Trampolines are one of the best childhood activity, if not one of the best toddler gifts you can ever give your child - not only are they great fun, children get to build up their strength and reflexibility too by bouncing rhythmically on them. It is a great and healthy way to spend their time, as opposed to watching tv or playing games on their tablets, not to mention your little one will usually sleep better and faster at night after having had his/her energy drained out. Good news for the parents, eh?
1. Trampolines 101
There are many different styles and shapes of trampolines available for sale in the market, but generally, they can be divided into two types - Above Ground and In Ground.
A. Above Ground Trampolines
As you can tell from its name, these trampolines sit on top of the ground and can be at both indoors and outdoors, just like what you'd most likely picture when you think of trampolines. We'd like to split this category into two types again - small trampoline and big trampoline.
Yes yes, we know that is not much of a distinction, but perhaps the table below will give you a better understanding regarding the difference between the two (well, apart from their sizes), and hopefully that will help in making your decision which is the best trampoline to buy for your household.
Small Trampoline | Big Trampoline | |
|---|---|---|
Age Group | 3-6 | Up to 250 lbs |
Trampoline Nets | Usually without | Usually with |
Indoor/Outdoor | Usually Indoors | Usually Outdoors |
B. In Ground Trampoline
In ground trampoline, on the other hand, is placed in the ground which means you'll need to dig a hole to place it in. Naturally, this type of trampolines are meant for outdoor uses and they can come in different trampoline sizes.
The main reason for parents choosing this type of trampoline is for safety purposes. This is because ground trampoline is much more closer to the ground compare to above ground ones so in the event your child does fall off from the trampoline, the falling distance is reduced drastically. This in turn increases your child's safety. Of course, it is more aesthetically pleasing as well and makes for the best backyard trampoline because it blends into your landscape naturally, allowing you to even decorate the area by placing benches and flowers etc around it.
However, the downside is that this type of trampoline prices are much, much more expensive than above ground trampolines, which probably explains why they are not as popular as their counterparts. Apart from that, it is also less flexible mobility-wise in that if you wish to move it elsewhere, you will need to dig up another hole, not to mention covering the previous pit again.
Let us now move to our trampoline reviews to see what are some of the best trampoline for kids in each category.
2. Top 3 Best Small Trampoline / Best Indoor Trampoline
For indoor trampolines, you will notice that the ones we reviewed below does not come with a trampoline safety net because for most indoors, an enclosed trampoline will take up too much limited space. Also, you will note that they are generally smaller and less bouncy to avoid children bouncing too high up thus risking hurting their heads in the event they hit the ceiling.
1. The Original Toy Company Fold & Go Trampoline
EDITOR RATING:
On the top of our list is The Original Toy Company Fold & Go Trampoline, a toddler trampoline from one of the best trampoline brands that has been trusted by many parents over the years.
With a 36 inch diameter, this is one of the best home trampoline because it is not too big, not too small and has by far the biggest weight limit we can find in small trampolines like such - up to 150 pounds! This gives you a longer use-span unlike others which your little one may outgrow very soon.
The reason we rate this number 1 is that the Fold & Go uses elastic straps instead of bungee cord attachments and metal springs. Why is this such a big deal? Well, most trampolines opt for the more common bungee cord attachments but these are not as heavy duty as elastic straps in that they tend to break after 9-12 months of use. With this one, you do not have to go hunt for trampoline replacement parts in a long, long while.
As pictured left, the Fold & Go can be disassembled and packed up compactly for travel or storage, which is always a good idea because for an indoor trampoline, you do not want it to be laying around taking up valuable floorspace when not in use. To set up, simply unfold, screw on the legs, attach the handle and it is good to go.
Another stand-out feature is that it has 6 instead of the usual 4 legs which makes it one of the best trampoline in terms of stability and safety. If you want extra safety, a circular trampoline mat attaches with ease to it and the surface is of the right firmness that prevents kids from jumping too high, yet still has a great bouncy effect.
One thing to note is that the back legs tend to lift off slightly from the ground when heavier kids jump on it because of the increased pressure they put on the handlebar. However, it does not go to the extent that you need to fear about it tipping over, although you should always adhere to the weight limitation to keep things safe.
At under $100, The Original Toy Company Fold & Go Trampoline is one heavy duty trampoline (for its size) that we'd highly recommend to those who are looking for an excellent indoor trampoline.
2. Bazoongi 48" Bouncer Trampoline with Handlebar
EDITOR RATING:
Coming very close in second is the Bazoongi 48"Bouncer Trampoline with Handlebar that is 12" wider than the Fold & Go, which makes it ideal for both indoor and outdoor fun play.
Even though it is bigger in size, it does not have the same weight limitation as the Fold & Go in that it can accommodate up to 100 pounds max. Nonetheless, the Bazoongi also has 6 instead of 4 legs for extra stability that are made of rust-resistant, galvanized steel frame so you don't have to worry it being outdoor exposed to rainwater or the like.
The reason we rate it second is because it uses galvanized springs instead of elastic straps, the former which will require replacing after 9-12 months of heavy use. Also, it produces a gap where the metal spring lies and if your little one's foot fall into it, it may hurt quite a bit.
Apart from that, we find that this is one toddler trampoline that is well made and sturdy. The oversized frame pad includes mounting straps to secure the trampoline mat and the handlebar that is adjustable into 2 different heights is fully foam-padded all the way down, rather than just the top part.
Cheaper than the Fold & Go, the Bazoongi 48" Bouncer Trampoline with Handlebar is one of the best trampoline to buy as the
