Children's play equipment: helping parents make smarter choices

Children's play equipment: helping parents make smarter choices

In the United States, there are many choices for children's playgrounds, ranging from small slides in family backyards to complex structures in large public playgrounds. Choosing the right children's playground equipment should not only consider the interests of children, but also pay attention to factors such as safety, durability and price . This article will start with the types and prices of children's playground equipment to help you choose the right type of children's playground equipment and make a smarter choice.

Understand the types of children's playground equipment

These facilities are usually installed in family backyards or small private spaces and are suitable for children aged 1 to 12 years old . These playground equipment usually follow strict safety standards, such as specifications set by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), to ensure that children can avoid injuries while playing. They are usually made of plastic, wood or metal, and are designed with safety, comfort and convenient installation in mind.

1. Slides

Slides are the most common family playground equipment, suitable for backyards or outdoors. Slides are usually made of plastic, metal or wood, and come in different lengths and heights to suit children of different ages.

Straight slide: The most basic slide, suitable for young children.

Wave slide: The slide surface is wavy, which increases the fun of sliding.

Spiral slide: The slide is spiral-shaped, and there will be a sense of rotation during the slide, which is suitable for older children.

2. Swings

Swings are classic playground facilities, usually installed on a separate frame, suitable for single or multiple people. Swings are made of different materials, the most common ones are plastic, wood or metal.

Traditional swing: a single swing, simple and easy to use.

Double swing: suitable for two children to play together, which can increase interaction.

Child seat swing: designed for smaller children, with a safety belt and backrest design to ensure the safety of children.

3. Trampolines

Trampolines are a very popular outdoor sports facility for children, usually consisting of a steel frame and an elastic trampoline. It not only exercises children's sense of balance, but also provides high entertainment.

Round trampoline: The most common trampoline design, suitable for most families.

Rectangular trampoline: Suitable for families with larger space, providing a larger jumping area.

Trampoline with protective net: For safety reasons, modern trampolines are usually equipped with protective nets to prevent children from falling out when jumping.

4. Playhouses

Playhouses are usually small, independent structures that look like a small house, where children can play and play games, providing an opportunity to simulate adult life.

Wooden playhouses: Good texture, suitable for outdoor use, can include small windows, doors and other elements.

Plastic playhouses: Cheaper and easier to install, but generally suitable for younger children.

5. Sandboxes

A sandbox is a facility suitable for children to play with sand, where they can pile and dig, which is very creative. Most sandpits come with a sunshade to protect them from the sun.

Wooden sandpit: A classic design often seen in backyards.

Plastic sandpit: Lighter, easier to move and set up.

6. Climbing Frames

Climbing frames help children improve their physical coordination and challenge their physical strength. Climbing frames are usually made of metal or wood with a variety of climbing designs (such as ladders, net structures, bridges, etc.).

Climbing walls: suitable for families with space, more challenging.

Climbing nets: provide children with more climbing angles and fun.

7. Playsets

Playsets are a combination of multiple play items into one large device, usually including slides, swings, climbing frames, bridges, etc., suitable for families with larger spaces.

Wooden playsets: The wood has a strong texture and a natural appearance, suitable for most backyards, often including slides, climbing walls, swings, swing chairs, etc.

Metal playsets: The structure is more solid and suitable for bearing greater weight, usually including slides, climbing frames and swings, etc.

Price range of children's playground equipment

The price of children's playground equipment varies by brand, material, size and function.

Small slide: From $30 to several hundred dollars, depending on the material and design

Swing: From $20 to $500, depending on the size and material

Trampoline: From $100 to $1,500, depending on the size and safety features.

Children's Playhouse: From $100 to $2,000, depending on the size and design.

Sandpit: From $50 to $300.

Climbing frames: From $100 to $1,500

Combination play structures: From $100 to $3,000, depending on design and materials.

Conclusion

When choosing children's playground equipment, safety, durability and age suitability are the most important considerations. There are many types of family-type playground equipment in the United States, suitable for families of different ages and budgets, and the price difference is also large. By considering space requirements, budget and children's interests, parents can find a playground equipment that suits their family needs.

In addition, understanding the characteristics of different brands and materials and choosing high-quality products will help ensure that children have fun while also ensuring their safety.

I hope this article can help you choose a playground equipment for your child that is both safe and fun!