The playground should be situated in a safe environment, away from the street or parking lots. A fenced-in area is best. Make sure materials and equipment are free of rust and sharp, protruding nails or hardware. The surface area should be free from debris and soft impact material should be beneath play equipment. Have equipment that is developmentally appropriate for all ages.
Make sure there is enough space for children to run without getting in the way of swings or slides. Provide a shaded area for children to play out of direct sunlight. Include a sand area and a digging area. If you have the space, design a garden area or small cage area for pets.
To encourage creativity and multiskill development, a playground should provide plenty of opportunity for movement, climbing, hiding and building. Climbing apparatus such as ropes, ladders and nets increase agility and balance. Commercial swing sets with an assortment of play options are fine; however you can create your own with tire swings, climbing ropes, railroad ties, cable spools, barrels and wood pallets. Adjustable basketball hoops help in physical, hand-eye and visual acuity development.
Make sure there are plenty of balls, bats and tossing toys. Hula hoops and jump-ropes are good outdoor play ideas. Water tables for the warmer months are fun for children, as are bubbles tables. Provide measuring cups, water wheels and other plastic items to measure, pour and play with. In the sand area provide plastic sifters, pails, shovels and hoes, bulldozers, backhoes and trucks. Ride-on toys are fun for toddlers as are wagons, wheelbarrows and toy lawn mowers.
Seesaws and small, low-to-the ground merry-go-runs provide hours of fun. A dome-shaped climbing structure can serve double duty for climbing, and covered with a tarp or blanket for a fort. For older children, provide materials for building temporary structures (forts and tents) for hiding and playing.
You might add a small playhouse for role-playing games. Small, child-sized picnic tables for real or pretend snacks and meals are a great addition (these can also be used for outdoor crafts and projects). Play barbecue grills and children's-size lawn furniture encourages role-playing and imagination.
Outdoor storage bins and boxes can be utilized to store props for role-playing such as cowboy gear, construction hard hats and aprons for the water table. Keep all loose toys easily within reach for play and for children to assist with cleanup.