Fun toddler trampoline games
This article has come about purely from just talking to different mums and observing toddlers on our trampolines.
I was a mum to four under the age of four, and seeing parents and mums with toddlers and preschoolers I am reminded how full-on they can be!
Toddlers are incredibly inquisitive, busy and simply full-on. These toddlers and pre-preschoolers have a lot of energy and the need to be active, therefore requiring an outdoor freestyle play every day.
It is our job as parents to let them do this in a fun and safe environment while still being able to clean up behind them and ensuring entertainment for those with older or younger kids as well. Sometimes we can interpret their busyness as destructive and negative if we don't channel it effectively and sometimes we simply can't!
Talking to mums, I have been reminded of what I did with our kids, and what I would like to have done when they were young if we had a trampoline with a net on it like we do today.
How to add extra fun to trampolines safely for toddlers
Trampolines are great for most days. After the rain, a trampoline is the first place in the yard that dries, the wind whizzes through, drying out the jumping mat, the perfect dry place for little people to use up all that cabin fever energy! just let the freestyle jumping, falling and wobbling around just happen and cheer them on to get back up.
On warmer days, pop the little ones in the trampoline, sun cream, and hat, of course, zip it up and use the outside hooks to "secure" them in so they can't get out. Be sure to always stay nearby. In doing this, it gives you some limited opportunity to hang washing, pull a few weeds in the garden, or any other outdoor activity you wish to do - tea/coffee?
- A few small balls to chase, or practice throwing at a target, or kicking practice, etc. (pin some material to the net)
- Hot potato or poison ball and variations the come to mind with what the kids are doing.
- Many parents reflect that when they were kids, their parents would put the sprinkler on underneath the trampoline. However, we are all a little more water conscious these days so why not get a low tub and mix up a heap of bubbles in a little bit of water? A few soft bath toys for them to safely splash with and or tea sets (our daughter loved cooking with bubbles). Be sure to use common sense with how much water is in the tubs - I would mostly have bubbles in it.
- Quiet time - After lunch, on warm days I have fond memories of blankets and teddies on the trampoline and reading to the kids. Our trampoline was situated beside the sandpit, so they would start in there and then migrate to hear the book and, if I was lucky, we would all have a nap.... rarely!
- Cloud watching was a nice way for me to get a bit of a breather in while entertaining the kids at the same time - lying down was a start to getting a nap as well.
- The final thing on my list today that can be fun on a trampoline is chalk! Drawing their own games, just playing with the chalk, coloring and being amazed at making a mark!
- Chalk is great for making targets to jump to or from, lines jump over, squiggles to follow or whatever comes to mind at the time.
- As they get bigger there are basketball rings you can add to the trampoline and water misters too. - Check them out together on this trampoline accessories link
Enjoy your toddlers and little people and enjoy your trampoline with them, you will be tempted to lock yourself in sometimes too! Scroll down further for more links to articles or to the left click to see trampolines suitable for toddlers. Call us to discuss if you would like to on 03 52921100 or message us here.
Photos - Donnie Ray Jones - Flickr
