Trampoline games for kids are a great way to encourage physical activity, creativity, and social interaction.  Trampolines are not without risks.  Educate yourself on the risks associated with trampolines prior to purchasing one or letting your children jump on them at other houses.  Trampoline makers have tried to improve the product by putting netting around trampolines and more stable mats over the springs and metal frame.  If you are like me and grew up in the 80’s and 90’s you know that there is not much worse pain than a trampoline spring pinch. 

Know the Trampoline Safety Risks

Even with the modern upgrades, trampolines are still dangerous.  Kids are typically letting it all out on a trampoline and one awkward double bounce or somebody landing on a friend can lead to real injuries. This article from PolicyGenius.com states that that the Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights 4 primary causes of trampoline injuries:

1. Colliding with another person
2. Landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts
3. Falling or jumping off the trampoline
4. Falling on the trampoline springs or frame

Although there is no guarantee that kids will not get hurt on trampolines, so get educated and talk to your pediatrician prior to considering trampolines or any of the trampoline games highlighted in this article.

11 Low Contact Trampoline Games for Kids

Here are some fun trampoline games that are low contact for kids.  Limit the kids on the trampoline to protect against injury.

1.            Simon Says: A classic game that can be easily adapted for trampoline play. We all know this one.  One player takes turns giving instructions starting with “Simon says” followed by an action such as “jump up and down,” “bounce on one foot,” or “do a somersault.” The other players must follow the instructions carefully, if the leader doesn’t say “Simon says” before the instruction, the players should not follow it. This game helps develop listening skills and coordination.

2.            Red Light Green Light: Another backyard classic that translates well to trampolines. One player acts as the traffic light at one end of the trampoline while the others start at the opposite end. When the traffic light calls out “green light,” the players can bounce towards them. When they call out “red light,” the players must freeze in place. Mix in Yellow for slow movement, Purple for backward and any other colors/styles the kids can create.  If the traffic light sees anyone moving when they shouldn’t be, they go back to the beginning. This game encourages self-control and gross motor skills.

3.            Freeze Dance: Put on some music and have the kids dance on the trampoline. When the music stops, they need to freeze in place until the music starts again. You can also add different dance moves like jumping jacks, twirls, or cartwheels to make it more challenging and exciting. This game promotes rhythm and coordination.

4.            Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course using items like cones, balance beams, or hula hoops. Have the kids navigate through the course while bouncing on the trampoline. Time each child and keep track of their times to create a friendly competition. This game enhances problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.

5.            Don’t Crack the Eggs: Kids often play this where one kid gets in a ball in the middle with their legs tucked to their chest and their arms around their legs.  If their hands unlock around their legs the egg “cracks.”  We play a safer version where we have 2 or 3 balls (soccer ball size on the trampoline.  The balls start in the middle and as the kids bounce, you try to avoid touching the balls.  If you happen to touch one, you have cracked the egg and are out.  The game provides great exercise and helps with coordination.  

6.            Hot Potato: Play this classic party game on the trampoline! Have the kids pass a small object like a beanbag or a soft ball while music plays. When the music stops, the person holding the object is out. Start with simple objects and gradually move to more challenging ones like a balloon or a small stuffed animal. This game teaches timing and hand-eye coordination.

7.            Bubble Fun: Create a bubble solution and blow bubbles onto the trampoline. The kids can then pop the bubbles by jumping on them or swatting them with their hands. For older kids, try adding glow sticks or LED lights inside the bubbles for added excitement. This game provides sensory stimulation and relaxation.

8.            Balancing Acts: Test the kids’ balance by setting up various challenges on the trampoline. They could stand on one foot, balance on a balance beam, or even walk across a line drawn (or taped) on the trampoline. Make sure to provide support and spotting for younger children who may struggle. This game improves equilibrium and concentration.

9.            Dodgeball: Adapt dodgeball for the trampoline by creating teams and having them throw foam balls (or similar soft balls) at each other while bouncing around the trampoline. To avoid injuries, use soft balls and emphasize gentle throws. This game cultivates team spirit and quick reflexes.

10.          Limbo: Set up a bar or streamer low to the ground and have the kids limbo underneath it while bouncing on the trampoline. Gradually lower the bar after each successful round, and award prizes for those who successfully complete the challenge without touching the bar. This game encourages flexibility and confidence.

11.          Snakes Alive: Get 2-3 pool noodles which will act as snakes in this game.  The kids are to hop around the trampoline without letting the snakes bite them.  If they are touched by a noodle they are out.  We will also play this game with the sprinkler on the trampoline, giving the kids a rain forest vibe. This game exercises their reflexes and strategy.

Jump at Your Own Risk

If you decide to let your kids play on trampolines, remember to supervise children closely during these activities and ensure that they take breaks to try to prevent fatigue. With proper adult oversight, trampoline games can offer hours of entertainment and healthy exercise for kids but are not without risks as detailed above.  Make sure that you use a trampoline that is well assembled and has the appropriate padding and netting to best protect the kids but jump at your own risk.