Ideas for an Outdoor Play Area for Kids

Ground Covering

• Covering the ground of the play area provides a safe surface and also marks out the perimeter of the outdoor play area. Each option presents you with different considerations, such as cost. You can keep the area green with regular grass. Grass' drawbacks include getting muddy when it rains and causing stains. Another option is wood mulch. One problem associated with playground wood mulch is that it's wood, some pieces are sharp and could cause splinters. Playground sand is another option, with drawbacks including sand getting in children's eyes, clothes and shoes. Other ground coverings that are generally safer, yet more expensive, include rubber mulch and rubber mats. Most of these products are made from recycled rubber.

Barriers

• An outdoor play center may or may not need barriers, depending on its primary use. If the play area is for a day care or larger number of children, fence in the outdoor play area if there is not located in a fenced in yard or green space already. Your state may have several laws regarding outdoor barriers for day care and other institutions. If this is for private use at your home for your children and friends, a barrier is not a legal requirement.

Location Selection

• Selecting the proper location for the outdoor play area is one of the biggest safety measures when planning the area. Two of the biggest safety concerns are keeping the play area away from roads or driveways and making sure you have a line of sight to all areas of the play area area from your home, porch or patio. This will allow you to enjoy an "adult" area with patio chairs or comfort while still keeping an eye on the children. When choosing the location, scan the area for large rocks, tree stumps and branches or other hazards. If you are using metal play equipment such as slides or swing sets, the area should not be in direct sunlight as they can get hot and burn the children's skin.

Choosing the Play Equipment

• Play equipment can be large or small and comes in a variety of materials. Plastic, wood and metal are the most common materials for outdoor play equipment. If the playground is for a large, private home area, consider a wooden or metal swing and slide set. For younger children in private or day care use, there are also several molded plastic play sets that may include slides, tunnels or climbing walls. Larger wooden play sets may include a slide, swings, a "fort," trapeze bars and other items. For smaller areas, consider simple outdoor toys such as small plastic pools, sandboxes or teeter-totters. Children of all ages enjoy these items.