How to Design a Backyard Playground

Discard unsafe or broken outdoor toys.

Planning a playground in your backyard is an exciting adventure. No matter the size of your backyard, a playground can be established depending upon the nature of the yard. Purchase playground items that are age appropriate for your child or children. Purchase items that will grow along with those who will enjoy it. Spending a lot of money on an item that your daughter will outgrow in a year, for example, is not suggested. Purchase items that bridge the years safely.

Things You'll Need

• Climbing rock wall
• Internet
• Sand
• Sandbox
• See-saw
• Swing
• Telephone
• Tether ball set

Instructions

Swings

1. 

   Swings are always a hit.

   Purchase swings depending on the amount of level space you have, as well as swinging air space. Swings require room free of tree limbs, builds, swimming pools, ponds and shrubs.

2. Hang one swing from a strong tree branch if you don't have the level space for a swing set. You can hang it using wide rope or a chain swing kit.

3. Hang a tire swing. This type of swing is enjoyable to children of many ages and also helps recycle tires. The Little Tykes company also sells a strong plastic molded tire-like tire swing for younger children and when your child gets older, you can hang a real tire swing.

Online Purchasing

1. 

   Ordering playground equipment online is easy.

   Purchase playground equipment items from online manufacturers such as Playground Station or Woodplay Swing Sets (see Resources section).

2. Ask the customer service representative about assembly instructions. Also ask if the company offers assistance over the phone or online if you encounter problems.

3. Write down the name of the customer service representative that took your order. Follow up in your bank account or credit card statement to make sure you were charged correctly.

Additional Playground Essentials

1. 

   See-saws are a common item that your child will enjoy for many years.

   Install a see-saw into your playground design.

2. Install a tether ball pole for older children. Tether ball is a game that requires little space.

3. Install a climbing rock wall on one side of your backyard. Climbing walls are physically challenging which help build muscle tone and skills and are fun, as well. They are popular with children today and take up little space.

4. Place a sandbox with a lid in your backyard. Sandboxes are flexible as your child ages.

References

• Repair-Home: Repair Home: Playground Design
• Service Magic: Service Magic: 7 Steps to a Backyard Playground for Kids

Resources

• Little Tykes: Little Tykes Tire Swing
• Playgroundstation: Playground Station
• Swingsets: Woodplay Playsets