How to Set Up a Safe Outdoor Play Area at Home

In the early 19th century, educational theorist Freidrich Froebel laid down a foundational tenet of childhood education that focused on curiosity and imaginative play in an outdoor space. He pioneered outdoor play as an essential component of early development. Central to his philosophy was the analogy of a gardener and his plants, invoking the sense that each child should be allowed their own space and method to grow and explore. He dubbed this concept the 'garden of children', which in the original German becomes: Kindergarten.

As time has gone on, Froebel's ideas have only increased in credibility as more and more researchers discover the importance of freeform, outdoor play. So much so that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child recognised play as a basic right.

However, we know that for many parents one of the biggest barriers to this kind of unstructured play is fears around safety. That's why we're here to give you the tools to create a safe outdoor play area, so you can let your children enjoy an enriching playtime with total peace of mind.

Catering to Your Space

Every backyard is different. We're not just talking about the size (although that is important), we also mean the layout, the ground, the feel, any barriers or fences, slopes and countless other elements. The point is: it's no use designing your ideal outdoor play zone without thinking deeply about the space that it's occupying.

Have a walk around the space, get a real feel for how the flow of playtime might work. Take note of any obstacles, uneven ground, gradients, textures and whatever else.

Most pieces of large equipment will need a level ground to stand on. They'll also need a soft textured surface underneath such as rubber mats, mulch or soft grass.

If your outdoor play area will involve multiple pieces of equipment, think about the flow of one activity to the other. Is there an unobstructed path between them? Can they safely navigate between activities when in the free-flowing state of play? Even if you have a large space to play with, if you can't guarantee a safe path between equipment, you may want to scale things down.

Choosing the Right Equipment

We always recommend going with products that have passed relevant Australian safety standards for playground equipment. You can read more about these standards here. Basically, they ensure the use of non-toxic and non-flammable materials, as well as requirements around structural integrity, fall heights and potential collision zones among other things.

Be on the look out for high-quality materials like treated wood or galvanised steel. Weather-protected and UV-resistant components will also make sure that the equipment lasts in the harsh Aussie climate.

Maintain Your Space

Think of your playground like a garden: something that you should be checking in with regularly, with a consistent schedule of maintenance and care. This maintenance schedule will look different depending on what equipment you have, but here are some general guidelines:

• All wooden frames will require a sealant to be applied every 12 months. It might also be a good idea to paint the frame for an extra layer of protection.
• Any materials you use should also be non-toxic and child-friendly
• Regularly check for any issues (loose bolts/screws, broken pieces, unstable supports) that need quick fixes
• Make sure there are no sharp edges or protruding parts that could cause injury
• Get a large tarp or equipment cover that you can use to protect it during harsh weather like thunderstorms or high winds. Also make sure to cover it if you know you're not going to be using it in a while.

If you're checking in with your equipment regularly and getting on top of any issues early, you'll be creating a much safer play area for your family.

Cleaning

Now the part that no one likes. You might think that being outside means you won't need to worry about mess. While this is mostly true, a cluttered, disorganised play area can quickly become a real hazard. This is simply about making sure that toys or other play items are packed away and not scattered all over the floor. Look at walkways or paths and make sure your children have easy access to all parts of the equipment. Cleaning will be particularly important if you have pets, but we probably don't need to remind you of that. It's also good practice to try to clear away any excess moisture or debris after it rains.

Clothing and Footwear

We'd recommend having some ground rules around playtime, including wearing appropriate clothes and footwear. This will look different depending on the equipment, but as a rule, have your kids wear well-fitting clothes without hoods or drawstrings that could get caught in the equipment. Closed-toe shoes with good traction will also be important for preventing any slips or falls and protecting their feet while running, jumping and climbing.

Being Sun Smart

You probably know the drill for outdoor play. Have your kids wear sunscreen where possible and try to keep most of your play equipment under shade. Lightweight, breathable clothes and hats with wide brims will also help to protect them while still letting them play freely.

Explore the Full Range Today

If you're ready to get stuck in to creating the backyard playground of your family's dreams, then browse the full collection of play equipment from Lifespan Kids. We offer cubby houses, swing sets, monkey bars, trampolines, sandpits and so much more. If you ever need any assistance in choosing the right equipment for your family, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.