Creating a new playground feels like painting on a fresh canvas, where your creativity can truly flourish. There are countless options for playground equipment, depending on what the playground will be used for and who will be using it. Over time, playgrounds have added more safety and accessibility features, but you’ll still spot familiar favorites in any kid-friendly space. A well-designed playground isn’t just about picking custom commercial equipment for schools or homes; it also includes elements that enhance safety, promote social interaction, and support independent play. Discovering more about playground equipment is key to understanding what makes a playground fantastic and what to keep in mind when developing a new area
Traditional Playground Equipment Names
If you haven’t visited a playground in a while, you might find that some of your old favorites now look different or have new names due to modern needs.
In certain situations, some playground equipment has lost popularity or the names have changed because of updated safety rules. Some equipment types have even been completely removed as they no longer meet today’s safety standards. However, despite these changes, you can still find familiar playground pieces at newer locations.
1. Merry-Go-Round
Merry-go-rounds, often referred to as playground spinners, roundabouts, or carousels, are traditional playground favorites. Kids who love a thrill enjoy spinning them as fast as possible by pushing off the ground to build speed. Though such playground equipment remains popular, the term “merry-go-round” doesn’t fully capture the variety of spinning play devices available today.
Merry-go-rounds, along with other playground classics such as seesaws, swings, and slides, need to follow certain guidelines provided in the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Handbook for Playground Safety.
2. Seesaw
Another common item on the list of popular playground equipment is the seesaw, often called a teeter-totter. According to the CPSC handbook, traditional teeter-totters should limit their maximum tilt to 25 degrees, and partial car tires or other shock-absorbing materials should be used to soften impacts. The safest type of seesaw has a spring in the middle, which prevents hard landings for one rider if the other rider falls off.
3. Giant Stride
This equipment hasn’t been around for nearly 50 years and isn’t advised by the CPSC.
The giant stride features a tall pole anchored into the ground. Ropes with ladder-like bars dangle down, which kids can grab. The concept is for kids to cling to these bars and run in circles as quickly as possible. This sometimes leads to them experiencing a split-second of “flying” or hovering while spinning. Besides not being very accessible, the giant stride often causes kids to bump into each other or the pole.
4. Monkey Bars
Traditionally, monkey bars consist of a horizontal ladder supported above the ground by vertical poles. They let children jump and swing from one bar to the next, imitating a chimpanzee’s movements. Often part of bigger jungle gyms, monkey bars provided kids with various climbing and swinging options.
Even though monkey bars remain popular in playgrounds across the globe, their initial design has seen numerous modifications. They are frequently no longer just horizontal ladders, so more specific terms are often required to accurately describe them. For instance, when someone refers to a “ring climber,” they are highlighting one of the various evolved forms of monkey bars.
5. Still Rings
Still rings, much like the ones used in gymnastics, hang from long chains and remain a fixture in playgrounds. Often, they are referred to as therapeutic hand rings when equipped with shorter chains. Kids can work on their upper body strength by holding up their weight while hanging on these rings.
Modern Playground Equipment Names
Contemporary playgrounds typically feature a mix of swings, slides, climbers, spring riders, spinners, and sensory panels to enhance enjoyment, safety, and accessibility. Newer playground equipment can also boost coordination, strength, and critical thinking, along with other advantages.
Familiarizing yourself with the terminology for different equipment can assist you in making informed choices when selecting new playground items and fixtures. This list of playground equipment will offer clarity on each type and illustrate how they can fulfill the vision you have for your playground.
1. Swings
Swings continue to be just swings, but there are various kinds available that cater to different activities on the playground.
A typical playground swing often has flexible belt seats that adjust when used. However, newer versions of the classic swing have been introduced with different names, altering the experience to become more inclusive for everyone:
- Accelerator swing: This is a group swing featuring a large disc for children to sit on. It functions similarly to a classic swing, but it can accommodate several kids at the same time. This makes it more interactive and allows it to gain speed quickly, as suggested by its name.
- Generation swing: A generation swing is a great choice for playgrounds frequented by parents or grandparents with kids. It swings like a regular swing, but its seat design is unique. There’s an enclosed part for toddlers and an open section wide enough for an adult.
- Viper swing: This fun group swing features a long rope that can hold multiple people simultaneously. Its design promotes cooperation, encouraging users to collaborate to create the right swinging motion.
- Inclusive swing seat: If a child isn’t prepared for a standard belt swing or bucket swing, inclusive swing seats offer a safe option and help kids build coordination and balance. These inclusive seats are designed for children of various shapes, sizes, and abilities.
- You’ll also need to think about the kind of seat you prefer for your swing. Bucket seats are usually on swing sets for babies and toddlers, while belt seats are typically used on A-frame or arch frame swings.
2. Slides
Slides haven’t really changed over the years; the major difference is that metal slides have largely been replaced by plastic ones. The thrill kids feel as they zip down to the ground makes slides a favorite on playgrounds.
Even if there’s nothing else around, having a slide is a great beginning for building a full playground. When discussing slides, these are the key features you will focus on:
- Open vs. Tube: Tube slides are completely enclosed, whereas open slides allow children—and especially playful adults—to experience the wind in their hair.
- Straight vs. Curved: A basic straight slide can be enjoyable, but introducing some curves enhances the excitement. Curved slides are available in L and S shapes, as well as spiral designs measured by their angle. For instance, a 360° spiral slide allows children to complete a full circle before they reach the ground.
- Component vs. Free-standing: Slides can be bought to add onto current play sets or can stand alone with their own steps, often known as tower slides.
There are also fun alternatives like roller slides, wavy slides, and dual-entry slides that let kids race each other.
3. Playground Climbers
The most thrilling part of a playground is typically the climbing equipment. These climbers are built to motivate kids to use their developing muscles to climb to the top. A memorable example from many childhoods is the geodesic climber, a dome made up of many interconnected metal triangles. Climbers are some of the most versatile playground equipment, offered in various themes and styles, like:
- Walker climbers
- Vine climbers
- Vertical climbing walls
- Rocks
- Logs
- Noodle climbers
- Tensile climbers
- Ring climbers
Here are some examples of the different climbing equipment made for children. Playgrounds created for older kids usually feature larger climbers with more challenging aspects, like vertical climbs. For younger children, the climbers are lower and angled to make climbing easier, while still helping them build their muscles.
4. Spring Riders
Few items ignite creativity quite like a spring rider. These timeless playground elements are well-known by most, having remained largely unchanged through the years. They consist of a seat, often with a playful design, attached to a spring anchored in the ground. When a child climbs on, they can rock back and forth, diving into their own imaginative adventures.
Spring riders are an excellent choice for any themed playground, providing extra layers of enjoyment. Whether embarking on a bold space journey or exploring underwater atop a sea creature, spring riders capture children’s imaginations in exciting ways.
5. Spinners
The merry-go-round idea has inspired many exciting variations, often called spinners. These spinner devices are all about the joy of spinning fast. Besides being enjoyable, spinning offers various developmental advantages for children. It can boost their tactile and balance skills and help with posture control.
Even though all spinners operate on the same basic concept, each type works a bit differently. Some spinners allow several children to use them, whereas others are designed for just one. Here are some spinner types you might come across:
- Barrel ride spinner
- Saddle seat spinner
- Maypole spinner
- Tornado spinner
- Whirl spinner
One significant update to the traditional whirl is the inclusive whirl. It’s designed to be level with the ground, making it accessible for wheelchair users and others to join in the fun.
6. Sensory Playground Equipment
Modern playgrounds for children now feature sensory equipment, which enhances kids’ sensory experiences and aids in their development by offering new ways to interact with the world. Items like sensory panels and play panels can accommodate wheelchairs, making it possible for children of diverse abilities to play, learn, and grow together.
Sensory playgrounds invite kids to explore senses like touch, sight, and hearing. Those who are sensitive to stimuli can also benefit from calming options such as the sensory playground maze. Whether children seek an active or a tranquil setting, sensory equipment can provide the experiences they desire.
Sensory equipment comes in various shapes and designs, all aimed to enrich play by engaging one or more senses:
Visual
Playgrounds stimulate kids’ sense of sight in various ways. Sensory panels offer a unique visual play experience compared to regular playground equipment. These adaptable panels can be arranged in almost any layout, forming distinctive paths, mazes, or structures for children to explore.
Children can engage in imaginative play with these panels, appreciating their forms, textures, and translucent colors.
Hearing
The sounds that fill a playground—kids laughing, chatting, and storytelling as they play—are often delightful. Musical playground instruments give kids even more chances to enjoy listening. Children can use these instruments to explore rhythm and pitch while exercising their creativity to make new sounds.
Musical instruments in playgrounds are easy to use and open up new ways to play. Tools like the big cabasa let kids try out different beat patterns, and the vibes allow for song creation or enjoying various pitches.
Touch
Tactile play plays a key role in development. Sensory play panels are a great way to foster this kind of play by letting kids explore their sense of touch in an imaginative manner. These panels bring different surfaces and textures to light, while also helping children learn about their surroundings.
Tunnels also encourage tactile exploration. Whether climbing over or touching the bumpy textures inside the boulder climbing tunnel, kids of all abilities can enjoy the experience it provides.
Sandboxes are another fun way for children to engage in tactile play. They allow kids to learn about the texture and form of sand while enjoying themselves. Playing in the sand helps build finger strength and improve hand-eye coordination.
Vestibular
Sensory play tools like spinners and swings are great for enhancing children’s balance and body awareness in their surroundings. Research indicates that taking part in vestibular activities boosts a child’s mental skills, making it crucial for younger children.
The cyclo cone plus climber features an easy entry point, allowing kids to experience the excitement of spinning inside the cone. While playing, children enhance their balance and enjoy the climbing challenges within the structure. The accelerator swing also aids kids in strengthening their balance as they discover how to maneuver their bodies while swinging through the air.
When Designing or Talking About The Elements of A Playground
- Age Separation: Playgrounds are usually designed to accommodate kids from different age groups. Age separation means dividing the playground into zones that are clearly marked so children and their parents can easily identify the part that suits their age.
- Composite Structure: These are structures formed by joining two or more individual structures. Composite structures are appealing because they create a large area with many engaging activities for children to enjoy.
- Designated Play Surface: According to the Handbook for Public Playground Safety, this term describes any raised surface where kids might walk, crawl, sit, or climb. It also includes any flat area that’s bigger than 2 by 2 inches and is tilted less than 30° from horizontal.
- Slide Exit Area: Located at the slides’ base, this area ensures kids have a safe and level dismount after sliding down. It is crucial for the exit area to feature rounded edges to prevent injuries as children leave the slide.
Choosing Age-Appropriate Playground Equipment
Recognizing the target age group suitable for selected play equipment is vital to ensure safety and developmental appropriateness.
Infants and Toddlers (6 months – 2 years)
- Appropriate Equipment: Small slides, crawling tunnels, swings with full bucket seats
- Design Considerations: Focus on gross motor development and sensory exploration. Structures are typically at ground level with rounded edges, non-slip surfaces, and enclosed for safety.
Preschoolers (2 – 5 years)
- Appropriate Equipment: Small climbing structures, spring riders, low slides, sandboxes
- Design Considerations: Slightly more advanced than infant equipment but low enough to reduce fall risk. These encourage coordination and balance in play.
School-age Children (5 – 12 years) and Elementary Playground Equipment
- Appropriate Equipment: Swings, monkey bars, taller climbing structures, balance beams for school-age kids
- Design Considerations: Often found in commercial or school playgrounds, these provide challenging and fun physical activities and encourage social interaction.
Preteens and Teens (12 years and up)
- Appropriate Equipment: Fitness stations, complex climbing walls, areas for group activities
- Design Considerations: Designed for older users to offer physical challenges and social interaction benefits, promoting health and physical fitness during play.
All Ages/Inclusive Play
- Appropriate Equipment: Wheelchair-accessible ramps, adaptive seats, sensory play areas
- Design Considerations: Meets ADA guidelines, ensuring all children can enjoy and participate. The goal of outdoor equipment is to promote inclusivity and safety.
Bring Your Playground to Life With Dream Catch
Indoor playgrounds are special places where children can be themselves. Besides the benefits of exercise on a child’s growth, these playgrounds provide unique opportunities for social interaction that aren’t found elsewhere. Working together on different play equipment helps kids develop and practice their social skills while having fun.
Choosing the right equipment can turn your indoor playground into a spot where children both learn and enjoy themselves, but designing it can be a challenge. If you have any questions about playground design or equipment capabilities, Dream Catch is here to assist.
Our knowledgeable representatives are ready to help with any questions about indoor playground equipment and can offer a tailored quote for your ideas. Reach out to us to take the first step in creating your ideal indoor playground.
Learn More Information: https://dcindoorplayground.com/
