26 Trampoline Benefits For Kids & Why You Should Get One!
In my opinion, every child should be allowed to trampoline as often as they can. As there are so many trampoline benefits for kids.
We purchased our trampoline back in 2015 (when our son was 5) and I have to say it was the best gift we have ever purchased.
The reason we got a trampoline in the first place is a long story.
But I will summarize, we went through the adoption process about 4 years ago as we desperately wanted to adopt. Our social worker went into great detail about the benefits of trampolining for autism. And how jumping on a trampoline was a great idea for children, especially “looked after children”.
We of course did our own research and came across endless articles about the benefits of trampolining. As we already had a child we decided to get one immediately.
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Our son is now 8 years old and jumps on his trampoline every day it is not raining. In fact, he recently enjoyed it in the snow!
As we now homeschool having a trampoline has been a Godsend, especially when he needs 10 minutes to regroup.
What are the benefits of using a trampoline?
Using trampolines to keep your child entertained is a healthy alternative to jumping on your furniture (which is not ideal!). Kids love the thrill of jumping off the trampoline. Skyrocketing into mid-air and I love that they’re using up their seemingly endless energy.
The main trampoline benefits for kids are:
- Self-confidence
- Strength of limbs
- Numeracy – Counting each bounce
- Patience – Taking turns
- Communication
- Co-ordination
- Independence
- Balance
- Muscle tone
- Reaction speed
- Self-image
- Eye contact
- Relaxation (another great way is having detox baths for kids.)
- Freedom of movement
- Sense of achievement
- Stamina
- Spatial awareness
- Body awareness
- Social awareness
- Consideration of others
- Height and depth perception
- Fun and enjoyment
Other benefits of trampoline include:
- Stimulation of the digestive system can help your immune system
- Stimulation of the lymphatic system which helps flush out toxins (learn more with our free lymphatic system labeling worksheet)
- Improved bowel function
- Internal organ massage
- Increase bone density
- Weight loss
Benefits of trampolining for kids with autism
There is also evidence that bouncing on a trampoline is great for kids with autism. Many autistic children struggle to interact with their peers because they’re considered trapped in their own world.
This can mean that children feel excluded and find it difficult to make friends at school.
According to a company that evaluates child health, having a trampoline at home is a great way to interact with your child and give them the enjoyment they deserve.
We have a 10ft Trampoline which comes with the netting, and I have to say we have had no issues with it all.
Trampoline Health Benefits
Studies by NASA scientists show that bouncing on a trampoline is 68% more effective than jogging! But requires less effort! You can develop both upper and lower body strength just as effectively as you can with weight lifting! Without the strain or threat of pulling muscles.
Trampolining has also been shown to outperform swimming as an all round aerobic exercise!
Check out our favorite PE ideas for homeschool too.
Research from the United States suggests trampoline exercise can increase the amount of the chemical dopamine in the brain, which can affect behavior. It is also helpful in improving the quality of sleep for children. Anything cardiovascular can improve dopamine levels.
Tony Lloyd, the chief executive of the ADHD Foundation
Homeschooling a child with ADHD has many challenges, and to be honest, doing it without a trampoline would have made it much harder. Some of our other favorite toys for ADHD kids can be found here.
See our top tips for homeschooling a child with ADHD!
If you have ever seen Winnie the Pooh you will remember these lyrics:
The wonderful thing about Tiggers Is Tiggers are wonderful things! Their tops are made out of rubber. Their bottoms are made out of springs!” Now can you also remember just how bouncy and happy Tigger was?
Winnie the Pooh
Trampoline Safety
Of course, there are safety aspects that need to be considered before you buy a trampoline. But at the very least make sure you get a safety net.
According to the Royal Society of Accidents
Trampolining isn’t suitable for children under the age of six because they’re not sufficiently physically developed to control their bouncing.
Trampolining injuries can occur to all parts of the body, including the neck, arms, legs face, and head. Head and neck injuries are the most serious injuries associated with trampolines.
The most common injuries are caused by awkward landings and include sprains or fractures to the wrist, forearm, elbow, and collarbone.
Adult supervision is no guarantee of safety. More than half of all trampoline accidents occur whilst under supervision. However, a trained ‘spotter’ can greatly reduce this risk.
Whatever your ability level, join a local trampolining club to learn new trampolining skills, ranging from the basics of landing safely to advanced moves such as somersaults.
There are over 26 health benefits for kids jumping on a trampoline, including self-confidence, stimulation of the digestive system plus many others.
The ADHD Foundation suggests that bouncing can increase the amount of the chemical dopamine in the brain, which can affect behavior. It is also helpful in improving the quality of sleep for children.
Studies by NASA scientists show that rebounding is 68% more effective than jogging, and yet requires less effort! You can also develop both upper and lower body strength just as effectively as weight lifting – without the strain or threat of pulled or torn muscles. Rebounding has been shown to outperform swimming as an all-round exercise.
Last Updated on 18 July 2024 by Clare Brown
I wish we had room for a trampoline in our back garden!
Great detailed post! We love trampoline and agree with the benefits!
I took my 3 year old to the trampoline park a few weeks ago and I think I loved it more than her! She doesn’t bounce high of course and they have little trampolines for the teeny ones. I was loving it though – such a good work out but my god was I glad for Tena!!
My little boys have a trampoline and it is the best thing we have ever bought! I never considered that it had so many health benefits but this makes me love it even more!
Our trampoline was our best ever buy too! Sadly, it bit the dust in the recent windy/snowy weather and we need to replace it. Our autistic daughter loves bouncing at gets a lot out of trampolining. I didn’t know about a lot of these benefits, though, so thanks!
I’ve always been a bit on the fence about trampolines, l worry about safety and the kid annoying my neighbours with his head popping over the fence with every bounce! But i hadn’t thought about all the positives. This was a good read.
Wow, didn’t realise there were so many benefits. My kids absolutely love the trampoline, especially me eldest who has ASD. I didn’t realise they should be 6 to use it though ?
I am trying to convince my husband to take down the shed so we can have a trampoline in our tiny London garden. I am not winning so I am going to show him this
Good luck 🙂
We had a trampoline for years and it was the best source of entertainment! The kids would spend hours out there jumping away.
Trampolines are amazing, mine have been in and out on ours today, I don’t know what I;d do without it
Wow I had no idea about that healthy benefits of a trampoline! I am thinking that we must get one, but currently my daughter is a little too young, although she would love it.
I can’t recommend them highly enough, of course you can’t leave them and safety must come first, but they are great. x
Gosh, I’d never thought beyond the fun and exercise!
Thanks for sharing x
Trampolines are so much fun. They are great for all ages and just have to be monitored or rules explained for safe and fun trampolining xx
My husband was always dead against the kids having a trampoline because of the safety aspect but we have one and they love it. Definitely does them the world of good getting outside and on it, looking at the benefits, I had no idea there were so many.
I know there are lots of things to consider with regards to safety, however the joy they get from it along with ALL the benefits are just fantastic 🙂
We have a trampoline park close by that runs dedicated parent and child sessions where they can bounce safely and explore. My two absolute love it, but you’re right that the safety aspects need to be given serious consideration. I think it’s so much fun though and a fab day to exercise.
i had no idea about tbe effects on the digestive system but I guess it makes sense.
My kids play on a trampoline next door and they love it. It’s a great form of exercise.
Yes I agree, I also find when Freddie comes off it he is in such a better mood 🙂 x
My kids usually are too
I hadn’t thought of it from this point of view, but now I think of it there are loads of health benefits. The downside for me would be the husband would end up on it half the time…
haha yes well we have also spent time on it! Why should the kids have all the fun!!!!
Really interesting post- we don’t have a trampoline but the kids like playing on them elsewhere. I can see how those benefits would make having one a good idea.
I never had one as a kid but always adored visiting friends who did. I never had a broken bone and am so worried it will happen to my little one, but I’m sure she’d be a champion and show me her skills!
Fabulous read! I had no idea there were so many benefits!