Swing Sets and Outdoor Play Equipment- 5 Essential Tips Before You Buy

For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor play equipment can be a daunting task. There are so many different materials to choose from and prices can vary from around a hundred dollars up to a couple of thousand for a larger solid timber unit. Outdoor swing sets can be as simple as an individual swing right up to a swing, slide, ropes and bars along with sandpit, cubby or fort.

Before you make any firm decisions there are a couple of main considerations...

1. Consult with your Kids- They will ultimately be using the equipment so it is important to purchase something that suits their needs, now and in the future.

2. Your Yard- The size of your backyard may determine the type of playground equipment you choose. As well as the size of the unit itself, your play equipment needs safe a circulation area around it. For toddlers you may prefer a smaller swing set that can moved between indoor and outdoors.

3. Budget- Outdoor play equipment and swing sets are an investment in your kids, they will potentially get many hours of enjoyment and play. There is a vast difference in price and durability for different materials, see below for pros and cons. Larger sets are generally built to last and often require delivery and installation, so you may need to factor this into your budget.

4. Materials and Durability-
Plastic- These sets are generally only suitable for toddlers, they are affordable and can often be swapped between indoors and outdoors.
Cedar and Redwood- the preferred choice for long lasting playground equipment. These two woods are low-maintenance because they naturally resist rot and insects, and don't require sealing.
Pine- look for 100% chemical free lumber. Pine need to be treated annually to maintain its resistance to the elements.
Metal- if you are going with a simple steel swing set look for heavy duty galvanised steel with a lifetime guarantee against rust. Metal swings are hard wearing but not as visually appealing as their timber counterparts.

5. Hidden Extras-
Delivery and Installation- check if the set is delivered and installed by an installation crew or left at your doorstep for you to set up.
Warranty- does the company offer a lifetime warranty? Some outdoor sets (cedar and redwood) are a once only purchase, whereas others have a much shorter lifespan. If plastic units are left out in the elements they will deteriorate much faster than if they can be stored out of the sun and rain when not in use.
Inspection- you can do plenty of browsing online but may prefer to inspect the set first. By taking your kids to 'try before you buy' you will feel much more comfortable with your purchase.

For the complete version of this article go to Outdoor Play Equipment- Making an Informed Choice

Part II of our feature on swing sets and outdoor play equipment looks at playground safety, a very important consideration for parents. Playground accidents are one of the leading causes for injury to children, so selecting the equipment that is age appropriate is all important. Read on...

The place to go for all your games needs for 0-8 year olds is Kids Fun and Games. Educational baby and toddler games, party games, crafts, indoor and outdoor games, festivals and a new buyers guide for child toys and equipment.

---

ADHD: A Dialogue With a Non-Believer, part two

Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More

After the Driving School

If you visit search engines you can find several resources... Read More

My Stomach Hurts - I Cant Go to School Today!

It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: Driving and Having a Car is a Privilege, Not a Right

Q. My teenage son is turning 16 early next year... Read More

Fraternal Twin Parenting Concerns

Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More

Considering Daycare? Consider the Pros and Cons

When you're a parent it's a difficult decision to know... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: 3 More Dangerous Myths

MYTH: If you have not parented as well as you... Read More

The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid Them: Top 5 Internet Safety Tips

The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid... Read More

Does Sexual Abuse Usually Occur Just Once?

Your daughter tells you that Uncle Charley has touched her... Read More

SMUT Spelled Backwards is TUMS

Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More

Raising a Self-Sufficient Teen

Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working... Read More

What Are Your Children Really Watching?

Saturday mornings. Cold cereal and Scooby Doo. How many parents... Read More

15 Ways to Help Kids Like Themselves

1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More

Why Wont My Teens Clean Their Room?

Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More

What Julia Roberts has to Say about Motherhood

Julia Roberts recently gave birth to twins: Hazel and Phinnaeus.... Read More

Homeschooling ? Is It Worth It?

Suppose that you rearrange your life to homeschool your child... Read More

Who Wants To Date Their Mother?

Do any other reality TV junkies remember a show on... Read More

The Twenty-First Century Parent

John was a 43 year-old sales manager at a large... Read More

Home And School Education - Your Kids Can Benefit From Both!

Once, as a Learning Support Teacher, I made my way... Read More

Homework Help for the Attention Deficit Child

Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More

7 Powerful Ways to Show Love to Children

Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More

They Call it Puppy Love

My son is 6 yrs old. He came home the... Read More

Who Are You When the Professional In You Meets Baby?

Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More

Ready, Aim, Achieve! - Become An On-purpose Family Through Goal Setting

Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More

Invented Spelling --- Another Alice-in-Wonderland Public-School Theory

As part of the whole-language (or "balanced") reading-instruction philosophy, many... Read More

Are You Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child?

Although many parents are concerned with our children's intelligence quotient... Read More

7 Ways Busy Families Can Volunteer

Volunteering together is a fantastic way to spend time as... Read More

Parents of Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers: 7 Universal Laws

1. The Law of the BeastAs parents we need to... Read More

The Value of Play

Isn't it ironic that a country whose constitution allows for... Read More

Really Good News About Your Children?s Video Games

Research published by University of Rochester neuroscientists C. Shawn Green... Read More

Teaching Preschool Color and Shapes with Family Games

My kids just can't get enough of playing games with... Read More

Spare the Child, Ditch the Rod

Spare the rod, spoil the child!This philosophy's been around a... Read More

Simple Tricks To Help You And Your Kids To Find Friends

One of the most prevalent problems of the computer age... Read More