Should I buy a family trampoline?

Kids begging for a trampoline? Secretly want one yourself? You’re not alone. Offering an exhilarating sense of freedom, trampolines are a popular bouncing off point for fresh air and fun for countless families.

But getting a trampoline is also a big decision. Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics are up front about the safety risks (Opens in a new tab), so it’s worth taking time to research if a trampoline is right for your family — and if it is, to find the safest model, prepare a secure set up, and plan smart family rules for using it. That’s where these tips can help!

Gather intel. Know a neighbor who has a trampoline in their yard? It can be helpful to talk with people you trust to see their reasoning for buying or not buying a trampoline. While it’s 100% your decision, it’s smart to gather perspectives and see which feel right for your family.

Survey your yard. Take a peek out back. Measure and plan. Is it realistic to fit a trampoline out there? What space would you have to give up? Trampolines need to be anchored down on level ground made from impact-resistant materials (sand, mulch, wood chips, etc.) and far away from trees, playsets, garages, etc.

Think about your role. No matter how responsible or mischievous your kids are — supervision is key when you have a trampoline in your backyard. Think about if you’re truly ready and willing to keep tabs on your jumping little ones (and their friends) before taking the plunge and buying a trampoline. If not? There are tons of other fun backyard toys that don’t require 24/7 monitoring!

Size up your kiddos. Age? Weight? Height? Much like the size of your yard, your kids’ attributes are a huge factor in choosing a safe model that supports them as they grow.

Account for safety features. When thinking about buying a trampoline, factor in the costs of vital safety features like rust-resistant springs, thick shock-absorbing pads, zipped enclosures, steel frames, etc. Think of them as ‘must haves’ not ‘nice-to-haves.’ Plus, like many other things — it’s worth paying more to ensure you’re getting a safer, more sturdy model. And used trampolines? Skip those.

Imagine your family’s trampoline manifesto. It may seem strange to think through rules before you’ve even decided to buy a trampoline, but it’s a smart way to determine if your family would realistically be able to stick to them. Talk through them as a family and see if everyone can get on board with rules like:

• Kids younger that six years old shouldn’t use a full-sized trampoline
• One person is allowed on the trampoline at a time
• No somersaults or headstands
• Adult supervision no matter what

Still on the fence? Your American Family agent is the perfect person to talk to when thinking about buying a trampoline. They can make sure your family has just the right protection — whether as part of your homeowners policy — or as an added layer of protection with an umbrella policy.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article.