Some toys have their ups and downs, but none more so than the trampoline. It used to be the case that trampolines were limited to schools, gymnasiums and the seaside theme parks, but in recent years there have been miniature trampolines available for children, and even more recently much larger trampolines which have been almost adult sized. Ranging in size from just a couple of feet across to a full six feet in diameter, these have proved to be extremely popular with children of all ages, and with a few parents as well!

Some of the smaller trampolines are simply designed to be kept indoors, and frequently have a hand rail to hold on to. Very small children, including toddlers, can use this to hold on to whilst they jump and bounce. Small children have a natural tendency to bounce and jump, and the experience of being able to do so with such greater effect is always met with delight. These trampolines are usually built very strongly, with wide legs that prevent tipping over or flipping, and the springs themselves are either well hidden by a surrounding collar of plastic, or non-existent, with the base of the trampoline simply made from elastic.

These small trampolines are actually very similar in size and construction to the popular adult trampolines sold as fitness aids. Indeed, it has been said that a ten minute bounce on a trampoline helps to burn up as many calories as a full 30 minute run would do. Many people would far rather bounce on a trampoline for ten minutes than run for half an hour, not only because it feels less like exercise and more like fun, but it is also far more private, and for those less fit, it allows the chance to burn calories away from public gaze.

Some children's trampolines are available in much larger sizes, and allow more than one child to bounce together. Typically these are outdoor trampolines, and have a much higher base to allow for greater bounce height. For safety reasons almost all of these trampolines have a net which fits right round the outside of the trampoline, rising up to a height of about size feet. This encloses the child in the trampoline so that they are bouncing within an enclosed cylinder. Should their bouncing become erratic, or they lose their sense of balance for a moment, they will not be in danger of falling ff and landing on the ground from a great height, which would certainly cause serious injury. Instead, they will be caught safely, and only their pride will be injured. Again, usually the springs around the outside of these trampolines are well guarded, as there is always the danger otherwise of a foot or leg falling down between the springs and becoming trapped.

It is important to make sure that, if the trampoline is self assembly, that you read very carefully all of the instructions, and assemble it carefully, using all of the correct tools and making sure that everything is tight. Because of the vibrations caused through bouncing, it will also be necessary to regularly check all nuts and bolts to see that it is still safe.

Needless to say, of course, many of these trampolines have height and age restrictions displayed on them, although many parents pretend they don't realise this, or deliberately choose to ignore the fact.