Once that warm weather hits, it’s time to get the whole family outside and enjoy outdoor activities after a long winter of being cooped up inside. Slowly but surely, small child activities transition into larger or more expensive outdoor hobbies. Your child may have been content with chalk and a bubble gun, but now, things have changed.
Items like playsets, bikes, and trampolines reign supreme in the warmer months. If you’re unable to go to a local park, having yard activities can make the whole family happy. Kids get to unwind and let loose with their outdoor toys, while parents can sit idly for a moment.
A small trampoline was one of my first marketplace purchases once the spring came. My toddler is such a climber and jumper that it was the perfect option for a warm day. Now that my kids are getting older, I have my sights on a larger trampoline.
The problem is that larger trampolines come with a stigma of being categorically unsafe. The National Library of Medicine reported that trampoline injuries continue to increase. The paediatric age group in particular sees the largest number of injuries. From feet getting caught in the springs to aggressively falling off the trampoline, trampolines are entertaining but can be unsafe.
Thankfully, parents have seen the struggle to bounce safely, and brands have taken it upon themselves to create safe trampolines with inspirational designs.
First Things First: Some Things To Keep In Mind
Buying a larger-scale trampoline comes at a price, so it’s wise to research what you’re looking for in a family-sized trampoline and the safety precautions that mean something to you.
- Once you find a brand that interests you, check out the reviews to make sure they align with what you’re looking for.
- Double-check the trampoline’s size to make sure it will fit your outdoor space.
- How many people can the trampoline hold at once?
- Take a look at the weight restrictions.
Most importantly, look at the safety features.
- Is there netting?
- Are there steel frames, and are they sturdy?
- Is there padding that covers the springs?
- Is it weather-resistant to keep rust at bay?
- What’s the mat quality like?
The brands on this list are just some of the more popular ones, primarily because of their safety features. Browse the makes and models and see which ones fit your family’s needs or concerns.
Jumpflex
Jumpflex started its journey in 2009, leaning into an amazing bounce experience while also prioritizing safety. Fast forward to today, and their HERO-style trampolines have won multiple global design awards in 2023. The brand is also earth-conscious, focusing on sustainability, recycling materials, and minimizing needless waste.
Jumpflex is a pioneer in the trampoline industry after creating the first-ever weld-free bolt trampoline. The design makes it easier to assemble Jumpflex trampolines while using high-grade materials.
Safety Features:
- Every trampoline complies with multiple national and international safety standards.
- An independent, third party ensures safety measures.
- The entrance to the trampoline is self-closing (no zippers). *The model pictured above is 2 years old and features the older zipper design.
- Netting is tall and sturdy.
- Padding covers springs.
- Net poles are covered in foam.
- A galvanized steel frame.
- UV-resistant materials
- Limited gaps.
- Springs can be found on the outside of the safety net.
Jumpflex has trampolines that vary from eight to 19 feet with nine different models, and various accessories to add to the jumping experience.
Special Note: This is the trampoline used by our Editor-In-Chief’s four children who are aged 4 to 14 (his trampoline is pictured above). His Jumpflex is left up year round in Illinois and after two years of high winds, blizzards, and other adverse weather conditions, it’s still in near perfect condition.
Scan Different Jumpflex Models to find the perfect setup for your yard!
Vuly
Vuly’s mission is to provide a safe and healthy option for fitness that contributes to the whole family. Founded in 2007, Vuly is passionate about bringing a fun and energetic activity to your home, and calls itself the “world’s safest in outdoor play.” Made and designed in Australia, the global trampoline company ensures safety through the elements.
Safety Features:
- Weather and element tests in Australia’s diverse climate.
- Accredited with Australian and European Safety Standards.
- Built with weather-resistant materials.
- Double-galvanized steel is used.
- Netting is tightly secured with no gaps.
- Fully padded edges.
- Self-closing entry
- Anchor kits are sold in case you want your trampoline secured to the ground.
- Safety skirts.
- Springs are positioned away from jumpers.
The most interesting note for Vuly’s trampolines is the springs. Some models use leafsprings as opposed to coil springs, providing a softer jumping experience.
Check out our Vuly monkey bars review to get an understanding of the company’s high quality standards.
There are many different Vuly models to choose from with the companies springless model among the most unique and safest in the company’s collection.
Acon
For 30 years, Acon has revolutionized at-home trampolines, making an exciting and safe experience for those who just love to bounce. The company is known for its state-of-the-art designs and patented Synergy Design. Acon has different spring designs for varying trampoline needs.
Safety Features:
- Three different nets to choose from.
- high-quality padding.
- galvanized steel frames, made for all different kinds of weather.
- Passed international safety standards.
- UV-treated materials to stand against the sun.
- Heavy stitching to prevent rips.
- Adjustable spring settings (on some models)
Aside from Acon’s safety components, their iconic designs truly set them apart from other backyard trampolines. Their large rectangle trampolines are just unique enough to have the whole backyard talking.
Acon also sells rebounders and gymnastics equipment.
You can check out many different Acon models here.
Skywalker Trampolines
Skywalker Trampolines has been working on safety with its trampoline lines since starting in 2005. Like Acon, Skywalker has different shapes to choose from (rectangle, circle, oval, and square)
Safety Features:
- No gap enclosure system.
- Galvanized steel frame.
- Foam-padded poles.
- UV-resistant spring pad.
- Durability tested by the American Society of Testing Materials.
- Flex rods for safe absorption while jumping.
Skywalker has five different trampolines to choose from, with the square and rectangular options giving at least 20% more space for safe jumping. The company also sells accessories for your trampoline, like basketball hoops that connect to the trampoline’s netting.
There are many different Skywalker trampoline models to choose from.
Springfree
Springfree Trampoline calls itself “America’s Safest Trampoline.” After wanting a trampoline for his own daughter, Dr. Keith Alexander decided to make a safer one. He’s now an active member of the subcommittee chair of the American Society Testing and Materials (ASTM) committee F08-17 to improve trampoline safety.
Safety Features:
- Flexinet surrounds the base, preventing jumpers from falling.
- The galvanized steel frame is positioned under the jumping surface.
- Flexible rods that hold the Flexinet (instead of hard ones that would cause injury).
- Flexible composite rods instead of metal springs that pinch.
- The soft mat gets rid of hard surfaces.
Along with multiple safety features, Springfree offers different color combinations, bundles, and accessories.
Find the perfect Springfree model for your family and let the fun begin.
Avyna
Since 1999, Avyna has focused on quality outdoor fun, with safety as a top priority. The company also creates quality inflatables, goals, game tables, and accessories.
Safety Features:
- Frames are made from galvanized Taiwanese steel.
- Avyna’s independent Power Springs have unique caps to prevent injury.
- Safety pads are thick and wide, covering the springs.
- Weather-Resistant, keeping materials intact and up to code.
- Nets are made out of heavy-duty nylon, saving you from falling or tipping the structure.
- Trampolines are created according to legal legislation and regulations.
What sets Avyna apart from the others is its equal dedication to in-ground trampolines. Avyna’s in-ground trampolines are designed by professional landscapers and come in different shapes and sizes to suit your yard.
Check out all of the different Ayna Models here.
While there are countless trampoline options out there, these are popular brands that dedicate the make and build of their trampolines for safety. Have fun, be safe, and be vigilant while bouncing.
