Things to look for in a playground….

Part II (for the first Top 10 list click here)

………………..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 the second part of my list of what I like – or don’t, in a playground……

1. Sand. Lots of sand. I love it when K plays in the sand. Add a bit of water and she can stay busy for a long time. I have a bucket and pail and lots of sand toys in the car so when we go to the playground, it is all packed and ready.

HINT: purchase ‘trash’ toys at the local thrift store to take to the sand box. These can include toy cars, animals, spiders plastic junk stuff, give away toys etc. I have a bag of these that we take and she can share with all the children. I don’t care if they get lost, buried or other kids take them. It doesn’t matter. Usually for about $10.00 I can get a HUGE bag of toys that last all summer and beyond.

2. Picnic area. I always take a snack, sometimes a whole lunch. Its nice to have a quiet shaded table to sit at for snacks.

3. Does it have a paved trail? We take the big wheel, stroller, Little Tykes car to the park. K can spend time using these toys on the paved area. When finished, I may walk her a bit in the stroller and get a bit of walking time in myself!

4. Trash areas. Are the trash bins full and overflowing? Call me nitpicky but it is a pet peeve of mine. ‘nuff said.

5. This may seem obvious, but is the equipment safe and sturdy?

6. Is it a hang out for teenagers? If older kids are loitering at the top of slides, climbing equipment, playing on the swings etc, I tend to not go to those parks. It is annoying.

7. Is there something unusual about the playground? One area locally has equipment from Sweden, not found elsewhere. Another playground here has miles of walkways, bridges and tunnels. Neat!

8. Are there rails on the top of slides and climbing areas? One playground here is all open at the top. Dangerous for young ones!

9. A swing bar at the top of slides. A must for K. Her favorite. (She’ll stay at the top of a slide and swing and swing, holding up the sliders!)

10. Does K have fun? In the end, that is the most important criteria!