Young girl bouncing on a trampoline in the yard

Best Outdoor Trampoline for Kids

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Finding the best trampoline for your kids can be a difficult task. There are many features, options, sizes, weight capacity, and other characteristics that you must consider when selecting the right trampoline for your family. Below, we have selected what we believe to be the best trampolines for kids in three different categories; best overall, best value, and best premium. We consider the cost of the trampolines when making our decision, as not everyone can afford the premium trampolines. While the performance on the premium trampolines often vastly outshines the lower priced models, striking that perfect balance of cost and performance is what drives our determination of the “Best Overall”. A buyer’s guide is also located below the reviews to help you determine what is most important when purchasing a new trampoline. The below trampolines we reviewed are intended for children age 6 – 12. Kids younger than 6 often have specific trampoline intended for their age range. Kids older than 12 often require larger trampolines and higher weight capacities to support their larger bodies and better athleticism.

Best Picks

Best Overall

ORCC

Blend of performance and affordability

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Best Value

Skywalker

Affordable fun

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Best Premium

Happy Trampoline

High-quality performance

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The Reviews

ORCC 12' Kids Trampoline with Enclosure

Best Overall

The ORCC 12 ft kids trampoline wins the title of best trampoline for kids due to the wide range of accessories, affordable pricing, sturdy construction, and a strong bounce. This trampoline impresses with its huge number of accessories that you would often have to buy separately. The mesh net enclosure, safety padding for the springs, wind stakes, and ladder ensure you are ready to start jumping as soon as it’s assembled. Although it offers numerous features and accessories, the price is surprisingly affordable, especially when considering the solid steel materials used in construction. The strong galvanized steel is made to withstand being outside in the elements and will last years. One buyer even reported that a large tree fell on hers without any lasting damage! The mat is made of strong polypropylene material that includes UV protection to further enhance durability.

The ORCC trampoline is TUV certified safe and focuses on keeping your kids as safe as possible. The enclosure netting reaches 6 feet to ensure they can’t jump off of the trampoline and cause an injury. The steel ladder makes getting on and off easy and safe. Most importantly, the spring padding is firmly in place to eliminate the chance of spring-related injuries. The bounce afforded by the trampoline is exceptional compared to the competition. The 12’ ORCC features 72 steel galvanized springs that provide excellent responsiveness to propel jumpers high in the air. One possible problem that buyers have experienced is that the zipper can be finicky at times due to the tightness of the netting. This is easily remedied during assembly by connecting the strap near the door straight down and under the mat instead of wrapping around frame and padding to reach the spring hook.

The ORCC 12’ trampoline is a great option for kids to use for fun times. It is highly recommended for safety reasons and should last for years due to the high-quality materials in use. ORCC offers a 90-day warranty on the mat and a 1-year warranty on metal parts in the event you have any problems. Unfortunately, their customer service is only reachable via email, which can be a hassle at times, especially if the need is urgent! Other than email communication, this is one of the best trampolines you’ll find at this price for your kids. It comes in a variety of sizes, so ensure you get one big enough to suit your children’s needs. We feel the 12’ version should meet the needs of most families. You can’t go wrong with this trampoline.

Key Features

  • TUV Certified
  • Galvanized steel frame and springs
  • UV protected mat
  • 4 Wind stakes
  • Rain cover
  • Safety enclosure
  • Ladder
  • Spring padding

Specifications

BrandORCC
Weight Capacity375 lbs
Diameter12 ft
Height8.9 ft
Warranty90 days (mat); 1 year (frame and metal)

Pros

  • Easy to assemble
  • High quality materials
  • Excellent value
  • All essential accessories
  • Excellent bounce
  • Safety focused
  • Solid and sturdy
  • Sleek appearance

Cons

  • Zipper can get stuck
  • Customer service is email only

Skywalker 12' Jump N' Dunk Trampoline

Best Value

The Skywalker 12’ trampoline comes equipped with a safe play basketball hoop, spring padding, and safety enclosure to give you all the accessories you need at a bargain price. Although a ladder would be nice, it is hard to argue with the value this trampoline provides. Galvanized steel is used on the metal parts to help protect the trampoline from the elements and increase durability. The mat is made of strong and weather-resistant polypropylene material. The no-gap enclosure system is excellent at reducing injuries due to the inherent gaps between the jumping surface and net that seems to be common on many trampolines. This Skywalker trampoline meets or exceeds all ASTM safety standards to ensure it is as safe as possible for your kids.

The bounce seems to be perfect for children, but some teenagers or adults may find the bounce lacking. The shorter springs used on the trampoline provide good performance at lighter weights but seems to be lacking at higher weight limits. The weight capacity on this 12-foot trampoline is only 200 lbs, so don’t expect to have multiple full-grown adults on the trampoline at the same time. Buyers have reported that they have had 2-3 adults and 3 children on the trampoline simultaneously without issue, but it is always best to follow manufacturers guidelines.

The Skywalker Jump N’ Dunk trampoline offers buyers excellent bang for their buck, if you are looking to maximize your investment. The bounce is great for children, safety features are excellent, and a solid warranty is in place in the event something ever happens. Assembly is usually accomplished in 2-4 hours, depending on the number of helpers and/or how handy you are with tools. A spring puller is provided to help with putting the springs in place. Most report having no issues assembling with no help, but it always goes faster with an extra set of hands. Overall, this is a solid trampoline for kids that can save you a little money until you are ready to splurge on one of the high performing premium brands.

Key Features

  • Enhanced safety basketball hoop
  • Interior safety enclosure
  • Foam poles
  • Safety doorway

Specifications

BrandSkywalker Trampolines
Weight Capacity200 lbs
Diameter12 ft
Height8.9 ft
Warranty3 years (frame); 1 year (other parts)

Pros

  • Good bounce for kids
  • Great bang for buck
  • Wide range of safety features
  • Easy assembly
  • Fast customer service

Cons

  • Poor bounce for adults
  • Low weight capacity
  • Needs anchors for high winds

Happy Trampoline 14' Galactic Xtreme

Best Premium

If you’re looking for a large, 14 foot round trampoline, then look no further than the Happy Trampoline 14′ Galactic Xtreme. This trampoline is not only tons of fun but makes safety a high priority. Most parents are afraid of their kids potentially getting hurt when using a trampoline. However, all your worries will be put to rest with this model. It has a safety net enclosure that will ensure your kids don’t fall out of the trampoline and it is suited for both beginners and advanced trampoline users. The safety net is made out of polyester mesh and this net is interlocked with the trampoline frame so that it is fully secured.

The frame itself is extremely strong and is actually the strongest one in the industry! It has 6 legs which are made from 2.2mm steel tubing which is far superior to other competing models that are typically made from 1.5mm steel frames. The steel is fully galvanized both inside and outside. There are also rail supports that improve the stability of the trampoline and make it one of the best models available.

The Galactic Xtreme trampoline is 14 feet in diameter and has a weight capacity of up to 550 lbs. It also has 96 fully galvanized heavy-duty springs. Each spring is 9 inches long which is a third longer than the springs of competing trampoline models. This trampoline has longer and more springs than other trampolines which makes it superior when it comes to bounce quality.

Happy Trampoline also offers a lifetime warranty on its springs and frames. So, this trampoline gives you great value for money and it would be a lifetime investment. When you purchase this trampoline, you will get the trampoline itself along with the spring cover and the grade A jumping mat.

Key Features

  • Commercial-grade steel
  • 96 super heavy-duty steel springs
  • 9" long performance springs
  • Patented "Stay-put" safety enclosure
  • Lifetime Warranty

Specifications

BrandHappy Trampoline
Weight Capacity550 lbs.
Diameter14'
WarrantyLifetime (frame/springs);

Pros

  • Impressive durability
  • Best in class performance/bounce
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Safety enclosure
  • Extremely high quality components

Cons

  • Poor instruction manual

Upper Bounce 12' Trampoline with Enclosure

The Upper Bounce 12’ trampoline and enclosure has several qualities that stand out, although that may not be necessarily a good thing in some instances. Upper Bounce does a good job in several aspects of this trampoline such as the high weight capacity to allow for multiple kids or adults, solid construction materials, and relatively easy assembly. The trampoline works well as a kid’s trampoline, primarily due to the 330 lbs. weight capacity, as it easily allows multiple jumpers. The frame and springs are rust resistant and are built to last a long time. The trampoline feels very solid once it has been assembled. Unfortunately, the softer parts, primarily the padding, seems to deteriorate quickly due to normal wear and tear. Most reports of deterioration of the padding come within the first 1 ½ year of purchase. The net also seems to be affected by the sun more than would be expected. Furthermore, the net’s clips are made of cheap plastic that is easily broken. While they are easily replaceable, it is still a hassle to go through the trouble of regularly replacing them.

Assembly is relatively simple when compared to some other models. Many can do it without a helper, but a helper is recommended. As with most trampoline assembly, the safety enclosure will be the most time-consuming portion of set up. Another factor to be aware of during assembly is that the legs are not adjustable, so you will need to find flat ground or use cement blocks to stabilize the trampoline on uneven ground. If you ever need to contact customer service, they are easily reachable and provide prompt service. Depending on the circumstances, reports of receiving replacement parts within a day or two are not uncommon.

Overall, this is an above-average trampoline that presents a few issues. It is relatively affordable and comes with several safety features. The construction is solid with strong steel metal parts. Unfortunately, the padding, pole foam, and net seem to deteriorate quickly in the elements over time. The warranty is about average for this price range, but it would be nice if it was extended a bit to account for the low-quality soft parts. You can do worse than this trampoline, but there are also better options that can give improved performance and optimal bang for your buck.

Key Features

  • Thick foam protector
  • Easy assemble/dissemble enclosure poles
  • UV resistant
  • Water resistant
  • Rust resistant
  • Powder coated frame
  • No-gap enclosure system

Specifications

BrandUpper Bounce
Weight Capacity330 lbs
Diameter12 ft
Height8.2 ft
Warranty1 year (frame, mat); 6 months (premium pads); 90 days (other)

Pros

  • High weight capacity
  • Solid trampoline
  • Relatively easy assembly
  • Quick response from customer service

Cons

  • Legs not adjustable
  • Some durability issues for soft parts
  • Net hooks are cheap plastic

JumpSport AlleyOOP VariableBounce Trampoline

JumpSport is renowned in the trampoline industry for providing some of the highest quality trampolines you will find anywhere. The AlleyOOP VariableBounce 12’ is no exception as it provides a wide range of safety features, outstanding performance and bounce, and one of the best warranties available. This trampoline offers numerous safety features such as their “DD” Sure-Lok system to prevent the frame from twisting and remaining secure at all times. The “Unforgettable Doorway” provides a no-zipper method to enter/exit the trampoline that helps to promote safety. Furthermore, the VariableBounce technology even provides one of the best deterrents to injury on any trampoline. The VariableBounce system gives the trampoline a powerful bounce that also optimizes the shock absorption rate when the jumper lands to reduce accidents.

The JumpSport AlleyOOP is made of incredibly sturdy and high-quality materials. This is evident in the extremely high weight capacity for a 12’ trampoline. The weight capacity is rated at 240 lbs per person with a total weight capacity of 800 lbs. That is enough weight to allow almost any number of neighborhood kids on the trampoline simultaneously. The high-performance springs provide a higher bounce and softer landings than normal springs and come with a 5-year warranty as a testament to their quality craftsmanship. The springs are engineered to stretch farther, thus providing a better bounce and softer landing to help give the trampoline its improved performance.

The JumpSport AlleyOOP 12-foot trampoline is the perfect trampoline for your kids, if you don’t mind paying for a premium trampoline. While not as affordable as others we have reviewed, the lengthy warranty, durable craftsmanship, excellent customer service, strong performance, and wide range of safety features indicate why this one is a premium trampoline. There are very few problems with this trampoline, besides reports of some minor problems of threading the safety net during assembly. Strong bounces and soft landings are just what kids need to ensure they are having the time of their lives on their new trampoline. If you can afford it, this trampoline will not disappoint you in any way.

Key Features

  • VariableBounce technology
  • Rest zones
  • Safety doorway
  • Steel “DD” Sure-Lok system
  • 800 lbs overall weight capacity
  • High performance springs

Specifications

BrandJumpSport
Weight Capacity240 lbs / person (800 lbs total)
Diameter12 ft
Height3 ft (without enclosure)
WarrantyLifetime (frame, poles); 10 years (mat, net); 5 years (pad); 1 year (other)

Pros

  • Superb bounce
  • Soft landing
  • Strong warranty
  • Safety features galore
  • Very high weight limit
  • Sturdy and high quality
  • Very good customer service

Cons

  • Net set-up is challenging

Buying Guide

The Best Trampoline for Kids – Buying Guide

Trampolines are an excellent way to ensure your kids don’t spend all their time on their video games and get some exercise outdoors. A trampoline allows your children to play with other kids, further enhance their motor skills, and promote physical health. Unfortunately, when shopping for a trampoline, it can be difficult to know exactly what you should be looking for to provide a safe and fun environment for your kids. Numerous features, brands, and models can present a dizzying array of choices when looking for the perfect trampoline. Below, we have outlined some of the most important aspects of a trampoline you should be aware of before making your purchase. These characteristics are integral in ensuring your kid’s next or first trampoline provides a safe and enduring place to have some fun outside of the house.

Size and Weight Capacity

One of the most important decisions you will make when picking out your next trampoline is the desired size and weight capacity. As your children grow, they will need plenty of room to maneuver and practice their increasingly complex acrobatics. Neighborhood kids, friends, or siblings will also be participating, so it is usually best to account for this and make sure the trampoline is large enough to support the number of potential jumpers. For most, 15’ trampolines are simply too large for younger children to fully enjoy. They often may not weigh enough to get a good bounce. Usually, the 8’ – 12’ versions are best, depending on the age of your kids. Teenagers usually require trampolines 12 feet or larger and a higher weight capacity.

The weight capacity is integral in determining how many jumpers should be using the trampoline at the same time. Young children can often have multiple jumpers due to their low weight. Remember to limit the number of jumpers to safe levels, regardless of total weight. Most trampoline’s weight capacities will be fine for children in this age range. Depending on the number of participants and their age, 220 lbs weight limit should work for most families. Higher weight capacities are usually needed for those that anticipate multiple jumpers around the teenager range.

Safety First

As is always the case, safety is your primary concern for anything regarding your children. Finding the best trampoline for your kids is no different. Today’s trampolines offer numerous features to help protect the safety of your little ones. Some of these features include safety padding for the springs, enclosure nets, and ladders. Most trampoline manufacturers also include their own “special” safety enhancements. The safety netting is almost a necessity for children to prevent accidents from occurring by falling off the trampoline while jumping. The spring padding is also an excellent way to prevent spring-related injuries. Some manufacturers also offer a type of no-gap technology that eliminates gaps between the jumping mat and spring padding to provide further protection. Overall, ensure you are aware of the safety features inherent in the trampoline you are thinking about buying. A safety net and spring padding are essential in providing as much protection as possible to young children.

Check the Frame

An excellent trampoline should guarantee stability and durability. You don’t want to be buying one trampoline after another. The frame should be made of durable, sturdy, and thick metal. You can often find frames that are constructed using galvanized steel that helps to withstand the elements and reduce rust. Although most don’t, ensure that there are no sharp edges on the frame that could harm jumpers that may get a little out of control during their jump. Naturally, kids are curious, and so anything around the trampoline will always be within their reach.

Response to Weather

This is another factor that you should consider when you are buying a trampoline for your kids. If you intend to have it used outdoor, then you must be aware of the materials used in construction. Generally, the material should be weather resistant. It should not react to water or respond negatively to UV rays. Most trampoline mats and nets are designed to withstand prolonged period of exposure to rain, cold, and heat to extend their lifetime. The trampoline’s metal parts should be made of steel or galvanized steel so that it does not rust. Even if you are planning to use it indoors, you should still consider a weather-resistant material as they are often more durable than the non-weather resistant kind.

The Bounce

A bounce strong enough for your kids to have fun is the primary requirement when purchasing a new trampoline. The bounce comes from the springs or the fiberglass rods fitted on the floor of the trampoline (for the springless models). The firmer the mat, the less flexibility you have to get those super high bounces. For kids, this may be desired, depending on their age. If you kids are a little older, such as teenagers, higher bounces may be just the thing you need. On the flip side, if the mat is too flexible, it will not have enough rigidity to propel the jumper high into the air. It is imperative to find the right ratio of weight capacity to maximize the bounce. Too much weight will hinder the bounce and performance. Too little weight will not provide enough force to propel the jumpers up.

While you may want to, you don’t have to carry your kids to test it before you buy. You can determine what type of bounce will be provided by inspecting the spring length. For the most part, shorter springs will deteriorate quickly over time due to the constant stretching. Longer springs provide a stronger bounce and last for an extended period when compared to the shorter versions.

One more thing to be aware of with trampolines is that they become more flexible over time. If your trampoline has a very firm feel to it immediately after setup, it may be that it needs to be “broken in” a bit before you can get the best performance. Some models can take as long as 6 months to fully break-in and get the full extension of the mat’s bounce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my trampoline last?

Trampolines are built to last for a long time, depending on the level of care the owner takes. To help prolong the life of your trampoline, remember to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. The sun will damage the mat, enclosure, and spring pads over time. If you have a rain cover, use it to further prevent the mat and soft materials from deteriorating. These are the parts that are most commonly replaced and should be cared for gently. Most quality trampoline frames and springs are made of galvanized steel to help reduce or eliminate damaging rust. Therefore, you can expect these parts to last for many years.

Which trampolines are the safest for my kids?

While trampolines take certain precautions to promote safety such as safety enclosures, spring padding, and safety certifications, it is ultimately how the trampoline is used that determines the levels of safety. First, ensure that the trampoline being used is age-appropriate. Most large trampolines are intended for children ages 6 and up. Secondly, make sure that the trampoline is set up correctly. One of the fastest ways to an injury is improper assembly. Amazon offers setup and installation for most of the products available with them. Another tip is to ensure that the correct number of jumpers are using the trampoline simultaneously. Too many jumpers could exceed the weight capacity or cause injury. Finally, ensure you are using a safety net enclosure and spring padding. This is sometimes provided, depending on the model of trampoline you purchase. If not, you can purchase these separately.

What are trampolines made of?

Trampolines consist of a metal frame, metal springs, and polypropylene or canvas mat. The frame usually consists of 4-6 legs of heavy-gauge metal that is commonly made of galvanized steel. The springs, which supply the bounce, can consist of numerous materials, depending on the trampoline. For standard trampolines, expect them to consist of galvanized steel, similar to the frame. Other trampoline springs may be made up of straps or even fiberglass rods (springless trampolines). If you need to replace the springs, make sure that they are the proper length, as they come in various sizes. Finally, the mat is commonly made up of a waterproof polypropylene or canvas material. A good mat will be protected from UV rays and will feel smooth under your feet. Stitching is usually protected, but it will eventually degrade, and the mat will need to be replaced.

Final Thought

Trampolines are an excellent way to get your kids out of the house to play with their friends and exercise at the same time. Before you buy a trampoline, make sure that you are aware of everything that should go into the purchasing decision such as safety concerns, materials being used, performance (bounce), features you need, and durability. Checking off the criteria for each of these ensures that you are buying the best possible product to keep your kids happy, fit, and safe. Happy trampolining!