For many families, the neighborhood playground is a great place for both kids and adults to have fun, explore and get some exercise. Unfortunately, more than 213,000 kids younger than 18 years are treated in US hospital emergency departments for playground-related injuries every year. Most injuries are the result of a fall and the most common types of injuries are broken bones, bruises, cuts and sprains.
One thing playground designers have done to help keep injuries to a minimum is to design playgrounds based on age. You may know a bucket swing is for babies (6 months and older) and toddlers, but did you know there are age guidelines for all playground equipment?
Some playgrounds are only intended for some age groups. For example, a playground at a preschool is likely built exclusively for preschool aged kids. A playground at an elementary or middle school is built for grade school aged kids. But, what about the city or neighborhood park?
Larger playgrounds may have separate sections for different age groups, along with signs designating the areas for toddlers, preschoolers or grade-school kids. These guidelines are put in place to match the size, strength, coordination and abilities of typically-developing children in these age groups. When children play on age-appropriate equipment, they’re less likely to get hurt and more likely to have fun. If age guidelines are not posted at the playground, here’s a handy chart listing appropriate equipment for each age group.
Before you go, here are a few tips to help make the playground adventure safer for everyone:
As always when playing outside, remember to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water. For more information on playground safety from the Center for Injury Research and Policy, click here.
