Nowadays, trampoline parks have become a go-to spot for birthday parties, family fun, and fitness. They look like a blast, and they are! But as a parent or anyone planning a visit, a quiet question might pop into your head: Are trampoline parks dangerous?
The short answer is yes, they can be. Like any activity involving height, speed, and motion, trampoline parks come with real risks. But knowing what those risks are and how to avoid them can make all the difference between a fun day out and a trip to the emergency room.
In this article, we’ll look at the injury numbers, explain the most common dangers, and give you a simple safety guide. Our goal isn’t to scare you away from trampoline parks forever. It’s to help you and your family jump in with your eyes wide open, so the fun doesn’t get ruined by an injury.
Trampoline Park Injury Statistics
It’s important to understand the scope of the problem. Doctors and safety groups have been studying trampoline use for years, and the numbers are eye-opening.
The latest data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) and independent research analyses show that annual emergency department visits for trampoline park-related injuries in the United States have stabilized at an estimated over 100,000 visits per year. While the injury rate per visit is relatively low, the high volume of visitors means a significant number of kids get hurt.
Recent statistics have shed more light on who is getting hurt:
Children and Adolescents: The majority of injuries—approximately 62%—still occur in individuals under 16 years of age. However, new data reveals a subtle shift, with a growing proportion of injuries occurring in the 16-25 age bracket, now accounting for nearly 25% of all visits. Researchers attribute this to the popularity of “extreme” fitness jumping and aerial trick activities among young adults.
The “Weekend Surge”: A 2025 report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) highlighted a “weekend surge,” where over 55% of all trampoline park injuries occur between Friday evening and Sunday night. This correlates directly with peak attendance and, often, understaffing during these high-volume periods.
What kinds of injuries are we talking about? The most common are:
- Sprains and fractures: These make up about 40% of all injuries. This means broken arms, legs, ankles, and wrists.
- Bruises and cuts: These are also very common from bumps and falls.
- Head and neck injuries: These are less common but can be much more serious.
These numbers aren’t meant to frighten you, but to inform you. Knowing the risks is the first step in avoiding them.
Why Are Trampoline Parks Risky?
So, what exactly makes trampoline parks more dangerous than just jumping on a single trampoline in your yard? The risks usually come from a few key areas.
Collisions with Other People
This is probably the biggest risk at a trampoline park. When you have many people jumping in one area, it’s a recipe for crashes. You could collide with another jumper in mid-air. You could land on the same trampoline mat as someone else is bouncing up, sending you flying unexpectedly. This “double bounce” might seem fun, but it can easily throw a person off balance and cause a bad fall.
Improper Landing
You don’t have to be doing a fancy trick to get hurt. Simply landing the wrong way is a major cause of fractures of the hands and feet. The most severe injuries happen when someone lands directly on their head or neck. A foot slipping on the mat during landing can also twist an ankle, causing sprains or fractures.
Falling Off or In Between
While trampoline parks are covered in padding, falls are still a major hazard. A jumper could bounce too high and too far, falling off the trampoline pad and onto a hard floor. They could also fall into the padded gaps between trampolines. Even though these gaps are cushioned, hitting them at the wrong angle can still cause injury.
Trying Flips and Somersaults
It’s tempting to try a cool flip, especially for teens and young adults. But this is the most common cause of serious neck and spine injuries. Without proper training, it’s very easy to land on your head or neck, which can lead to long-term damage. Most parks have rules against flips for this exact reason.
Getting Tired and Lack of Supervision
Jumping is a workout! When kids (and adults) get tired, their muscles get weak, and their coordination fails. A tired jumper is much more likely to lose control and get hurt. Also, if a park is understaffed, there may not be enough employees watching the jumpers to enforce safety rules and stop dangerous behavior before it leads to an accident.
Trampoline Park Safety Guide
Now for the good news! You can greatly reduce your risk of injury by being prepared and following the rules. Think of this as your personal safety checklist.
Before You Go to the Trampoline Park
Pick a Good Park: Do a little research. Look for a trampoline park that is clean and well-maintained. Check online to see if it has any certifications demonstrating high safety standards from groups like the International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP). Read reviews to see what other families say about their safety.
Read the Waiver: You will have to sign a waiver. Don’t just skim it. Actually read it. It explains the risks you are taking and the rules you must follow.
Dress for Success:
- Trampoline Socks: These are a must! Grip socks help prevent slipping. Most parks require trampoline socks and will sell them if you don’t have your own.
- Comfortable Clothes: Wear clothes that allow you to move easily. Avoid items with strings, cords, or buckles that could get caught.
- No Jewelry: Leave necklaces, rings, and watches at home.
While You Are at the Trampoline Park
- Pay Attention to the Rules: Every park will show a safety video or have an employee explain the rules. Listen carefully to these key safety measures! This is not the time to be on your phone.
- One Person Per Trampoline: This is the golden rule. It is the single best way to prevent collisions. Wait for your turn if a trampoline is occupied.
- No Flips or Roughhousing: Do not attempt flips, somersaults, or wrestling. The risks are just too high.
- Stay in the Center: Try to jump in the middle of the trampoline bed. Avoid the springs and metal frames at the edges.
- Supervise Your Kids Actively: If you are with children, don’t just watch from the café. Be in the jumping area. Keep an eye on them and make sure they are following the rules. It’s not the staff’s job alone to watch your child.
- Know Your Limits: Don’t jump if you are exhausted. Don’t let friends pressure you into trying a trick you’re not comfortable with. It’s okay to take a break.
What to Do If an Injury Occurs
Even with the best preparation, accidents can happen. It’s important to know what to do.
- Stay Calm and Alert a Staff Member Immediately. The park employees are trained to handle injuries. They will know what to do and will file an incident report.
- Do Not Move the Injured Person. If someone has a hurt neck, back, or a possible broken bone, do not try to move them. Wait for trained help to arrive.
- Seek Medical Attention. For any serious injury, go to the doctor or emergency room right away. Sometimes, the full extent of an injury isn’t clear right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trampoline parks safe for 3-year-olds?
Most parks have a minimum age, often 5 or 6 years old, and for good reason. Young children have softer bones, are less coordinated, and are much smaller than other jumpers, putting a child’s developing body at a very high risk for fractures. It is generally not recommended for very young toddlers.
What is the most common injury?
The most common injuries are sprains and fractures of the arms and legs, like broken ankles and wrists.
Who is responsible if my child gets hurt?
When you sign the waiver, you are accepting some risk. However, if the injury was caused by the park’s negligence—like broken equipment, a ripped net, or a wet floor they didn’t clean up—the park could still be held responsible. In such cases, it is best to speak with a lawyer.
Is a trampoline park safer than a backyard trampoline?
It’s a trade-off. Backyard trampolines have a high risk of falling off onto the ground. Trampoline parks have professional padding and nets to prevent falls, but they introduce the major risk of colliding with many other people. Both have serious risks that need to be managed.
Conclusion: Jump Smart, Not Hard
Trampoline parks are designed for fun, and for the most part, they deliver. But it’s clear that the question “Are trampoline parks dangerous?” has a serious side. The risks are real, and the injury statistics prove it.
But this doesn’t mean you have to ban trampoline parks from your life. The key is to be a smart jumper. Choose a reputable park, pay close attention to the safety rules, and always, always supervise your children. The most important safety feature at any trampoline park isn’t the padding or the nets—it’s the good judgment of the people using it.
