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Best trampolines for kids 2024: tried and tested by parents
Children love trampolines and having one in the garden can be a great way to keep them entertained – as well as ensuring they get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Read on as we reveal the best trampolines to buy in 2024, tried and tested by real families.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Feb 8, 2024
Not only will a trampoline ensure unlimited fun and exercise for your kids all year round, the best trampolines stay fun and engaging as your child grows. Quite possibly one of the best outdoor toys you can buy, a trampoline is a reliable option for families with any sort of outdoor space, whether you have a small patio or a large, sprawling garden.
So if you're looking for the best trampoline for your kids - one that'll last for years to come and not prove too much of an eyesore for neighbours, you've come to the right place. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve tested and investigated the top models on the market, taking special note of the trampolines our trusted community of Mumsnet users rave about, especially those that have additional safety features.
A trampoline is a big investment but also one with which safety is paramount, so we also reviewed the latest safety guidelines, as laid out by experts from organisations such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), to make sure that every product we were recommending met or exceeded European safety regulations. We've also put together our own guide to trampoline safety.
We collated all this information to draw up a longlist of products and then whittled it down to our top ten – not only the most popular, but a selection that we think offers something to parents with children of all ages, and gardens of all shapes and sizes.
Here are the best trampolines to buy in 2024.
TP Challenger 12ft Trampoline
Lots of safety features
Children of all ages love it
Also available in 8ft, 10ft and 14ft
Not suitable for under-6s
Price: £550 | Age: 6+ | Size: 365 x 260cm
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full TP Challenger review
While our tester found it time-consuming to build, once up this all-rounder 12ft Trampoline from TP Toys is ideal for children of different ages. You won’t need to replace it as they grow, and teens will be able to use it just as well as 6-year-olds. At 12ft, it’s a generous size, and Mumsnetters always advise getting as large a trampoline as you can fit and afford, for longevity.
The trampoline also has lots of great safety features, including padding on the top bar in case of high, side-impact bumps, and the springs are completely enclosed. We also like that it’s designed with a secure bounce-back system to keep jumpers safely planted on the trampoline. It’s also tested to guarantee it’s good for more than a million jumps so you should get years of use from it.
Amazing price
Trusted brand
Lots of safety features
Time-consuming to assemble
Price: £130 | Age: 6+ | Size: 210 × 244 x 244cm
This 8ft Springsafe trampoline from Plum is an amazing price for a trusted brand. The net, pad and mat are protected from wind and UV degradation, and the frame is made from strong galvanised steel for rust-free sturdiness and weather resistance.
The frame is well-cushioned for safe bouncing, and there's also a 10ft version available. Plum is a popular brand with Mumsnetters, who love its durability, great quality and thoughtful details. If you're looking for a great-value trampoline that's built to last, you can't go wrong with Plum.
Related: The best hammocks to relax in, as recommended by Mumsnetters
Springfree Trampolines
Great for active jumpers
Low impact bounce (thanks to the deep, soft bounce of the trampoline)
High quality trampoline to invest in
Expensive
Accessories sold separately
Price: from £1,095 | Age: Not stated | Size: Various available
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Springfree trampoline review
The Mumnset consensus on Springfree trampolines? If you can afford one, get one. While nobody is denying the hefty price tag, you won't hear any quibbling about quality either – so much so that you’ll probably end up enjoying this trampoline as much as your kids.
Springfree's range of trampolines are made according to the highest safety standards and it offers a soft bounce. Plus, it comes with a 10-year guarantee and free UK delivery. The only downside? It's a pain in the backside to assemble, so we recommend paying extra to have it professionally built.
Perfect for children who need more space on a trampoline
Great for larger gardens
Robust construction
Comes with ladder and anchor kit
Giant trampolines aren't to everyone's taste
Pricey
Price: £900 | Age: 6+ | Size: 11.5 x 16ft
JumpKing is the biggest trampoline manufacturer in the world and the brand is rated very highly by Mumsnet users for being safe, reliable and robust. This 11.5 x 16ft model is one of their larger trampolines, and is made from rust-resistant galvanised steel for an incredibly robust bounce. Mumsnetters are impressed by the quality and longevity of Jumpking trampolines.
They also take a fraction of the time to assemble than other trampolines, plus the rectangular shape is a great way to maximise bouncing space, even if your garden isn't massive.
Read next: The best kids' bikes for getting them out and about
Blends in well with a garden
Perfect for older children
Installation is a bigger job than above-ground trampolines
Price: From £400 | Age: Not stated | Sizes: 8ft, 10ft, 12ft
If you're after a trampoline that sits almost at ground level so as to not compromise on space or garden aesthetics, look no further than the Plum Circular In-Ground Trampoline. Seamlessly blending into a garden of any size, the trampoline has UV-treated padding that overlaps its jumping mat (made of heavy-duty mesh), providing extra safety for jumpers.
The trampoline's thick frame and vented safety padding protect against moisture from the ground, and it comes with an enclosure for added safety. Mumsnetters love Plum trampolines for their reliable, high quality design and this one's no different.
The only drawback is the installation - setting up one of these bad boys is going to cost. You can either hire someone to install it for you, or hire the equipment and do it yourself - either way, it's a different ballgame to setting up a regular trampoline, not to mention a more permanent addition to your garden.
Plum Junior Bouncer
Easy for toddlers and preschoolers to get on and off independently
Excellent grip handle for small hands
Very stable on both carpet and hard floors
Width makes the trampoline harder to use in small homes
It doesn't fold for storage
Bright design won't suit everyone
Price: £75 | Age: 18 months to 3 years | Maximum user weight: 25kg | Size: 81 x 81 x 85cm
Tested by MNHQ: Read our full Plum Junior Bouncer review
The Plum Junior Bouncer stands out for its user-friendly design and top-notch safety features, making it the perfect first trampoline for toddlers.
Equipped with a secure grip handle for added stability, gentle side padding to cushion potential falls, and robust feet ensuring the trampoline stays firmly in place while your little one bounces, this toy promises both fun and safety for toddlers and preschoolers alike.
It's worth noting that its bright design may not appeal to every family. Additionally, its width combined with a non-foldable design make it less practical homes with limited space.
Sleek, modern design
Great for exercise
Perfect for bouncing in front of Netflix
Reviewers say it's quite difficult to assemble
Price: £58 | Age: Not stated - suitable for adults and children | Size: 116 x 124 x 112cm
A lockdown favourite that many Mumsnetters have kept up, rebounder trampolines are a great way to exercise without leaving the comfort of your own home. All you need is a small trampoline, like this one from HomCom, and maybe a YouTube tutorial to bounce along with.
While some Mumsnetters say the Bellicon rebounder is the best on the market, it's eye-watering price is a major turn-off. HomCom's version is far more budget-friendly and will withstand a lot of bouncing thanks to its quality construction and materials. The bar is adjustable and the feet are anti-slip to protect your floor and keep you steady.
Trampoline safety – what you need to know
Trampolining can be an exhilarating activity for children, but safety should always be the number one priority regardless of the type of trampoline you choose.
RoSPA states that garden trampolining isn't suitable for children under the age of six as they are not sufficiently developed to control their bouncing. They also advise that children using a trampoline be supervised by an adult at all times.
So while many of the outdoor trampolines we've recommended have a three-or-over age range, we'd recommend that you follow safety guidelines as set out by experts.
Rebounders are a good option to use indoors with older children, but indoor trampolines with a safety bar will be suitable for little ones. .
Common outdoor trampoline injuries include sprains or fractures caused by awkward landings, many of which occur when two or more people are using the trampoline at the same time (it should always be one at a time).
As such, it's important for parents to lay down some ground rules. Tell your children to bounce sensibly – no somersaults or back-flips – and, if they do misbehave, don't be afraid to ban trampoline time if they don't take your rules seriously.
Not all parents enforce this, but children are much safer bouncing alone. Having more than one child is not only more likely to end in the odd bumped heads incident, but children of different weights bouncing at the same time can cause injuries too. Most trampoline accidents happen on the trampoline rather than through falling off.
When it comes to buying a safe trampoline, look for models with safety pads that cover the springs and frame, or enclosures (ie netting) that should prevent children from bouncing off the trampoline.
Outdoor trampolines should be placed on a soft lawn or similarly cushioned surface with a safe zone of 2.5 metres. If you do place the trampoline on a harder surface, such as concrete, always use a safety mat.
If you aren’t buying a trampoline that's sunk into the ground, you want to look for one with surrounding nets that will prevent your child bouncing off it. You’ll also need anchors to keep the trampoline steady.
All trampolines should comply with European safety standard EN71-14:2014.
How do I pick the best trampoline?
Before you begin, you need to know where you’re going to put your trampoline. Then you can start to consider the shape, style and size.
Measure your back garden to find out how much space you have to play with and opt for a part of the garden that's clear of slopes and branches.
Look for materials and components that look like they’ll last. It’s also well worth paying a little extra for decent padding on the frame and covering the springs. Accidents do happen, but a bit of padding goes a long way.
Brands that offer access to easy replacement parts are also a good bet. You’re likely to have the trampoline for a few years so being able to easily replace the nets if they get mouldy, or the padding if any of it splits, is a good plan. That way you won’t have to shell out for an entirely new trampoline.
What is the best size trampoline to buy?
What size trampoline you buy will ultimately depend on how much space you have, but ideally, you'll want to get the biggest trampoline you can to allow your children to grow into it (a 10ft or 12ft trampoline is a good choice in this sense). Although you might not want the entire garden taken over.
An 8ft trampoline is ideal according to parents on Mumsnet. It’s also the most popular size to go for. As one Mumsnetter says, “We have an 8ft trampoline and I think it’s big enough. I wouldn't want it bigger in our garden.”
What is the best shape for a trampoline?
Consider a rectangular or oval trampoline if your garden is on the smaller side, as they fit neatly into a corner. Rectangular trampolines also tend to be bouncier and give you a bit more control in the bounce too.
Round trampolines are the most common, however, and offer a light bounce, while octagonal ones are a bit more interesting and give a good vertical bounce.
If you're concerned about your lawn, and are planning to move the trampoline regularly to avoid dead patches in the grass, then consider the weight of the model when purchasing – some of them are pretty hefty.
Should I buy an in-ground or above-ground trampoline?
When it comes to space, aesthetics (no spoiled view) and safety (less distance to fall), in-ground trampolines are a popular option.
You should be able to set the trampoline into the ground yourself by digging a big hole, but you'll need to know about retaining walls, drainage and such. Might be one for the professionals unless you're very handy.
Above-ground trampolines are easier to assemble, but larger ones could take up most of your garden and potentially irritate the neighbours.
As this Mumsnetter explains, “I have a sunken trampoline and it's great. 3 kids under 5, and it's easy for them to walk on and off it, no chance of falling off (it's still netted though). Impossible to blow away in high winds, doesn't bother neighbours with privacy issues etc. It's great.”
Can trampolines be left out in winter?
Most trampolines are robust enough to be left outdoors, however, as with any outdoor accessories like patio furniture and tables, it’s best to cover them with a sturdy weatherproof cover – to offer protection against rain, frost, and snow. (The size of the cover will depend on the size of your trampoline. It’s also worth checking whether the trampoline you purchase comes with a cover).
If your trampoline feels particularly light, it’s a good idea to anchor it into the ground using an anchor kit. This will reduce the risk of it flying through the air and into your neighbour’s garden should there be a storm.
A sure-fire way to protect your trampoline from the elements in winter is to dissemble it and store it away in a garage or shed. Although this could be cumbersome, it’ll go a long way towards ensuring your trampoline stays in tip-top condition for longer.
How much should I spend on a trampoline?
Trampolines range in price from approximately £30 to over £1,000 but you can get a decent one of a good size for around the £250 mark.
As with anything, the most expensive product won't necessarily be the best, so consider your budget as well as how much outdoor space you have before you buy.
The bigger you go, the more expensive, generally. It’s definitely worth buying a trusted brand here, like any of the trampolines we’ve featured. Now is not the moment to be scouring the middle of Lidl for a bargain.
Which trampoline brands stand out?
Parents and experts alike rate brands like Springfree, Plum, Jumpking and TP very highly, however most of their products can be pricey.
More budget-friendly (but still good) brands include the likes of Chad Valley, which is typically stocked by Argos.
What is the best trampoline on the market?
Based on extensive research and after considering countless reviews from real parents who have personally used the product, we believe that the best overall trampoline for kids is the TP Challenger 12ft Trampoline. Despite its competitive price point, this model is made from good-quality materials and gets a thumbs up for its numerous safety features including a non-zip opening that closes securely, additional padding on the top bar and enclosed springs.
It's also a decent size, not too big or small and is suited to most children above age 6.
How we chose our recommendations
Opinions from real Mumsnet users
We’re lucky to have a wealth of experience at our fingertips from millions of Mumsnetters who have bought products and services and share their first-hand feedback. We headed straight for our forums to find out which trampolines Mumsnetters had bought and would recommend and any that they had doubts about.
Honest consumer reviews
Next, we trawled through pages of reviews sites to see which brands had won awards and accolades and we also scoured consumer websites to find out their thoughts, taking special note of trampoline features such as sturdiness, durability, ease of use and safety features such as protective netting, pads and poles.
We also spent time researching the best trampolines on the UK market, enlisting the help of parents on the Mumsnet forums as well as consulting online bestseller lists and brand scores from reputable review sites such as Which?.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.