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Outdoor Playground Ideas

Having access to a park or a playground in your community is important for children and adults. Not only does it provide a place for children to play and socialize, it can be a central location to hold meetings and special events. Conduct a survey of what the children in your communities like to do and what types of equipment they like. This will save you money on expensive equipment if they only want a field to kick the ball around.

Going Green
- Design colorful trees out of scrap lumber and paint to add color.
  
  Use materials that have ended their first life and give them a new one. Create swings, jungle gyms or climbing toys from old tires. Make a sandbox out of old railroad ties, some plastic sheeting and sand. Allow the children who will frequent the playground to help in decorating. Create a mosaic out of broken tiles or use old pots, pans and cans to plant flowers and display them around the play yard. Use old steel drums for rubbish and recycling of cans and plastics.
Themed Playgrounds
- Celebrate your playground's birthday every year with a community picnic
  
  Create your playground around a theme like things that move, farm animals, the jungle or a rain forest. Make a sign to raise awareness for the theme. Design your playground with specific ages in mind such as toddlers, under tens, teens or families. This will assist you in deciding which equipment to include. Paint murals on walls or ball courts that go with your theme. Sponsor a clean up day that includes a safety check and maintenance.
Educational Playgrounds
- Don't forget equipment for the adults who come with their children.
  
  Combine play with health and science. Use signs by each of the main pieces of play equipment that explain the scientific background of how the equipment works. Describe scientific themes behind motion, who spins faster on a merry-go-round or the health benefits of exercise and play. Try designing an area of the playground dedicated to the food groups using colors and play equipment.
Backyard Play Areas
- Fill a large portable plastic box with sand or water. Cover the box with the lid and put it away when the children have had enough. Create instant chalkboards with chalkboard paint. Designate a part of your backyard as a kitchen and stock it with old plastic containers and wooden spoons. Let the children cook up some backyard fun with things they find including grass clippings, small pebbles and weeds -- just make sure they stay away from the flowers.

Backyard Toys