Making the Most of Your In-Ground Trampoline Space
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:24 November 2025
Installing an in-ground trampoline in your backyard is a clever way to give the kids space to play while keeping your yard tidy and open. Unlike above-ground models that can crowd smaller spaces, in-ground ones sit level with your lawn. That makes them look cleaner, feel safer for smaller kids, and easier to blend into your existing yard layout.
For families in Perth, open-air living is part of daily life, especially once warmer weather starts rolling in during late November. Having a backyard trampoline built into the ground means fewer worries about wind tipping it over, less visual clutter, and more ways to use every part of the yard. But the way you set up and use that area matters if you want to get the most out of it.
Space Planning For In-Ground Trampolines
Fitting an in-ground trampoline into your yard starts with a proper look at the space you’ve actually got. Perth homes can vary, with backyards that range from long and narrow to wider suburban layouts. That means there is no one best spot where a trampoline should go. It depends on how everything else fits around it.
Get started with a quick check:
- Measure your entire yard, not just the general area where you’d like the trampoline.
- Leave at least 1 to 1.5 metres of clear space around all sides of the trampoline for safe access and movement.
- Pick a flat area or the flattest section you have. Sloped ground may need levelling or a retainer solution before installation.
Next comes thinking about where the trampoline fits best based on house layout and daily habits. Do you want it in full view of the kitchen window? Is there a tree that gives shade in the afternoons? Is there good space nearby to sit and watch the kids while they jump? Positioning it near these natural viewpoints can make supervision easier and more enjoyable.
On Perth's sandy soils and sunbaked blocks, you'll also want to keep digging conditions and drainage in mind. Some soil types are easier to work with than others and affect stability once the trampoline is installed. In areas toward the coast or where water tends to pool after a storm, you’ll need proper drainage around the edge to avoid muddy build-up or sinking over time.
Another thing to avoid, if possible, is placing the trampoline directly under gum trees. The bark, sap and heavy leaves can build up fast on the mat and shorten the life of the trampoline surface. If that’s the only area with enough space, you may need to plan for more regular cleaning.
Enhancing Usability
It’s easy to stop at installation and call the job done, but that patch of yard will get more use if it’s designed with access and comfort in mind. A few upgrades can take an in-ground trampoline from basic to seriously handy for both everyday bounce time and occasional gatherings.
Here are a few ways to make the area easier and safer to use:
1. Add soft-edge padding
Even though in-ground units sit flush with the yard, edge padding helps reduce impact where kids get on and off. Look for UV-protected padding that can handle long afternoons in the sun.
2. Build a simple pathway
You don’t need fancy stones or a full garden trail. Just a short row of pavers or crushed stone between your house and the trampoline keeps grass from wearing down and getting messy after rain.
3. Plan for drainage and weather
Summer in Perth can throw in the odd storm or sprinkle, and water sitting underneath the trampoline may cause dampness or smells. Including a proper base layer with drainage rock or piping keeps the area from becoming soggy.
4. Use a ladder if needed
This seems more common with above-ground trampolines, but some in-ground models are set a few centimetres higher due to the jump mat design. A small ladder fixed into place makes stepping up easier for younger kids.
Adding a shade sail above the trampoline can help reduce the strength of midday sun and protect the surface from heat damage. It also brings the bonus of longer bounce times without worrying about hot mat surfaces on little feet.
Putting thought into usability not only makes it a better space for everyday play, but it also helps make your backyard more inviting year-round. Whether it’s a quick 10-minute bounce in the morning or an hour after school, easy access means fewer excuses and more time outside.
Integrated Play Areas
A trampoline doesn’t have to sit off on its own. It can be the centrepiece of a larger play zone that brings extra life to the backyard. The surrounding area can help balance fun, safety, and even some green space design that fits the Perth lifestyle.
Start by thinking about nearby equipment. If you’ve already got a swing set, cubby house or monkey bars in use, you can plan the trampoline area to work alongside them. That way, the kids can move between different activities without trekking across the yard or bringing piles of dirt back and forth. A combination layout like this can also help spread out the playtime, which means fewer collision risks or arguments over turns.
Thoughtful landscaping can make it all feel like one designed space instead of a patchwork of yard toys. This is where soft borders come in handy. You could edge the trampoline using timber sleepers, soft mulch or low-growing ground covers that don’t attract bees. Not only does it look tidy, but it softens falls if anyone trips nearby.
If your kids vary in age, or you want the trampoline to last through changing needs as they grow, zones are worth planning. Maybe one corner of the yard becomes more relaxed, with beanbags or a picnic table for breaks, while the other concentrates the higher-energy parts of the play area. That makes the space feel more balanced and inviting for the whole family.
One Perth family we spoke to turned their entire back corner into a play lawn, with the in-ground trampoline sitting next to a painted wall for ball games and soft outdoor mats. It saved space, and now all the kids' weekend activity takes place in one neat area, while the parents hang out just a few metres away with a drink in hand.
Maintenance And Safety Tips
Even the most well-placed trampoline needs regular attention to keep it safe and enjoyable all year. Perth’s dry heat and sand-heavy winds can wear surfaces quicker if left unchecked, and seasonal changes like strong spring gusts or sudden showers also play a part.
Put together a simple routine that doesn’t take much time but makes all the difference:
- Do a quick check once a week or before big play sessions. Tighten any loose bolts, look over stitching and padding, and make sure the mat isn’t sagging or out of shape.
- Sweep off sand, bark or leaves with a soft broom to protect the surface from wear and slipping risks.
- Keep the area underneath clear to let air flow through, which helps prevent smells or trapped moisture under the mat.
- After summer storms, check that drainage systems are working and that water hasn’t pooled under or around the trampoline frame.
- If you’ve added accessories like balls or safety pads, store them under cover when not in use. Perth UV levels can age gear quickly.
Supervision also plays a big role. A good rule of thumb is one jumper at a time, especially if kids are still learning how to control their landings. It helps stop falls and keeps play fun instead of stressful. Setting age-appropriate rules, like no flips for younger users or no food on the mat, can build good habits from the start.
Bringing Fun And Fitness Together
With everything running smoothly, the real value of a backyard trampoline starts to show. It’s not just for jumping. It can be a daily way for families to connect and stay active, especially during warmer months when staying indoors feels like a waste.
You can get creative with how it’s used:
- Add soft foam balls or play games like crack the egg or popcorn that are easy for all ages.
- Use Bluetooth speakers to play kids’ favourite songs and turn it into a short movement break between homework and dinner.
- Plan playdates where friends bring their own balls, dance routines or even just some free time to jump together with loose rules.
- Introduce simple stretch routines or morning jump sessions to release energy before school, especially for families that don’t have a lot of indoor space.
Trampolines work well as a shared activity. Even parents can get involved, using low-impact bounces as a way to move, laugh and unwind with the kids. Sometimes it’s just about being in the yard together with something fun to do that doesn’t involve screens or gadgets.
Making It a Space Everyone Loves
Having an in-ground trampoline set up for maximum use gives you more than entertainment. It becomes part of how you design family time, move through the day and enjoy Perth’s great weather.
With good planning, a bit of upkeep and a few smart design touches, your backyard won’t just hold a trampoline. It becomes a proper play area where your kids can burn energy, have friends over and grow their confidence. All while being just a few steps away from the kitchen. Once everything is set, there’s really only one thing left to do—get outside and enjoy it.
Enhance your backyard with the fun and practicality of inground trampolines in Australia. At Jump Star Trampolines, we've got options that integrate seamlessly into your yard, boosting safety and style. Let's create a space where kids leap and laughter fills the air.
