Trampolines or as they’re called for short tramps are so much fun both kids and adults play on them. However, games played on the trampoline without the proper precautions and supervision can lead to injuries in children such as broken bones, concussions, head and neck injuries, etc.
Read on to find out which entertaining games your kids can play and how they can play them safely.
Trampoline Games
Ring Around the Rosy
Nearly everyone knows this game is played on the ground, but playing it on a trampoline is much more fun. Children form a circle and start walking around a circle singing the song “Ring Around thе Rosy, а Pocket Full of Posies, Ashes, Ashes, We Fall Down.”
If you want your kids to be creative, they can choose the way they fall down. They can do bottom (aka seat drops), knee drops, back drops, animal drops, etc. Bottom drops are the safest but pay particular attention if they want to do other drops.
Simon Says
One kid is outside the tramp while the rest are inside. The child outside is Simon. He/she gives instructions to other players who need to apply the move. So, the child outside the tramp says, “Simon Says jump up and down three times.”
If a player does the wrong move, the player who did it becomes the new Simon trading places with the old Simon. When it comes to safety, adults should supervise so the kid outside gives instructions for relatively safe moves.
Trampoline Basketball
One more fun game for your kids is trampoline basketball. For this sport, you need a big trampoline and a basketball set. You can find an affordable basketball set online for the trampoline including a backboard, cushioned hoop and an inflatable ball.
Maybe trampoline ball isn’t the game to be played in the house, but it’s a definitely game your children can enjoy playing in the backyard or at a theme park offering trampoline basketball.
Crack the Egg
One child sits in the middle of the trampoline with their knees drawn to chest and arms around the knees. One by one, other players jump around the sitting child until he/she cannot hold his/her legs anymore. This game is recommended for children over the age of five.
Attack the Castle
Players are divided into teams. One team is inside, another one is outside. The outside team throws balls into a trampoline (a castle) and the inside players (the king) need to block them. The castle is conquered when all balls are inside. This game is also recommended for children over the age of five.
General Safety Precautions
One child jumping at the time is less risky than a larger number of children bouncing. So, pay extra attention to children when they play games in which two or more children are inside.
The mat should be clear. For example, toys on the mat can cause bad landing.
If you are not around, make sure the ladders are off so children cannot get onto the trampoline. Having children on a trampoline under the age of five is riskier than having older children because young ones have less coordination which can lead to bad landings.
Children under the age of six should jump only on trampolines more than 20 inches high. It’s not recommended for children to do somersault and flipping unless were properly trained to do so. By taking into account safety precautions and following safety rules, you children will get a kick out of playing games on a trampoline.
Melissa has written several popular articles on Support for Stepdads. Please check out:
Camping With A Toddler – My Family’s First Adventure
Mixed Marriage – Tips For A Successful Carnivore-Vegetarian Union
Tips For Traveling With A Baby
