A winning combination for family fun, water, and exercise are water bouncers and water trampolines for kids…and adults too!
Trampolines on land provide hours of fun, but a water trampoline—now that’s a different, daring experience.
A water trampoline or water bouncer fits on top of the water. If you have a large pool, live near a lake, or close to the ocean, then you don’t even have to drive to a water theme park for some exhilarating water fun; a water trampoline may provide enough entertainment for the family and friends throughout summer.
We know you’re ready to try out the new water trampoline, so we’ve picked five of the top water bouncers and best water trampolines for kids to help you select one for your needs.
Our Top Picks For Best Water Trampoline For Summer Fun
 | Best Overall: Island Hopper 13 Feet Bounce N Splash Water Bouncer | Check price at |
 | Best Water Trampoline With A Slide Attachment: Rave Sports Bongo Water Bouncer Lowest Price | Check price at |
 | Best Budget Bounce Trampoline: Goplus Water Bouncer | Check price at |
 | Best Luxury Water Trampoline: Island Hopper 25 Feet Giant Jump | Check price at |
 | Best Animal Shaped Water Trampoline: WOWNovelty Duck Water Bouncer | Check price at |
If you’re looking for a durable water bouncer that is the right size without being too big for the pool or to transport to the lake, then the Island Hopper 13 Feet Bounce N Splash Water Bouncer is an excellent pick.
It is a water bouncer, not a water trampoline, which means it is easier to set up, transport, and it doesn’t have springs and metal that requires replacement after a while.
The water bouncer is designed for extreme resistance against salty water and sun damage, which means kids may have fun on the water bouncer wherever there is water and enough space to jump. The 1000 denier PVC material is of commercial grade, and the interlaced nylon webbing provides the elasticity.
Kids can jump, bounce, dive, or roll off the water bouncer. A four-step ladder attached to the water bouncer helps kids get back on again to bounce off again…and again… While waiting for your turn or merely enjoying the water, kids and adults may grab one of the ten handles situated on various locations around the tubing.
All of these reasons, and the fact it’s just FUN – make it our top pick for the best water trampoline.
Weight: 77 pounds
Dimensions: 13 feet x 13 feet x 26.4 inches
Slide: No, but available as an attachment
Weight Capacity: 700 pounds
Anchor: 6 Anchor secure D-rings
Weight: 50 pounds
Inflated Size: 12.6 feet x 26 inches
Slide: No, but available as an attachment
Water Depth required: 8 feet
Weight Capacity: 700 pounds/2 adults/4 kids
Anchor: Recommended to attach a 35-45-pound anchor to the included anchor connector rope.
Attachments: Aqua Slide, 15-feet Water Whoosh Floating Mat, 20-feet Water Whoosh Floating Mat, the Slidewalk, Walk the Plank, Aqua Launch, and Aqua Log
The Goplus Water Bouncer is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive and portable water bouncer. Fifteen feet is a comfortable size for a swimming pool or the lake.
The water trampoline is made of eco-friendly 0.7mm PVC Tarpaulin that is durable and is heat and cold resistant. The professional 600D bungee cloth and high-quality bungee cord ensure a sturdy water bouncer that will last and provides elasticity for fun jumps and bouncing into the water. The adventurous kids could use it as a fishing platform or lazily lounge on the water bouncer surface.
An 800W electric pump is included for inflating the tube. The handles help to carry the water bouncer to the water.
A disadvantage is that there is no ladder to assist smaller kids onto the water bouncer.
Weight: 100 pounds
Dimensions: 15 feet x 15 feet x 25 inches
Slide: No
Accessories: 800 W electric pump
If you’re looking for a big commercial water trampoline that will fit several people and is durable, then the Island Hopper 25-Feet Giant Jump is a great pick. It is designed like a trampoline to give that extra bounce, which translates into more fun.
Aqua Sports Technology used high-quality materials to create the best water trampoline for kids that will last. The inflation tube is made with high performance 0.35 inches 1100 Denier mesh reinforced PVC material, which has phenomenal adhesion, stretch, and anti-tearing strength. The advanced UV-resistant coating protects the tubing material against the sun and is supported with a five-year No Seam Blow-out limited warranty.
The water trampoline is designed with a galvanized steel frame with 130 springs and 20 frame straps. The padded frame covers the springs to prevent unnecessary injuries. With a giant mat of 17.5 feet, you can jump as high as 3.5 feet…or as far as your courage allows.
To ensure the water trampoline stays afloat and doesn’t become a safety hazard when punctured or torn, the tubing consists of three separate strong chambers. Therefore, if one section deflates, the other two will keep the water trampoline afloat securing the safety of your children. For a better secure mooring, the water trampoline has 7 anchor-tie-D-rings, three inside and 3 under the tube.
Two heavy-duty 4-step aluminum ladders assist swimmers in reaching the water trampoline surface. For those who want to hang out in the water and enjoy the summer day, or are waiting for their turn, eight swimmers assist handles around the perimeter allow for a safe and comfortable wait.
Weight: 300 pounds
Dimensions: 5 x 6 x 12 feet
Package Size: Three packages 229 pounds, 44x29x22 inches; 167 pounds, 69x29x23″; and 123 pounds, 46x20x8″
Slide: Available as an attachment
Water Depth required: 8 feet
Weight Capacity: 700 pounds/2 adults/4 kids
Anchor: 7 Anchor-tie-D rings to attach an anchor
Attachments: Bounce N Slide, Double Blaster, Island Runner
Warranty: 5-year No Seam Blow-Out limited warranty
Dimensions: 10 feet x 70 inches
Slide: No
Weight Capacity: 240 pounds
Anchor: Anchor system included
Looking for a different type of tramp?
If you’ve decided a water trampoline isn’t for you, maybe you’d like to check out our indoor trampoline reviews? Or if you are still looking to get outside, we’ve also reviewed some great outdoor trampolines you can buy as well.
What Features Should I Look Out For When Buying A Water Trampoline or Water Bouncer?
With the variety of water trampolines and water bouncers available, the best water trampolines for kids are often the one that has the features which benefit you the most. Some features are essential and determined by circumstances beyond your control like the size of the pool or lake; other elements may enhance the fun.
Size of the Water Trampoline or Water Bouncer
Two factors determine the size of the best water trampoline for kids. Firstly, how large is the family and how many friends who want to join in the fun? Water trampolines and water bouncers have a limited weight capacity that determines how many adults or kids will accommodate at the same time.
A smaller water bouncer or water trampoline would be a great fit for young children and small families. Young children may climb easier onto the water bouncer, and the smaller size may not be too overwhelming for them. You need a much larger water trampoline if parents want to relax on it while kids are bouncing on the water trampoline.
The second factor that influences the size of the water trampoline is the water space. A water trampoline is generally too large for a swimming pool in your backyard but would be perfect for the lake or the ocean.
If you’re planning on creating your water park for the summer, then you need lots of water space for the water trampoline, the slide, other attachments, and areas for the people to swim and move around the water playground.
Ease of Use and Set-Up
Jumping off the water trampoline or water bouncer is by far more accessible than getting back up onto the platform. The larger the tubing, the more challenging it becomes. Young kids or small-framed people may even struggle to get onto a medium-sized water bouncer without any assistance. Luckily, most trampolines come with grab-lines which make it easier to navigate.
Most water bouncers and water trampolines have one or more step ladders to assist people out of the water and onto the platform. Younger kids’ legs may be short of stepping on the bottom step of a step ladder and could require some assistance. Some water bouncers, like the animal-themed duck or turtle water bouncer, have flippers with handles as the means to climb back onto the jumping pad.
A great feature is the grip handles placed around the tubing for grabbing while treading water or for kids who want to stay in the water longer. These handles help to carry the water bouncer to the water without dragging it on the ground causing tears or punctures.
Water bouncers require almost no set up; inflating the tubing is all it entails. When placed in the water, it’s good practice to anchor the water bouncer. Water trampolines, however, have a more cumbersome setup and anchoring process. It may take two to three times as long as setting up the water bouncer, but you don’t have to deflate it after a day’s fun. Water trampolines stay in the water for the duration of the vacation or summer season.
FAQ About Water Trampolines and Water Bouncers
What is the difference between a water trampoline and a water bouncer?
The main difference between water trampolines and water bouncers are how the bouncing mechanism is designed. Water trampolines use metal springs that connect the jumping pad to the tube like a regular trampoline. Water bouncers use webbing and bungee cords or ropes that connect to the outer tubing creating the bouncing pad.
The springs and metal frames of water trampolines require maintenance; springs may need repair or replacement if rusted or broken. Maintenance may be expensive when you need to replace springs. Water bouncers don’t have metal parts that can rust or require repairs. The springs, however, allow for a higher jumping experience than the webbing. Keep in mind the size of the water trampoline or water bouncer isn’t directly related to the bouncing or jumping height.
Water bouncers are portable and often weigh less than water trampolines. They may be smaller in size that fits best on pool surfaces. Set up usually requires inflating the tube and anchoring the water bouncer when in the water. Water trampolines, however, require a more permanent setup and are more substantial than water bouncers. It takes longer to set up the water trampoline than the water bouncer.
What makes the best water bouncer or water trampoline?
Safety is always important, but more so when kids are playing in the water. Water trampolines and water bouncers are generally made from durable material that is sun and water-resistant. Should the tubing tear or get a puncture, it be hazardous to kids on the water trampoline or in the water. Some tubes are divided into chambers to avoid the water trampoline from collapsing or sinking. When the one chamber deflates, the water bouncer or water trampoline may stay afloat.
Water bouncers and water trampolines with a modular system allow for additional attachments like slides, logs, towers, and mats. These accessories create a mini water theme park with a variety of fun activities.
What are the health benefits of water trampolines and water bouncers?
Trampolines are a great exercise that tones and strengthens muscles and is a great cardiovascular workout that is less stressful on joints. While kids are jumping and bouncing, they are exercising without realizing it.
Water trampolines and water bouncers indirectly inspire kids to swim more; they are having so much fun that they want to play in the water. When jumping off the trampoline into the water, they need to swim back to the water bouncer for more fun.
According to an article in Reuters, patients who did water exercises developed better physical endurance than those who exercised in the gym. In one test, they walked faster and outpaced the gym group.
Unlike land trampolines, water trampolines and bouncers are floating platforms meant to be used on a body of water. Even anchored, it moves because it is placed on top of the water. The water trampoline helps improve coordination, flexibility, and balance. It’s not the same as standing on land; on a floating device, you need to keep your balance between staying on top of the pad and between jumping without falling into the water. It takes more effort to keep your equilibrium because of the unexpected water movement and your body’s movement.
Can I leave the water trampoline or water bouncer in saltwater?
Water trampolines and bouncers are designed to withstand sun and water. The PVC materials used are UV protected material, enabling you to use your water trampoline in saltwater too. The springs and metal frames not made of stainless steel may rust after a while and would need replacement.
Water Outfitters reminds users to anchor their water trampoline or water bouncer when left in the water, especially in windy areas. It can be left in the water all summer, but it is recommended to store it in a dry place during the cold winter months.
To avoid unnecessary tears and rips, don’t drag the water trampoline across the ground when out of the water. Before storage, clean the trampoline or water bouncer with water and soap. Deflate the dry tubing and roll it up to store.
Should I buy a water trampoline or a water bouncer?
Choosing between a water trampoline or water bouncer depends on your needs.
- Water trampolines have a better jump quality than a water bouncer because of the design of the springs. Younger children may feel safer bouncing on a water bouncer that doesn’t bounce so high than a water trampoline.
- Water bouncers are faster to set up and more portable than a water trampoline, which is ideal for a day trip to the beach or the lake. If you’re planning on using it throughout the summer, then it’s worthwhile to take the time to set up the water trampoline. It can stay anchored in the water for the duration of the holidays, which gives your children the flexibility to play on the water trampoline at any time. Adult supervision is recommended when children are in the water. The kids, however, don’t have to wait for an adult to inflate the tubing of a water bouncer.
- Water bouncers are less expensive than a water trampoline. If you have a limited budget, your kids should have as much fun on a water bouncer than the more expensive water trampoline. Some water bouncers are costly too, but you do find a broader range of pricing when selecting a water bouncer.
- Water trampolines need larger setup space than a water bouncer. Water trampolines are more extensive than most water bouncers. Generally, water bouncers and water trampolines need an eight feet water depth and enough space around it for kids to jump into the water.
- Water trampolines are more flexible in adding attachments like mats, slides, logs, and towers. Due to the anchoring system and the sturdy design, water trampolines can cope with additional accessories. Generally, water trampolines are set up on large bodies of water than a water bouncer, which gives it ample space to create a water theme park.
Can My Kids Use the Water Trampoline on Land?
You may be tempted to allow the kids to play on the water trampoline in your backyard or on your lawn. Should you decide to do so, consider these risks.
You may shorten the life of the water trampoline or water bouncer. Although it is made of durable material, it may tear or puncture. Manufacturers recommended you don’t drag the water bouncer or water trampoline across the ground. When kids are jumping on the water trampoline while on land, the tubing scrapes against objects on the ground like sticks, stones, and gravel. The movement causes friction that may tear or puncture the tubing. Although it’s designed with durable material, water trampolines and water bouncers are designed to endure water elements; it’s not intended to be used on the land.
It’s safer to use a water trampoline or water bouncer in the water than on land. When kids jump on the water trampoline or bounce on a water bouncer, and they jump or fall off, they land safely in the water. Should they jump or hop on the water trampoline on land, they will fall or land on the ground at a speed and angle that could cause injuries. Even experienced jumpers could lose their balance and land in a manner or direction not planned.
Young kids and novices are still learning how to balance and coordinate their body movement on a trampoline. A trampoline assembled in your backyard that is designed for land has a netting around it to keep kids safe. A water trampoline doesn’t have a netting to avoid a child falling and hurting themselves because they underestimated the power of their jump.
Conclusion
Water trampolines and water bouncers are different in design, but both provide that extra water fun during the swimming season. Kids who may be reluctant to swim could be enticed with the idea of jumping on a water trampoline.
The best water trampolines or water bouncers, however, are the ones that generate the most fun for your kids in the pool, on the lake or at the ocean. The size of the water trampoline determines how many kids can be on the bouncing pad simultaneously. Many water trampolines can accommodate attachments like water slides, logs, towers, floating mats and more, creating a water playground.
Water trampolines and water bouncers are excellent exercise equipment. Kids need to focus more on balancing and coordinating their bodies when jumping on the water trampoline than on the land. Possibly the greatest benefit about the exercise element is that you are having so much fun that you don’t even realize you are doing a cardiovascular workout.
What fun stories do you have of jumping or diving from water trampolines or water bouncers? What do you think is the best water trampoline for kids?