making a trampoline.

What’s the maximum age?

A lot of trampolines will have a recommended maximum age which is something you should consider when making your choice. As we’ve mentioned, children grow so don’t limit the use of the trampoline to the present. If your child is 7, don’t purchase a model that has a maximum age of 7 even if your kid is well below the maximum weight capacity. It’s better to be safe than sorry. At the same time, don’t go overboard and get a big kid model if your child is only a toddler. A higher-up model can be dangerous for a toddler due to his/her lack of balance. Not to mention, they’ll probably have a hard time getting on the trampoline and getting off. For little ones, we recommend Little Tikes 3′ Trampoline which is perfect for children ages 2 to 5.

How durable is it?

Durability is a major consideration for several reasons. You’re going to want the trampoline to be sturdy enough to withstand several children (or adults) jumping up and down on it. Durability will also ensure that there are less chances for injury.  So, what makes a trampoline durable? Make sure that the frame is made of high quality material such as galvanized or stainless steel; it shouldn’t rust, bend, or warp for years to come. The legs should be W-shaped for stability and support. Reinforced legs also increase a trampoline’s durability. In addition, you’ll need to ensure that the springs are top quality, made from a rust-resistant material like galvanized or coated steel. The spring cover should also feature UV-resistant coating so it won’t crack from being exposed to the sun.

How easy is it to assemble?

A trampoline isn’t a small piece of equipment, no matter its size. You’re going to have to assemble it which could take minutes to hours, depending on the model and your skill level. You’ll need to check reviews and see how each model is rated in terms of ease of assembly. The AirZone 55-Inch Trampoline & Enclosure is one of the easiest to assemble. Also, you might want to find out how easy the trampoline would be to take down and store away. If you plan on moving your trampoline around your yard or putting it away during the winter months, you’ll want a model that won’t be a pain to take apart. Again, check the reviews so you know what you’re getting into.?tag=alphaparent-20″ rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”