Backyard Playground Ideas
Backyard Playground Ideas
Creating a mini-playground in a small yard takes a little planning.
But once in place, it will provide your kids or grandkids with hours of entertainment and exercise.
Today’s play equipment doesn’t have to be gigantic. You can choose from a wide selection of swing-sets, slide sets, play towers and sandboxes that are big on fun, but small in size.
Consider size, materials, components, price and safety before you buy play equipment.
- How much space will the play area require?
- What is the best material ? plastic, wood or metal?
- Do you want to buy the equipment or build it yourself?
- How much do you want to spend?
- What safety features should you look for?
Bigger isn’t always better
When yard space is at a premium, the size of play equipment is an important consideration. Fortunately, manufacturers offer everything from small plastic play structures to downsized metal and wood play centers — complete with swings, tower and slide.
Younger kids / Older kids
Older children love a basic metal or wood swing set that includes a couple of swings, a trapeze and a glider or swing horse. Several popular swing sets have dimensions of about 9′ X 9′ X 6′ and usually feature a glide ride, two contour swings and wave slide. If you have a little more room, look at mid-size play sets that include a slide, lawn swing or rocket rider. The set up dimensions are approximately 14′ X 9′ X 6′ for this type of play equipment.
For more activity in a small area, you might want some type of climbing gym. Most climbing gyms come with slides, ladders, platforms and even tents. A small sandbox or tire swing can also provide hours of fun for kids of all ages.
Once you’ve decided to add a small playground to your yard, it’s time to think about the material that’s right for your child — plastic, metal or wood.
Plastic backyard play sets are a great match for small children and small backyards. They are safe and can be easily set up or moved around. Little Tikes and Step 2 make mini-sized plastic playhouses, activity gyms, “climb and slide” sets, jungle climbers, wave climbers and swing extensions. You can find them online or at retail stores like Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us.
If you decide on metal equipment, make sure it’s galvanized or painted to prevent rust. Check to see that the metal used in the swing set is thick gauge steel. For example, the top bar should be as thick as a nickel and a dime placed on top of each other. Metal swing sets can usually support a weight limit of 75 pounds per child. Hedstrom is the best-known manufacturer of metal play equipment. You can find this popular brand at nearly every store that sells outdoor play sets.
Wood sets are sturdier, generally more attractive and very popular for home use. They last longer than plastic or metal play sets and support 120 pounds or more per child. Cedar, redwood and pressure-treated wood equipment withstands moisture and resists decay. You can find a large variety of wooden play equipment online or in specialty stores from manufacturers such as Backyard Escapes, Play Nation, and Detailed Play Systems.
Buy or Build?
Both metal and plastic play and swing sets are manufactured in a factory and bought from local stores. Shop around with your child to find out the “kid’s eye view” of the equipment. Also consider size, safety and price.
Remember, you have to put it together. Most play sets can be assembled at home in a few…
Continue reading this Foremost blog post for more ideas and tips.
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