Image: Flickr
Do you regularly find your kid jumping on the bed or the couch? Does he have a lot of extra energy to burn? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, what you need is a small trampoline.
Trampolines are a fantastic toy for children, and aside from keeping your kiddos from bouncing on the furniture, they have countless benefits. Specifically, they:
- Are a great source of exercise and help build stamina
- Stimulate metabolism and reduce the likelihood of obesity
- Strengthen bone density and reinforce joints
- Help improve balance and coordination
- Aid in lymphatic circulation
- Help with muscle control and development
- Improve motor skills and agility
- Help develop confidence
- Promote active play
- Improve sensory processing
It's also worth noting that they make an excellent toy for special needs children since, in addition to all of the above-mentioned benefits, they also help them by advancing their sensory skills, improving engagement and social skills, and increasing concentration.
Kids can jump for hours without even realizing that they're exercising, and in the end they get a great workout. What's more, jumping can also prepare a young child for any outdoor sports they end up playing when they're older, according to Trampoline Review Guide. And in general, a trampoline is a great toy to help kids burn off that extra energy on days when they can't get outside because it's too cold, too rainy or too hot.
Things to keep in mind
When using a trampoline, it's important to take the right precautions.
All jumping should be supervised by an adult, and the trampoline should be set on a flat surface, in the event of a fall. In the case of small trampolines, only one person should jump at a time, and the equipment should be checked regularly. Additionally, if any parts are damaged, they should be replaced or repaired immediately.
Also, you may find that the back of the trampoline lifts off the ground when your child jumps on it. One way to counteract this is to thread weights to the rear legs, which should ensure that all of the legs stay safely on the ground.
There are a lot of trampolines on the market, so we rolled up our sleeves, did some research and came up with a list of the best mini trampolines for kids out there, with 7 top contenders. Check out the table below for an overview.
Quick comparison: Best mini trampoline for kids
Trampoline | Features we love | Rating | Buy it now |
|---|---|---|---|
The Original Toy Company 
| - Made to rigid specifications | ||
Kangaroo's Trampoline 
| - Can be used indoors and outdoors | ||
Portable & Foldable 36-Inch Trampoline 
| - Comes with a carry and storage bag | ||
Pure Fun Kids 
| - Cushioned handle allows for firmer grip | ||
Pure Fun 48-Inch Kid's Super Jumper Trampoline 
| - Padded handle for better safety | NA | |
Skywalker Trampolines Round Lily Pad Adventure 
| - 360 degree handle provides extra support | ||
AirZone 55-Inch Trampoline and Enclosure 
| - Patented enclosure with zip entrances |
As you can see, we've covered different sizes, different shapes, trampolines with handlebars, ones with enclosures, models that work indoors and outdoors, for different ages and weight limits... So, let's get to it!
The Original Toy Company Fold and Go Trampoline
This is a great little trampoline for the little one in your life for several reasons. The company designed it with a view to creating something that was compact, easy to put together, unique and built to last, and that they did.
This 36-inch trampoline can support up to 150 pounds, and it can be assembled—and disassembled—in under 5 minutes. That, and its small size, means you can take it just about anywhere (although it doesn't fold up perfectly flat).
There's no bungee cord on this one, but the jumping surface arrives pre-attached to the steel frame with more than a dozen heavy-duty straps.
What we love:
- It has 6 legs (instead of 4), which makes it more stable
- Extremely well-made
- Easy to clean
What we don't love:
- May have a rubbery smell at first
- Some previous buyers have had problems attaching the legs to the trampoline
Kangaroo's 36-Inch Trampoline for Kids
This is one of the best mini trampolines for kids available at the moment. It's perfect for children ages 3 and up, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Assembly is a snap, taking all of 15 minutes, and the parts fit together snugly, a testament to its safety. It supports a weight of up to 155 pounds. It uses elastic bands as opposed to springs, which is also considered a safer method by some.
This is a perfect option for toddlers or preschool age kids, although older children will love it too. It's a sturdy, well-made mini trampoline that's sure to be a hit at your house.
What we love:
- The padded safety bar is very stable and is secured to the trampoline by bolts
- Has a higher maximum weight limit than most other models
- Minimal number of parts to put together and trampoline comes with visual instructions
What we don't love:
- Warranty is only for 6 months
- Bar is not adjustable, so it does not accommodate shorter children
- Does not fold up for storage
Portable and Foldable 36-Inch Trampoline
This is another strong candidate for your kids, with a 3-foot jumping surface and a handlebar for better stability. Like the previous model, this trampoline can be used indoors and outdoors.
Putting this particular model together is also quite easy, as the mat comes pre-assembled and there is no bungee cord. It has 6 legs, which provide it with great stability, it's recommended for kids 3 and up, and the weight limit is 150 pounds.
But without a doubt, this trampoline's greatest feature is the fact that you can take it with you! You simply fold up the frame, close it and you're ready to roll. It even comes with its own bag to make traveling with it that much easier.
What we love:
- 1-year warranty
- Sturdy, high-quality product
- Extremely lightweight
What we don't love:
- One previous customer says the instructions are not very clear
- The holes where the screws are may warp over time
- Blue padding on the handlebar can be torn off
Pure Fun Kids Preschool Jumper
Here's a superfun trampoline for your little one. It's got real springs, which gives it more bounce, and the majority of previous buyers all concur that it's an excellent trampoline for kids.
We're a fan of this particular model because we love the way that kids learn while they jump. The padded cover is decorated with the ABCs, plus it's got colors and shapes, making this a great first trampoline for your child.
Recommended for kids ages 3 to 7, and with a weight limit of 75 pounds, this is the ideal toy for helping your kiddo become physically active and learn about balance and coordination.
What we love:
- The handlebar is bolted as opposed to being welded on, with the result that it is more stable
- The handlebar can be removed, which makes this easy to store
What we don't love:
- Assembly is slightly challenging and instructions could be improved
- The handlebar padding can tear
Pure Fun 48-Inch Kid's Super Jumper Trampoline
This trampoline, which can be used indoors and outdoors, is slightly larger than the models above, measuring 48 inches wide. If you've got the room at home, this is a great options for kids, precisely because it is slightly larger and gives them more space to jump.
One of the features we love is the adjustable padded handlebar, which can be raised from 30 inches to 40 inches. This model will also let your kids get some serious bouncing in, thanks to the 40 galvanized steel springs.
Recommended for kids ages 3 to 10, and with a weight limit of 100 pounds, watch as this quickly becomes your child's go-to toy.
What we love:
- Well-made, safe and sturdy
- Fairly easy to assemble
- The feet have durable rubber protection
What we don't love:
- As it's larger, it's more difficult to store
- Short, 90-day warranty
- Customer service is not the greatest
Skywalker Trampolines 40-Inch Round Lily Pad Adventure Bouncer with Enclosure
This 40-inch trampoline, and the 60-inch model by the same company, is a very popular model with a nice added feature: an enclosure!
The enclosure is padded foam and gap free, and the trampoline has a circular handle that extends 360 degrees around it. This is ideal because it gives kids extra support and increases overall safety.
With a weight limit of 100 pounds, and a wide-frame base and arched enclosure poles for better stability, you can let your kid hop to his heart's content. This trampoline has bungee cords as opposed to springs, and is recommended for kids ages 3 to 7.
What we love:
- Very lightweight
- The skirt underneath prevents kids from crawling under the trampoline and potentially being jumped on
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
What we don't love:
- Difficult and time-consuming to assemble
- Is wider than a doorway, so it must be dissembled if you're going to move it from indoors to outdoors
- Handlebar foam tears easily
AirZone 55-Inch Trampoline and Enclosure
Here's one more enclosed option for you and your kiddo. This brand's trampolines and enclosures are independently lab tested to ensure they meet all safety protocols, so you can relax when your little one is hopping around in there.
This trampoline has a bungee cord suspension system and a patented enclosure entrance, which zips right open. The poles are covered with foam and, overall, the model is very sturdy. What's more, the general consensus is that this trampoline offers great bang for your buck.
What we love:
- Very lightweight
- The skirt underneath prevents kids from crawling under the trampoline and potentially being jumped on
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
What we don't love:
- Some previous customers say the zipper could be better quality
- Assembly is fairly challenging
Well, there you have it—7 of the best mini trampolines for kids on the market at the moment.
If you're planning on using your trampoline outside, check out our article on backyard swing sets for more outdoor toy inspiration.
As for trampolines, whatever the occasion, they will make a wonderful gift for the little person in your life!
