​​​​​​Safe playgrounds help reduce the risk of injury to children. Review the items below to check that your child is ready for safe play.

Age-appropriate equipment

Preschool-age children and school-age children need different types of playground equipment.

Use playground equipment that is good for your c​hild's age and that your child can:

• reach on their own
• ​climb on their own

Look for signs on playground equipment that show the recommended age for the play equipment.

 

Your young child does not understand when they are in danger of hurting themself.

Check the playground for:

• any loose parts of playground equipment
• strong handrails and barriers
• broken pieces of glass or other sharp objects

Make sure the ground:

• has a soft surface that is covered with material such as wood chips, rubber surfacing (rubber tiles, rubber mat), sand, or pea gravel
• has material that is evenly spread under and around the equipment

Report any problems with playground equipment to your local Environmental Public Health office, your city or town office, or the community centre or school where the playground is located.

Check the playground surface for hazards before letting your child play.

Clothing

Some items of clothing can cause choking if they get wrapped around a child's neck. When using playground equipment don't wear:

• scarves
• clothing with drawstrings or other cords
• helmets

Tie back long hair to avoid your child’s hair getting caught on play equipment.

Your child could strangle on a play structure from a drawstring or a scarf dangling around their neck.

Playground rules

Teach your child the following playground rules:

• Wear shoes
• Sit and go feet first, one child at a time, down the slide
• Don't push or shove
• Hold onto railings
• Stay a safe distance away from moving swings

Weather

• Be mindful of weather. Extreme weather (hot or cold) can impact playground equipment and the play area.

Actively supervise your child

• Stay close enough that you can take action if needed​
  

Stay beside your child as they learn to climb and play on a structure.