Best Playground Equipment for Kids

Design and spacing

Make sure you are installing equipment that is appropriate to the age of your kids. Check all open spaces in the equipment.

The playset should have well-defined play areas that are arranged for safety. For example, you wouldn't want a child sliding down right in front of another child climbing up some other part of the playset.

When locating the equipment in your yard, you should have a 6-foot fall zone in all directions. This would mean that the area around your playset should be free of any obstacles, such as fences or bushes or hard surfaces, such as sidewalks that could lead to worse injuries in case of a fall. Also check for sharp objects, such as branches or stakes in the ground.

Installation

Look for well-designed equipment made from durable materials and put together with high-quality hardware. Make sure equipment is assembled properly and set on a level surface, anchored firmly to the ground. Install bumper pads for corner cushioning and non-skid strips for places where little feet need a better grip.

The nice thing about plastic is that it won't rust or splinter.

Protective surfacing

Almost 60 percent of all playground injuries are caused by falls to the ground. Asphalt, concrete and even grass are considered hard surfaces not considered to be appropriate for use under a playset. Mulch, wood chips, fine sand and fine gravel are considered acceptable surfaces.

Maintenance

Playsets get a lot of hard wear and tear, so be sure to inspect your equipment regularly for anything that could be a hazard to kids, such as loose nuts and bolts, sharp edges, rust or cracking and splintered wood.

This playset has a whopping 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, out of 166 reviews!

It has a 4 out of 5 review on Amazon. It would be less expensive and relatively easy to set up due to being inflatable.

It makes me wish I was a kid again!

Check the safety netting for tears or frays
* Torn netting could allow a child to climb onto the outer portions of the equipment and fall onto a hard surface.

Check cargo webbing and rope equipment for tears or frays
* Torn rope equipment or loose sewing connections in the cargo webbing may be an entrapment or tripping hazard.

Check floor surfacing for tears
* Floor surfacing should not be torn, in order to prevent trips or ankle sprains.
* If mats are used outside of the Soft Contained Play Equipment , they should be placed tightly together and should not be torn, in order to prevent trips or ankle sprains.

Check the equipment for general cleanliness
* Dirty equipment is an indication that the owner/operator may not have kept up with the routine maintenance and repair.
* Walkways should be clear of trash and clutter to prevent tripping.