Central Insurance
Now that school’s out for the summer, entertaining the kids becomes a full time job! When they’re not at camps, practices, etc. throughout the day, outside play is always a great option. Kids love jumping, and trampolines have maintained their popularity over the years. Thankfully, as time has gone on, safety has improved and become a priority. Some parents are still wary of the idea of having a trampoline, but trampolines have come a long way with safety in mind. Of course, there are still some rules that should be in place. Here are a few smart and safer options if your kids are begging for a trampoline this summer:
- Springless – these come in all shapes and sizes and eliminate one of the major hazards of a trampoline: the springs and metal bars that kids often slip through or fall on.
- In-ground trampolines – these can be spring or springless. If the trampoline has springs, they should always be padded for protection.
- In-ground trampolines should still be located a safe distance from other objects such as playsets, fences, decks, concrete, etc.
- It is best to consult a professional for in-ground trampoline installation to ensure proper ventilation and support.
Regardless of the type of trampoline, they should always be:
- Netted for safety.
- Installed on a level surface away from other structures.
- In a fenced yard to prevent unwanted entry (if you’re in a subdivision or have neighbors close by).
A few ground rules to set in place for your kids are:
- Always have adult supervision.
- Children under the age of 6 should not be allowed on the trampoline.
- Limit somersaults or “tricks” if there is more than one jumper.
As always, check with your independent agent to see how adding a trampoline can affect your homeowners insurance and what your carrier may require.
For more info on trampoline safety, check out this blog post.
I have a trampoline and my kids really love it. Then I tried to do some research to see if there are any health benefits of jumping on a trampoline. And found out that it’s very good exercise, even better than just running. You can make it even more enjoyable by adding balls or any game like “Birds in the nest”.