Even though we live in the mountains, I try to take K at least once per week to one of our many local playgrounds. Playgrounds give her a place to interact with other children, try out her climbing skills and run and scream without driving me nuts.

All kids love playgrounds, but it is up to you to make sure they are safe and fun for your child. We’ve gone to many of them around town, and I like some more than others. Here is my list of what I like – or don’t, in a playground.

1. Location of swings, slides etc. Are they far enough from the parking lot that your child can run without being in danger of cars?

2. Shade. This can be hard to find in newer playgrounds. For this reason I seek out playgrounds in older parts of town where trees are more established.

3. Metal slides – OUCH! Metals slides are great for providing a super fast slide, but watch out in the summer, they are way to hot to handle.

4. Is there a place I can sit and watch all the action? Some playgrounds have benches that provide me sight even when K moves from place to place. In other playgrounds I have to move when she moves so I can still watch. (As she gets older this may be less of an issue, but at two I want to see her every moment)

5. Restrooms. Most of the time I feel lucky just to have one nearby. Still, if there was a choice I’d like a clean one available. (fat chance around here – maybe you’ll do better with this one)

6. Is there a soft landing? Bark, or that new spongy stuff? Do the swings have worn away dirt that make for a hard landing when falling?

7. Are there dogs running loose? Even though most parks and play areas have leash laws, some parks seems to have loose dogs around. I’m a dog lover, but don’t want strange dogs coming up to my child unannounced.

8. Age appropriate areas? I love it when there are different play areas separated for ages. Even though K will go on the tallest fastest slides, she needs lower easier climbing areas.

9. Water safety? Are there water areas – ponds, streams, lakes nearby? If so, I take break and we have a rule that we’ll feed the ducks after playtime. I don’t want her running off to the water.

10. Is it so popular that day care centers use it? I tend to avoid these play areas. I don’t want it so crowded that if I shout for K she can’t hear me, or gets lost in the crowd of children.

I hope you like these tips. I've got 10 more tips coming later! If you've got ideas share them below and I'll add them. Thanks