The chill of winter often leaves families cooped up inside of their warm homes. Instead of staying on the sofa, streaming movies, and playing video games, families can still enjoy the cold – especially if they have a trampoline.
But, before your children begin jumping on a trampoline when the weather is subzero, it’s important to take a few precautions. Jumping outside in the winter gets children exposed to vitamin D, but in some situations, families shouldn’t leave their trampolines outside.
Winter Weather Can Damage a Trampoline
If you live in a part of the world where snow builds up and winds howl, the weight of snow and the power of wind can damage a trampoline. The weight of the snow can tear the mat away from the springs. Excessive winds can blow trampolines around your yard.
Some families store their trampolines in the winter so they know it will work in the spring and summer.
However, if you live somewhere where the temperatures drop, but the winter precipitation is minimal, you could leave your trampoline outside and not worry. You likely know the drill where you live. Take the same precautions you normally take with your outdoor furniture or other outdoor items you want to preserve well.
How to Keep Your Trampoline Safe for Winter Jumping
You can prepare your trampoline for safe winter jumping. These basic steps protect the components from unexpected cold precipitation so your children can enjoy jumping on pleasant winter days.
Store the Frame Pads Inside
Before the snow or sleet hits, take off the frame pads and store them to maintain their protective cushioning. Then, one the nice winter days, you can put them back on the trampoline. The pads generally fold up, so they can fit in a standard closet.
Remove Snow Immediately
To protect the jumping mat, use a broom to remove snow as soon as possible. Shovels and snow blowers can tear the mat.
Anchor Your Trampoline
To prevent your trampoline from blowing around your yard, anchor your trampoline to the ground. Consider helix anchors if you have excessively high winds in the winter. If you attach the anchors with straps, inspect them frequently to be sure they aren’t frayed or weak. Put the anchors in before the ground freezes.
Inspect the Trampoline’s Components
Before your children jump on the trampoline in the winter, inspect the components. No one wants accidents because of weakened frames, springs, or jumping pads, so look for rust, holes, frayed spots, and other issues. If you find problems, fix them before your children get on the trampoline.
Is it Safe to Jump on a Trampoline in the Winter?
Yes and no. If your trampoline is in a safe condition, then it is safe to jump. However, if the wind and snow have damaged your trampoline, then no. Once you’ve deemed your trampoline safe for jumping, then have fun jumping.
If you live in an area with very harsh winters, we recommend winterizing your trampoline.
But, before children head out for some fresh air and exercise, prepare them for winter jumping.
Pay Attention to the Temperature
Children’s bodies do not regulate temperature as well as adult bodies. So, children might stay out in the cold too long, despite being cold. When it comes to safe jumping, pay attention to the wind chill, which can be colder than the actual air temperature.
Dress your children for the weather, rather than for exercise. Children need clothing that will keep them warm and give them room to move. If your children jump with bare feet in the summer, they might want to wear several pairs of socks while jumping in the winter.
Watch for Precipitation
Winter weather changes unexpectedly, so watch for precipitation while your children are jumping. If it starts to sleet or snow, the trampoline can become incredibly slippery and dangerous.
Black ice can easily blend in with the black jumping pad, so check for ice before your children jump. It can also build up if precipitation falls during an exercise session. Ice and snow can also collect on the springs, creating a different danger, so check those before your kids climb aboard.
Wear Fitting Clothing
While jumping in the winter, fitted clothing keeps kids safe and warm. Don’t send them out in a loose-fitting hoodie or oversized coat. Dress your children in layers with a wool, fleece, or nylon layer closest to the body.
Supervise for Safety
Since children can get caught up in the fun, they’ll play until their little lips turn blue in the cold. Give them some rules before they start jumping, but watch for shivering, as that tells you it’s time to stop. Depending on the weather, five to ten minutes might be all they need to get the wiggles out.
Final Comments
When you establish your winter jumping rules, use your owner’s manual. Most owner’s manuals recommend only allowing one child to jump on the trampoline. They also suggest avoiding tricks and flips. Do not let kids use any toys on the trampoline, as those can be the unexpected causes of injuries.
And that’s about it. If you have questions about winter trampoline jumping, don’t hesitate to reach out.
