A trampoline tent (also called a trampoline fort) is a temporary shelter created by draping blankets and sheets over the trampoline frame and safety enclosure netting. It’s like installing a soft, cozy tent right on top of the trampoline mat.
Kids can jump on the trampoline by day, then snuggle into their tent sanctuary at night for giggles, stories, and quality bonding time. It feels like magical backyard camping!
Trampoline tents are very popular for summer vacations, sleepovers, birthdays, and holidays like the Fourth of July. They appeal to kids and parents alike as a unique, memorable way to have good old-fashioned fun at home.
Read on to learn more!
Why Make A DIY Trampoline Tent?
Here are some of the best reasons to create your own trampoline tent:
Special memories – A trampoline tent sleepover becomes a meaningful shared experience and fond memory for your kids and their friends. The unique setting and cozy atmosphere fosters relationships.
Good clean fun – Trampoline tents encourage fun, screen-free entertainment and interaction. Kids engage in healthy play and bonding.
Learn survival skills – Building the tent together teaches real-life skills like setting up shelter. Kids also practice teamwork and problem-solving.
Quality family time – Trampoline tents facilitate priceless family bonding as you work on an exciting project side-by-side.
Affordable summer fun – This affordable DIY backyard activity entertains kids all summer long. No need for expensive summer camps or entertainment.
Safety and supervision – Trampoline tents allow parents to supervise play and sleepovers conveniently right at home.
Unique experience – Trampoline tent sleepovers feel like camping trips. It’s camping made easy, accessible, and reliable for endless backyard fun.
As you can see, do-it-yourself trampoline forts offer benefits for the whole family. The enjoyable process of planning and building the tent together leads to fulfilling shared experiences.
Must Read: Is Sleeping On A Trampoline Good For Your Back?
How To Choose The Best Trampoline For A Tent?
The first step in creating your backyard trampoline tent is making sure you have an appropriate trampoline. Consider the following factors:
Size – Choose the largest trampoline your yard and budget allow. Bigger trampolines provide more sleepover capacity. Optimal size is 12 feet or larger.
Shape – Round trampolines are ideal because they offer maximum interior floor space that’s easy to cover with blankets.
Safety features. A quality trampoline designed for recreational backyard use typically includes:
- Durable galvanized steel frame
- Rust-resistant springs
- Thick protective pads covering the frame and springs
- Tightly-woven UV protection enclosure netting
- Ladder for easy access
Prioritize safety – don’t use old trampolines with worn parts.
Weight limit – Check your trampoline manual to confirm the maximum recommended weight capacity. Make sure the total occupant weight stays within safe limits.
Existing shelter – Choose a shaded trampoline location if possible. Seek natural tree coverage or install a sun shade canopy to protect tent occupants from harsh sunlight.
Buying a brand new recreational trampoline for your tent fort is ideal, but not strictly necessary. You can transform any properly functioning outdoor trampoline into a fun sleepover hub with a little creativity!
How To Make A Trampoline Tent Fort – Step-By-Step
Once you have a suitable trampoline picked out, it’s time for the fun part – building your DIY trampoline fort!
Here is my tried-and-true, 10-step process for foolproof success:
Step 1: Designate A Dry, Pleasant Weather Day/Night
While it’s possible to waterproof your trampoline tent with tarps, your first go-around will be much more enjoyable on a clear, dry evening without wind.
Check the weather forecast and pick an appropriate night. Building the fort and enjoying the maiden sleepover voyage will be easiest on a calm summer night.
Step 2: Clean And Inspect The Trampoline
Make sure your trampoline is clear of debris, dirt, and lawn clippings before covering with blankets. Kids will be playing and sleeping directly on the trampoline mat.
This is also the perfect opportunity to inspect the frame, springs, and mat for any signs of wear or rust. Verify overall integrity so the trampoline is safe for bouncing day and night.
Step 3: Gather Your Trampoline Fort Supplies
You’ll need the following supplies to build your trampoline tent:
- Old blankets, sleeping bags, bedspreads
- Twin-size light-colored flat sheets
- Large beach towels or small rugs
- Pillows
- Battery powered string lights or flashlights
- Extension cord
- Sturdy scissors for any last minute adjustments
- Trampoline tent accessories like snacks, games, etc (optional)
Avoid dark-colored fabric because it absorbs heat. Light colors deflect sunlight to keep the tent interior cooler during daytime use.
Gather more blankets than you think necessary – they compress down when stacked and you want lots of padding for comfort.
Step 4: Cover The Enclosure Netting
The first layer of your trampoline tent will be the “walls.” Use thick blankets to completely cover the enclosure netting, securing them if needed with binder clips or clothespins.
Try to cover any mesh holes so the interior feels more sheltered. Leave an opening for the door.
Use your best, thickest blankets here since these walls won’t be removable.
You can also buy trampoline tent for this purpose.
Step 5: Cover The Trampoline Mat
Next, protect the trampoline surface where kids will play, lounge, and sleep.
Use flat sheets laid out wall-to-wall to cover the entire mat. Avoid irritating surface contact by keeping faces, feet, elbows, knees on the soft barrier of sheets rather than the vinyl mat.
Tip: For more tailgating and sleepover comfort, layer several old egg crate mattress toppers under the sheets.
Step 6: Build The Tent Ceiling
The crowning glory that transforms your trampoline into a tent is the protective ceiling. This is created by layering blankets over the structural net poles and trampoline frame opening.
Use your largest, lightest-colored blankets here to form a waterproof barrier against sun and rain.
Leave a hole up top for ventilation as desired.
Step 7: Add Comfort Layers
Now build up the floor padding to desired density based on blankets remaining. Focus extra cushions around the sleep area.
Top with a layer of cozy sleeping bags for snuggling in. Voila – trampoline sleeper bed!
Step 8: Install Trampoline Tent Lighting
One of the most magical parts of trampoline tents is enjoying the magical twinkle of string lights.
Secure strand lights around the interior perimeter and/or hang lanterns from the tent ceiling structure using S-hooks.
Power your lighting with an outdoor extension cord fed through the blanket wall portal. Make sure wires are fully secured so no tripping/safety hazards.
Tip: Add glow sticks, flashlights or battery-powered tap lights for backup and to allow tent occupants to move freely without total darkness.
Must Read: Trampoline Lights Ideas
Step 9: Decorations & Accessories
Add final touches to create ambiance and excite the kids. Some trampoline tent decorating ideas:
- Flowers, vines or foliage garlands strung along the edges
- Streamers, ribbons, party strings dangling from the ceiling
- Themed props like beach balls, stuffed animals, or relevant books/movies placed inside
Trampoline fort sleepover essentials:
- Snacks, pizza or treats
- Campfire-style cooking equipment for special food like s’mores
- Games, toys, craft supplies
- Cell phone or tablet loaded with movies
- Comfy PJs, slippers, change of clothes
- Toiletries like camp toiletry bag, wipes, and bug spray
Get creative with decorations and accessories! Now it really feels like a fun campout or slumber party.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Amazing Trampoline Tent!
Invite your kids and their friends over for the big reveal. Watch their eyes light up when they realize this incredible kids’ nirvana was created just for them!
Capture photos and videos of the inaugural trampoline tent experience to remember the milestone.
Congratulate yourself on a DIY job well done. Then relish this magical memory-making opportunity with your loved ones.
Safety First! Tips To Keep Your Trampoline Tent Secure
Trampoline tents introduce exciting new opportunities for summer fun. However, safety remains paramount – especially with multiple energetic kids occupying the bouncy enclosure overnight.
Review these precautions:
Set expectations – Establish tent rules covering noise level, jumping protocol, and approved activities before the first kids enter your backyard camp zone. Revisit policies often.
Enforce occupancy – Your tent space determines the safe number of occupants. Excessive combined weight can damage the trampoline or tent infrastructure.
Secure your setup – The trampoline itself should be anchored into the ground and on level terrain. Use tiedowns inside your tent fort to prevent supplies, wires and bedding from shifting unexpectedly.
Mind the weather – Stormy conditions with lightning, strong winds or extreme cold pose hazards with metal trampoline frames and temporary tent structures. Bring kids inside if weather turns ominous.
Maintain sight lines – Keep your trampoline tent in a visible location rather than hidden by yard barriers. Periodically check that policies are followed, especially enforcing the “one bouncer at a time” rule.
Use caution with young kids – Trampoline tents sound simple, but inherently contain risk with falls, collisions, horseplay etc. Carefully consider each child’s maturity before allowing trampoline access without an adult home.
Remove temptations when unattended – Take down tempting snacks, devices, or accessories if the play zone will be unsupervised to reduce problematic temptation.
5 Fun Ways To Decorate Your Trampoline Tent
Once your functional tent structure is up, it’s time for creativity! Décor customizations make your trampoline theme camp come alive with possibilities.
Here are five playful trampoline tent decorating ideas to inspire kids:
Glowing Constellation Tent
Create an enchanting ambiance with strings of glow-in-the-dark stars dangling from the ceiling and dark fabric wall covering. Pack glow sticks, neon face paint and coordinating outer space books or movies. Kids feel like they’re bedding down under the magical night sky!
Beach Bash Hangout
Bring surfer vibes by accessorizing with beach balls, pool noodles, picnic blankets and stuffed seagulls or turtles. Adorn the ceiling edges with colorful Hawaiian leis, seashell wind chimes and fishing net bunting. Pack beach treats like sunscreen snacks and ocean sounds/movies for full immersion!
Woodland Forest Retreat
Transform into an outdoor explorers’ hideaway with green and brown fleece blankets lining the walls. Decorate with plush forest animals, twig wreaths, birdhouses and binoculars. Project firefly lighting under furniture inside the tent. Load nature sounds and documentaries to complete the camping mood.
Carnival Fun House
Go all out decorating every inch with tickets, streamers, stuffed animals and signs. Project red and yellow stage lighting. Stock fun foods like snow cones, caramel corn and candy apples. Play calliope music and load silly carnival movies. Everyone feels part of their own ridiculous sideshow!
Magical Unicorn Stable
Line the interior with pink and purple blankets. Tape construction paper unicorn horns above the entryway. Hang strands of cotton ball “clouds” and plush rainbows from the ceiling. Include lots of pillows and floor seating covered in magic carpet rugs. Share fanciful unicorn stories by flashlight and munch on sparkly treats! Fantasy fulfilled.
The only limit is your imagination. Encourage kids’ creativity by allowing them to take the reins decorating their own perfect hangout haven. Their innovative décor ideas will amaze you!
Must Read: Old Trampoline Ideas
Trampoline Tent FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about backyard trampoline forts:
How long can the trampoline tent stay up?
Durability varies, but trampoline tents are designed for temporary use measured in days – not weeks or months. Monitor weather closely and take down immediately if high winds or storms arise.
What if it rains with my tent set up?
Your blanket fort is not inherently waterproof without tarps, so rain can seriously damage the trampoline and bedding. At the very first sprinkle, take down all blankets, comforters and soft goods. Wipe excess water off the trampoline frame and mat if possible.
Can I leave my trampoline tent up while I’m not home?
Never leave your backyard trampoline unattended while accessorized as an unsupervised play zone. Take down all toys, devices, snacks and tempting climbing aids. Remove everything but bare essentials when away.
How cold is too cold for trampoline tent camping?
While summer nights are ideal, early fall can work too. Use lots of sleeping bags and blankets if temps dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Prevent campers from getting chilled and waking up sick.
Can I install a tent canopy permanently on my trampoline?
It’s possible to integrate more permanent tent structures, but backyard zoning laws may restrict. Check local regulations before installing structures that alter property sight lines, drainage or easements between homes.
Still have questions? Reach out and I’m happy to help offer trampoline tent advice from my years of family DIY experience.
Conclusion
A do-it-yourself trampoline tent brings your family together through engaging seasonal project creation and enchanting shared memories made possible in your own backyard.
Transforming an ordinary trampoline into a magical kids’ sanctuary is much easier than you imagined, thanks to this straightforward tent construction guide. With a bit of handiwork, teamwork and creativity, your trampoline is now ready to fuel healthy, connected fun all summer long.
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