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David Reeves

A Playground Safety Checklist for You and Your Kids

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Spring is in full swing, which means that it’s the perfect time for you and your kids to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather. Unfortunately, with an increase in outdoor play comes an increase in the risk of injury for kids.

Skinned knees, scratches, falls, and even more serious injuries like broken bones seem to go hand-in-hand with playing outside. But, if you and your child take the necessary safety precautions before heading to the park or playground, many injuries can be avoided. Your child can enjoy hours of play out in the sunshine, and you don’t have to worry over outdoor dangers.

Accidents happen and kids will get an injury from time to time, but many bumps and bruises can be avoided if you know what to look for. Here’s a playground safety checklist by Superior Grounds For Play to help you conduct a quick playground inspection before your child runs off to play.

15 Games to Play with Your Kids Outside

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Do you want to keep your kids active while also challenging them mentally? Outside games are a great way to accomplish both. If you are tired of the traditional hopscotch and games of “horse” around the basketball hoop, here are some unique and creative options to try:

1. Traffic Cop

Grab all of the bikes and scooters in your garage and invite some neighbors. Then, practice playing traffic cop, having the children ride as quickly as they can and stop when you blow a whistle or put up a “stop” sign with your hand.

2. Lawn Twister

Do you have an open space that you can use for a game? Spray paint a Twister board onto it, and play the classic game outdoors. You can use this idea in the winter, too — simply spray paint the snow and pile on the warm outdoor clothing.

3. Frozen T-Shirt Race

Is it hot where you live? Soak some old t-shirts and put them in the freezer overnight. Then, have the kids race to see who can un-thaw their shirt and put it on first. They will get cool fast!

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling

Take the kids outside after dark, and place some glow sticks in 10 bottles of water. Line them up like bowling pins, and give the kids a ball to try to knock them down. Simple, but the glow-in-the-dark twist makes it incredibly fun.

5. Spud

If you can get a group of kids together, play spud. This classic childhood game is sure to bring a lot of laughter as kids try to keep from collecting letters or becoming “it.”

6. Watch Your Step

Tie a balloon to your kids’ ankles. Run around the yard, trying to stop on the other players’ balloons. The last one with a balloon intact wins.

7. Four Square

Teach your kids the classic game of four square. You will be able to introduce them to something you likely did during childhood, and they will always have something to do if they are bored.

8. Tag

Don’t underestimate the amount of fun you can have playing tag, particularly if dad participates. Add variations, like freeze tag or TV tag, to engage the mind and body.

9. Monkey in the Middle

Grab a Frisbee or playground ball and place yourself in between two of your kids. Have them try to throw the ball over your head while you try to catch it.

10. Simon Says

If you need a break from running, take on the role of Simon in this classic game. As an added bonus, your kids will get some practice with paying attention and following directions.

11. Find the Snow Flag

If you have a good covering of snow, tie a white cloth to a stick and hide it in the yard. Have your kids search for it. The one who finds it first gets to hide it next. It’s harder than you might think.

12. Tug of War

This is a great game because you can play it in any weather. Make sure you have an even number of players, including the adults, and get started. In the snow, it becomes even more entertaining as you slip and slide over the ground.

13. Rainbow Tag

Take some Popsicle sticks and coat the ends with face-paint crayons in the colors of the rainbow. Hide them around the yard for the kids to find and paint their faces. The first one with all colors is the winner.

14. Snow Hurdles

Snow along with snow gear make jumping challenging. Make “hurdles” by lining up some snowballs and have the kids jump over them. You will get a good laugh by watching one another fall in the snow.

15. Freeze Dance

Get a little crazy with your kids. Grab your phone and put on some tunes, dancing your heart out in the backyard until the music stops and everyone freezes. Dance resumes when the music does.

Remember, it doesn’t take expensive toys or even a lot of prep work to make memories with your kids. Head outside and spend a little bit of time on some of these games, and start making memories, today.

Fun Tips to Keep Kids Safe Outside

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It’s wonderful to see your kids put down the video game controller, shut off the computer, and get outside for some fresh air, but there are a number of hazards that can pop up in the great outdoors. These tips help you prepare for common outdoor dangers, and to field unexpected challenges, from bugs and burns, to broken swing sets.

Pack a First-Aid Kit

Before you set foot outside, do a quick inventory to make sure you have everything you might need to prevent ­— and treat­ — minor cuts, bites and other injuries. These items don’t take much space, and they can be very helpful in an emergency:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Band-Aids
  • Peroxide
  • Bug spray
  • Antibiotic lotion
  • Calamine cream
  • Sunscreen
  • Allergy medication

Dress for Success

Try to avoid open-toed shoes and loose-fitting clothing, which may get caught in playground equipment, or cause your child to trip and fall over loose branches. Comfy sneakers can protect tiny toes from bees, burs and blisters. If there’s a chance of rain in the forecast, pack an umbrella or raincoats and galoshes for longer excursions. Sunscreen and bug spray add an extra layer of protection against the elements — especially in warmer months.

Play it Safe

There’s nothing quite like pushing your kid on a swing set, watching him or her soar through the sunlit sky with the wind blowing through his or her hair. Swings and slides are standard fare when it comes to playgrounds. Nevertheless, you’ve probably noticed that play yards have changed a lot since you were young. Nowadays, they include safer, softer ground surfaces, and more durable plastic equipment. It’s still best to err on the side of caution. The majority of playground-related injuries happen at public parks, so it’s best to take some preventative measures before letting your kids run wild. Check all the equipment for the following:

  • Rusty nails and screws
  • Loose bolts
  • Jagged edges
  • Missing or damaged guardrails

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Even if you’re reading a book while the kids are at play, be sure to look up frequently to make sure they’re within your field of vision. Inform your children ahead of time about the risks of talking to strangers.

Excessive heat can also be problematic for kids as they frolic outdoors. Keep snacks and water on hand, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or discomfort. Remind your tykes to rest for a little while and drink some water if they seem tuckered out.

Clean and Safe Surroundings

Forest preserves and parks are generally clean, but you may run across a play area that’s less than pristine. Try to find fenced-in spots, but be on the lookout for discarded appliances that children might try to explore, or even hide in. Here are a few more things to be mindful of in backyards, neighborhoods and wooded areas:

  • Abandoned refrigerators
  • Open sheds and garages
  • Gas and charcoal grills
  • Trash and animal waste

Leaves of Three, Leave Them Be

If your kids are playing in a wooded area, make sure you check for harmful plants, and show them how to identify poison ivy, oak and sumac. This handy guide offers a few quick tips to spot leaves that could cause a nasty rash if your son or daughter comes into contact with them.

Make an Emergency Phone List

Write your local numbers for these important contacts down, or program them into the phone for easier access:

  • Poison control
  • Local police
  • Names of friends’ parents

Playing outside should be fun for your children, but it shouldn’t cause you additional stress. If you keep these guidelines in mind, you can reduce the risk of injury and keep things enjoyable and worry-free for everyone involved.