Outdoor trampolines and children go together like peanut butter and jelly. In neighborhoods across the world, squeals of joy can be heard coming from kids as they temporarily launch skyward with their friends on a trampoline. Bouncing on a tramp is a right of passage – and it’s just fun.
In my experience, the best outdoor trampoline is the one children actually use. That’s not as easy of a target to hit as it sounds – not every trampoline is going to work for both the kindergartener and the freshman in high school. Making sure the little bouncer is safe on the same equipment that can entertain an older child is a tall order. Some trampolines are made for a wide range of ages – while others are made for children of a specific size.
So, I’ve put together a list our top picks along with a buying guide to help you as you shop for a trampoline. Let’s go bouncing!
Our List of The Best Trampolines For Outdoors
Skywalker Trampolines Jump N’ Dunk Trampoline | Check price at | |
Zupapa No-Gap Design Trampoline | Check price at | |
SkyBound Stratos Trampoline Lowest Price | Check price at | |
Merax 14ft Round Trampoline | Check price at | |
Clever 7 ft Round Kids Trampoline | Check price at |
1. Skywalker Trampolines Jump N’ Dunk Trampoline
This 15 ft round trampoline from Skywalker Trampolines is one of the most popular available today, and for good reason. Safety is a prime concern in the design of this model. It’s so important, Skywalker has made sure this model exceeds all American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requirements. That’s not required by law; they choose to exceed those targets to make sure their products are among the safest on the market. It’s one reason why I think it deserves to be included as the best trampoline for outdoor fun.
This trampoline is rated to hold 200 lbs of weight. With a 3yr/1yr frame/parts warranty, they stand behind their product. I like the ‘W’ supports – they give more stability to the product. The padded poles and enclosure net are well-made. The basketball hoop is a nice touch – it has a breakaway rim and even comes with 2 basketballs. You should be able to finish assembly in an afternoon.
Pros: Why I like the Skywalker Jump ‘N Dunk Trampoline
I like the 15 ft round trampoline size for children in different age groups, but there is an 8 ft for younger kids. The trampoline meets all the safety standards, which I think is extremely important, including an enclosed net and no-gap encloser eliminating pinching points. With the durable steel frame and UV-resistant quality spring pad, you can keep it outdoors, and I like the versatility that kids can play ball too.
Cons: What I would improve
The weight limit won’t allow me to join in the fun, but I make a great cheerleader from the sidelines. One of the reviewers mentioned that the plastic caps broke after a season.
Best For: Overall value, pre-teen trampolines
Rated Weight Limit: 200lbs (from manufacturer)
2. Zupapa No-Gap Design Trampoline
The Zupapa No-Gap Design Trampoline is built to last. It’s made of hot-dip galvanized steel which should protect your frame from rust for years to come. The net, padding material, and mat are all covered by a UV-resistant coating. At nearly 200 weight lbs delivered, it’s much heavier than most other trampoline sets of the same size. It can hold up to 425 lbs of jumping kid at one time. It’s a nice sturdy beast.
I like that you can fit more and bigger children on this trampoline at the same time. I would love to get on and jump with one or two of the children. Some of the smaller models don’t give you that option. It’s also well-equipped to “grow” with your children, so you won’t be forced to buy a higher-weight-certified model in a few years.
The 15 ft model comes with a safety pad, ladder, enclosure net, and trampoline rain cover.
Pros: Why I like the Zupapa No-gap Design Trampoline
I love that the Zupapa trampoline exceeded the ASTM and TUV standards for safety and durability. With a weight limit of 425 pounds, I can join in the fun, and the design supports older kids. With 12 extra springs and a thick pad, I can only imagine how kids love the impressive bounce. And the W-shaped legs provide a solid base, and the wind stakes should help during a storm.
Cons: What I would improve
It is expensive, but I think it is great value for money.
Best For: Larger families, kids of all ages, families
Rated Weight Limit: 425 lbs (from manufacturer)
3. SkyBound Stratos Trampoline
The SkyBound Stratos 14-foot outdoor trampoline will take you from opening the box to jumping in about an hour, thanks to their patented Easy-Installation System. You’ll see how much thought was put into not only making this an easy-to-assemble product, but also a well-built one. At 1000 lbs frame weight loads and user jumping weight of 264 lbs, you will be able to fit the neighborhood kids on this easily!
The Stratos is marketed as having “ultimate rebound” – that’s because of the 9″ springs, which give a great push to your child. Don’t worry, though – the enclosure net and sturdy support poles will keep your child safely contained on the mat. I personally like the black and yellow color scheme; it’s a fresh and cheerful color combination.
Pros: Why I like the SkyBound Stratos trampoline for kids
I love the bright, cheerful orange and black colors, but there is also a green option. I found the multiple safety certifications impressive; safety is a major concern for any parent. This trampoline is rust-resistant, features W-shaped legs for a solid base, comes with wind stakes for storms, and has thicker frame tubes for more stability – all the features I look for in a trampoline. It’s easy to assemble, and I love the self-locking frame structure that doesn’t need screws.
Cons What I would improve
Honestly, I recommend this trampoline and don’t think I could improve anything.
Best Trampoline For: Smaller yards and Adrenalin junkies
Rated Weight Limit: 264 lbs (from manufacturer)
4. Merax 14ft Round Trampoline
The Merax 14 ft Trampoline has everything you need in one package. The four-step ladder will get your kid up and bouncing quicker. The enclosure net is sturdy and will keep your children from flying off the equipment. It’s rated to hold 264 lbs of jumper, so invite the neighborhood kids over too!
The basketball hoop sits high on the tramp pole, so it shouldn’t get in the way on day-to-day, non basketball jumping. It is a nice additional feature for when your children want to live their NBA dreams. Some people have indicated the hoop and backboard catch some wind in heavy storms, so if you live in a stormy area, you should take that into account.
Pros: Why I like the Merax Trampoline
I like this trampoline because it’s a nice size for the backyard and big enough for kids. What I like the most is the ladder with the extra wide steps for easy access, the reversible basketball hoop for versatility, and, most of all, I like that the galvanized steel frame can hold up to 800 pounds.
Cons: What I would improve
I would like easier-to-follow instructions for assembling the trampoline.
Best For: Larger families, Adrenalin junkies
Rated Weight Limit: 264 lbs (from manufacturer)
5. Clever 7 ft Round Kids Trampoline
If you have really young children, this Clever 7 ft Kids trampoline is a great choice. It’s obviously not for middle-school or older kids, but for toddlers stretching up to tweens, this is a fun choice. There are many safety features built-in. The frame is supported by sturdy steel legs, which isn’t always the case at the 7ft size mark. The protective mat covering the springs is of very high quality.
It’s not for everyone, but if you have, say, a 3 and 6-year-old, you should take a look at this trampoline. Your children will love it. It won’t dominate your yard. It’s also reasonably priced.
Pros: Why I like the Cleveland trampoline for toddlers
I love the size of this trampoline for a smaller yard, for indoor fun, and for younger kids like toddlers. I like the EPE foam protective padding around the poles and the heavy-duty galvanized springs that ensure safety. With the upgraded arched zipper door, kids won’t trip when getting into the trampoline.
Cons: What I would improve
I would improve the assembly instructions.
Best For: Young Children
Rated Weight Limit: 150lbs (from manufacturer)
What To Look For When Shopping For An Outdoor Trampoline:
How Much Space Do You Have In Your Yard?
It’s a pretty obvious idea, but you need to decide how much of your backyard you are willing to give up for a trampoline. You’ll also need to get comfortable with how visible the structure is from both in your house and from the road. Like many people, I like to be able to see what the kids are doing from the comfort of my house – so I don’t need to be outside with the kids all of the time.
To begin, you’ll need to decide where in your yard you’d like the tramp to go. Once that’s decided, I suggest you measure out how big that ideal space is – that way, you’ll have an idea of just how big or small the trampoline you’ll need to look at for your perfect backyard structure.
Round, Square or Rectangle Shape?
One of the first decisions you need to make is what shape trampoline you want in your backyard. This might be a surprise to you since the vast majority of backyard tramps are round in shape. I found that the circle shape is a great choice for most children. Bouncers’ energy tends to be aimed toward the middle of the trampoline, which helps prevent injuries. Unlike square or rectangular-shaped trampolines, round trampolines also distribute the springs in a circular pattern, minimizing the risk of injury. Finally, less energy is transmitted through the trampoline surface – meaning kids aren’t bounced as high as they would be on the other, right-angle-shaped surfaces.
That doesn’t mean square and rectangular tramps don’t have their place. Gymnasts and others that need the airtime provided by the higher energy of a rectangular jumping mat should hunt one down. But for general, day-to-day jumping play-time, a round trampoline is the best overall choice.
What’s The Maximum Weight Capacity For Top Trampolines?
I suggest parents pay close attention to the maximum weight capacity of the trampoline. One common way children get hurt on a trampoline is when a trampoline breaks after being overloaded. This usually means a rip in the surface itself, but it can also happen if the springs give way. No matter what the cause, this type of injury can be avoided by following the weight limits.
Each trampoline can hold up to a certain weight. Some very small toddler mini-trampolines are rated to a 69 lbs or less weight. Most outdoor trampolines are rated for at least 200 lbs, with larger ones being able to safely bounce 400 or more pounds of weight. The weight limit often goes up with the shipping weight – but that’s not always the case.
The important thing to remember when shopping for a trampoline is how much weight you’ll need to support at any one time. Make sure to give some extra poundage leeway for growing children, additional friends that may come over, and a general safety cushion of 50 lbs more than you think you will need. In my experience, all else equal, you want the highest-rated weight limit you can both fit in your yard and afford. Trampolines attract neighborhood children like bees to sugar water!
What Safety Features Do I Need?
There are four “must-have” safety features I’d look for when buying an outdoor trampoline.
- A well-fitted enclosure net. Notice I said, “well-fitted.” These nets enclose the trampoline and make it difficult for children to bounce out and off it accidentally.
- A protective mat cushion to cover the springs.
- A strong anchor system to make sure the trampoline stays firmly on the ground under load.
- A ladder to get on and off of the bouncing mat.
Some people don’t get a ladder immediately. It’s often easier to purchase one separately after you’ve used the trampoline a bit. The first three safety features are, in my mind, a requirement from the get-go. If you are looking for an indoor trampoline, we’ve got an article for you as well here.
How Old Are Your Children?
As a parent, I suggest you consider the age and size of your child; it has a big impact on what size trampoline you should buy. Although I might be tempted to get a smaller trampoline for a grade-school-aged child, I am reminded that kids in the future. I didn’t want to get something too small either, where I would be forced to buy another model in a year or two.
However, I recommend parents make sure they get a smaller trampoline model for a toddler. Their lack of balance could be dangerous if they are bouncing on one of our top higher-up models. They will also have trouble entering and exiting the bouncers on their own. Wait until they are school-age before going with the “big girl” models.
Sturdiness and Durability
Different models of trampolines can have varying levels of both strength and quality of materials. There is quite a bit of force being absorbed by the equipment when a bunch of kids is jumping at once. You want to make sure your model is both sturdy and durable.
You are looking for a few features on your quest through the top trampolines. First, I want a model with reinforced legs or, at the very least, a W-shaped frame for added support. Second, steel is a must for frame construction. Galvanized steel (or even stainless steel) will help resist rusting and maintain strength in the future. Finally, don’t forget the spring cover. Since it will be taking a beating from the sun, all day, every day, you want to make sure it has some sort of UV-resistant coating. Pay attention to the reputation of the brand as well. The best trampolines often come from well-known brands.
As a parent, the safety and well-being of our kids are top priorities, so it’s important to choose an outdoor trampoline that will provide them with endless hours of fun while keeping them safe.
How Easy Is It To Put Together & Take Apart?
I understand the importance of finding an outdoor trampoline that’s easy to put together and take apart. It’s not something I want to spend hours on, especially when you have kids impatiently waiting to jump on it. When looking for the best trampoline for the backyard, I did the research for you and found ones that had good reviews for being easy to assemble. And with a little help, you should be able to assemble the trampoline in no time.
But what about taking it apart? Most people will set up the kids outdoor trampoline once and leave it in place. Then it’s not important if disassembling is easy or not. However, if you live in an area where winters can get pretty harsh, you want to make sure you can easily dissemble the trampoline and store it away for the season.
How To Care For Your Trampoline
For the most part, your trampoline is relatively maintenance-free. I did say “relatively” :)
During the winter months, you need to take some of the less-sturdy parts inside and keep them dry to prevent any damage from the cold weather. These include the net, jump mat, springs,, and foam.
During the outdoor season, I suggest you make sure to periodically check the springs to see if they need to be replaced. You need a replacement spring when there are gaps in the coils, or you can see signs that the springs are stretched out. This isn’t a hard repair to do on your personal best trampoline for kids, but one you need to do for safety purposes.