There are many types of playground equipment. There are many playground equipment options. Finding the right playground equipment for schools, park or community center can be difficult. A playground is an essential component of a healthy community. The playground provides a safe environment for children to learn lifelong skills and build relationships. It also offers the opportunity for them to get the exercise they need.

This guide will help you select playground equipment that your children love and are affordable. It’s easy to choose the right equipment for your playground. Imagine your playground’s positive impact on your community over many years.

Factors to Be Considered

The playground will encourage children to be active, grow and make memories they’ll treasure for the rest of their lives. It is important to select exciting equipment that encourages children to get out and play. You have limited space and a budget, so it’s important to strike the right balance between practicality and fun. Before you shop for equipment, it is helpful to create a list. This is our list of key factors you should consider to find the right playground equipment for your family and community.

Localization

You will first need to determine where and how big you have space for playground equipment. You can choose equipment suitable for your area and allows for safe movement for children.

Manufacturers list the dimensions of equipment and the space required for children to use it safely. This should help you determine whether a piece fits comfortably. Consider how much space you will need to store the equipment. According to the CSA Standard, climbers must have a minimum of 1.83m or six feet around them. Swings must have adequate clearance to avoid collisions between them.

Plenty of equipment can be used regardless of the space available. A spin rocker, for example, is a great option if you have a small play area. It doesn’t take up too much space, but it offers great fun. There are many options for playgrounds if you have lots of space.

When choosing equipment, you should also consider the amount of sun exposure. You should avoid buying bare metal equipment if there is a lot of direct suns. This could increase the risk of burn injuries. Equipment with shade might be considered, such as forts and other structures with roofs.

Consider the trees and plants surrounding your playground and how you can integrate them with the equipment.

Both budget and needs

Consider what equipment you will need and how much money you have available before you purchase playground equipment. Ask yourself these questions:

• What number of children will use the playground?
• Are the soil levels even?
• Is the drainage adequate?
• Are shade structures necessary?
• Do you have any ideas for play experiences that children would enjoy?
• Do you have any ideas or themes you’d like to see in your playground?
• Do you have any additional amenities you would like to include in your playgrounds, such as benches or restrooms?
• What pieces of playground equipment are you planning to keep, and what do you need to replace?
• Do you require new surfacing for the playground equipment?
• Will professionals install the equipment, or will the community construct the playground?
• Who will take care of the new equipment for playgrounds?
• Are you looking for high-quality equipment that lasts years or the most affordable one that meets standards?

While the largest expense will be the playground equipment, budget for the following:

• Installation
• Preparing the site, such as adding drainage or surfacing or borders
• Shipping and taxes
• Site Furnishings
• Maintenance costs
• Playground signs

What is the cost of playground equipment?

There are many playground equipment manufacturers with different prices. You should also consider the extra costs for accessibility ramps or other customized features. You should budget approximately $1,000 per child if you build a playground entirely from scratch. For 30 children, you will need to budget around $30,000.

You’ll find the right equipment for you, even if your budget is tight. There are so many playground equipment options available.

Age Group

Be aware of the ages and abilities of the children using the new equipment. To ensure that children are safe while playing, it is important to select age-appropriate equipment. An age-appropriate playground stimulates children to develop their cognitive, physical, and social skills. The right equipment will ensure that your children have a lot of fun and won’t notice that they are exercising or learning new skills.

Consider how to create play areas that are accessible to all ages.

Are you ready for some inspiration? These are some ideas and age groups to help you select fun equipment.

Toddlers

Toddlers are learning new skills like climbing, balance and coordination. Playground equipment should be safe for toddlers, encourage motor skills development, and provide sensory stimulation. You might consider playground equipment like:

• Climbing structures
• Ramps
• Step ladders
• Playhouses
• Swings with bucket seats
• Spring riders
• Spiral slides
• Individual tunnels
• Shaded places to sit
• Sensory activities

Preschoolers

Preschoolers need to be active and have a lot of energy. They also need activities that challenge their balance and allow them to test their physical skills. Preschoolers are also rapidly developing their social skills and cognitive abilities. Preschoolers should be encouraged to use their imaginations, share, take turns, work well with other children and solve problems. Some examples include:

• Balance beams
• Playhouses
• Safe and challenging climbing structures
• Merry-go-rounds
• Tire swings
• Rung ladders
• Bridges and ramps
• Activity panels
• Tunnel slides

Elementary School

Although they are still in school, elementary-aged children have developed many motor, cognitive, and social skills. These children love to be active, have a wide range of interests, work well with others, and enjoy playing sports and games. Playground equipment should be challenging and stimulating for elementary school children and provide an opportunity to play with friends. Examples include:

• Vertical sliding poles
• Arch climbers
• Cable or chain walks
• Slides
• Freestanding climbing activities
• Overhead rings
• Seesaws

Outdoor Play Equipment for Older Children

Older children don’t have to be bored at the playground. Adolescents need to exercise regularly, enjoy the sun and have fun with their friends. Older children should get at least an hour of moderate-to-intensive physical activity daily. They should also include at least three days per week of bone-strengthening or muscle-strengthening exercises in their daily routine. Teenagers are more independent than their younger counterparts, so they need fun equipment to keep them motivated. These are some ideas for playground equipment for older children:

• Swings
• Climbers who are too big
• Monkey bars
• Outdoor fitness equipment like TrekFit

Accessible and inclusive equipment

Include accessible and inclusive playground equipment in your playground. An inclusive playground allows children of all abilities to play and grow. It has stimulating equipment that encourages children to play together and offers a fun and engaging experience.

Accessible playgrounds can be built for children with disabilities. They have ramps and transfer points that allow all children to use the same play structure. Children with disabilities can enjoy the thrill of flying through the air next to their friends by adding customized swings.

To comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act, you must select inclusive and accessible playground equipment. The AODA aims to enhance the lives of all Ontarians through the enforcement of accessibility standards and the removal of barriers that hinder individuals with disabilities from participating fully in the community.

A mix of equipment is key to making a playground inclusive. It should encourage children of all abilities and preferences to play. Fairness ensures that all children have equal opportunities to learn new skills and engage in fun activities. Play equipment that encourages imagination allows children with different abilities to play together and grows. For example, a ground-level playhouse might be included so that children can take on different roles and have fun with each other regardless of their physical abilities. Equipment that allows children to play independently at the playground should also be included. Here are some suggestions:

• Multisensory equipment: You might consider adding activity panels or equipment that stimulates the senses (such as musical elements and puzzles). Children of different physical abilities can enjoy multisensory stimulation.
• Wheelchair-accessible equipment: Incorporate ramps and equipment, such as wheelchair-accessible swings or gliders, in your playground, so children in wheelchairs can enjoy the thrill of playtime and develop skills.
• Independent play equipment includes equipment which allows you to play independently, such as swings, spring riders and quiet spaces like tunnels or cosy hideouts.

Your playground should have a wide range of simulated equipment, including ground-level activities and activities that ramps or transfer systems can access. You should ensure that children have easy access to the equipment. You should also offer a range of equipment sizes to ensure that children of all ages can access the appropriate areas.

Playgrounds with a theme or custom design

You want to choose playground equipment that inspires imagination and encourages kids to play. Depending on your budget, you can choose to have your playground customized or themed. Families and children will enjoy visiting your playground and having hours of exercise and fun if it is unique.

There are many options when it comes to themed playgrounds. You might choose a playground with a dinosaur theme to transport children back to the Jurassic period. You can let your imagination run wild as they play close to a Tyrannosaurus Rex or hide from pterodactyls by hiding in a huge dinosaur bone. They’ll have a great time and will be able to tell their stories.

Children might enjoy playing in a castle-themed playground where they can retell their favorite fairy tales. As they take on different roles and see life from different perspectives, they will develop their social and cognitive skills.

Themed playgrounds offer stimulating sensory elements that encourage children to discover new sights, sounds, and textures. These playgrounds can be attractive and colorful, which adds visual appeal to the community.

A custom playground can be created to reflect local themes, colors and designs. You can share your ideas with dedicated engineers and designers who will help you bring your designs to life. Whether you choose a themed or custom playground, you can create an unforgettable experience for your children.

Different types of playground equipment

When choosing playground equipment, it is important to consider what your children love the most. Consider the equipment children are already familiar with and think about how it will help them develop their skills. You’ll have something for everyone if you choose a range of equipment.

Children love bright, cheerful colors and exploring their senses. They also enjoy testing their physical abilities, having fun with their friends, and competing in adventures. Playground equipment allows children to have fun and safely explore their talents. These are some timeless playground equipment that children love and parents love:

• Swings Do you remember spending sunny afternoons swinging high in the sky? Swings are an essential playground item. Swinging is an enjoyable activity that is great for kids and adults and a great way of burning calories. There are many swings for all abilities and ages.
• Balance beams: Balance beams are available in many heights and shapes. This playground equipment aids children in spatial awareness and coordination. Children can balance on the beam and then walk across it.
• Kids love to climb, and it’s a great way to get some exercise. There are many sizes and shapes of climbers to suit any theme. For example, you might choose to climb walls or structures that look like animals. A pirate-themed park would be a great place for a net climber. Climbers encourage children to be active, increase their strength, and let their imaginations fly.
• Crawl tube: Crawl tube is an easy-to-use ground-level activity that’s great for toddlers who love crawling, hiding, and exploring new places. Crawl tubes can add variety to playgrounds and be used as a hide-and-seek game or dramatic play. Crawl tubes are a great way to provide calm refuge for children who need to escape all the excitement.
• Merry Go-rounds are great for kids who like to play with their friends. There are many safe and enjoyable merry-go-rounds, including spinners that allow children to sit alone or merry-go-rounds where they can sit together. The park offers a safe place for kids to enjoy the classic playground ride.
• Music equipment Many children love to make music and the playground is a great place to do it. Musical equipment allows children of all ages to experiment with sound and express their creativity. Musical equipment can be used to add a special touch to any playground, whether it’s for independent play or auditory play.
• Slides:Slides have been a playground favorite for many years. Slides are great for kids to get to the top and zoom down to the ground below. Slides offer a fun way for kids to build strength, burn calories and climb without being noticed. Slides can be easily integrated into many games and dramatic play. There are many options available, including spiral slides and tunnel sides. Tunnel slides are loved by parents because they have enclosed sides. You should include different sizes of slides to ensure that children of all ages have the opportunity to play.
• Playhouses Some playground structures come with playhouses or forts. You can also purchase a ground-level, separate playhouse. Playhouses encourage imagination and incite children to make-believe. Playhouses can also provide shade to cool off after a long day. Playhouses have many styles and shapes, including pirate ships and treehouses.
• Overhead bars Overhead bar: Overhead bars are a great way for kids to build strength and participate in their adventures. Overhead bars come in many styles and designs to enhance outdoor playtime.
• Spring riders.Spring riders can be described as a seat on a spring. Spring riders can be shaped as animals, bugs or cars. Spring riders are a great way for children to pretend they’re riding their favorite animal.