Yes, outdoor playground equipment can be expensive, very expensive. But it can also provide years of enjoyment for your children, their friends and any other young people who may just show up at your door step! But regardless of whether you decide to purchase a personal playground, or opt to visit one of the public playgrounds, there are a few safety tips to be aware of.

Public outdoor playground equipment is required to meet specific standards. However, home equipment is not under the same regulations. But it is always wise to have some sort of safety guidelines in mind when using playground equipment for the first time or before deciding on a purchase.

The following is a list of six basic questions to ask yourself before allowing your children to jump on unknown child playground equipment.

1. Are play zones overlapping?

What this asks is whether or not children on the swings can easily run into those coming down a slide or hit the children recovering from the tire swing. Each section of equipment should have its own “area” or “zone.”

2. Can fingers, hands and heads fit in Unsafe Places?

A fun day at the playground is quickly cut short when someone twists a finger or catches their hair awkwardly. Railing slats should be far enough apart to avoid snagging fingers as children run by, but not so far that a head can fit through.

3. Is there hardware sticking out?

Obviously playgrounds must be secure, but quality child playground equipment will have recessed bolts and screws. But what about those capped covered bolts? They may look nice, but are easily popped off. So now, not only can a child cut themselves, they are now susceptible to a choking hazard if they put one of those caps in their mouth!

4. How is the ground around the playground equipment? Is it smooth, soft and level?

One of the most common causes of injury at a playground is because someone falls on a hard surface. Children are going to fall at the playground. Well-made playgrounds will be surrounded by wood chips or other soft substances.

5. How anchored is the equipment? There should be no “sails.”

Properly anchored playgrounds are a must! If you see a tarp roof above the play deck you may notice a “sail affect.” Skip this playground as the tarp may cause the equipment to lift up.

6. Where are the children?!

One of the most important and easily enforced guidelines is to be able to monitor your children at all times. If you are uneasy with a “fort” or “cabin” since it completely eradicates visibility either don't purchase one or find a new playground.

This outdoor playground equipment checklist is meant just as a guide of tips to keep in mind. Of course you will have your own set of concerns that may or may not mirror the ones listed above. Every parent wants to keep their child safe whether they are playing in their own backyard or on public child playground equipment. After all, the point is to have fun, right?