Please note that I may earn a small commission from purchases made through product links in this article. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Last updated: February 7, 2023
Reviews of seven of the best backyard trampolines, based on safety, durability, maintenance, shape, price, and more.
Backyard trampolines have evolved a lot over the years, especially in terms of safety, quality, and maintenance. This also means that choosing a new trampoline can be challenging, as there is a lot to consider and they come in many different shapes and sizes.
In this article, I will share seven of the best outdoor backyard trampolines you can buy for your kids today, based on several buying factors. Be sure to read my buying guide further below before deciding on which trampoline to buy.
Top 7 Backyard Trampolines:
Top 7 Backyard Trampolines
Here are seven good quality and generously sized backyard trampolines that both you and your kids are going to appreciate.
The below trampolines are suitable for kids and adults. If you’re looking for a smaller trampoline, check out my guide to the best trampolines for toddlers.
1. CalmMax Recreational Trampoline
CalmMax offers this round-shaped recreation backyard trampoline in six different sizes, ranging from a small and compact 8 feet to a generously sized 16 feet.
It’s built and designed with safety in mind, and comes with a 6 feet high enclosure net, three to six U-shaped legs for optimum trampoline stability, and a convenient ladder (except for the smallest 8-feet sized version). The mat has a robust polypropylene surface that offers excellent rebounding force, supported by rust-resistant galvanized springs.
Overall, this CalmMax trampoline model offers the best value for money. Built with durable materials and designed to the highest safety standards, you can be confident this trampoline will last for many years in your backyard.
| CalmMax Recreational Trampoline | |
|---|---|
| Trampoline shape: | Round |
| Frame size: | 8-15 feet |
| Weight capacity: | 400 pounds |
2. Zupapa Backyard Trampoline
This Zupapa outdoor trampoline model really walks the walk when it comes to providing you and your family with a safe and durable jumping experience.
Asking someone to come bounce on your hot-dip galvanized trampoline may sound like an awkward invite, but it’s actually a really important feature that gives this product its stamina. It’s a finishing process that provides the steel frame with five times more protection from rust and will make your trampoline last much longer.
The no-gap design of the springs is also a clever feature to stop anything from getting past. This trampoline has extra springs to close up any scary gaps, as well as adding extra bounce. The soft foam pad over the top stops any small curious hands from getting stuck.
Also worth mentioning is that the anti-UV jumping mat has a weight capacity of 375 to 425 pounds, depending on the size you choose (options from 8 to 15 feet frame). Lastly, the 7.2 feet high enclosure net ensures maximum safety.
| Zupapa Backyard Trampoline | |
|---|---|
| Trampoline shape: | Round |
| Frame size: | 8-15 feet |
| Weight capacity: | 375-425 pounds |
3. Tatub Outdoor Trampoline
This round-shaped outdoor trampoline has a 16 feet frame size and comes with a full safety enclosure and a convenient ladder. The rust resistance steel construction has 6 U-shaped legs that create maximum stability.
For an extra element of fun, this trampoline also includes a basketball hoop which, of course, doesn’t need to be used, but it’s a nice-to-have for the kids. Also included are an accessory kit and detailed instructions.
The Tatub Outdoor Trampoline is easy to assemble, but do make sure to carefully read the step-by-step instructions before assembling.
| Tatub Outdoor Trampoline | |
|---|---|
| Trampoline shape: | Round |
| Frame size: | 16 feet |
| Weight capacity: | 375 pounds |
4. Skywalker Rectangle Jump-N-Dunk Trampoline
Skywalker is a well-known manufacturer of recreational backyard trampolines, and this rectangular-shaped model not only offers a generously sized mat (8 x 14 or 9 x 15 feet) but also includes a basketball hoop.
The materials used to build this trampoline are premium, including weather-resistant galvanized steel, a polypropylene mat, a polyethylene net, and a UV-resistant PVC spring pad. As we touch on further below, Skywalker commits to meeting or exceeding ASTM standards, ensuring the best safety for your children.
While rectangular-shaped trampolines are less common than circular trampolines, one of the benefits of a rectangular-shaped trampoline is that they often offer a better and more efficient bouncing experience, while also better accommodating two kids to jump at the same time.
| Skywalker Rectangle Jump-N-Dunk Trampoline | |
|---|---|
| Trampoline shape: | Rectangular |
| Frame size: | 8×14 / 9×15 feet |
| Weight capacity: | 250 pounds |
5. Exacme Heavy Duty Outdoor Trampoline
The round-shaped Exacme heavy-duty trampoline may seem a little basic, but don’t judge a book by its cover. It comes in a wide range of sizes (8 to 16 feet frame), and the larger sizes make it one of the bigger outdoor trampolines on this list.
This is great if it will be shared by more than one child at a time, or if you, as the adult, are going to join in on the fun. Exacme also has a wide range of options you can upgrade to in their collection. For example, you can choose between having the safety net on the inside of the springs instead of the outside.
You also have the option to upgrade with an integrated basketball hoop or a trampoline with carbon fiber surround rail.
| Exacme Heavy Duty Outdoor Trampoline | |
|---|---|
| Trampoline shape: | Round |
| Frame size: | 8-16 feet |
| Weight capacity: | 375 pounds |
6. Merax Kids Basketball Trampoline
This trampoline is a slam dunk, literally. The Merax 15-feet backyard trampoline with a safety enclosure net combines two awesome sports in one by integrating a little basketball hoop into the top of the safety net.
But if you’re concerned that this trampoline is all about the dunking and not the jumping, then you can stop worrying now. This high-quality trampoline is designed to be safe and provide a smooth and superior bounce experience.
The 6 feet high enclosure net and galvanized rust-resistant steel construction with 6 U-shaped legs offer not only the highest safety standards but also optimal stability while in use.
| Merax Kids Basketball Trampoline | |
|---|---|
| Trampoline shape: | Round |
| Frame size: | 15 feet |
| Weight capacity: | 375 pounds |
7. Lukdof Recreational Backyard Trampoline
This Lukdof backyard trampoline comes in two different sizes; 10 feet and 14 feet, with the latter also including a basketball hoop. Both versions comply with ASTMzs safety standards and includes common accessories such as an enclosure net and a padding cover.
The high-tension steel springs offer an excellent bouncing experience and are covered with a durable blue PE+PVC foam pad. The galvanized steel components have a hard-wearing zinc coating, and the U-shaped legs have six balanced contact points for superior stability while the trampoline is in use.
| Lukdof Recreational Backyard Trampoline | |
|---|---|
| Trampoline shape: | Round |
| Frame size: | 10-14 feet |
| Weight capacity: | 600 pounds |
Backyard Trampoline Buying Guide
As mentioned above, outdoor backyard trampolines come in various shapes and sizes, and some offer more features than others. In other words, choosing the perfect outdoor trampoline for your backyard can be quite a challenge.
In this guide, I am going to share some factors that you can take into consideration when looking for that new trampoline:
- Trampoline shape
- Safety features
- Extra features
- Space and surface
- Weight limit
- Trampoline maintenance
- Trampoline safety rules
Let’s go through these factors in a bit more detail.
1. Trampoline Shape
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of trampoline shapes before purchasing one.
There are generally four primary trampoline shapes:
- Round
- Square
- Rectangular
- Oval
Each of these shapes has its own benefits and drawbacks. Square and rectangular trampolines are typically a bit sturdier than circular and oval models. Round models usually sell at a lower price point and perhaps offer more portability than bulkier square trampolines.
A round or oval-shaped trampoline is often the most logical choice for recreational backyard use. Most of the trampolines listed above are round-shaped trampolines.
Read my guide explaining the different types of trampoline shapes for more information on this topic.
2. Safety Features
A modern backyard trampoline is generally regarded to be a safe toy to be used by kids. However, some trampolines are definitely safer than others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to choose a trampoline with all the safety features. This will also depend on who is going to use the trampoline.
Many outdoor trampolines come with a safety net surrounding the mat to help prevent children from falling off. For obvious reasons, this is quite a crucial safety feature. Make sure that the net has a sufficient height and is made with high-quality rip-proof materials.
Some trampolines also have a ladder attached to make it easier for people to get onto the trampoline mat safely. Make sure the ladder is safely attached to the trampoline and that access to the mat is as easy as it gets.
The mat itself should ideally also cover the springs to prevent injuries, especially when smaller children or inexperienced trampoline users are going to be jumping on the trampoline. If the mat doesn’t cover the springs, ensure they are covered with soft padding, which is quite common.
Another thing to consider is an anchoring system to ensure the trampoline doesn’t move around when in use and doesn’t blow away in case of strong winds.
Read my guide to anchoring a trampoline for more practical information on this important topic.
3. Extra Features
In addition to the safety features above, some trampolines also have extra features to enhance the trampoline experience.
For example, as you’ve seen in the list of backyard trampolines above, some products come with a basketball hoop.
Whether you need additional features like that is, of course, entirely up to you. But make sure that the actual jumping experience and safety aren’t sacrificed by any of those extra features.
4. Space and Surface
This might be an obvious one, but please consider the size of your backyard and the space available to place a trampoline. Believe me when I say that most people are surprised to see how much space a trampoline occupies in their backyard when it is set up.
In addition to the space needed, you also need to think about the surface. It’s important to place a trampoline on a flat surface and avoid slopes, even if they’re hardly noticeable.
Grass is also a much more suitable surface than concrete, and if you don’t have a grass surface available, consider investing in a set of rubber mats or similar.
Read more about this topic in my guide to the best surface for your trampoline.
5. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity as determined by the manufacturer (and also the size and shape of the trampoline) will determine how many people can be on the trampoline at once, and if it is suitable for both kids and adults.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) requires that a trampoline should be able to withstand up to four times the weight limit.
But trampoline manufacturers aren’t required to pass these ASTM trampoline tests, so don’t expect all backyard trampolines to be able to hold four times the recommended weight limit. And definitely don’t try and test that at home.
I always recommend only having one person jumping at any given time, but it’s still important to consider the weight capacity, just in case. Most modern trampolines will have a minimum weight capacity of 250 pounds.
Read more about this topic in my guide to trampoline weight limits.
6. Trampoline Maintenance
Once you’ve purchased a trampoline, it’s essential to look after it so that you can keep and use it for many years to come.
While some trampolines are certainly better quality than others, longevity also depends on how well you’re going to maintain the trampoline.
It’s important to clean the trampoline (frame and mat) regularly, especially before and after the winter break. It’s also recommended to check the mat for any tears or holes regularly. Early detection means that tears and holes can still be fixed.
Other things you need to look out for are UV protection of the mat, springs, and frame, and also make sure the springs and frame are rust-proof. This will make maintenance easier and will ensure improved longevity.
Read my guide to patching a trampoline mat hole for some practical tips. Also read my guide to cleaning a trampoline mat so you’re well prepared once you have that trampoline installed in your backyard.
7. Trampoline Safety Rules
While trampolines are great fun for kids and a must-have in the backyard, they are not without risk. It’s essential to be aware of these risks and explain to your kids how to use a trampoline safely.
Read my guide explaining the most common trampoline safety rules, so you and your kids can keep enjoying the backyard trampoline for many years.
While I do generally recommend only using a trampoline for what it is designed to do, jumping, check out my guide to fun activities to do on a trampoline for more ideas to keep your kids entertained in the backyard.
