A playground can have many different components, and each one caters to the unique physical and social needs of kids. For example, kids who are easily overwhelmed by loud noises might enjoy a secluded area or a wheelchair-accessible ramp.
Classic playground fixtures like slides and swings have withstood the test of time and engage kids of all ages. Other popular equipment include merry-go-rounds and jungle gyms.
Swings
Kids love playground equipment that is versatile and allows them to use their creativity. The best equipment can make kids feel like they are in a different world or part of an exciting movie story. Incorporating old-school pieces that have been popular across generations and new equipment that feels brand-new to kids will help all kids enjoy the park.
Climbers are great for building upper body strength and balance, while also encouraging kids to be persistent in problem-solving. They come in a variety of shapes and forms, from freestanding and connected structures to dome climbers and net climbers.
See-saws encourage cooperation and friendship, while allowing kids to soar up and down together. Gliders and spinners are also popular, from accessibly designed gliders for groups to individual solo spinners.
Many playgrounds incorporate elements that involve learning, even if kids aren’t aware of it. Activity panels that teach about numbers, time, music notes, and other things keep the equipment fresh and engaging for kids of all ages. Other equipment includes swings, merry-go-rounds, and jungle gyms that require group participation and teamwork.
Slides
If there is one piece of 메이저놀이터 equipment that nearly everyone recognizes, it is the slide. Kids climb up the ladder and then take a thrilling ride down to the ground. Slides come in various shapes and sizes and can be made from wood, plastic or metal. Some are straight and short, while others have curved paths or are tunnel slides.
Another great feature of slides is that they are suitable for any age and can be used by kids who want to go down multiple times. This type of versatility allows the equipment to be enjoyed by a wide range of children, which helps to build a sense of community on the playground.
Another piece of playground equipment that kids love is see-saws. They can practice coordination and balance while cooperating with their friends. Kids can also enjoy the bouncy nature of spring riders, which are similar to a teeter-totter. Lastly, spinning toys and gliders offer different types of motion that encourage movement and provide a fun experience for kids.
Climbers
Climbers are a popular part of playground equipment and allow kids to explore their surroundings while developing strength and coordination. These freestanding structures come in various styles and difficulty levels, but they all provide kids with an exciting way to play.
The most common climbers include a ladder and either a flat or wavy slide. Some even have gates and arches that add to the design of the piece. Depending on the type of playground, there are also net climbers, climbing boulders and balance beams that offer more advanced play.
These pieces are also great for helping kids develop social skills by encouraging them to work together with other children. These interactions help kids understand cultural rules, social roles and verbal language while also building a sense of community and cooperation.
Monkey Bars
Playing on monkey bars can help kids develop their arms, legs, chest, back, and abdomen muscles. They are also a great way to burn additional energy. That extra energy is beneficial because it helps them concentrate in school and fall asleep more easily at night.
Monkey bars are a horizontal ladder constructed of straight metal rungs that kids climb to swing from one bar to another. They can be freestanding or attached to a structure like a jungle gym. They were invented and patented in 1920 by Sebastian Hinton, a Chicago attorney. He drew inspiration from the climbable bamboo constructions his father used to build for him as a child growing up in Japan.
While some people call for the removal of monkey bars from playgrounds, others argue that they are important in developing children’s upper body strength, balance, and risk management skills. They are also an excellent way to encourage children to unplug from technology and have fun playing outdoors with their friends.
Other Equipment
Playgrounds at schools, communities and commercial properties can feature a range of equipment that satisfies a wide variety of developmental needs. Choosing popular playground components that also promote inclusivity helps kids of all abilities feel welcome and safe at the park.
Playground tunnels are a fun addition to any structure, and they offer sensory stimulation and interaction for children. Kids love to crawl through them, and they can even use them as props for their make-believe adventures. Tunnels are available in a number of styles and can be made ADA-compliant.
Climbers are another common playground equipment type that kids love. They build upper body strength and endurance as they work to scale structures that offer varying degrees of difficulty. From free-standing rope and panel climbers to overhead climbers, these equipment pieces are a popular choice.
See-saws are another timeless playground staple that encourage social skills and cooperation. A traditional fulcrum teeter-totter is not recommended by the CPSC, but other teeter totters, like the Team Totter or Dragonfly see-saw, can be safe and fun for kids of all ages.