A trampoline in the backyard provides hours of entertainment and creates many joyful childhood memories for your children.
Are you planning to bring a trampoline into your house? The good news is that there are many brands to choose from, but the plethora of possibilities may drive you insane in your search for the ideal one. It is critical to understand what distinguishes trampolines from the multitude of options.
Fortunately, there are some general standards you can follow. Consider these characteristics when choosing the trampoline that will deliver the best bouncing experiences for your children!
1. How Big Is the Space You Have Free for A Trampoline?
Generally, the backyard trampolines for kids should have at least three feet on each side. This provides space to erect it and keep the area around it clean. Even if the trampoline includes a mesh net, you’ll discover that the youngsters will just bounce into it. There should be no brick wall immediately next to the netting.
A 24-foot clearance above the trampoline is also recommended. Making sure there aren’t any branches, balconies, or overhanging roof eaves is part of this. The last thing you want is for the youngsters to have a tremendous bounce and knock themselves out!
Remember that certain trampolines can be buried if you have trouble getting clearance. This indicates that a hole has been dug beneath the mat to accommodate the bounce, putting the mat at ground level.
Before calculating your available area, consider whether you are looking at a round, oval, or rectangular trampoline.
Sizing for A Round Trampoline
If considering a round trampoline, measure your space in a square or rectangle. You should be aware of the area’s width and length. Then determine where the room’s center is. Mark it with a stick in the ground, some chalk, or perhaps some charcoal, depending on what you have on hand. Count out a length of string. This string should be half the diameter, or radius, of the trampoline you are considering, with an additional 3 feet added to the end for clearance.
For instance, make your string 7 feet long if you want to purchase an 8-foot trampoline (half of 8 feet is 4 feet, plus the 3 feet clearance). Make your string 9 feet long if you are staring at a trampoline that is 12 feet tall (half of 12 feet is 6 feet, plus the 3 feet clearance).
Trace a circle by firmly securing one end of the thread in the center. Reduce the string’s length if you run into something. When you go back and determine how much string you have, remember to remove the 3-foot clearance.
Once you have traced the circle, glance up to confirm that there is at least 24 feet of clear space above you.
Sizing for A Rectangular or An Oval Trampoline
This is going to be easier! You take measurements of the trampoline. Draw a width-by-length outline of the available space using your measuring device. Include 3 feet of clearance on either side. Look up and give yourself 24 feet of space above the ground.
We’ll look at the other things you should consider now that you have the actual area available for your trampoline.
2. How Old Are Your Kid(S)?
Consider starting with a smaller trampoline if your kids are younger (and lighter). Little kids have a tougher time getting a nice bounce on larger trampolines, which is less enjoyable. You might be planning for when they are teenagers, but it’s more crucial to consider how much fun you can have now and in the coming years.
Age Guide
Toddlers will adore a small trampoline. These can be purchased without handles to aid in balance or with handles like the vintage mini trampolines. Even an 8-foot trampoline frequently won’t provide them with enough bounce to enjoy it.
Depending on your budget and the size of your backyard, an 8- to 10-foot trampoline is what you should acquire if you have a child under the age of nine.
You should upgrade to a 12-foot trampoline if you have two or more younger children. If you don’t, you’ll hear cries of “It’s my turn,” “No, it’s my turn!” The idea is to create a pleasant and exciting space in your backyard.
If your children are over 10, a 14ft trampoline is recommended.
3. Consider the Number Of Kids Likely to Be on The Trampoline at One Time
Make sure the trampoline you choose is the appropriate size for the number of children who will likely be using it at any given moment. I’ve provided a general reference for circular trampolines, but if you take the measurements for a rectangle trampoline, you can see that these would be similar.
The youngsters WILL bump heads and collide if your trampoline is too little at some point. Ensure there is enough space to bounce safely while having a riotously fantastic time.
A younger child can comfortably use an 8-foot round trampoline at a time, while a 12-foot round trampoline can hold two or three smaller children. For a few older kids, the 12 feet wouldn’t be ideal and would even cause the trampoline to shatter.
The 14- or 16-foot trampolines are referred to as “the entertainer” frequently. You’ll eventually be surrounded by your children, the children down the street, their visiting cousins, and so on. This larger-size trampoline is what you need if you like the idea of being the fun house.
Additionally, if you have a significant number of older teenagers, you’ll need a rectangular trampoline that is 14 x 16 feet or 10 feet by 17 feet in size. A few older children can fit in both sizes at once.
4. Any Specific Activities They’ll Be Doing
The information presented above addresses youngsters’ general bouncing. There are other considerations to make if your tribe prefers gymnastics, dance, or athletic fitness training.
Because of their corners, rectangular trampolines provide greater bounce than round trampolines.
The trampoline size of choice for younger gymnasts, say those under the age of 8, is 9 x 14 feet. This will be a fantastic purchase if they wish to practice gymnastics at home while performing somewhere.
Great for cheerleading youngsters, parkour training, and spontaneous ball games is a 14 x 16-foot trampoline.
Olympic Size (10 x 17 ft) is ideal for trampoline sports training. Any single flip or tumbling routine can use it.
After considering these factors, you’ll be prepared to purchase the appropriate size trampoline for your backyard.
Bottomline
Choosing the ideal trampoline for your family’s needs can be challenging, but with the right information and considerations, you can make an informed choice. Think about the trampoline’s weight and size restrictions, safety features, and ease of installation and upkeep. Considering all these factors, you can find the best trampoline for your backyard and provide your kids with endless hours of entertainment and exercise.