I’ll admit trampolines weren’t always my favourite thing. But since we discovered one of our girls is hypermobile, ours has become a lifesaver. From morning to evening she’s jumping, tumbling and burning off that endless toddler energy, all while building strength in her ankles and legs.
If you’re looking for games to play on the trampoline that are guaranteed to make the kids giggle, you’re in the right place. Here are 10 tried-and-tested favourites to keep everyone entertained.
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Trampoline Safety Tips
Before the giggles start, safety comes first. Trampoline accidents do happen, but there’s plenty you can do to help prevent them:
- Always use safety nets and pads, and check them regularly to make sure they’re in good working order.
- Make sure the surface under the trampoline, and the springs beneath the padding, are in good condition.
- When the trampoline isn’t in use, remove the ladder and close the entrance securely. We keep the ladder inside the trampoline and clip it shut.
- Position the trampoline at ground level where possible, and keep it a safe distance from trees, walls, poles or anything else little ones could bump into if they fall.
- Never leave a child on a trampoline unsupervised.
- Avoid letting too many children on at once.
With the safety basics sorted, here are our favourite trampoline games to try.
#1. Simon Says
An absolute classic, especially when you get to be Simon. One person calls out instructions for the others to follow — silly faces, jumping jacks, touching toes with your nose. Simple, but it never fails to get everyone laughing.
#2. Dodgeball
One of our all-time favourites. Grab a small soft ball and take turns throwing it to try to bounce it off someone else while they dodge out of the way. It’s brilliant for hand-eye coordination and balance, and watching the kids scatter is half the fun.
#3. Chalk Games
Pick up a box of non-toxic chalk from a pound shop or discount store and let the kids go wild, covering the trampoline in every colour of the rainbow. Rain will wash it away naturally, or hose it off yourself.
Tip: If the kids stay on the trampoline while you hose it down, you might just get away without a bath that evening.
You might also enjoy: Handy Tips for How to Clean the Trampoline
#4. Marco Polo
You’ll need at least three players and a scarf or blindfold for this one. One child sits in the middle with their eyes covered, while the others spread out quietly around the trampoline. The centre player counts to ten, then tries to find everyone else — a bit like hide and seek. When they call “Marco”, the others must call back “Polo”. Once you’re caught, you’re out.
#5. Balloons
A firm favourite whatever the weather. Blow up a batch of balloons, scatter them across the trampoline, and let the kids pop, kick and bounce to their heart’s content.
Environmental tip: Skip the helium — balloons like these tend to float away and end up polluting the ocean. Biodegradable balloons are a better option.
You might also enjoy: 10 Fun Games to Play With Kids That Will Get the Family Exercising
#6. Musical Statues
A brilliant one for younger kids. Put some music on and get everyone dancing — when the music stops, everyone must freeze like a statue. Anyone caught moving is out.
Tip: For smaller children, rather than eliminating them, just have them dance in a different part of the trampoline instead.
#7. Badminton
You don’t need a racket or shuttlecock to play your own version of badminton. One child stays on the trampoline, another stands outside. Use a ball, a balloon or even an old teddy, and see how long you can keep it going back and forth without dropping it.
Safety tip: Remove the ladder first so the child on the outside doesn’t trip over it.
#8. Bubbles
Grab the bubbles and let the kids chase and pop them while bouncing around. For extra fun, a battery-powered bubble blower on max speed will keep them entertained for ages.
Safety tip: Give the trampoline a quick wipe down afterwards to avoid any slips.
You might also enjoy: How to Make Glow in the Dark Bubbles
#9. Hot Potato
Gather the kids together with a ball. As they jump, the ball gets passed around — no one can hold it for more than two seconds, and it always has to be moving from hand to hand, just like a hot potato. Drop it or hold on too long and you’re out. Last one with the ball wins.
#10. Trampoline Twister
A brilliant idea originally shared by Family Days Tried and Tested. Perfect for bigger kids, as balancing becomes even trickier with a bit of bounce underfoot. Use coloured chalk to draw your own game of Twister on the trampoline mat — and the best part is, it washes off in the rain.
Image courtesy of Family Days Tried and Tested
Do you have any favourite trampoline games we’ve missed? Tell us in the comments below — we’d love to add them to the list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age are trampoline games suitable for?
Most of these games work well for a wide age range, but always supervise younger children closely and adapt games like Musical Statues so no one is fully “out” of the fun. Check your trampoline manufacturer’s guidance for any age or weight recommendations specific to your model.
How many children can safely use a trampoline at once?
This depends on the size and specification of your trampoline, so it’s best to check the manufacturer’s guidelines. As a general rule, fewer children bouncing at once means more space and less risk of collisions.
Do I need any special equipment for these games?
Not really — most of these games use things you’ll already have at home, like a soft ball, chalk, balloons or bubbles. That’s part of what makes them such easy, low-cost fun.
How can I make trampoline time safer for younger children?
Always supervise them, keep the ladder removed and the entrance closed when the trampoline isn’t in use, and consider having an adult on hand to help with games like Marco Polo or Badminton where balance is key.
More Ideas You Might Like
- Handy Tips for How to Clean the Trampoline
- 10 Fun Games to Play With Kids That Will Get the Family Exercising
- How to Make Glow in the Dark Bubbles
Save These Ideas for Later
Loved these trampoline games? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourite parenting board so you’ve got a ready list of ideas next time the kids need to burn off some energy.
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