Choosing between an above-ground trampoline and an in ground trampoline is one of the biggest decisions families make when planning a backyard trampoline.
At first, the choice may seem simple. Above-ground trampolines usually cost less and are easier to set up. In ground trampolines cost more and require more planning. But the real difference goes far beyond price.
An above-ground trampoline is usually a temporary piece of backyard equipment. An in ground trampoline is a more permanent backyard feature. It is cleaner, more premium, easier to blend into the yard, and often a better choice for families who want their outdoor space to feel finished.
So, which one is better?
The answer depends on your budget, your yard, and what kind of backyard setup you want. Here is how above-ground and in ground trampolines compare.
What Is an Above-Ground Trampoline?
An above-ground trampoline is the traditional style most people are familiar with. It sits on legs above the lawn, with the frame, springs, mat, and pads raised off the ground.
Above-ground trampolines are popular because they are simple. In many cases, they can be assembled on a flat section of grass without excavation, retaining walls, drainage systems, or major landscaping.
For families looking for the lowest upfront cost, an above-ground trampoline can be a practical option. It is easier to install, easier to remove, and usually less expensive than an in ground trampoline.
However, above-ground trampolines also have a more temporary look. They sit high above the yard, can block sightlines, may make lawn maintenance harder, and usually need an enclosure because the jumping surface is raised off the ground.
What Is an In Ground Trampoline?
An in ground trampoline is installed into the ground so the jumping surface sits at or near yard level. Instead of standing above the lawn, the trampoline becomes part of the backyard design.
This is the biggest difference between the two options. An in ground trampoline does not look like something placed on top of the yard. It looks like something built into it.
For many homeowners, this is the main reason to choose an in ground trampoline. It creates a cleaner, more premium look and feels like a long-term addition to the home.
A good comparison is the difference between an above-ground pool and an in-ground pool. Both can be fun, but the in-ground version usually feels more permanent, more polished, and more connected to the overall yard design. In ground trampolines offer that same kind of upgrade over traditional above-ground trampolines.
Which Trampoline Looks Better in the Yard?
When it comes to appearance, an in ground trampoline is usually the clear winner.
An above-ground trampoline sits high above the lawn. Even when it is placed neatly, it still becomes a large visual object in the yard. The legs, frame, enclosure, ladder, and netting can make the space feel more crowded.
An in ground trampoline has a much lower profile. Because it sits at ground level, it blends into the yard more naturally. It can be surrounded by grass, turf, pavers, stone, or other landscaping materials to create a cleaner finished look.
This is one of the biggest reasons families choose an in ground trampoline. It does not feel like temporary equipment. It feels like part of the backyard.
Crazy Ape in ground trampolines can also be finished with extended pads that reach beyond the perimeter of the trampoline. This helps create a sleeker edge and makes the trampoline feel even more integrated with the surrounding yard.
Which Trampoline Costs Less?
Above-ground trampolines usually cost less upfront.
A basic above-ground trampoline can often be purchased for a few hundred dollars, while higher-quality models can cost several thousand dollars. Installation is usually simple, especially if the yard is flat and the trampoline can be assembled by the homeowner.
An in ground trampoline costs more because it is a more involved project. The trampoline itself will typically start around $4,000 and can cost up to $20,000 or more for premium multi-trampoline backyard park setups.
The installation cost is separate. Depending on your yard, soil conditions, drainage needs, retaining wall design, and contractor fees, the hole, retaining wall, drainage system, and installation work can often range from $2,000 to $6,000.
So if the only question is upfront cost, an above-ground trampoline is usually cheaper.
But if the question is long-term value, yard appearance, and creating a premium backyard feature, an in ground trampoline is often the better investment.
Which Trampoline Is Safer?
Safety is one reason families compare above-ground and in ground trampolines, but it is important to understand the difference properly.
An above-ground trampoline has a raised jumping surface. Because of that height difference, falling off the trampoline can be a bigger concern. This is why many above-ground trampolines are used with tall enclosures.
An in ground trampoline sits close to ground level. This removes the large gap between the trampoline and the yard, making falling off the trampoline less of an issue. In many backyard setups, this can eliminate the need to purchase a tall enclosure.
That does not mean an in ground trampoline removes every risk. Jumpers can still land awkwardly, collide with another jumper, or hit the frame or padding if the trampoline is not used properly. Supervision, clear jumping rules, quality padding, and proper installation still matter.
But when comparing the two designs, an in ground trampoline does reduce one of the most obvious concerns with above-ground trampolines: the height of the fall from the trampoline to the ground.
Which Trampoline Handles Weather Better?
Weather is another reason families choose an in ground trampoline.
Above-ground trampolines stand on legs and sit above the lawn. In strong wind or extreme weather, they may need to be anchored properly to reduce the risk of movement, tipping, or damage.
An in ground trampoline is installed into the yard, which means there is less concern about the trampoline being blown around in extreme weather compared with a traditional above-ground model.
This does not mean weather can be ignored. In ground trampolines still need proper drainage, strong materials, and a quality frame that can handle outdoor conditions. But because the trampoline is built into the ground rather than sitting above it, it has a more secure and permanent feel.
Which Trampoline Is Easier to Maintain?
Above-ground trampolines are easier to access because the frame and underside are visible. If you need to move the trampoline, replace parts, or clean around it, the process can be more straightforward.
However, above-ground trampolines can make lawn care more annoying. You may need to move the trampoline, trim around the legs, or deal with dead grass underneath.
An in ground trampoline requires more planning upfront. Drainage, airflow, retaining walls, and access for maintenance all need to be considered before installation. Once the trampoline is installed, it is not something you casually move around the yard.
That is why it is important to choose a quality in ground trampoline from the start. If the hole, retaining wall, drainage, and landscaping are permanent, the trampoline itself should be built to match that level of investment.
Why Cheap Trampolines Are a Bigger Risk In Ground
A cheap above-ground trampoline may be acceptable for a temporary backyard setup. If it wears out or needs to be replaced, it can usually be taken apart and removed.
A cheap trampoline becomes a much bigger problem when it is installed in ground.
The hole, retaining wall, drainage, landscaping, and contractor work can easily cost more than the trampoline itself. If the trampoline is not built for long-term in ground use, you may end up spending permanent-installation money on a not-so-permanent trampoline.
This is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. They spend thousands of dollars preparing the yard, then try to save money on the actual trampoline.
For an in ground trampoline, the trampoline should not be the weak point. It should be designed for the installation, the environment, and the long-term use of the backyard.
Which One Is Better for a Premium Backyard?
If your goal is a simple, low-cost trampoline, an above-ground trampoline may be enough.
But if your goal is a finished backyard that looks clean, intentional, and premium, an in ground trampoline is usually the better choice.
An in ground trampoline fits into the yard instead of sitting above it. It creates less visual clutter, feels more permanent, and can be finished with landscaping, turf, stone, or extended pads for a sleeker look.
This is especially true for families who are already investing in their backyard. If you are building a patio, adding landscaping, upgrading outdoor play areas, or creating a long-term family space, an in ground trampoline makes more sense than a temporary above-ground option.
Why Choose a Crazy Ape In Ground Trampoline?
Crazy Ape in ground trampolines are built for families who want more than a basic trampoline.
They are designed for homeowners who care about how the trampoline looks, how it fits into the yard, and how it performs as part of a long-term backyard setup.
A Crazy Ape in ground trampoline can be integrated into the landscape for a cleaner, more polished result. Extended pad options can also help create a sleeker finished edge around the trampoline, making the installation feel more connected to the surrounding yard.
For families who want something larger than a single trampoline, Crazy Ape also offers premium multi-trampoline options that can turn a backyard into a trampoline park-style setup. These are ideal for homeowners who want a standout backyard feature with more room to jump, play, and grow.
If you are choosing an in ground trampoline, the installation is already a serious investment. Crazy Ape gives you a trampoline system that is built to match the project.
Read More About In Ground Trampolines
Want to keep researching before choosing the right in ground trampoline for your backyard? These guides can help:
