Creating a safe indoor playground isn’t just about buying equipment and setting it up. Imagine this: You’re excited to open your new family entertainment center. You expect parents and kids to come pouring in. But within weeks, you’re getting complaints about safety issues, injuries, or worse—maybe even legal trouble because you’re not following safety standards. As a business owner, your number one job is to make sure that every kid who walks into your playground has a safe and fun experience. Not only does this protect your reputation, but it also brings families back to your facility. So, how do you create a safe indoor playground?
The key to a safe indoor playground is to plan carefully and follow safety standards to the letter. It’s not just about meeting the minimum. It’s about creating an environment where both kids and parents feel safe. Keeping an indoor playground safe involves everything from choosing the right materials to setting up proper supervision procedures. It’s about thinking ahead and designing your space to minimize risks.
In addition to safety, indoor playgrounds need to be built to meet the physical and developmental needs of children. A well-built playground allows kids to explore, learn, and have fun without taking unnecessary risks. But to do that, there are certain key questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to designing and building your playground.
Tips for Creating a Safe Indoor Playground
Age-Appropriate Zones
Think about the ages of kids you want to attract. Different age groups have different needs and abilities, so you need to create different zones to meet those needs. For example, toddlers need soft play areas with low platforms, while older kids might want more challenging structures.
Adhering to Safety Regulations
Start by learning about the specific safety regulations and guidelines that govern indoor play areas in your area. These rules are there to protect kids and must be followed.
Proper Layout
You need to provide enough room for kids to play without running into each other and other equipment. Look at the clearance areas required for each piece of equipment and make sure you have at least that much space around the equipment.
Select The Right Play Equipment
Read the safety standards and buy your equipment from reputable suppliers that have a long history of advocating for safety. A company like Lebo Play will be able to explain to you the safety of each piece of equipment and show you the safety regulations and standards it meets.
Choose Impact-Absorbing Surfaces
Choose materials that provide good impact absorption. Flooring materials like rubber, foam, or specialized playground surfacing can reduce the severity of injuries if kids fall. Make sure these materials are installed properly to avoid tripping hazards.
Adequate Lighting and Visibility
Your indoor playground should be well-lit, including all play areas and walkways. Good lighting reduces the chances of accidents, helps supervisors watch what’s going on, and makes the place welcoming. Think about adding things that help with visibility, like mirrors in strategic locations to eliminate blind spots. You might also have a lot of natural light coming in from windows or an open design.
What Safety Standards Does the Indoor Playground Equipment Meet?
The first step in making sure a playground is safe is buying equipment that meets industry-recognized safety standards. Different countries and regions have specific standards that dictate the safety of indoor play equipment. For example, in North America, ASTM F1918-12 is a common standard that outlines what’s required for soft-contained play equipment used commercially. Similarly, the European standard EN 1176 governs playground equipment and surfacing safety. If you’re selling to Australians, you need to comply with AS 3533.4.2-2013. Canada has its own set of regulations under CSA Z614-07(R2012) that you need to consider as well.
(1) ASTM F1918 (North America)
ASTM F-1918 (Standard Safety Performance Specification for Soft Contained Play Equipment) performance specification provides safety and performance standards for soft contained play equipment. Its purpose is to reduce the potential for life-threatening and debilitating injuries.
Lebo Play designs, manufactures, and installs commercial indoor play area equipment that complies with the ASTM F-1918 specification to meet North America’s Local safety standards and pass the safety inspection.
(2) EN 1176 (Europe)
CSA Z614-07(R2012) is a safety standard in Canada for indoor and outdoor playgrounds. This is the safety standard that is used by the customers in Canada and thus we do make sure that our indoor playgrounds are also in compliance with this standard.
(3) AS 3533.4.2-2013 (Australia)
AS3533.4.2-2013 is another playground safety standard that is made specifically for indoor playgrounds. Our indoor playgrounds are in compliance with the Australia safety standards.
(4) CSA Z614-07(R2012) (Canada)
AS3533.4.2-2013 is another playground safety standard that is made specifically for indoor playgrounds. Our indoor playgrounds are in compliance with the Australia safety standards.
At Lebo Play, our equipment is designed to meet all safety standards for the United States, Europe, and other markets. Our use of high-quality, fire-resistant, and environmentally friendly materials means that not only will your playground pass safety inspections, but it will be safe and fun for kids for years to come.
How Will You Ensure Proper Supervision of Children at All Times?
Even the safest playground equipment can’t protect kids from every potential hazard if they are left unsupervised. That’s why effective supervision is so important. Good supervision can help prevent accidents, make sure kids follow the rules, and provide help in case of an emergency.
To ensure proper supervision, consider a multi-faceted approach. First, make sure staff members are trained to monitor the playground and intervene when necessary. Your staff should be trained in basic first aid, conflict resolution, and recognizing unsafe behaviors.
In addition to staff supervision, you should encourage parents to keep a close eye on their kids. You can strategically place clear signs reminding parents and guardians to supervise their kids throughout your facility. These signs should be designed to be eye-catching and informative, emphasizing the importance of constant supervision in maintaining a safe environment.
Creating designated supervision areas for staff can help ensure that all parts of the playground are covered. For instance, raised observation decks or staff posts with unobstructed views of the play areas can help staff effectively monitor activities without obstructing the fun. Combining human supervision with strategic design elements can significantly enhance the safety of your indoor playground.
How Will You Separate Play Areas by Age Group?
Another key factor in playground safety is making sure that children of different ages aren’t using equipment that isn’t right for their size, strength, or stage of development. Mixing little kids and big kids can increase the likelihood of accidents, as the little kids may not be able to use equipment designed for older, stronger children. If you look at the customer reviews of the venues around you, you will know that strictly following age zones will make parents happy and keep them coming back.
To address this, separate play areas based on age group using barriers such as fencing or soft partitions. For example, create distinct areas for toddlers (ages 1-3), younger kids (ages 4-7), and older kids (ages 8-12). These areas should be clearly labeled and have age-appropriate indoor playground structures installed.
In toddler areas, use soft play equipment with low heights and gentle surfaces to minimize any risk of injury. Equipment in this area should be easy for young kids to navigate, promoting safe play without the need for constant assistance.
Meanwhile, older kids should have access to more challenging structures that allow them to engage in more physically demanding activities, such as climbing walls or ninja courses.
Designating separate zones by age group reduces the likelihood of accidents, encourages appropriate play, and enhances the overall safety of the playground.
Provide Seating Areas for Parents to Supervise Their Kids
One of the main reasons for having designated seating is to help you supervise your kids. Little kids do things that are unpredictable, which increases their chances of getting hurt. Research shows that close proximity and attentive supervision are critical in preventing accidents, especially in places like playgrounds where there are lots of things that can go wrong. When parents have convenient seating, they can keep an eye on their kids, keep them safe, and let them run around and have fun.
These seating areas should be placed strategically around the playground to maximize visibility. Whether it’s benches or more comfortable seating options like cushioned chairs, you want parents to feel encouraged to stay engaged with their kids. Also, consider providing amenities such as charging stations for electronic devices, coffee stations, or light snacks to keep parents comfortable and nearby.
Conclusion
Creating a safe indoor playground takes careful planning, following safety guidelines, and paying attention to the details. By choosing equipment that meets strict safety standards, providing proper supervision, separating play areas by age group and providing comfortable seating for parents, you can create a place where kids can play freely and safely.
At Lebo Play, we know how important safety is when it comes to creating a fun, engaging indoor playground. We focus on quality, meeting international safety standards, and creating custom solutions that meet the needs of our clients. Whether you want to open a family entertainment center, a trampoline park, or any other kind of indoor play facility, our team is here to help you design a space that keeps every kid who walks through your doors safe and happy.
