The best trampolines that are safe for children

best trampolines

by Samantha Ball |
Updated on

A fun way to keep your little ones active and entertained in the garden is with the best trampolines. Not only will they provide hours of fun for the whole family, but they'll have your child jumping for joy while getting some exercise at the same time.

Trampolines make a really great outdoor toy for children, and while they can seem a little expensive, a good quality one will last years. Children love to bounce, so they're a great way to burn off some energy and get some sensory output.

The best trampolines at a glance:

Best trampoline overall: Springfree Compact Round Trampoline - £1095
Best for toddlers: PAW Patrol Marshall Toddler Trampoline - £45
Best for multi-purpose: Sportspower Jump N Saucer - £125

Regardless of your preferences or garden space, there are a huge array of different styles and sizes that are perfect for children of different ages. Some are even small enough for indoor use, so it can be used even on a rainy day.

Best trampolines overall

It may come with a higher price tag, but the Springfree Compact Round Trampoline is award-winning for its safety features and provides plenty of jumping room. Ideal for smaller gardens and soft bouncing for little jumpers. It's innovative in its design with no springs, meaning while it's still compact at 8ft, it actually gives you more jumping space, unlike normal trampolines, where you can't bounce near the edge. There's also a FlexiNet™ safety net enclosure with no hard metal poles, a SoftEdge™ mat and a hidden frame to keep your child super secure while playing. It comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can splash the cash on this bouncer without worry!

One mum says: "We've only got a small city garden but the compact spring free fits perfectly. It's a bit more than I wanted to pay but it's a brilliant design and definitely the right choice for our family. VERY happy." Another parent review said: "Great customer service. I would definitely recommend buying the installation service, it was a God send!"

Pros

  • Designed with no springs
  • Compact design
  • 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Not ideal for smaller gardens
Maximum weight:80kg
Diameter of mat:2.5m (8ft)
Total height:2.3m
Total space required:3.4 metres / 11ft x 11ft

Best trampolines with sounds

The Plum Junior Jungle Trampoline with Sounds has four motion-activated jungle sounds. It even has a colourful, safety pad with jungle patterns. There's a soft-grip handle to help your child with stability and balance while they jump, and the low frame makes sure that they are extra safe while bouncing.

One review said: "I've given the trampoline 3 stars as my two year old grandson thoroughly enjoys using it" Another customer wrote: "Good for early years toddler to learn how to jump and feel safe"

Pros

  • Four motion-activated sounds
  • Safety bar to help balance

Cons

  • Will need to replace the sounds batteries frequently
Maximum weight:25kg
Diameter of mat:8 x 85 x 81cm
Suitable for age:18 months+
  • 4 x motion activated sounds
  • Safety pads
  • Soft-grip handle aid
  • Low height frame

Best trampolines for beginners

Suitable from 12 months and over, you can use the KidActive PAW Patrol Marshall Toddler Trampoline, great for indoors or outdoors for ultimate toddler fun. It has a soft grippy handle and non-slip feet, plus a padded safety mat, too – and it's good and low to the ground for those first bounces. Designed with toddlers in mind, we know they'll absolutely love the Paw Patrol design and colours that make the padding stand out - a great first trampoline for helping develop their balance and coordination.

A mum on Argos said: "I got this for my nephew and he loves it. It has a sturdy frame which grips floor well."

Another customer wrote: "Bought for my 2 year old boy and he loves it. Also easy to assemble."

Pros

  • Helps develop balance and co-ordination
  • Soft grip handle and non slip rubber feet

Cons

  • Some reviews state the instructions could be easier to follow
Suitable from:12 months
Weighs:2.6kg
Size:58 x 58 x 59.5 cm

Best trampolines for easy-assembly

The best-selling Sportspower 10ft Outdoor Kids Trampoline with Enclosure is easy to assemble with its Quak Lok style frame, which also makes it a great option if you're looking to take it down in the winter. It has a sturdy and durable design with a galvanised steel frame, extra-strong zinc-coated springs and rust resistance. It comes with a two-year frame guarantee and ensures the highest safety for children and teenagers with the safety enclosure and secure entrance. A top choice if you have younger and older kids in the family.

A parent reviewer said: "Very good quality and good value for money. Children love it and have not stopped bouncing! Easy to assemble with 2 people (compared to how I imagined!) and excellent, easy-to-follow instructions with good packet system for all the small bolts and screws. Suggest a blanket on the ground to prevent losing small assembly pieces in grass. Came in two good-sized boxes which fit in the car and a helpful store employee helped me lift them into car. Very pleased!"

Pros

  • Made with weather-resistant materials
  • Sturdy and durable design
  • Safety enclosure

Cons

  • Reviews mention the assembly took longer than suggested
Suitable from:6 years, unsuitable for children under 3
Maximum weight:100kg
Weighs:48.5kg
Size:H66 x W305 x D305cm

Best trampolines for being foldable

Get your little ones loving trampolining with this Costway Mini Trampoline that comes with a super handy foldable and blue design. The covers are padded for comfort, and the handlebar is easy for little hands to grip. With screw-off hands and folding legs, this trampoline can be quickly stored away without taking up much space. Playing on this trampoline, indoors or outdoors, will encourage your little one's physical confidence, plus developing coordination and balance. You'll need two people to assemble this toddler trampoline.

Parent review: "“Our daughter absolutely loves this. She is very restless, and this gives her a safe energy outlet! We do have to tighten all the bits every now and then, but that's because she uses it so much on the daily.”

Pros

  • Can be used both indoors and outdoors
  • Fun colourful design
  • Easy to store away

Cons

  • Some parents have said the instructions aren't as simple as expected
Suitable from:3 years
Maximum weight:25kg (55lb)
Weighs:5.73kg
Size:82cm from floor to handle; 86 x 86 cm frame

Best trampolines for innovative design

This award-winning Jumpking 10ft ZorbPOD Trampoline certainly has the wow factor with its modern and innovative design. The unique interlocking frame ensures there is no movement on the legs during jumps for maximum safety. Suitable for ages six and up, it'll be a favourite for kids, teens and even adults! The net sits inside the pad to avoid trapping fingers and toes, and it comes with a one-year guarantee on all parts.

One dad said: "The Jumpking Zorbpod is an incredible trampoline. Strong, sturdy and so much more impressive than every other trampoline we have owned. It has a fantastic design and my kids have never had as much fun in the garden. An amazing piece of kit - it's worth every penny."

Pros

  • Can hold a lot of weight
  • Suitable for all the family
  • Interlocking design

Cons

  • Quite large, so perhaps not ideal for smaller gardens
Suitable for:Ages 6 years and up
Maximum weight:105kg
Size:200cm overall height, 240cm diameter

Best trampolines for spring-free

Your little one will bounce away all day long with the colourful Plum Junior Bouncer Trampoline, which can be used both inside and outdoors. Plum is the active play specialist for little ones, and this trampoline will help them build their confidence and coordination. It features spring-free construction utilising woven elastic cords instead to attach the jumping mat to the frame for a safer and softer bounce. There's a bar for your toddler to hold onto for extra security, and the handles are soft for easy gripping. The edges of the trampoline have padded edges for safety and are also stitched in to prevent little feet from becoming trapped.

One parent said: "Great buy, easy to follow instructions and easy to put together. Wee one has a ball and climbs all over it. Never had any issue with regards to sturdiness and she gets a good bounce going when she's on it."

Another customer wrote: "It’s a bit tough to put together, it took two of us. But it is very sturdy and worth the money"

Pros

  • Soft grip handle to aid stability and balance
  • Spring-free construction
  • Padded edges for safety

Cons

  • Some parents had difficulty putting it together
Recommended from:18 months
Maximum weight: 25kg
Weighs:5kg
Size:H85 x W81 x D81cm

Best trampolines for multi-purpose

If you're looking for a trampoline for your little one that provides not only a great bounce but extra fun with a ball pit, this is the one for you! Sportspower Jump N Saucer comes with your very own trampoline and swinging saucer for outdoor use. Designed for 3 years and over, it is also surrounded by a safety enclosure and there's added foam protection on the poles for extra cushioned safety. Great for promoting balance, coordination and spatial awareness, it's sure to provide hours of fun and a fab option in the garden!

One reviewer said: "Bought this for my son's 2nd birthday and he loves it." Another review said: "The grandson used it immediately, and has enjoyed playing on it since. Very versatile and the ball pit great fun. The only issue is the ball dent easily and need to be re inflated"

Pros

  • Kids can bounce and swing
  • For outdoor use

Cons

  • Not suitable for children under 3 years old
  • Only for domestic use
Suitable for: Age 10 months and over
Maximum weight:25kg
Weighs:6kg
Diameter:90cm
Includes:100 balls

Are trampolines safe for children?

When buying anything for your children, safety is naturally your number one concern, so there are some factors to consider before purchasing your trampoline.

Firstly, if you have a child under the age of six, we recommend steering clear of trampolines over 6ft. Safety guidelines issued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents state that trampolining is unsafe for children under six as they're unable to control their bouncing.

That being said, there are several products on the market designed especially for toddler play and development. That way, your little one doesn't have to miss out on the fun and can bounce safely.

Which one should I choose?

Just like garden swings, trampolines come in various shapes and sizes to suit the needs of both toddlers and older children. There are so many to choose from, with all different design features to consider. Here are some of the things you'll want to think about when choosing the best trampoline.

Safety

We'd recommend that you always choose a trampoline with safety pads that will sufficiently cover the springs, hooks, and frames.

Size

Realistically, the size of your garden will mostly determine which trampoline you go for. While you will have more choices with a bigger garden, bear in mind that the larger the surface area of the trampoline, the bigger the bounce. There are bound to be odd bumps and sprains, especially on larger trampolines, so put your mind at ease by selecting one with built-in cushioning and safety netting.

If you have a smaller garden to work with, there are plenty of compact choices you can look at. Alternatively, you could choose an in-ground trampoline that can be embedded within flat, grassy areas of the garden.

Shape

Typically they come in oval, round, and rectangular shapes. An oval trampoline is ideal if you have a narrow garden. If you've got a mini-gymnast in the family, opt for a rectangular one.

Weight restrictions

Some trampolines are made for just one bouncer at a time. Larger ones can accommodate more, but it's still advised that only one child bounces at a time. 60 per cent of injuries occur when more than one person is on the trampoline, make sure bouncers are patient, careful, and supervised.

However, we know that children can get excited to join in, and more than one will be tempted to bounce at a time if you've got more than one child or they have friends who want to play too. If you think this is going to be likely or have older kids, look at the maximum user weight to deem if it's enough. You might want to check this out for any bouncing of your own, too, even if you tell yourself you're not going to!

Where shall I put it?

Large, outdoor trampolines should be placed on energy-absorbing ground, such as bark chip, grass, or other cushioning materials and never on concrete or a hard patio. You'll want to allow grassy space around the trampoline of at least 1.5 metres on all sides (ideally 2.5 metres) in case your child does fall off. Plus, keep the ground clear of obstacles like rogue toys or washing lines.

How much should I spend on a trampoline?

When choosing your trampoline, it may be tempting to go for a cheaper model. However, if it seems too good to be true, it may well be. Be sure to check that the quality can withstand some serious bouncing. Look for brands that offer long warranties or ones made from tough materials that won't deteriorate quickly and will last longer.

Depending on the age of your youngster, you may want additional security measures such as a spring-free trampoline or a safety net, which could make it cost a little more than expected.

Can I leave a trampoline up all year?

Large trampolines can be very difficult to take down and store. If you want one that you can put up and forget about whatever the weather, invest in one made of durable, rust-free materials. It's also worth thinking about things like a winter cover to protect it from the elements. Larger trampolines should be tied down for safety. This will help on windy days if you're unable to pack down the trampoline.

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Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

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Samantha Ball is a Product & Lifestyle Writer for Mother&Baby and freelanced for the website for two years before joining the team full time. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best products and cute outfits.

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