ADA and accessibility tips for indoor trampoline parks

Designing Safe and Inclusive Indoor Play Spaces

Indoor trampoline parks are popular destinations for family entertainment and physical activity. As these venues grow, making them accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities is not only a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and similar laws elsewhere, it is also smart business: accessible facilities attract more visitors, reduce liability, and demonstrate social responsibility. This article explains ADA principles and practical, measurable strategies to make an indoor trampoline park inclusive, safe, and operationally efficient. The term indoor trampoline is used throughout to emphasize facility features and operations specific to trampoline-based attractions.

Understanding the Legal and Standards Framework for Indoor Trampoline Accessibility (indoor trampoline)

Before making design choices, operators need to understand the regulatory landscape. In the U.S., the primary reference is the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which sets minimum scoping and technical requirements for public accommodations, including play areas and recreational facilities. Other important sources include guidance from the U.S. Access Board, standards and best practices from industry groups such as IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), and safety alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Key takeaways from these sources for an indoor trampoline park:

• Provide accessible routes to and within the facility, including entry, viewing areas, restrooms, and program spaces.
• Ensure that check-in, queuing, and payment counters are reachable by people using mobility devices.
• Design play and activity zones with transfer points or adaptive equipment where feasible.
• Address sensory and communication access (quiet spaces, visual alarms, clear signage).

Sources: ADA 2010 Standards; U.S. Access Board; IAAPA guidance.

Why accessibility matters for an indoor trampoline business (indoor trampoline)

From a business perspective, inclusion increases market size and loyalty. From a risk management perspective, following standards reduces the chance of non-compliance claims. From an operational perspective, accessible design improves flow and customer experience for all guests (e.g., families with strollers, elderly guests).

Key Measurable ADA Requirements and Practical Implications (indoor trampoline)

Operators must translate legal language into actionable design targets. Below are the most commonly applied, measurable ADA specifications and how they apply to an indoor trampoline park.

• Ramp slope: maximum 1:12 (8.33%). For every inch of rise, provide 12 inches of ramp run. This is critical when providing access to raised viewing platforms or mezzanines.
• Accessible route width: minimum 36 inches (clear) to allow wheelchair passage through corridors and around attraction perimeters.
• Door clear width: minimum 32 inches clear when door is open at 90 degrees.
• Turning space: 60 inches diameter clear floor space for wheelchair maneuvering in restrooms, viewing areas, and queue bypasses.
• Signage: tactile/Braille signage for rooms and exits where required; characters and Braille per ADA sign specifications.
• Restrooms and showers: at least one accessible stall with grab bars, 60-inch turning radius, lavatory clearance per ADA standard.

These figures should be verified against the latest local code and national standards for your jurisdiction. (See references.)

Architectural and Site Design Tips (indoor trampoline)

Translate ADA metrics into user-centered design:

• Entrances and circulation: Create level or ramped primary entrances. Keep routes to attractions, concessions, and restrooms direct and at least 36 wide. Use contrasting floor colors or textures to define circulation for visually impaired guests.
• Viewing and waiting areas: Provide accessible viewing platforms at multiple heights. Allow stackable wheelchair spaces along the trampoline perimeter to ensure sightlines to activity zones. Provide seats with armrests and designated companion seating.
• Surface materials: Choose non-slip, impact-attenuating surfaces for queuing and adjacent areas. Hard surfaces must minimize glare and provide tactile cues where appropriate.
• Transfer systems: Where possible, incorporate transfer platforms adjacent to trampoline entry points (at appropriate heights) to allow lateral transfer from wheelchair to platform, with grab handles and firm landing areas. Ensure padding and barrier-free access behind transfer zones.

Design checklist (quick reference) — apply to every indoor trampoline area

• Accessible route from parking and entrance to reception/registration.
• At least one accessible check-in counter or lowered surface.
• Accessible viewing area(s) with clear floor space (60 turnaround where needed).
• Accessible restrooms and family restroom(s).
• Signage with high contrast and tactile/Braille where required.
• Emergency exits and alarms accessible to people with hearing and vision impairments.

Operational Policies, Programs, and Staff Training (indoor trampoline)

Built features are only one part of accessibility. Daily operations, programming, and staff capacity determine whether an indoor trampoline park truly functions as inclusive.

• Staff training: Train front-line staff on disability awareness, assisting with transfers safely (without performing personal care), operating adaptive equipment, and communicating clearly with customers with cognitive or sensory needs.
• Booking and scheduling: Offer online and phone booking with options to indicate accessibility needs. Reserve dedicated session times for guests requiring additional assistance (e.g., quieter sessions, slower-paced times).
• Policies and waivers: Make membership agreements and liability waivers available in accessible formats and offer staff assistance to review forms if needed.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with local disability organizations to pilot inclusive programming and get feedback on accessibility improvements.

Adaptive Equipment and Program Design (indoor trampoline)

Adaptive equipment and program modifications expand who can participate in trampoline activities safely.

• Adaptive harness systems: Properly installed harnesses and ceiling-supported hoists can allow participants with limited mobility to experience jumping with stabilization. These systems require trained staff and routine inspection.
• Platform-assisted access: Provide stable, padded platforms with handholds for step-up onto trampoline edges where full transfer is not possible.
• Sensory-friendly modifications: Use softer landings, low-sensory sessions (reduced music, dimmed lights), and smaller group sizes for participants with autism or sensory processing differences.
• Multi-sensory programming: Offer therapist-led or adaptive-sport sessions that adapt jumping activities into balance, vestibular, and coordination therapies where appropriate.

Sensory and Communication Accessibility (indoor trampoline)

An inclusive indoor trampoline park must address sensory and communication access:

• Quiet rooms: Designate a low-sensory room or retreat with soft lighting where guests can decompress.
• Visual supports: Use pictorial schedules, clear wayfinding signage, and floor markings to help guests with cognitive disabilities navigate the facility.
• Communication access: Offer text-based communication options at check-in (e.g., tablets), provide printed instructions in plain language, and consider staff training in basic sign language for the most common needs in your community.
• Alarms: Ensure audible alarms are supplemented with visual strobes for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing; conversely, provide visual alarms with clear signage for those who are blind or low vision.

Emergency Planning and Evacuation (indoor trampoline)

Emergency procedures must include strategies for guests with disabilities:

• Accessible egress: Where full evacuation via stairs is required, provide areas of rescue assistance (refuge areas) that are protected by fire-rated separation and have two-way communication to emergency responders.
• Staff roles: Assign staff to assist with evacuation and to know how to safely move or stabilize guests using mobility devices without causing harm—training and drills are essential.
• Emergency communication: Provide evacuation instructions in multiple formats (audible, visual, and simple written steps) and ensure that emergency lighting and signage are clear and unobstructed.

Comparison Table: Accessibility Features vs. ADA/Operational Recommendation (indoor trampoline)

Sources: ADA 2010 Standards for Accessible Design; IAAPA guidance; industry best practices.

Operational Case Example: Implementing Inclusive Sessions (indoor trampoline)

A mid-sized indoor trampoline park piloted an inclusive program that demonstrates how design and operations work together. Steps they took:

1. Created a monthly quiet jump hour with reduced music and lower guest counts.
2. Installed a transfer platform and trained staff in safe lateral transfer procedures.
3. Offered online booking fields for accessibility needs and designated staff to pre-plan accommodations.
4. Provided an adaptive harness system with manufacturer-led staff training and monthly inspections.

Result: The program increased weekday attendance by a measurable margin and led to partnerships with local therapy centers. This case illustrates that modest investments in accessibility can create new revenue streams while improving guest experience.

Supplier Spotlight: FEI FAN — Manufacturer and Partner for Inclusive Indoor Trampoline Solutions (indoor trampoline)

Guangzhou Feifan Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. was established in 2017. We are a comprehensive indoor playground equipment manufacturer that integrates design, research and development, production, sales, and service. And we have a modern factory building of 6400m² and a 5800 m² office building. Our company's main products include indoor playgrounds, trampoline park equipment, and outdoor amusement equipment. We are committed to creating high-end indoor and outdoor children's amusement equipment and enjoy a high reputation both at home and abroad. We look forward to working together with customers to create a better childhood!

FEI FAN is committed to becoming a global leader in the children's play equipment industry, with a core belief in creating joyful, safe, and imaginative spaces for every child. Through professional design, high-quality manufacturing, and fully customized services, we deliver efficient, one-stop indoor playground solutions for clients around the world. We are not just manufacturers—we are creators of joyful experiences, enablers of parent-child interaction, and companions in child development.

How FEI FAN supports accessibility and operators:

• Design expertise: FEI FAN's team can integrate accessible circulation, transfer platforms, and adaptable layouts into trampoline park planning to meet ADA-style requirements and local codes.
• Manufacturing capability: With modern factory facilities and quality control systems, FEI FAN produces trampoline park equipment to client specifications, including adaptive harness mounts and accessible entry features.
• Customization and service: FEI FAN offers end-to-end solutions — from concept and engineering to installation and after-sales service — enabling operators to implement accessible features efficiently.

Main products: indoor playgrounds, trampoline park equipment, Indoor Theme Park installations. Competitive advantages include integrated design-production-service workflow, factory-scale production, and experience serving international clients.

Maintenance, Inspection, and Documentation (indoor trampoline)

Accessibility is ongoing. Maintain a schedule for equipment inspection, staff re-training, and customer feedback collection:

• Daily checks: Clear routes, signage visibility, and functional doors/ramps.
• Weekly checks: Inspect transfer platforms, harnesses, and adaptive devices for wear; verify padding and surfacing integrity.
• Quarterly audits: Evaluate compliance with local accessibility codes and update policies as regulations or best practices change.
• Documentation: Keep records of staff training, equipment maintenance, incident reports, and customer accommodation requests.

Closing Recommendations — Practical Roadmap (indoor trampoline)

Start with a simple, phased approach:

1. Conduct an accessibility audit using ADA 2010 Standards as a baseline and engage local disability organizations for feedback.
2. Resolve critical barriers first (entrances, routes to restrooms and viewing areas, accessible check-in).
3. Add adaptive equipment and program offerings (quiet sessions, harness systems) based on demand and safety evaluations.
4. Train staff and document procedures for routine checks and emergencies.
5. Measure outcomes: track utilization, guest feedback, and any incidents to iterate improvements.

Inclusive design improves safety, customer satisfaction, and profitability. An indoor trampoline park that thoughtfully accommodates guests with diverse needs will stand out in the market.

FAQ — Accessibility & ADA Questions for Indoor Trampoline Parks (indoor trampoline)

1. Are indoor trampoline parks required to follow the ADA?

In the U.S., trampoline parks operating as public accommodations must comply with the ADA. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so consult local building codes and the 2010 ADA Standards for specifics.

2. What are the minimum ramp and doorway sizes I should plan for?

Per ADA 2010 Standards: ramps should not exceed a 1:12 slope and have appropriate handrails and landings. Accessible routes should be at least 36 inches clear; door clear width should be 32 inches minimum when open 90 degrees.

3. How can I make trampoline activities safe for people with mobility impairments?

Options include transfer platforms, adaptive harness systems, trained staff support for lateral transfers (not personal care), and scheduling inclusive or private sessions. Consult with manufacturers and therapists for safe adaptive equipment specifications.

4. What sensory accommodations are effective in an indoor trampoline park?

Provide quiet or low-sensory sessions, a quiet room for decompression, reduced lighting and music options, clear pictorial signage, and staff trained in sensory-friendly communication.

5. Do I need special insurance or waivers for adaptive equipment like harnesses?

Yes. Work with your insurance provider to ensure coverage for adaptive services and equipment. Update waivers and consent forms to explicitly describe adaptive devices and the assistance provided. Always follow manufacturer instructions and maintain inspection records.

6. How should I handle bookings from customers with accessibility needs?

Provide accessible booking options (online forms with accessibility fields and phone support). Allow guests to state accommodation needs in advance and designate staff to plan and confirm arrangements.

If you have more specific questions about adapting an indoor trampoline venue, or want a facility audit and customized design solutions, contact FEI FAN to discuss integrated equipment, layout, and service options tailored to accessibility goals.

Contact & Next Steps

To explore inclusive design and get a customized proposal for indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks, or Indoor Theme Park installations, reach out to Guangzhou Feifan Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. (FEI FAN). Their integrated design and manufacturing capabilities support ADA-aware builds and adaptive equipment integration. Ask about site audits, adaptive harness systems, transfer platform options, and custom layouts to meet accessibility objectives.

Contact FEI FAN for a consultation and quote — create safer, more joyful, and inclusive indoor trampoline experiences for every guest.

References and Authoritative Resources

• U.S. Department of Justice — 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm (accessed 2025-12-22).
• U.S. Access Board — Accessibility Guidelines and Play Area Guidance. https://www.access-board.gov/ (accessed 2025-12-22).
• International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) — Safety & Accessibility Resources. https://www.iaapa.org/ (accessed 2025-12-22).
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Playground and Trampoline Safety. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Playgrounds (accessed 2025-12-22).
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Physical Activity Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm (accessed 2025-12-22).
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — Life Safety and Emergency Communications (NFPA resources). https://www.nfpa.org/ (accessed 2025-12-22).

Author note: This article is written by an industry consultant with experience in designing inclusive indoor play and trampoline facilities. Recommendations are based on the cited standards and industry best practices. For legal compliance and final design approvals, consult a licensed architect and your local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).