There is practically no better way for kids to get a whole body workout (while having fun!) In their own backyard than a trampoline. Trampolines are a surprisingly intense cardiovascular workout, great for strength building, and even have benefits for balance and stability. It’s obvious that jumping on a trampoline is great for the lower body muscles, but did you know that trampolines are also great for the core and upper body? Your back and arms make thousands of micro-adjustments in the air in between every bounce – it’s the reason your shoulders are sore after hours of jumping!
The result is that trampolines are hands down one of the best ways to get your kids moving and keep them active all summer long. Besides, you probably remember begging your own parents for a trampoline when you were your kid’s age! Here is our list of the best trampolines for backyard use:
Shape: Round
Diameter: 14ft
Capacity: 245 lbs
Average Rating: 4.4
Why we love this backyard trampoline: some of the springs engage immediately, while the others have a delayed response. This means the impact is absorbed more slowly and gradually than on other models.
Shape: Rectangle
Size: 9 x 15ft
Capacity: 250 lbs
Average Rating: 4.6
Why we love this backyard trampoline: Most Skywalker models are big and affordable, and this trampoline is no exception. The safety enclosure and padded springs make this a secure and safe trampoline for kids, and the rust-resistant galvanized steel frame make it a smart long-term buy.
Shape: Round
Diameter: Available in 12′, 14′, and 15′
Capacity: 330lbs
Average Rating: 4.9
Why we love this backyard trampoline: All Zupapa trampolines are German-made quality and come with a TUV safety assurance certification.
Shape: Round
Diameter: Available in 8ft, 11ft, 13ft, 15ft
Capacity: 330 lbs
Average Rating: 4.1
Why we love this backyard trampoline: The netted enclosure securely fastens into the jumping mat by utilizing a small hole at each V-ring, meaning no gaps between the netting and the jumping mat.
Shape: Square
Size: Available in 11′ and 13′
Capacity: 250lbs
Average Rating 4.7
Why we love this backyard trampoline: This trampoline is designed to be 100% spring free and it has earned the position of #1 safest trampoline in the world.
Shape: Round
Diameter: Available in 4.5ft, 6ft, 10ft, 14ft, 16ft
Capacity: 330 lbs
Average Rating: 4
Why we love this backyard trampoline: The UV coated trampoline mat prevents sun damage, and then mesh enclosure net prevents fingers and toes from getting caught.
Shape: Round
Diameter: 7′
Capacity: 115 lbs
Average Rating 4.7
Why we love this backyard trampoline: This is one of the best trampolines for younger kids.
Shape: Round
Diameter: Varies
Capacity: 330 lbs
Average Rating: 4.9
Why we love this backyard trampoline: The safety net is secured to the jumping mat itself, meaning there is absolutely no way for kids to slip out. The “safety skirt” means objects and people cannot get injured underneath.
Shape: Octagon
Diameter: 16′
Capacity: 450 lbs
Average Rating: 4.9
Why we love this backyard trampoline: It’s expensive, but it’s American-made of super-durable heavy-duty steel, with an option to buy a safety cage sewn directly into the jumping mat.
Capacity: 220 lbs.
Average Rating: 5
Why we love this backyard trampoline: 6 Spot-Welded galvanized steel enclosure poles help make this an incredibly sturdy and bouncy trampoline.
The trampoline buying process can be slightly overwhelming, and since it can be a large investment, you really want to make sure that you are getting the best model for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on a trampoline for residential use:
If you have decided on purchasing a trampoline for your backyard, it’s critical to keep these things in mind during your selection process:
Can I keep the trampoline outside all year round or will I have to store it inside during the winter?
What is the total square footage of the backyard where the trampoline will be used?
Do I have a fence or other method of keeping children off the trampoline when unsupervised?
Will I need to anchor the trampoline to the ground to ensure that it stays put during inclement weather?
Do I have the time required to ensure that the trampoline is always in usable condition?
Does a square trampoline or a round trampoline with better in the space I have available?
Am I ready to have lots of fun bouncing on my new backyard trampoline?
Trampoline safety
Like almost any backyard playset, trampolines have the potential to be dangerous when not used safely. Remember to train your kids and any neighbors or friends that will be joining in on the bouncing, on proper trampoline safety.
Firstly, never permit children to bounce on a trampoline without a responsible adult supervising. If you decide to purchase a trampoline with a net, this may help keep kids off at unwanted times. Secondly, observe all manufacturer’s recommendations and warnings for the safe operation of the trampoline, paying particular attention to capacity and total weight guidelines. It is also advisable to ensure that children are only bouncing with other kids of a similar weight group. Allowing a lighter child to bounce with a teenager or adult can lead to injuries due to a mid-air collision, landing on the child, or “double-bouncing” the lighter person unexpectedly high.
Remember to regularly inspect your trampoline for safety issues, including (but not limited to) small holes or tears on the trampoline fabric that could enlarge unexpectedly, exposed, or stretched, or rusted springs, and structural damage to the legs that could affect the support weight.
However, when used properly and with adult supervision, a trampoline can be a source of nearly endless fun and exercise for your family, all summer long!
History of trampolines
The very first trampoline-like devices were probably those used by the Inuits during a spring celebration: a stretched walrus skin with which dancers were tossed into the air. Later on, advertisements for the French Circus Royale mention the word trampoline, but most likely truly referred to a device more similar to a springboard. The first modern trampoline was invented by George Nissen and Larry Griswold in 1936 for use in gymnastics, tumbling, and diving. 6 years later, the pair founded the Griswold-Nissen Trampoline and Tumbling Company to manufacture trampolines on a commercial scale. During World War II, trampolines close in design to George and Larry’s original were used for the training of pilots, navigators, and, a little later on, astronauts.
How do trampolines work?
While the fabric that comprises the majority of the surface area of the trampoline may be slightly stretchy, most of the bounce actually comes from the springs around the edges of the trampoline (on many models, you can’t even see them- they are hidden under a protective pad or barrier to prevent injury or pinching.) The weight of the user on the trampoline fabric stretches the spring, which naturally wants to return to it’s compressed form, thus launching the trampoline jumper into the air!
The bounciest trampolines tend to be made of a 2-ply woven mat and are typically professional-grade and range from $2000-$4000. These are the style of trampolines that most Olympic gymnasts train and compete on. Most trampolines sold for residential use and are made of a poly mesh fabric material, but this doesn’t mean they are much less bouncy! The bounciest trampoline for home use is usually a rectangular trampoline, as they retain more kinetic energy than their circular counterparts. Some of the higher quality rectangular backyard trampolines can bounce up to 25 feet in the air, so consider how high you’d like your kids to go before making your decision.
Most trampolines sold for backyard use range from 8 to 16 feet in diameter and can be round, square, rectangular, or oval.
SmartToys recommends trampolines as one of the top ways to keep your kids active (and away from screens!) during the summer! When used safely, they are a fun way to bounce your kids to better cardiovascular and full-body muscle health. Make your house the envy of the neighborhood now with a brand new backyard trampoline!
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Shape: Round
