| For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor | | | | Pine- look for 100% chemical free lumber. Pine need |
| play equipment can be a daunting task. There are so | | | | to be treated annually to maintain its resistance to the |
| many different materials to choose from and prices | | | | elements. |
| can vary from around a hundred dollars up to a couple | | | | Metal- if you are going with a simple steel swing set |
| of thousand for a larger solid timber unit. Outdoor | | | | look for heavy duty galvanised steel with a lifetime |
| swing sets can be as simple as an individual swing | | | | guarantee against rust. Metal swings are hard wearing |
| right up to a swing, slide, ropes and bars along with | | | | but not as visually appealing as their timber |
| sandpit, cubby or fort.Before you make any firm | | | | counterparts.5. Hidden Extras- |
| decisions there are a couple of main considerations...1. | | | | Delivery and Installation- check if the set is delivered |
| Consult with your Kids- | | | | and installed by an installation crew or left at your |
| They will ultimately be using the equipment so it is | | | | doorstep for you to set up. |
| important to purchase something that suits their needs, | | | | Warranty- does the company offer a lifetime |
| now and in the future.2. Your Yard- | | | | warranty? Some outdoor sets (cedar and redwood) |
| The size of your backyard may determine the type | | | | are a once only purchase, whereas others have a |
| of playground equipment you choose. As well as the | | | | much shorter lifespan. If plastic units are left out in the |
| size of the unit itself, your play equipment needs safe | | | | elements they will deteriorate much faster than if they |
| a circulation area around it. For toddlers you may | | | | can be stored out of the sun and rain when not in use. |
| prefer a smaller swing set that can moved between | | | | Inspection- you can do plenty of browsing online but |
| indoor and outdoors.3. Budget- | | | | may prefer to inspect the set first. By taking your kids |
| Outdoor play equipment and swing sets are an | | | | to 'try before you buy' you will feel much more |
| investment in your kids, they will potentially get many | | | | comfortable with your purchase. For the complete |
| hours of enjoyment and play. There is a vast | | | | version of this article go to Outdoor Play Equipment- |
| difference in price and durability for different materials, | | | | Making an Informed Choice |
| see below for pros and cons. Larger sets are | | | | Part II of our feature on swing sets and outdoor play |
| generally built to last and often require delivery and | | | | equipment looks at playground safety, a very |
| installation, so you may need to factor this into your | | | | important consideration for parents. Playground |
| budget.4. Materials and Durability- | | | | accidents are one of the leading causes for injury to |
| Plastic- These sets are generally only suitable for | | | | children, so selecting the equipment that is age |
| toddlers, they are affordable and can often be | | | | appropriate is all important. Read on...The place to go |
| swapped between indoors and outdoors. | | | | for all your games needs for 0-8 year olds is Kids Fun |
| Cedar and Redwood- the preferred choice for long | | | | and Games. Educational baby and toddler games, |
| lasting playground equipment. These two woods are | | | | party games, crafts, indoor and outdoor games, |
| low-maintenance because they naturally resist rot and | | | | festivals and a new buyers guide for child toys and |
| insects, and don't require sealing. | | | | equipment. |