5 Fun Things To Do on a Trampoline

A trampoline, if you're lucky enough to have one, is a fun way to pass the time. However, they are usually not used to their fullest potential. Endless activities that would normally not be very entertaining on their own become far more exciting on a trampoline, as we discovered while growing up with one (before it eventually broke).

1. Attempt to balance on the metal frame and walk around the outside of the trampoline. Only makes sense if your trampoline is large and has such a frame, although this is probably highly dangerous. We usually played this game while perilously perched above menacing patches of "bindiis", adding tension and excitement when passing "bindii corner". Since trampolines these days appear to have safety nets, the game is probably completely unplayable. Your loss!
2. Lay down and spread out to gain as much surface area as possible, and rub your skin against the trampoline surface. Your body will gather static electricity, which you can just discharge by touching another person. For a stronger effect, touch the metal frame. As it gets darker outside, you can quite clearly see the visible spark appear even at a considerable distance from the person / metal.
3. Best suited to a younger audience, there was nothing quite like having the water sprinkler pointed at the trampoline and jumping through / trying to avoid the stream of water it shot. Add someone with a hose and you have a fantastic way to waste water in a very fun way.
4. Throw a large number of small debris-style items onto the trampoline (we used rocks and berries, though the rocks probably did nothing to prolong the lifetime of our trampoline). Jumping then results in an amazing percussion experience; seeing all the particles fly up in the air with the satisfying sound as they hit the fabric is a unique experience.
5. Have someone close their eyes and spin around, while the other player(s) "hide" around the trampoline. The "blind" player then tries to tag another player, who then takes their place. It is essentially the trampoline equivalent of Marco Polo, only with no calling out necessary (attempted evasive manoeuvres on the trampoline are even more obvious than in a pool). Amazingly this game never ended up with any of us plunging off the side of the trampoline, which shouldn't be a problem on a modern trampoline with the safety nets and all anyway. Best played with siblings who will gladly push you into the person trying to find you in order to protect themselves.