10 of the best trampolines for kids, tried and tested by families

To make things a little easier, we've enlisted our child testers (and their parents) to try and test a lot of trampolines to select the very best ones for children of different ages, a range of sizes and prices. So, what are you waiting for? Jump to it!

You can also find the best outdoor playhouse and the best scooters for kids.

Best trampolines at a glance

• Best for uneven ground: TP 10ft Infinity Octagonal Trampoline, £599.99
• Best trampoline with sounds: Plum 4.5ft Junior Jungle Trampoline and Enclosure with Sounds, £100
• Best safety features: Springfree Compact Round Trampoline, £1,095
• Best for easy storage: Galt Toys Folding Trampoline, £59.99
• Best trampoline with water feature: Plum 8ft Wave Springsafe Trampoline and Enclosure with Mist, £249.99
• Best family trampoline: 10 x 15ft Oval Telstar Orbit Trampoline And Enclosure, £499
• Best-value trampoline: TP 4.5ft Junior Round Trampoline, £59.99
• Best in-ground trampoline: Plum 8ft Circular In-Ground Trampoline with Net, £339.99
• Best for large families: JumpPRO 15ft x 10ft Xcite Green Oval Trampoline with Enclosure, £399.95
• Best all-round trampoline: TP Up 8ft Trampoline, £109.99

Jump to:

• What to look for when buying a trampoline
• Best trampolines for children
• How did we choose our 10 of the best?

What to look for when buying a trampoline

Size – Before you buy, make sure to carefully measure the space in your garden, so you can get an idea of how much room you've really got for a trampoline. Trampolines generally range from 6ft to 14ft (not including the outer springs and padding), and then you need to factor in some space around it, too. "We recommend a 2m safety perimeter around the trampoline, if possible," says David Woodman, Head of QA and Product Development at Plum Play. "Make sure the trampoline is placed away from obstructions such as sheds and trees, too."

Shape – Most trampolines are round, rectangular or oval. Round trampolines have typically been the most popular for children as they have a 'bounce to the centre' effect that encourages the jumper back to the centre of the bounce mat. This is a good safety feature, so long as there's only one person jumping at a time (which is always what's officially recommended). Rectangular and oval trampolines, however, have multiple bounce areas (depending on their size) and this means the jumper stays in their 'zone' rather than being guided into the centre, so 2 children jumping together are less likely to collide. It’s also worth bearing in mind the shape of your garden: round trampolines tend to take up the most space relative to the jumping space they provide, whereas oval and rectangular trampolines can fit into corners or narrow gardens while still providing plenty of jump space.

Safety – All the trampolines we've selected are safe but some have more safety features than others. Some have super-secure enclosures, for example, or spring-free designs that eliminate pinch points where feet could get trapped. It's also worth considering how easily and quickly you can make the trampoline safe during a storm. "We would always recommend that you dismantle a trampoline prior to periods of high wind," explains David Woodman.

Durability/Warranty – Price is, of course, always a factor but do weigh up how much good quality is worth. A kids’ trampoline has to withstand quite a bashing. Some brands provide excellent warranties and/or are made from superior materials that withstand UV better and deteriorate less quickly.

In-ground or overground? – If you’re looking for a trampoline that's more discreet you could go with an in-ground option that is set into the ground (we’ve included a great one in our selection) but keep in mind you'll have to do quite a lot of digging to install it properly – and then it's not something you'll want to dig up for a bit! If you're going for an above-ground option, think about the surface you have to put it on: grass is always better and more forgiving if your child stumbles off, and some trampolines are only suitable for use on grass. If your surface area is very uneven, look for a trampoline with legs you can adjust.

Maintenance – An investment like a trampoline needs to be carefully maintained throughout the year to ensure it's safe to use in the months ahead. "Warning signs to look out for," says David Woodman, "include holes or sagging in the jumping mat, loose stitching or deterioration in the jumping mat, bent or broken frame parts, rusting, damaged springs and deterioration on the enclosure net and safety pad.”

Here's our pick of the best trampolines for children:

1. TP Infinity 10ft Octagonal Trampoline, £574.99

Available at: TP Toys

Age: 6+ | Size: 10ft | Assembled size: L342cm x W342cm x H290cm | Frame: Galvanised steel | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 105kg | Warranty: 10 years (frame); other parts 1 year | Build time: 2 hours (with 2 adults)

Pros:

• Adjustable feet,
• Zip-free entrance tunnel
• Excellent netting that's easy to take down
• High maximum user weight

Cons:

• Larger footprint than conventional frames
• Not suitable for younger children
• No ladder

This large 8-sided older-kids trampoline has springs fully covered with heavy-duty PVC pads and a zip-free, crawl-through entrance tunnel that means there's no danger of children falling out of the opening. This is a particularly brilliant choice for gardens where the grass isn't perfectly flat, as the 8 legs of the frame sit on flexible feet, which adjust to the floor beneath them. The bowed legs do mean, though, that this trampoline has a larger footprint than the mat (which is 304cm x 304cm), so will take up more of your garden than a 10ft trampoline with U-shaped legs.

Me and my brother use it every day and always stay on opposite sides of the trampoline, even when we jump really high.

Also available in a 12ft version.

2. Plum 4.5ft Junior Jungle Trampoline and Enclosure with Sound, £129.99

Available at: Robert Dyas, Early Learning Centre, The Entertainer and Argos

Age: 3+ | Size: 4.5ft | Assembled size: L122cm x W122cm x H180cm | Frame: Galvanised steel | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 40kg | Warranty: 1 year | Build time: 2 hours (2 adults)

Pros:

• Good for small gardens
• Good for smaller children
• Fun sounds

Cons:

• Requires batteries (3 xAAA)
• Not suitable for older children

Bounce on the jungle creatures printed on the mat of this preschooler-friendly trampoline and you'll hear a lion's roar, an elephant's trumpet, birdsong or monkey chatter, courtesy of a battery-powered sound box that's safely hidden away from jumping feet. Animal fun aside, this is a great little trampoline for smaller children – the mat is an easily clamber-able 36cm off the ground – and it should fit in even small gardens, although, as with all trampolines, the recommended safety perimeter is 2m so factor that in, too. The L-shaped zip keeps your child safely inside the enclosure, as long as you remember to do it up properly.

There is also a Minions version and, for even smaller children, a 'bouncer' version suitable from 18 months+.

I love it so much, it's just AMAZING!

3. Springfree 8ft Compact Round Trampoline, £1095

Available at: Decathlon and B&Q

Age: 3+ | Size: 8ft | Assembled size: L122cm xW122cm xH230cm | Frame: Powder-coated galvanised steel | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 80kg | Warranty: 10 years | Build time: 2 hours (2 adults)

Pros:

• Great safety features
• High quality frame
• Large jumping space relative to garden footprint
• Long warranty
• High maximum user weight

Cons:

• Pricey
• No ladder

The Springfree range of trampolines (this is their smallest one) is specifically engineered to eliminate trampoline-related injuries. Most injuries occur when a child's fingers or feet get caught in the metal springs and/or when a child collides with the frame, so, on this trampoline, instead of springs at the side of the mat linking to the frame, flexible composite rods tether the mat from underneath to the frame below. And the flexible net rods bow out, unlike than your usual straight hard-metal poles. Last but by no means least, the zipped enclosure has its own flexible supports to cushion jumpers and prevent falls.

And these innovative safety features actually also produce a better jumping experience. The lack of springs means more jumping space – this 8ft trampoline has a jumping surface equivalent to that of a 10ft trampoline with springs – and no springs on the edge means no need for padding round the edge; instead, there's a soft edge mat that’s far more shock absorbent. Plus, the net-enclosure supports direct you back towards the centre of the mat.

4. Galt Toys Folding Trampoline, £59.99

Available at: Amazon

Age suitability: 3+| Size: 1.8ft | Assembled size: L86cm x W86cm x H82cm | Frame: Coated steel | Netting included: No | Maximum user weight: 25kg | Warranty: 1 year guarantee | Build time: 15 to 30 minutes (1 adult)

Pros:

• Folds for storage
• Can be used indoors
• Good for small gardens
• Good for younger children

Cons:

• Not as sturdy or bouncy as larger trampolines
• Low maximum user weight
• Not suitable for small toddlers or children over 6

This compact, good-value trampoline looks at first like an indoor-only bouncer but it has a tough weatherproof jumping mat and weatherproof frame cover, making it suitable for year-round outdoor use, too. There are no springs; just bungee cord to give the mat bounce, and the colourful padded cover prevents your child stepping through the cord and trapping their toes. There's also an easy-to-grip handle which is great for helping younger kids keep their balance while jumping (although it's definitely suitable right up to 5 years at least).

We use it outside mostly but it's so easy to carry and re-site indoors that, when the weather's rubbish, we bring it in – and it's a great way for my child to burn off some energy on a rainy day.

5. Plum 8ft Wave Springsafe Trampoline and Enclosure with Mist, £249.99

Available at: Sports Direct

Age: 6+ | Size: 8ft | Assembled size: L240cm x W240cm x H210cm | Frame: Galvanised and white powder-coated steel | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 50kg | Warranty: 1 year | Build time: 2 hours (2 adults)

Pros:

• Great misting feature
• Good value for size
• Reasonable maximum user weight

Cons:

• Enclosure can't be taken down quickly
• Only suitable for older children

Stand down the sprinkler! This trampoline comes fitted with a misting system that runs around the top of the net, ready to be hooked up to a hose pipe and cool your little jumpers down. Of course, there are some misting or sprinkler trampoline accessories that you can buy separately but a built-in option is far less fiddly and gives a more consistent spray.

It's good value for its size – and its extra water feature – and it's built to last: the galvanised steel frame gives protection against rust while the weatherproof pads and enclosure ensure safe play for years to come. It doesn't have a ladder but the mat's really not high enough for a child in the right age range to need one. There’s no quick way to take the enclosure down when the weather suddenly changes, though, because the water pipe runs around the perimeter at the top of the netting.

Perfect – the fastening and the way it is held together makes it difficult for Jack to damage, which he did manage to do on our previous trampoline.

6. 10 x 15ft Oval Telstar Orbit Trampoline And Enclosure, £499.99

Available at: The Range

Age: 10+ | Size: 15ft | Assembled size: W457cm x H304cm | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 30kg

Pros:

• Very large
• Strong safety net

Cons:

• Too big for some spaces
• Only suitable for older children

Rectangular trampolines can be ideal for tucking into the corner of a garden or fitting into narrower spaces. They are also excellent for older kids who want extra bounce for tricks and twists or sibling who can bounce together as, there are 2 distinct 'bounce spots' at either end of the mat, rather than 1 in the middle.

7. TP UP 4.5ft Junior Trampoline, £59.99

Available at: TP Toys

Age: 3+ | Size: 4.5ft | Assembled size: W139cm x H188cm | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 40kg

Pros:

• Good value
• Great for younger children

Cons:

• Too small for older children
• Low bounce height

This small but perfectly formed trampoline is ideal for families with small gardens, smallish children and smallish budgets. At under £60, it’s the most affordable option than most we have seen and – hurray! – only needs 1 adult to assemble it.

8. Plum 8ft In-Ground Trampoline with Net, £549.99

Available from: Amazon, Robert Dyas and Plum

Age: 6+ | Size: 8ft | Assembled size: 244cm (diameter) x H22cm, above ground (with enclosure: 150cm) | Frame: Galvanised steel | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 75kg | Warranty: Frame 5 years; mat and pad: 2 years; other parts: 1 year | Build time: 2.5 hours, not including digging (2 adults)

Pros:

• Garden-friendly design
• Good value
• Good maximum user weight
• Cover for netting included

Cons:

• Requires digging to install
• Cannot be easily moved
• Not suitable for younger children

Built-in trampolines tend to be more expensive than freestanding versions but this Plum model offers great features at a reasonable price. Below ground, the thick, double galvanised steel frame is built to last, while above ground, thick UV-resistant, weather-proof pads cover the edge where the trampoline meets the lawn. This trampoline has shorter-than-usual legs, so you won’t have to dig as far down as you might think when installing it into the ground.

This trampoline is big enough for our Stanley and a friend or 2, so we add the enclosure when there are children visiting. But without the net, it looks, we feel, so much nicer than having a trampoline stood in the garden.

9. JumpPRO 15ft x 10ft Xcite Oval Trampoline with Enclosure, £399.95

Available at: Amazon, MadFun and Trampolines

Age: 6+ | Size: 15ft x 10ft | Assembled size: L458cm x W305cm x H270cm | Frame: Galvanised steel | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 150kg | Warranty: 1 year | Build time: 2 hours (2 adults)

Pros:

• Large
• Good for children bouncing together
• Large bounce mat relative to footprint
• Very high maximum user weight

Cons:

• Pricey
• May be too big for some gardens
• Fiddly fastenings
• Only suitable for older children

This oval-shaped trampoline offers an impressive 14ft x 9ft of jumping space within its 15ft x10ft footprint and, like a rectangular trampoline, is easier to fit into the corner of a garden than a round one. The sturdy frame has foam-padded poles that secure the black netting and protect bouncers from the springs and the hard edge of the mat. Shape aside, what makes this trampoline stand out is its particularly high weight limit – 150kg (which is 23 stone) – so it's great for large families (and adventurous parents!). Also, like a rectangular trampoline, it has 2 distinct bouncing areas. This helps stop children who are bouncing at the same time from colliding with each other or drifting onto the springs.

There's no ladder but it's not too high to climb for a 6-year-old+. The mesh enclosure shuts with buckles, as well as a zip, which is a bit fiddly for children who are desperate just to get bouncing.

10. TP Up 8ft Trampoline, £109.99

Available at: TP Toys

Pros:

• Good size
• Good value
• Netting and safety features included
• Easier to assemble

Cons:

• Low to the ground

Age: 6+ | Size: 8ft | Assembled size: W244cm x H246cm | Netting included: Yes | Maximum user weight: 50kg

This TP Toys trampoline is an all-rounder. It's good value, a good size and complete with all the strong netting and safety features you'd need.

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