There are many different types of playgrounds that offer kids a variety of ways to play. Playgrounds with bright colors and equipment that is stimulating to children are the best. They engage them in ways they have never experienced before. In recent years, play equipment evolved to include accessibility and safety features.

It’s important to know what playground equipment is most popular and how to choose the best components for your playground if you plan to build one in your school or community.

Ranking Criteria For Playground Equipment

It is useful to examine the factors that determine the popularity of different playground features. You can usually judge a play structure’s appeal based on:

• Versatility
• Accessibility
• Safety Features
• Education value
• Children’s entertainment

If an item is both safe and fun for children to play on, while also providing opportunities to learn, then it could end up becoming the most popular Commercial Playground Equipment. Here is our ranking of the seven most popular pieces of playground equipment.

1. Swings

Swings make up the majority of playground equipment. Swings are great for both adults and children. They have many benefits including the development of spatial awareness, fine motor and gross motor skills, and social interaction.

Swinging can be a relaxing activity for children of any age, whether they are doing it alone or with friends. Installing different playground swings to promote children’s health and wellbeing is possible.

Traditional belt swings , for example, allow individuals to swing alone while improving their fine motor skills through their leg movements. The basket or tire swings can accommodate multiple children at once, encouraging teamwork and collaboration in the playground. Accessible swing seats have sturdy seats and roller-coaster-inspired safety harnesses to accommodate and secure children with mobility limitations.

2. Slides

Slides, a staple of playgrounds, help children develop their balance and coordination as well as their social and motor skills. The kids will climb the ladder, sit down and slide back to the bottom. They often land in a burst giggling. Some slides are short and flat, while others are long and wavy. Many slides are open while other slide options feature tubes.

Here are a few popular styles of slides that kids love to have on a play area:

• Racers: These slides allow children to slide with their friends side-by-side. They are available in triples, doubles and the Mighty Descent Slide which can accommodate eight children simultaneously.
• Spirals: These are wavy, adrenaline-inducing slides which give children a 360-degree perspective as they slide.
• Slithers: These are characterized by a bumpy bedway, which creates an bouncy sliding sensation.

3. Climbing Structures

Climbing structures come in a variety of difficulty levels that are suitable for kids of different ages. These structures can help children improve their strength and muscle tone, as well as their sensory awareness. Kids are encouraged to use their decision-making abilities and interact with each other as they navigate these structures.

There are many different types of climbing structure. These range from overhead climbers to ropes, nets, rock walls, stump stepping, climbing walls, and boulders. To create an immersive experience, you can customize your climbers to include themes that are appealing to children. These might be animals or bugs. Each design offers a challenging and fun game that encourages children to be resilient.

4. Monkey Bars

Monkey bars, also known as horizontal ladders or swings from one end to the other of the structure are a lot of fun. The monkey bars can either be attached to a jungle gym or freestanding. Kids can use monkey bars to develop upper body strength and improve their hand-eye co-ordination, as well as increase their motion and flexibility.

Monkey bars can also improve posture, and encourage children to take healthy and safe risks. In a few simple steps, you can teach kids how to play on the monkey bars:

• Encourage them to get used to gripping the bar.
• Encourage them to hang and hold on to the first bar as long as possible.
• Help them explore different positions and movements.
• Give them a boost of energy to get them going.
• Encourage them to do it on their own.

5. Seesaws

Seesaws are a favorite of kids who love to fly up and down with their friends. Seesaws promote cooperation, teamwork and collaboration. Children can also experience the benefits of teamwork and the joys that come from sharing experiences. Children are encouraged to work together, communicate, and solve problems with each other in order to enjoy the seesaw.

This can be a popular piece on your playground, whether you go with a classic seesaw or a modern version . It’s not surprising that it will become a beloved playground feature, forming some of the best memories and relationships for your children.

6. Merry-Go-Rounds

Since decades, merry-go-rounds (also known as carousels or playground spinners) have been a popular piece of playground equipment. The merry-go round is a favorite of kids who love to spin it and then hop on the ride themselves. This equipment is ideal for sensory stimulation because of the spinning motion.

When children push the start button, they can also improve their spatial awareness and balance. There are many types of merry go-rounds to create inclusive and fun playgrounds. Kids can sit on the angled surface and use their weight to rotate. An Accessible Whirl is a great alternative. It accommodates two wheelchairs, and also has an additional seat for another child or caregiver.

7. Sandboxes

What child doesn’t like to build sandcastles. Add a sandbox to your kids’ play area to let them express themselves and enjoy the beach. Sandboxes encourage sensory play in children of all ages. This is important for their cognitive development, and helps them explore and understand their surroundings.

A sandbox in your playground will also help kids develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they use the buckets and shovels you provide.

Playground Equipment Trends

New playground equipment is developed as children’s interests change. Some of the most popular trends in playground equipment include:

• Play structures for kids with disabilities
• Colors and sounds can be used to create a sensory experience
• Outdoor learning spaces
• Themed playgrounds provide a unique experience for children

By embracing trends, you can create a playground that will be fun and educational for all children.