Nothing sparks your child’s imagination quite like a trampoline fort, so setting up an epic play station where they can play or battle with their friends is a fun way to make memories they will never forget.

Whether you’re planning a trampoline sleepover and want to take it to the next level or are looking for a fun activity during summer break, these trampoline fort ideas are sure to spark the inner warrior in your children!

In this post:

• What Is A Trampoline Fort?
• Who Can Make a Trampoline Fort?
• How to Use a Trampoline Fort
• Setting Up an Epic Trampoline Fort
• Trampoline Fort Accessory Ideas
  • Lighting
  • Beddings
  • Awesome Battle Toys
• FAQS
• Final Thoughts

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What Is A Trampoline Fort?

A trampoline fort utilizes your trampoline to create a play space where kids can hide out and play.

Many people create their own DIY fort using blankets, a double bedsheet, curtains, pillows, and even tarps.

You can simply attach these objects to the safety net for a quick and easy setup, or if you have a more substantial and long-lasting trampoline fort in mind, you can take the construction and decorating to the next level.

Depending on the height of the trampoline, you can also set up a fort under the trampoline.

Who Can Make A Trampoline Fort?

Anyone with a trampoline in their backyard can make an amazing DIY trampoline fort; all it takes is a little creativity! You can make it as simple or complex as you’d like, with some people even using a portable extension board to set up an electricity connection.

If you have an old trampoline, make sure there are spring pads and a safety net in place to protect your children from injury in case of a fall while they jump and play.

• Looking for other fun and easy outdoor forts? Check out our favorite backyard hanging tents for kids!

How To Use A Trampoline Fort

The amount of trampoline fort ideas is only limited by your imagination, making them one of the most fun and exciting backyard activities.

Here are a few of our favorite fort ideas you can use:

• Throw a trampoline sleepover
• Use your trampoline fort as a tent for a backyard camping trip
• Have a board game night inside the fort
• Watch a movie inside with your family, complete with popcorn, drinks, and lights
• Create a base for Nerf gun battles
• Use it as a playhouse by adding a blanket roof, letting your kids decorate it to their liking
• Use it as a cozy reading nook
• Host an unforgettable trampoline fort birthday party with some cute decorations

• Create a haunted trampoline fort for Halloween

As you can see, there are so many exciting uses for a trampoline fort that you’ll wonder why it took you so long to finally jump on the bandwagon!

• Looking for other fun backyard ideas? Check out all our favorite slacklines for kids!

Setting Up An Epic Trampoline Fort

Whether you’re using your trampoline fort for sleepovers, parties, or everyday fun, you want to create a space that inspires kids’ creativity. Building a trampoline fort is a fun DIY project for kids!

Step One: Check the Weather

Fun DIY forts don’t stand up to rain or high winds, and no one wants to deal with a soaking wet pile of blankets. Make sure you have nice weather before you begin. Remember to bring everything in when not in use or before a storm.

Step Two: Collect Fort Building Supplies

Depending on your budget, kids can use the following:

• Curtains
• Blankets
• Sheets
• Any other fabric that is large enough to cover the width of the trampoline
• Rope
• Fort building clips
• Pillows
• Lights

Step Three: Pick a Spot to Build

Decide whether you will build under or on the trampoline.

If you’re building under the trampoline, put down a trap as a ground cover. This will help to keep blankets and bedding clean and dry.

If you’re building on the trampoline, string a rope across it several times to create an additional structure to help hold up blankets or serve as attachment points. This is often a job for adults or older kids.

Step Four: Get Building!

Simply give kids the supplies, lots of time, and let them build away! The fort might fall down a time or two, but that provides kids with opportunities for problem-solving. Often, making the fort is just as fun as spending time in the fort!

Blankets can be easily attached to the safety net or the edges of the trampoline using fort-building clips.

Step Five: Add the Lights

Once the fort is built, run an extension cord and add lights to make it extra magical.

Trampoline Tent

If your kids are avid fort builders, you may want to invest in a trampoline tent that completely encloses the trampoline and creates an ideal backdrop for your fort. Our kids love spending time camped out in their trampoline tent!

The price will vary depending on which tent you choose, the company’s material choices, and your trampoline size, but these are our top picks thanks to their durability and ease of use:

1. 15ft Tampoline Tent

This trampoline tent features a front-entry zipper for easy access and three screen windows for maximum visibility and air circulation.

It is made from durable, weather-resistant, and UV-resistant Oxford fabric that will protect your kids from the sun, bugs, and even rain.

Trampoline Shade Cover

If you’re looking for the advantages of a full trampoline tent without the price tag, this trampoline shade cover is the answer.

Attach it to the safety net poles for fast and easy protection from the sun and bugs. Since the price is on the lower end, it leaves room in the budget for building a fort interior that your kids will go crazy for!

Trampoline Fort Accessory Ideas

Once you have the exterior of the trampoline fort in place, it’s time for the most exciting part, the accessories! We’ve made a list of the top trampoline fort accessory ideas that are sure to please not just kids but your entire family.

Lighting

Lights are by far one of the coolest ways to decorate your trampoline fort, but they do require you to have an electrical connection.

If you don’t have access to a nearby outlet, choosing a high-quality, weatherproof extension cord is a must.

We recommend the following:

1. Clear Power 50 Ft. Outdoor Extension Cord

Built for safety and available in multiple sizes, this extension cord works in temperatures from -40°F up to 140°F. It features nickel-coated brass blades that resist corrosion and prevent arcing, and it is weather, water, abrasion, and kink resistant, as well as flame-retardant.

2. Gear It 100 Ft Extension Cord

This heavy-duty, all-purpose extension cord is rated for 125 volts, 13 amps, and 1625 watts and features 14 gauge pure copper content. Rated for temperatures from -40F to 130F, it includes a 30-day, 100% money-back guarantee.

Once your electricity connection is established, you can decide which lights to choose. If you plan on using your trampoline fort at night for sleepovers or camping, adding lights will create a magical fort your kids will never get tired of using.

• Check out this complete list of all my favorite trampoline lights!

Bedding

If you’re using your fort for a trampoline sleepover or even just lounging around, you’ll want to ensure you have soft and comfortable bedding. Items to include are pillows, blankets, and sheets.

You can simply use things from inside or buy items more suited to the outdoors

Here are a few of our favorite bedding pieces to get kids into building and battle mode:

1. Camouflage Woobie Blanket

Woobies are used in all military branches, making this camo blanket the perfect addition to your trampoline fort sleepovers. It dries quickly and compresses flat for storage, all while keeping your kids warm and cozy.

2. Inflatable Camp Camping Pillows

These inflatable camping pillows blow up in seconds and stay inflated all night long. They are soft, waterproof, and easy to store, so you can keep a few on hand for your next trampoline sleepover.

Awesome Battle Toys

We couldn’t make an article on trampoline fort ideas without including some awesome battle toys your kids can grab as they enjoy hour after hour of intense play.

Our kids love using their trampoline fort and the backyard to battle it out with Nerf guns, balls, and even swords. Kids can come up with some pretty fun and in-depth games when given a few props!

Here are some of our favorite battle toys:

1. Nerf Elite Motoblitz Blaster

Your kids will enjoy two blaster modes that allow them to shoot six darts at once or ten in a row, all while playing on their trampoline. It’s perfect for outdoor fun in your backyard, at the park, and of course, in their trampoline fort.

You can find it here.

Nerf Rival Nemesis

This fully motorized, hopper-fed, high-capacity Nerf gun uses foam bullets for a more accurate and exciting experience. It includes 100 rounds with the option to choose either red or blue blasters.

2. GoSport Soft Skin Foam Dodgeballs

Take the battle to the next level with these Soft Skin Foam Dodgeballs. Made from a latex-free, soft material, they won’t sting on contact like traditional rubber balls, making them perfect for fun, safe playtime.

3. GoSport Foam Golf Balls

Although made for golf, these small foam balls make the perfect ammunition for your trampoline fort battle. They are soft enough for use in-house use while offering exceptional accuracy when thrown.

4. Pack Foam Swords And Shields Playset

If you’re using your fort for a trampoline sleepover or birthday party, you need this set of 12 foam swords and shields. It features eight different swords and four shield designs to ensure everyone is armed for a safe and exciting battle.

5. Power TRC Sword And Shield Playset

Kids will love the Knights of the Foam Table design, which is durable and sturdy enough for the next backyard combat. Made from non-toxic materials and super soft, they’re perfect for use on trampolines.

FAQS

1. What materials do I need to build a trampoline fort?

You’ll typically need a trampoline, several blankets or large bed sheets, strong and durable ropes, clothespins or fort-building clips, and some pillows for comfort. You might also want some lights, like fairy lights, to create a cozy atmosphere.

2. Can I use the trampoline while the fort is up?

Jumping on the trampoline while the fort is up is not recommended. The fort is meant to be a cozy play area, and jumping could cause the blankets to come loose or the fort to collapse.

3. How can I make a trampoline fort more comfortable?

Adding pillows, bean bags, or comfortable floor mats inside can make your blanket trampoline fort more comfortable.

When using a trampoline fort in hot weather, a small battery-powered fan can enhance comfort by helping keep the fort cool.

4. How can I make a trampoline fort more fun?

Adding elements like fairy lights, flags, or even a little snack corner can make the fort more fun. You could also bring board games, books, or toys to play with inside the fort.

5. Can I build a trampoline fort in any weather?

You can technically build a fort in any weather, but avoiding windy, rainy, or snowy conditions is best. This weather could cause the fort to collapse and make the blankets wet.

On a hot day, ensure that the fort is not too warm inside and that there is plenty of ventilation.

6. How many kids can fit inside a trampoline fort?

The number of kids that can fit will depend on the size of your trampoline – make sure to follow the weight limits set by the manufacturer!

Also, consider how much space is occupied by pillows, snacks, and other items. It’s important not to overcrowd the fort, as this could make the trampoline unstable.

Final Thoughts

Trampolines aren’t just for jumping anymore; they can become the fort of your kid’s dreams.

Whether planning a trampoline sleepover or searching for unique ways to make fun happen this summer, using these trampoline fort ideas makes the process easy, so your kids can create memories that will last a lifetime!