At the start of summer, my son created a wishlist of three things: a trampoline, a puppy, and a PlayStation. 

As a parent, I had to smile – puppies (oh, how I want one too!) and gaming consoles come with complex decisions and lifestyle changes. But a trampoline? 

That’s pure childhood joy, something I remembered vividly from my own youth when I’d spend hours bouncing, lost in imagination and movement. 

It felt like the perfect place to start making summer wishes come true.

So, we cleared a special corner of the backyard, leveling the ground and spreading woodchips made from fallen winter branches—preparing the perfect spot for what I hoped would become a cornerstone of his childhood memories, just as my own trampoline had been for me.

The search for the right trampoline, however, proved challenging. 

It felt as though there were only two options – high-end gymnastic-level equipment or cheaper big box brands that brought back memories of wobbly frames and questionable safety. 

And then I discovered Jumpflex, a company from New Zealand (where my husband calls home) that seemed to understand exactly what I was looking for.

I’ll admit, the rebel in me, was initially hesitant about the idea of a trampoline with safety netting. In my childhood memories, trampolines were wide open to the sky, no barriers between you and your imagination.

But something surprising happened once we set up our Jumpflex trampoline—the enclosure didn’t feel like a barrier at all. Instead, it created what my son now calls his “sky room”—a magical outdoor space that’s become so much more than just a place to bounce.

An Outdoor Room of One’s Own

The first time I realised this wasn’t just any trampoline was on a warm summer evening when I found my son lying still on his back, eyes fixed upward through the safety net at the canopy of trees above. 

“Mum,” he whispered, “I can see the wind dancing through the leaves.” 

In that moment, I understood this wasn’t just another piece of outdoor equipment—we’d created a sanctuary for childhood wonder.

As the weeks passed, this space evolved into something I never expected. 

It became our outdoor living room, a gathering place where neighbourhood children naturally gravitate. 

We’ve spent evenings watching movies projected onto sheets hung inside the netting, cosy inside our bouncy theatre. 

During the day, it transforms into everything from a spaceship to a basketball court, thanks to the cleverly designed hoop attachment that’s sturdy enough for even the adults to enjoy (I love it!).

The Lost Art of Free Play

In an age where structured activities and screens compete for our children’s attention, this simple structure has become a catalyst for something we’re desperately trying to preserve – independent play. 

There’s no instruction manual for imagination, no right way to bounce, no predetermined outcome to achieve.

Just pure, unstructured joy.

Some of my favourite moments are when my husband joins in. Being a Kiwi, he grew up with trampolining as part of his cultural DNA, and watching him teach our son new tricks brings me joy I hadn’t anticipated. 

There’s something special about seeing childhood memories bridge generations, watching father and son bond over the shared experience of defying gravity, if only for a moment.

Quality That Makes a Difference

Living on an island means dealing with unique weather challenges, and I’ve been impressed by how our Jumpflex has weathered the elements. 

The dual-ring frame design provides stability that’s immediately noticeable—there’s none of that worrying wobble I remember from my childhood trampoline. The “mat response” is consistent across the entire jumping surface, something I particularly appreciate when multiple kids are bouncing together.

When friends ask if it’s worth the investment, I share what I’ve learned: when it comes to something that will be used daily, that will hold precious cargo (our children), and that we want to last through years of Pacific Northwest weather, quality isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. 

The integrated safety features, from the seamless netting to the smart spring design, have given us peace of mind without sacrificing the pure joy of bouncing.

You May Be Asking These Questions Too

After sharing our trampoline journey with friends who see it (and want one too), I’ve received lots of questions from other parents. Here are the most common ones:

Which size should we choose? Jumpflex offers three sizes to suit different yards and families. We chose the 14ft model which feels perfect for our space and needs. They also offer 12ft (great for smaller yards) and 16ft options (ideal for multiple jumpers or growing families). All sizes come with the same premium safety and quality features.

Is it really worth the investment? When it comes to equipment our children use daily, quality matters. The dual-ring frame design eliminates wobble, and the consistent mat response creates a safe, enjoyable jumping experience. After seeing cheaper trampolines rust or become unstable within months, I appreciate that our Jumpflex has maintained its quality through all seasons.

What about assembly? I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward setup was. Jumpflex provides clear instructions and helpful videos on their website. We assembled ours in a couple of hours on a sunny afternoon. The click-together design makes the process much simpler than traditional trampolines.

How does it handle weather? Living in the Pacific Northwest, this was a big concern for us. The rust-resistant frame, UV-protected materials, and smart drainage system have proven themselves through rain, sun, and everything in between. The trampoline stays sturdy and maintains its bounce quality regardless of weather.

What safety features should I know about? The integrated safety net feels like a natural part of the design rather than an afterthought. The mat provides consistent bounce across its entire surface, and the smart spring design ensures smooth, controlled jumping. It’s clear that safety was a priority in every aspect of the design.

How much maintenance is required? Minimal! Beyond basic cleaning and checking that all parts remain secure, it’s remarkably low-maintenance. The 10-year warranty provides extra peace of mind, though we haven’t needed to use it.

Creating Lasting Memories

As dusk settles on fall evenings, the trampoline transforms into our family gathering spot. The safety enclosure, which I once worried would feel restrictive, has become an integral part of creating this secure, contained space where imagination can run wild. Whether it’s serving as an outdoor movie theatre under the stars or a cosy reading nook on lazy Sunday afternoons, it’s become so much more than just a piece of play equipment.

I’m reminded of this every time I hear peals of laughter floating through our kitchen window, or when I catch glimpses of my son and his friends creating elaborate games with rules that only make sense to them. In our quest to simplify childhood while keeping our children safe and engaged, we’ve found an unexpected ally in our backyard trampoline.

Sometimes the best parenting decisions are the ones that create space for magic to happen on its own. 

And in our backyard, that magic happens daily, witnessed by the trees, celebrated by laughter, and contained within the safe embrace of what has become so much more than just a trampoline—it’s become a cornerstone of our family’s outdoor life. 

As for those other summer wishes? Well, we’re still navigating the complexities of puppies (and figuring out how to travel with one!) and gaming consoles, but for now, the simple joy of bouncing seems more than enough.

Learn more about Jumpflex here. Jumpflex are currently available in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, USA and UK.

Note: While Jumpflex provided us with this trampoline, all opinions and experiences shared in this post are genuinely our own. Our family’s love for this product has made writing about it not just easy, but a joy to share with our community.