If you’ve got a trampoline in your backyard, you already know how much kids love to bounce and play. But there’s loads more you can do to turn an ordinary trampoline into the ultimate play zone. The right accessories can make your trampoline safer, more fun, and spark even more creativity during outdoor play. I’m sharing my favorite kidfriendly accessory ideas that will completely take your trampoline experience up a notch.
Why Upgrade Your Backyard Trampoline With Accessories?
Backyard trampolines are a magnet for kids. I’ve seen firsthand how trampoline play provides hours of exercise, giggles, and creative fun, especially when there’s extra gear involved. Adding a few accessories not only makes trampoline time safer, but also helps keep boredom away. Accessories let kids mix up their routines, play new games, and learn new tricks with ease.
Plus, when you’re searching for ways to keep the kids outside and away from screens, switching things up with fresh trampoline features can be pretty handy. From safety nets that give you peace of mind to clever toys that encourage active play, these add-ons are worth checking out if you want to make your backyard a popular spot for fun and laughter.
SafetyFirst Trampoline Accessories For Kids
Before you get into playtime, safety should always come first, especially with energetic kids bouncing around. Here are some super useful accessories designed with safety in mind:
- Enclosure Nets: These nets wrap all the way around, keeping jumpers from falling out. Most modern trampolines include one, but if yours doesn’t, it’s definitely worth adding. Look for tightly woven nets made from weatherresistant material.
- Trampoline Padding: Thick spring and frame pads can help keep little feet (and heads) safe from bumps or pinches. Replacement pads come in all colors to add a pop of personality too.
- Anchor Kits: If you’re in a windy area, trampoline anchor kits help keep the whole thing pinned down so it won’t tip or move during jumping or storms.
- Ladders With Nonslip Steps: Little legs sometimes need a boost to get on and off the trampoline. Ladders with wide, nonslip steps make climbing safer for everyone.
Fun Game Accessories To Make Trampoline Time Awesome
Nothing gets kids moving like built-in games and challenge toys. There are some cool options out there that turn a plain trampoline into an allinone sports arena!
- Basketball Hoops: Many hoops easily attach to your trampoline’s enclosure. Just make sure the backboard is soft and the basketball is lightweight and foam. Kids love creating their own dunk contests or trampoline “HORSE” tournaments.
- Toss Games: Stick-on or suction cup target games let jumpers test their accuracy, solo or in teams. Some sets even have soft balls that light up for nighttime fun.
- Ball Pits: Who says ball pits are just for toddlers? Filling in the trampoline with plastic balls is an easy way to add a new twist. Just watch for small kids who might get buried under the pile!
- GlowInTheDark Options: LED light strands, glow sticks, and even glowinthedark paint or balls make evening bouncing feel like a party. These are easy to install and a big hit for backyard sleepovers.
Creative Accessories For Imagination And Play
Bouncing is only part of the fun. Trampolines are a blank canvas for all sorts of imaginative adventures. Here are a few ideas to encourage creative play:
- Trampoline Tents and Forts: Tent covers or popup clubhouses fit right inside the safety net, creating a cool fort or cozy reading nook. Rainy day? No worries, a tent kit can keep the fun going even through passing drizzles.
- Chalk Markers: Trampoline mats make a perfect drawing surface with washable sidewalk chalk or markers made for trampolines. Draw a hopscotch grid, bullseye, or anything kids dream up, then wipe it off for a fresh start.
- Streamer Kits: Clipon streamer sets wave in the breeze as you bounce. They’re fun for pretendplay (pirate ship sails, dragon tails), and younger kids especially enjoy the visual effects.
Weather Protection And Comfort Upgrades
Playing outside is best when kids are comfortable and protected from the sun or unpredictable weather. These thoughtful accessories can help:
- Shade Covers: Netted or solid fabric sunshades stretch above the trampoline, giving a bit of a break from direct sun, especially in the middle of the day.
- Weather Covers: If you want to keep the trampoline dry or dustfree when not in use, fitted weather covers are super useful. They help extend the life of both the mat and the springs.
- Water Sprayer Attachments: For those scorching summer afternoons, a trampoline water sprayer turns ordinary jumping into a splashy, cooldown adventure. Make sure all water activities are well-supervised for safety.
Important Things To Think About Before Buying Trampoline Accessories
I always recommend a little planning before splurging on new trampoline accessories. Here’s what I personally check to make sure new add-ons are a good fit (and safe):
- Trampoline Size & Design: Not all accessories fit every trampoline model or shape. Doublecheck your trampoline’s measurements before ordering ladders, covers, or hoops.
- Material Quality: Outdoor toys live in the sun, rain, and wind, so choosing sturdy, weatherresistant materials helps avoid cracks or fading.
- Assembly & Installation: Some accessories snap on in minutes, others need a drill or extra straps. Check reviews or the manufacturer’s instructions so you know what you’re getting into assembly-wise.
- Age Recommendations: Make sure the accessory matches your child’s ages and interests, since some games are better for preschoolers, while sports attachments are best for bigger kids or teens.
Check On Safety Standards
Look for gear that’s certified or tested for safety whenever possible. Trusted sources like ASTM or European toy safety standards often show up on accessory packaging. While it’s tempting to grab the cheapest set, I’ve found higher quality brands usually offer sturdier, safer play overall.
Keep It Supervised
No matter what accessories you add, always supervise young kids while they’re on the trampoline, especially when adding water sprayers, ball pits, or new toys with moving parts. And encourage kids to take turns, avoiding roughhousing to keep things fun for everybody.
Extra Tips For Awesome Trampoline Play
After trying lots of trampoline gear at home and chatting with other parents, I’ve picked up a few tips that really give a boost to kids’ trampoline time:
- Switch out accessories every few weeks to keep things feeling new. Put away glow toys for a bit, and bring back ball pits or chalk art for a fresh surprise.
- For birthday parties, themed accessories (like pirate flags, fairy wings, or sports banners) add to the fun. Plus, they make your trampoline the centerpiece of the occasion!
- Store weathersensitive toys like chalk or foam balls inside when not in use to help them last longer.
- Encourage kids to invent their own trampoline games. I’ve seen everything from pretend dodgeball to creative “lava” jumping challenges coming from the kids’ imaginations.
For parents wanting to keep things organized, consider a small outdoor bin or basket to store trampoline accessories. This helps prevent lost toys and keeps your play space tidy. And if your yard has different seasons, rotating accessories based on the weather can keep things fresh year-round. Safety reminders posted on a laminated card by the trampoline can also help the whole family remember the right way to play!
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some trampoline accessory questions I get from friends and neighbors:
Question: What accessory should I buy first?
Answer: Safety accessories like a net and padding are always my top picks. After that, I’d go for a ladder or basketball hoop for added fun.
Question: Will glowinthedark toys work during the day?
Answer: Most glow toys are brightest after sunset. You can still use them in the daytime, but their effects show best when it’s dim outside.
Question: Are water sprayers hard to install?
Answer: Most attach in just a couple of minutes with zip ties or clips. Just make sure to test it and adjust so the spray covers the jumping zone evenly.
Question: How can I keep younger kids safer while playing?
Answer: Always supervise, stick to one child at a time if they’re tiny, and check that nets and padding are installed before play. For little ones, ball pits and tents help keep bouncing calm and contained.
Making Your Trampoline The Best Play Space Ever
Kitting out your backyard trampoline with the right accessories keeps kids active, boosts creative play, and brings new energy to outdoor fun. From safety nets to ball pits, basketball hoops to glowinthedark toys, there’s an accessory for pretty much every kind of kid and every kind of trampoline. Just remember to check fit, age recommendations, and install everything properly. Get ready for some seriously happy playtime in your backyard!