There are more than 600 trampoline parks operating in the United States -- 15 times more than there were six years ago.
The $300 million industry has facilities all over, including in Central Texas.
But are they safe?
According to NPR, emergency room visits from trampoline parks rose from fewer than 600 in 2010 to nearly 7,000 in 2014. And, young children were at a higher risk of injury.
Jeff Dunning remembers when his son Isaac broke his foot at a trampoline park. Isaac ended up breaking a growth plate in his foot .
"It ruined his entire baseball season," Dunning recalls.
Luckily, in Isaac's case, it should heal just fine. But, in a more serious case, it could alter a child's growth.
Dr. Dominic Lucia is an emergency physician at McLane Children's Hospital in Temple and has seen firsthand the damage trampolines -- not just the ones in parks -- can do.
"Over 98,000 trampoline injuries occurred back in 2009 and 3,000-plus of those injuries ended up in hospitalization, so it's a real public health issue in the pediatric population," Dr. Lucia said.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the lower extremity was the most likely to be injured -- accounting for up to half of trampoline-related injuries. Several studies said approximately 75-percent of injuries happened while multiple people were jumping at the same time. Flips and somersaults can open jumpers up to risks for head and neck injuries.
Dunning said just because an adult was supervising, it did not necessarily make the situation any safer.
Urban Air Adventure Park has become a popular destination in Waco. A manager declined to go on camera or allow us to film their facility. But, the manager said that park was "plenty safe" and uses "monitors" to make sure kids are following the rules. The manager said many employees do know CPR, as well.
Statewide, Texas has zero authority over trampoline park construction, maintenance and training. ASTM International, a global standards development organization, develops safety guidelines or standards for businesses with attractions like trampolines, climbing walls and roller coasters. But, those are just recommendations for Texas -- not requirements.
And, getting all businesses to meet the recommendations would cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Dr. Lucia said if something happens on a trampoline:
- stop bouncing.
- isolate the child
- isolate the head and neck as best you can
- call for help
- make sure they're breathing and get medical professional on the scene as quickly as possible
Click here for ASTM trampoline standards.
Correction: This article originally mentioned the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The organization said it no longer uses that name. Today, it goes by an abbreviated name: ASTM International. The article has been updated to reflect the shortened name.