Trampoline Alternatives for Keeping Kids Active

Let’s face it, kids have endless energy. Watching them play is both exhausting and inspiring.

While a trampoline is a go-to backyard classic that keeps them moving, it’s not the only way to keep children active, laughing, and thriving outdoors. Maybe you prefer more versatile play equipment, or maybe you just want to mix things up; either way, there are tons of trampoline alternatives waiting to transform your backyard into an action-packed playground.

8 Trampoline Alternative for Kids the Whole Family Will Love

When looking for a trampoline alternative for kids, you’ll want to find equipment that ticks the same boxes: encourages movement, engages them for hours at a time, and supports physical and mental health. Here are some of the best choices that foster growth, resilience, and confidence: 

Monkey Bars

Monkey bars are the ultimate test of strength and grit. A staple of any childhood, they’re more than just a climbing challenge; they’re a full-body workout in disguise.

• What it is: A set of horizontal bars designed for swinging and climbing, often included in playsets or as a standalone structure.
  
  
• How it keeps kids active: Encourages constant movement through climbing, swinging, and hanging. Sit back and watch your kids’ screen time diminish as they stay fully engaged for hours.
  
  
• Health benefits: Builds upper body and core strength, enhances grip and coordination, and improves resilience through trial and error.

Swing Sets

Swinging is great for physical development, and a brilliant alternative to a trampoline. Let’s not forget how grown-ups can join in on the fun too, when you decide to give a swing set a well-deserved spot in your backyard. 

• What it is: A frame with one or more swings, ranging from traditional belt swings to monkey or yoga styles.
  
  
• How it keeps kids active: Promotes leg pumping, balance, and the occasional leap off the swing for added fun.
  
  
• Health benefits: Strengthens legs and core, enhances balance, and offers calming sensory input perfect for emotional regulation.

Play Sets

Think of play sets as the Swiss Army knife of backyard fun, they’ve got it all. They’re interactive, expansive, and offer multiple types of activity. There’s never a boring moment when you’ve got one of these toys at home. 

• What it is: A combination of play equipment like slides, ladders, climbing walls, monkey bars, and swings.
  
  
• How it keeps kids active: Kids climb, slide, swing, and explore, keeping their bodies moving and imaginations buzzing.
  
  
• Health benefits: Develops gross motor skills, promotes muscle development, encourages imaginative play, and improves social skills when shared with siblings or friends.

Climbing Domes

Searching for a playtime upgrade that keeps kids engaged from every angle? Climbing domes are the answer, offering immersive, all-around fun that sparks adventure and creativity. They’re visually striking and physically demanding, giving young adventurers the challenge they crave.

• What it is: A geometric steel or plastic climbing frame shaped like a dome.
  
  
• How it keeps kids active: Kids can climb over, hang underneath, or create games around it, staying physically and mentally engaged.
  
  
• Health benefits: Enhances coordination, spatial awareness, strength, and problem-solving abilities.

Backyard Ziplines

Looking for thrills that bring you closer to the sky without the trampoline? Backyard ziplines turn your backyard into an adventure park. You’ll definitely want one of these for next-level exhilaration. 

• What it is: A taut cable strung between two points, with a handle or seat for kids to ride on.
  
  
• How it keeps kids active: Encourages climbing to the start point, balancing on the ride, and running back for another go.
  
  
• Health benefits: Boosts confidence, improves balance and core strength, and provides a rush of endorphins that keeps kids happy. 

Inflatable Bounce Castles

Who says bouncing fun only comes from trampolines? Inflatables provide a soft and action-packed playground with a little bit more variety.

• What it is: Air-filled structures featuring bouncy surfaces, slides, tunnels, and climbing walls.
  
  
• How it keeps kids active: Kids jump, crawl, climb, and race, burning some serious energy in the process.
  
  
• Health benefits: Provides cardio exercise, enhances coordination, and supports social development through group play.

Balance Beams & Stepping Stones

Life really is just a balance game, isn’t it? What better way to embody that than by incorporating balance beams and stepping stones in your backyard? For younger children or those developing their coordination, balance-focused equipment is an excellent alternative to a trampoline that still offers dynamic movement.

• What it is: Narrow platforms or stepping stones that kids walk or hop across.
  
  
• How it keeps kids active: Encourages walking, jumping, and balancing in creative ways.
  
  
• Health benefits: Strengthens leg muscles, enhances balance, and builds confidence through achievable challenges.

Sports Equipment

Get competitive, get moving, and get your game on! Sports-based play not only keeps kids physically active, but it also teaches teamwork and discipline.

• What it is: Equipment for sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, or cricket.
  
  
• How it keeps kids active: Running, jumping, kicking, throwing - it’s all high-energy, full-body motion that keeps the whole family engaged.
  
  
• Health benefits: Cardiovascular fitness, hand-eye coordination, social interaction, and skill development across various sports.
  
  

Get Your Trampoline Alternatives at Vuly 

When it comes to finding the ultimate trampoline alternative (and trampolines, of course!) Vuly Play is every family’s go-to source.

Our swingsets, playsets, and monkey bars are engineered for safety, built for durability, and designed to grow with your kids, making them the perfect alternative to a trampoline. Whether it’s climbing, swinging, or imaginative play, Vuly offers innovative outdoor solutions that keep kids energised, engaged, and thriving all year round.

Your backyard is a canvas that’s just waiting to be filled with adventure. Explore the full range at Vuly and start building an exciting outdoor space the whole family will love! 

Looking for more expert insights? Take a look at our other blogs: 

• Are Trampolines Safe for Toddlers
• How to Get Kids to Play Outside
• Recommended Amount of Physical Activity for Children & Adults?