- Why Trampoline Safety Rules Matter?
- Are Trampolines Safe or Dangerous?
- Trampoline Injury Statistics
- Outdoor Trampoline Safety Tips
- Trampoline Safety Guidelines for Installation
- In-Ground Trampoline Safety vs Above-Ground Trampolines
- Why Choose North Above-Ground Trampolines?
- Why Springfree® Trampolines?
- How to Maintain a Safe Backyard Trampoline?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Trampoline Safety
- Visit Our Showrooms to Try Our Trampolines
Kids love to jump on trampolines, and the activity can improve their health by keeping them active. If you're like most parents, you feel serious concern about injuries your kids could get from jumping outside. Are trampolines really dangerous? The answer is not as clear-cut as you would think.
Establishing safety guidelines for your kids and finding the right trampoline safety features can help you reduce the chances of injuries while giving your kids a fun place to play outside.
Why Trampoline Safety Rules Matter?
Trampolines have become a popular addition to family backyards because they encourage physical activity, coordination, balance, and outdoor play. Kids enjoy the freedom to jump and stay active, while parents appreciate having a fun recreational option close to home.
However, trampoline safety should always come first. Even though trampolines are designed for recreation, improper use can lead to injuries ranging from minor sprains to more serious accidents. Many of these incidents occur when children attempt flips without supervision, multiple jumpers use the trampoline at the same time, or safety equipment is not properly maintained.
Modern trampoline systems are much safer than older designs thanks to advanced safety enclosures, protective padding, reinforced frames, and improved construction methods. Choosing a high-quality trampoline and following safety guidelines can dramatically reduce the risk of injuries while allowing families to enjoy safer backyard fun.
Are Trampolines Safe or Dangerous?
Like many pieces of outdoor play equipment, trampolines can pose a hazard to unsupervised kids, but you can control several factors to make these devices safer. By choosing the right trampolines and encouraging safe play, you can keep your kids safer.
Trampolines can be a part of your children's healthy lifestyle by increasing their aerobic activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that children between ages five and 17 should get at least an hour of moderate to intense aerobic exercise daily. The organization also encourages kids to engage in weight-bearing activities such as running and jumping, which help build bone density.
When it comes to whether trampolines are safe or dangerous, it depends on how you look at the data. Compared to commercial jump parks, the injury rate for home trampolines was higher, but the problems did not result in fractures or surgery as often. For example, only 17% of home trampoline injuries resulted in dislocations or fractions, and only 10% of injuries needed surgery. For commercial jump parks, the rates of fractures were 45%, with 23% of injuries requiring surgery.
While you're never guaranteed complete safety with any activity, home trampolines with adequate supervision and safety features may be a better option for you and your kids than a commercial jump park.
Comparing trampolines to other forms of play children can do, the types of injuries do not differ significantly. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. William J. Shaughnessy M.D. likens the injuries from trampolines to those of playgrounds and bicycles. You cannot completely get rid of any chances of injuries for kids on trampolines, but you can mitigate the danger.
Trampoline Injury Statistics
Injuries on trampolines stem from improper jumping or not having enough supervision. The most common injuries from home trampolines involved the lower extremities, with 40% of incidents involving the legs or feet. Hands and arms came in a close second for damages — with 29% of reported hurts.
Injuries that most often resulted in emergency room trips happened from falls off the trampoline, impacting the springs, jumpers colliding with each other or jumpers trying dangerous flips. Luckily, the majority of those treated in emergency rooms for trampoline injuries did not need hospitalization. Only 4% of those who went to the emergency room required admission into the hospital for treatment.
Thankfully, most of the injuries on trampolines do not result in death. Over nine years from 1990 to 1999, only 11 deaths came from trampolines, with six of those happening to children between 12 and 19.
Despite the low number of deaths, injuries still occurred most frequently to children. Those ages six to 14 had the highest rate of hurts. Two-thirds of people who sustained injuries while on trampolines were within this age group.
Outdoor Trampoline Safety Tips
When allowing your kids or other adults to jump on a trampoline, keep these trampoline safety rules in mind to ensure everyone stays protected while they play. If needed, print out these rules to have posted near the trampoline so no one will forget. Teach these trampoline safety tips for kids jumping habits while reminding other adults in your home about them.
1. Only Play With Adult Supervision
Even adults using the trampoline should not play alone. Having someone on hand ensures there will be a person to get help if needed. Adults also serve as spotters for kids, making sure the children follow the established trampoline safety guide you've outlined.
In previous studies, adults were present only 55.6% of the time when a child got injured. This statistic highlights the need to have adults watching their kids while they jump. If more than half of the injuries occurred with supervision, that means almost half happened when kids were alone.
For children, adult supervision will ensure they do not try dangerous stunts while jumping. Do allow your kids to try somersaults, flips or other gymnastics moves on the trampoline. These could result in serious injury. Of parents who had a child injured on a trampoline, 56.9% reported that their child had tried one of these dangerous moves at some point before their injury. Preventing your kids from trying flips could protect them from future injuries.
2. Arrange a Safe Play Area
The placement of the trampoline will ensure your kids have a safe, secure jumping place. Do not set the trampoline near overhanging tree limbs, roofs, pools or power lines. Kids could hit these while jumping. Even worse, the temptation to leap from a rooftop or tree onto the trampoline is too high. Never allow kids to jump from other surfaces onto the trampoline or use the trampoline to jump into pools.
Have plenty of light in the area. You don't want portions of the trampoline or nearby ground in shadow where an adult supervisor cannot see children. Ensure the feet of the trampoline rest securely on flat ground. Surround the area with soft landing material such as wood or rubber mulch.
Since many trampolines do not come with ladders, purchase one to give your kids a safe way to get from the trampoline to the ground. Remove the ladder when your kids leave the trampoline at the end of the day to prevent unauthorized use of the play area.
Like swimming pools, you may have municipal requirements to fence your trampoline in to prevent neighborhood kids from accessing it. Without a fence, you may find yourself liable if an accident does occur from someone jumping on the trampoline without your knowledge.
3. Follow Directions
Look at the directions for your trampoline model. Never allow jumpers to exceed the maximum weight restrictions for the trampoline's design. You must add the weights of multiple people who are on the jumping surface at the same time to verify the total stays below the recommended level. Surpassing the maximum load can shorten the life of the trampoline while making jumping more dangerous.
Also, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for inspecting the surface of the trampoline, springs and enclosure. Check these regularly before and after any jumping sessions.
4. Limit Jumpers and Kids Nearby
Don't allow more than one person to jump at a time. Jumpers colliding with each other is one of the top causes of injuries requiring a trip to the emergency room. Having multiple jumpers, especially those of vastly different sizes, poses a severe hazard. The larger child can land on a smaller one, causing severe injuries.
In many instances, injuries happened not to kids jumping on the trampoline but those standing too close. Never let children stand, crawl or sit under a trampoline, whether someone is jumping on the surface or not.
Consider the ages of those jumping. Don't allow kids under six to jump on a trampoline because 15% of injuries occurred in those younger than this age.
5. Choose Trampolines With Safety Features
Don't neglect safety features when choosing the right trampoline for your backyard. Adding a net to a trampoline can cut a child's chances of a broken bone in half. All our trampolines have netting around them to keep your kids safe. Even with a net, however, it's important for your kids to bounce safely to avoid getting hurt. One child, for instance, broke both arms because he jumped over the safety net. Keeping a close eye on your kids is still critical to preventing such injuries.
Other features you may need include a no-tip design. You don't want the trampoline to turn over just because a child jumps near the edge. If your model does not have a no-tip feature, invest in an anchor kit that screws into the ground to keep the trampoline upright.
Installing a ladder on the trampoline helps you to limit access to the jumping surface when you cannot watch the kids. Ladders also make it safer for your kids to get onto high trampolines.
Most trampolines have padding covering the springs. If your model does not, you can ensure your kids are safer by investing in one. Falling between springs can cause severe foot and leg injuries. Uncovered springs can also pinch tiny fingers and toes. Having a cover and pad will cushion your kids if they fall onto this portion of the trampoline.
6. Remove Dangers
If your children wear jewelry, have them remove all pieces before getting on the trampoline. Earrings or necklaces can poke at delicate skin. Even rings can strike other kids, causing bruises. The same applies to any hard hair accessories like headbands or barrettes.
Tell kids to empty their pockets before getting on the trampoline, too. Keys, coins, toys and other items in their pockets can injure them while jumping.
Don't let kids jump while wearing shoes. Have a designated space next to the trampoline ladder for your kids to place their shoes while they bounce. By putting all the shoes into the same place, you can quickly determine if everyone jumping has removed their shoes as requested. Taking off shoes will also help to increase the life of the jumping surface of the trampoline.
7. Avoid Jumping During Wet or Windy Weather
Rain, snow, and strong winds can create slippery surfaces and unstable conditions. Trampolines should only be used during safe weather conditions.
Trampoline Safety Guidelines for Installation
Proper installation is one of the most overlooked parts of trampoline safety. Even the highest-quality trampoline can become unsafe if it is installed incorrectly.
Choosing the Best Location for a Trampoline
The trampoline should be placed in an open area with plenty of clearance around all sides. Avoid locations near:
- Trees
- Fences
- Patios
- Driveways
- Swing sets
- Power lines
Adequate clearance helps reduce collision risks and creates a safer play area.
Why Anchoring Your Trampoline Matters
Anchoring systems help keep trampolines secure during heavy use and strong weather conditions. Proper anchoring can reduce shifting and improve overall stability.
Benefits of Professional Trampoline Installation
Professional installation helps ensure that every component is assembled correctly and safely. Experienced installers understand proper spacing, anchoring, leveling, and safety requirements, helping families enjoy greater peace of mind.
In-Ground Trampoline Safety vs Above-Ground Trampolines
Families often compare in-ground trampoline safety vs above-ground trampolines when choosing the best option for their backyard. Both styles offer advantages, and safety largely depends on installation quality, maintenance, supervision, and equipment design.
Benefits of In-Ground Trampoline Safety
In-ground trampolines sit closer to ground level, which can help reduce fall height and improve accessibility for younger children. They also blend more naturally into backyard landscaping and may reduce visual impact.
Benefits of Above-Ground Trampolines
Modern above-ground trampolines offer excellent safety features and flexible installation options. Many premium systems include advanced enclosure designs, durable frames, and enhanced padding for safer jumping experiences.
Above-ground trampolines also provide:
- Easier installation
- Greater portability
- Strong safety enclosure systems
Are Above-Ground Trampolines Safe for Families?
Yes, high-quality above-ground trampolines can provide a safe backyard experience when properly installed and maintained. Premium systems like North Above-Ground Trampolines are designed with advanced safety features that help create a more secure jumping environment for families.
Features such as reinforced safety enclosures, heavy-duty frames, thick safety padding, and secure ladder systems help improve overall trampoline safety while supporting long-term durability.
Which Trampoline Option Is Safer for Your Backyard?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both in-ground and above-ground trampolines can be safe choices when families follow proper trampoline safety guidelines.
The safest option depends on:
- Backyard space
- Age of jumpers
- Installation quality
- Safety features
- Ongoing maintenance
- Supervision practices
Choosing a premium trampoline system and prioritizing safe use habits will always play the biggest role in reducing injury risks.
Why Choose North Above-Ground Trampolines?
When selecting a backyard trampoline, safety, durability, and long-term performance should always come first. North Above-Ground Trampolines are designed with premium materials and advanced safety features that help families create a safer and more enjoyable outdoor play environment.
- Reinforced Safety Enclosures - North Above-Ground Trampolines feature reinforced safety enclosure systems designed to help keep jumpers safely within the jumping area. These durable enclosures help reduce the risk of accidental falls while providing added support during active play.
- UV-Resistant Safety Pads - Protective safety pads cover the springs and frame components to help minimize impact injuries. The UV-resistant materials are built to withstand outdoor weather conditions, helping maintain both safety and appearance over time.
- Durable Galvanized Steel Frames - Each trampoline is built with heavy-duty galvanized steel frames engineered for long-lasting stability and corrosion resistance. This durable construction helps support safer jumping performance season after season.
- Secure Ladder and Entry Systems - North trampolines are designed with secure ladder and entry systems that improve accessibility while helping younger jumpers enter and exit the trampoline more safely.
- Designed for Stability and Family Use - A stable trampoline creates a safer jumping experience for all ages. North Above-Ground Trampolines are designed with strong structural support and reliable weight capacity to help families enjoy confident, worry-free outdoor fun.
Why Springfree® Trampolines?
Springfree® trampolines increase the jumping surface by removing the springs. Your kids still get the bounciness they love, but not the chances of falling through holes between springs or falling off the surface. Without springs and with an enclosed bouncing area, your kids can be safer while they jump.
Though you can get Springfree® trampolines as large as 11-by-11 feet, their designs prevent tipping — no matter where your child jumps on the surface. Because the construction does not have an outer ring of springs, your kids get the same amount of jumping area of this trampoline as they would on a 14-foot traditional model.
Both North® and Springfree® brands offer multiple safety features, so the only thing to choose is the one your kids would prefer to jump on. If you don't know which trampoline model your kids will prefer, have them try out both brands before you purchase the right one for your family.
How to Maintain a Safe Backyard Trampoline?
Regular trampoline maintenance helps improve safety, performance, and long-term durability. Follow these simple maintenance tips to keep your backyard trampoline in excellent condition:
- Inspect springs, frames, and mats regularly to check for rust, stretching, loose hardware, or signs of wear and damage.
- Check safety nets and protective padding for tears, loose connections, or weather-related damage that could affect safe use.
- Keep the trampoline surface clean by removing leaves, dirt, standing water, and debris to maintain safer jumping conditions.
- Monitor frame stability and anchoring systems to ensure the trampoline remains level and secure during use.
- Prepare your trampoline for seasonal weather by checking anchors before storms and protecting the trampoline during heavy snow or strong winds.
- Replace damaged parts immediately to help maintain a safe jumping environment for children and adults.
- Perform routine safety checks before use to identify any loose components or potential hazards early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trampoline Safety
What Age Is Safe for Kids to Use a Trampoline?
Younger children should always use trampolines under close supervision and with age-appropriate safety precautions. Families should follow manufacturer recommendations for age and weight guidelines.
Do Safety Nets Really Help Prevent Injuries?
Yes. Safety enclosures help reduce accidental falls and are considered one of the most important trampoline safety features.
How long do trampoline safety pads and nets last?
Trampoline safety pads and nets typically last between 3 to 7 years, depending on the quality of the materials, weather exposure, and how often the trampoline is used. Premium systems like North Above-Ground Trampolines are designed with durable, UV-resistant materials that help extend the lifespan of safety components. Regular inspections are important, and any torn nets, cracked padding, or worn areas should be replaced immediately to help maintain a safe jumping environment.
Visit Our Showrooms to Try Our Trampolines
You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, so why would you invest in a trampoline without letting your kids test-bounce it? The best way to find the right trampoline for your family is by trying them out in person. Bring your kids to one of our showrooms to see first-hand what our products look like and which trampoline safety factors they have.
We feel as strongly about safety as you do. That's why we only offer trampolines that have particular features that make them safer options for your home. We've been in the outdoor play business for 20 years, and we know precisely the features to reduce injury risk. Our safety knowledge ensures we sell trampolines you can safely enjoy with your whole family for years to come.
Contact us with questions about our trampolines, locations, birthday parties or any other concerns you have. We'd love to hear from you.