Backyard Playsets: How to Keep Children Safe

Backyard playsets are a great way to get children outside and encourage them to be physically active. While many children are injured on playsets, there are several steps families can take to make their backyards a safer place to play.

Choosing a playset for your backyard:

• Make sure the playset is made of high-quality materials that are weather-resistant and splinter-free.
• Consider height – the higher the height, the greater the risk of serious injury from falls. Keep platforms lower than 6 feet for school-aged children and even lower for toddlers.
• Check for spaces where your child’s head could get stuck. For the playset to be safe, openings should be smaller than 3.5 inches or larger than 9 inches in length and width.
• Make sure all platforms and ramps have guardrails or barriers.

Setting up a playset in your backyard:

• Find a level (flat) piece of backyard that extends at least 6 feet beyond the playset in all directions.
• Cover the ground under swing sets and other play equipment with wood chips, mulch, shredded rubber, sand, or other safety surfacing that is at least 12 inches deep. This will help reduce the shock of a fall. Grass and dirt are not enough to prevent injuries.

Other tips to make your backyard safer for children:

• Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to play equipment. These can cause strangulation.
• Head outside with your kids and stay close and attentive while they play – being right there helps keep them safe and makes it easy to join in when they want a partner in fun.
• Make sure the doors and windows that lead to your backyard are always locked so children can’t access the space unsupervised.
• Check your outdoor space regularly for wear and tear like loose boards, railings, or splinters, and look for more serious deterioration that can be caused by water, weather, animals, or insects.
• If you or your neighbors have pets, it’s best to keep them away from the play equipment while young children are using it. Even the gentlest pets can get excited or startled which could lead to unexpected bumps, scares, or surprises. Keeping pets in a separate area helps create a calmer, safer space for everyone to enjoy.