{Review} Activity Toys Direct

I promised The Girls that when we moved, we would get them a trampoline. They left behind a fantastic swingset/climbing frame with built-in tree-house and picnic table, as well as the playhouse we had installed for LBG’s first birthday, so they gave up a lot in the move. A trampoline seemed like a perfectly reasonable request.

I know nothing about trampolines. I just knew that I wanted one ‘that big’ that was safe and secure and well-built. As with Removals Firms, people were happy to offer recommendations but it was only when I got into a chat about spring-free trampolines on twitter that I found what I was looking for. Not spring-free, after watching this nausea-inducing YouTube video– but the advice I got from Activity Toys Direct made me feel that they were the company who would find the right trampoline for me. And they thought I was rather nice too, because they gave me a discount and truly excellent service. When things didn’t get off to a smooth start, they gave me regular updates, were able to change the delivery address when we moved, were very apologetic and have generally been brilliant on the communication front.

As for the trampoline? You wouldn’t believe it but DH assembled it in the dark, straight after getting home from work, such was his excitement, which proves that it really was very straight-forward to assemble. I pitched in, of course: we ordered a 14-foot trampoline, so it wasn’t a one-man job. The instructions were a little open-to-interpretation at a couple of points, but we got there without mishap, and all in torch-light.

In the cold-light of morning, The Girls were delighted, and were bouncing and boinging before you could say ‘get-dressed-you-can’t-go-on-the-trampoline-in-your-nightie’. DH and I were delighted with how smart and well-made it looks and feels. I am keen on the entry- through an overlap in the enclosure- which seems much more secure then the standard zip-enclosure. Based on those that we have used with the afore-mentioned zips, I hypothesize that ours will actually last better: no ripped seams or busted zips to compromise the safety of the bouncers. I love the solid steps that are flat like a step ladder rather than round rungs- they are much gentler on feet of all sizes.

The bounce is amazing- it has 88 springs- so I am also pleased that the enclosure is well-designed. It has a pole that runs around the top edge- rather like a tent pole- which helps support the net, and I myself stitched the enclosure to the base, fixing the spring-protector over the top. This makes it almost impossible for little feet to get squooshed in the springs, or take a flying leap off the trampoline and onto the ground. Even with four children bouncing and bobbing, there is very little movement of the structure as a whole. The base and legs feel secure and well-constructed, not to mention padded.

There is also a little shoe-holder pocket thing too, but frankly my children just seem to stuff this with all manner of randomness so it adds very little to the trampoline as a whole. Then there’s the cost question. A trampoline is a big investment so they are not cheap. At least 14ft ones aren’t cheap. There are cheaper ones on the market, as with every product. But if you are going to buy something like this for your children, you put safety first. There is nothing that isn’t well-made or reassuring about the trampoline- an Exit JumpArena All-in-One. I am certain that it is worth every penny.

Every person who has visited has been impressed and asked where I bought it. DH and I are both genuinely delighted and know that The Girls will get hours and years of joy from our purchase. The

Activity Toys Direct sell ‘fun straight out of the box’ from fabulous beautiful Yorkshire, and not just trampolines, but swings, play centres, children’s furniture and much more. For more information, go the activitytoysdirect.com website, like the Activity Toys Direct Facebook Page or chat with Activity Toys on twitter.