Do you have the heart to serve and care for children? If you do, opening a child care facility may be your dream. Considering childcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S., it’s a great career to choose.
Putting together the ideal
If you’re building a child care center, you cannot neglect the construction of a playground. Playground design is important. Check out five things every playground needs.
1. Eating and Rest Areas
Areas designated for eating and resting are a must for any playground. This gives kids a place to rest and have a snack. It also gives parents and child care instructors a place to sit and watch the children play. Child size picnic tables are a classic choice, but various lawn chairs work as well. Just make sure that they are heavy enough to not get blown around in the wind, or you’ll have to bring them indoors at the end of each day.
There may be days when you decide to let the kids have lunch or snack time outside. You’ll want to have tables and chairs or picnic tables for them to sit at. Benches are also a great idea to have throughout the playground.
2. Shade
When you are putting together playground design ideas, you want to be sure that you are including shaded areas.
Depending on where you are located, you may have a lot of hot, sunny days. An area that little ones can play under and still be protected from the sun is a necessity so they don’t get sunburns or overheated.
If you are in need of extra shade, purchase an outdoor shade structure like this Caravan Canopy. It has legs that are straight up and down, which means you can connect more than one together to shade a larger area. If you need your shade’s canopy to be taller than the average size, get some rain barrels, fill them with water, and then attach the canopy posts to the rain barrels. This system is less expensive than buying a commercial shade structure, its moveable, and it works great!
3. Accessibility for All
The playground needs to be accessible for all children. This includes children with different handicaps that would still want to enjoy the facility. You should consider making the playground inclusive so there are activities for all children.
You also want to ensure safety when building the playground. Take note of any possible hazards and see what you can do to avoid them.
4. Amenities
What amenities will your
- Fountain
- Arbor
- Shelter areas
These amenities will benefit parents and children while improving the overall aesthetics of the playground.
5. Play Areas
What’s a playground without play areas? Ladders, climbing walls, swings, and slides are all great must-haves for any playground. Of course, when you are deciding what equipment to include, you need to take into account the age of the children that will be using it.
Will you include an area for water play? What about a sensory play area or a balance beam? The sky is the limit when you are planning fun and exciting play areas for a playground.
Another thing to consider for your playground is including synthetic turf. This will provide cushioning in areas that children are likely to fall.
Putting Together a Great Playground Design
When you are designing a child care center, you want to be sure that you remember the importance of the playground design. You want to be sure that you are creating an environment inside and out that’s conducive for little ones.
If you are ready to start on the development of your child care center or want more playground design ideas, be sure to contact us. Let us help you design your ideal center.
-This article was written by Rebecca Calbert.
Rebecca is a licensed architect with over 30 years of experience. She owns and operates an architectural firm, Calbert Design Group, and educates her clients through the commercial real estate development process with online content at SaveOnBuilding.com. Rebecca’s “purpose” is to educate small business owners and protect them from what they don’t know.
The Playground: Where Daycare Dreams Come to Life
Imagine you’re five years old again, and the best part of your day isn’t nap time or snack time—it’s that glorious moment when you’re unleashed onto the playground. The swings are calling, the slide is shining like a beacon of adventure, and the world is yours for the next 30 minutes. For kids, the playground is more than just a break from learning—it’s the stage where friendships are formed, scraped knees earn badges of honor, and every corner offers the possibility of fun.
Now, picture yourself as the one responsible for creating that playground. It sounds fun, right? But here’s the kicker: designing a playground is a little like putting together the perfect recipe. You need the right balance of fun, safety, comfort, and accessibility—and if you get it right, you’ve created a space where kids will laugh, play, and grow. If you’re dreaming of opening a daycare, or even just revamping your current one, your playground is more than just an add-on. It’s where the magic happens.
1. Eating and Rest Areas: Because Even Superheroes Need a Snack Break
Kids are like little bundles of endless energy, but even the most enthusiastic explorer needs a break to refuel. That’s why a great playground includes designated areas for eating and resting. Think about it—after conquering the jungle gym or racing down the slide for the hundredth time, they’ll need a spot to catch their breath.
Child-sized picnic tables are a classic, and let’s face it, adorable choice. But don’t forget the adults. Parents and staff need a place to sit and watch the chaos unfold, preferably from a comfortable distance. Just make sure the furniture is sturdy enough not to blow away when the wind picks up—unless you’re prepared for a game of “chase the lawn chair” every afternoon. Trust me, no one wins that game.
2. Shade: The Unsung Hero of Playgrounds
Now, unless your daycare is based in some magical place where it’s always 72 degrees and overcast (and if it is, please invite me), you’ll need shade. Playgrounds and sunburns don’t mix. We’ve all been there—standing in the sweltering heat, watching kids have the time of their lives while we slowly melt. So, think of shade as a necessity, not an afterthought.
You can go the fancy route with permanent shade structures, or, if you’re feeling resourceful, grab a couple of outdoor canopies. And here’s a clever trick: prop up your canopy on rain barrels to make it taller. Not only does this give you more shade coverage, but it also makes you look like a creative genius who can hack their way around playground design.
3. Accessibility for All: Playgrounds Without Limits
Imagine being a kid who watches their friends race to the swings but can’t join because the playground isn’t designed for them. That’s not a memory anyone should have. A great playground is one where every child, regardless of their abilities, can play and feel included.
So, think beyond the typical swings and slides. Consider ramps, wide pathways, and sensory play areas that engage different senses, making the space welcoming for all kids. This isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about giving every child the same chance to be part of the fun.
4. Amenities: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
What’s a playground without the small touches that make it feel like a complete world? Trash cans, recycling bins, and water fountains are the unsung heroes that keep things running smoothly. It might sound mundane, but they matter.
Picture this: You’re on a playground tour with a prospective parent, and instead of pointing out a lack of amenities, you casually mention the covered rest areas and the recycling program. Bonus points if you’ve added a little fountain or an arbor, because who doesn’t want to impress with a bit of eco-friendly charm?
5. Play Areas: Where the Adventure Begins
Let’s not forget the star of the show: the play equipment itself. This is where you get to have fun. Swings, slides, and climbing walls are just the basics. Do you want to add a water play area for summer months? Maybe a sensory play zone or a balance beam that tests coordination? The possibilities are endless.
When it comes to designing your playground, you’re creating a world of possibilities for these kids. Include synthetic turf to cushion their inevitable falls, and make sure the play areas are age-appropriate so everyone can enjoy them safely. Remember, this is where kids will spend their most active, joyful moments—and those moments are what childhood is all about.
Building the Perfect Playground
Designing a playground isn’t just about throwing up some swings and calling it a day. It’s about creating a space where kids can explore, take risks, learn, and, yes, occasionally scrape their knees. From shaded rest areas to sensory play zones, every detail contributes to the magic of play. And when done right, your playground becomes the heart of your daycare—a place where kids can just be kids.
So, if you’re ready to start designing your daycare or revamp your existing space, remember: the playground is where memories are made. Get it right, and you’ll have a group of kids—and parents—who can’t wait to come back day after day. And isn’t that the dream?
