See-Saws & Slides

See-saws & slides are among the most loved playground equipment of children. They’re classic outdoor games that have perhaps been around since playground fun began. The additions of see-saws & slides in the backyard or garden will definitely provide a fantastic recreational activity for kids of different ages.

Seesaws actually have various names in different regions of the world; take for instance, its famous name “teeter totter”, or a dandle board, or a tilting board; all of these refer to the lengthy and slim board that’s balanced at its middle, creating an exchanging “up-and-down” movement for its riders. A seesaw can be seen in almost any type of playground these days, and they come in various materials, forms, sizes, and colors.

How Do Seesaws Work?

The basic movement of a seesaw is up-and-down. It is operated by two people that sit on opposite sides of its board, and then take turns in pushing its board up through a push of the feet against the ground –this motion lifts one side of the seesaw up into the air. The seesaw board normally has handles, allowing riders to safely grip on it while it is in motion, and avoid accidents like falls and slips. Seesaws are most often installed on surfaces that are soft, like foams and wood chips, to avoid injuries.

Types Of Seesaws

Today’s seesaws come in an extensive array of designs, styles, sizes, materials, colors, and purposes. Wooden seesaws are durable and strong, and are excellent for outdoor settings. They’re able to withstand the different outdoor elements, providing longer years of service.

Modern designs are in different materials such as durable plastic, and some even come in inflatable balloon materials that can also be used on home swimming pools and different water settings.

A number of new designs for seesaws have been improved, which does not only provide an “up-and-down” movement, but also a rotating motion –this gives kids more entertainment and fun.

Playground Slides

Another favorite activity in the playground area is the slide. Slides are brilliant play equipment that is often found in parks, backyards, and schools playgrounds all across the globe. They’re made of either metal or plastic, and have smooth surfaces that are wavy/rippled or straight. They’re considered a basic part of any type of playground.

More modern slides are often made of very durable plastic that comes in attractive colors, and is often integrated with other “gym-like” activities such as climbing, crawling, and sliding fun for kids of all ages. There are various well-known manufacturers that produce these kinds of slides, including Little Tikes –a leading brand.

Slides Safety

Children are explorers and adventurers so expect them to do stunts with the slides. They often descend slides in different positions than always sitting; they may sometimes descend facing backwards, lying on their back, kneeling, head first, and even walk up and down the slide. Thus, proper safety measures must be placed with different slides.

Straight slides must have a standard incline of not more than thirty-degrees. Those with flat-open chutes must have sides of about four-inch minimum height that extends on both sides of the entire length of the chute. Embankment slides must have maximum height of twelve-inches above underlying ground surfaces. These designs typically eliminate risks of falls, and must follow all recommendations provided for straight slides. Barriers must be provided, and extra supervision for kids must be given.

See-saws & slides give kids an exciting and fun outdoor activity. They’re great pieces of equipment that does not only give them hours of enjoyment, but also helps develop their physical strength. However, like any outdoor activity, safety measures are always needed to prevent injuries. See-saws & slides will make that backyard a place of amusement and active recreation for kids.