Bounce houses and trampolines are a popular way to bring fun and energy to resident events, but they also come with serious safety concerns. Injuries can happen quickly, especially if the equipment isn’t anchored properly, supervision is lacking, or too many children are playing at once. Before allowing these attractions on your property, it’s important to understand the risks and take proactive steps to protect residents, guests, and your organization.
This guide highlights best practices for evaluating whether to allow these structures and outlines the safeguards to put in place if you do.
What you'll learn
- Common causes of injuries associated with bounce houses and trampolines
- Key safety considerations for equipment setup and supervision
- Policy ideas your organization can evaluate for addressing bounce house use
- Risk factors to keep in mind during resident events and private use
- Practical measures to help reduce liability exposure on your property
Why this matters
Bounce houses and trampolines can turn any gathering into a memorable event, but they come with real risks, especially when used without proper planning or supervision. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, injuries from these attractions often involve broken bones, head trauma, or sprains and can happen even during short, casual use.
For housing providers, these injuries don’t just pose a physical threat; they also introduce significant liability. Whether a bounce house is set up for a community event or a resident brings in their own trampoline, your organization could be held responsible if someone gets hurt. That’s why it’s critical to develop a clear policy on how these structures are permitted on your property.
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This article is for general information only. HAI Group® makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group® and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your attorney or subject matter advisor before adopting any risk management strategy or policy.
HAI Group® is a marketing name used to refer to insurers, a producer, and related service providers affiliated through a common mission, management, and governance. Property-casualty insurance and related services are written or provided by Housing Authority Property Insurance, A Mutual Company; Housing Enterprise Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Specialty Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Investment Group, Inc.; and Housing Insurance Services (DBA Housing Insurance Agency Services in NY and MI).