Where is the Closet Outdoor Playground?

How can you find an outdoor playground?

Use Apps

Playground Buddy is a free app that helps families find play grounds. You can get it on Google Play or download it on the Apple Store. It can help you access over 200,000playgrounds in 170 countries.On the playground map it shows you, you can not only view the specific facilities of each playground, but after selecting a playground, it can also use Google Maps to direct you there. On the other hand, if you find your local play ground doesn’t show up on the map, you can add it to the app or send the information through the contact page, helping the information about outdoor playgrounds more complete on this free map.

By websites

Playground Finder is an initiative of Playground Australia. On this website, you can view information on playground divisions in six Australian states, which are ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA,TAS, VIC, WA. You can also narrow your search by setting playground equipment conditions, such as seats, bike path, toddler friendly, sun shade. However, compared to Playground Buddy software, it does not help you directly find the playground closest to you, and you need to click one by one to check the distance between the playground and you.

Yelp is a multipurpose website where you can find out what restaurants are in a city, what parking lots are available, and of course, what are the outdoor playgrounds. After entering the content and city you want to query, you can also limit the distance, such as birds' eyes view, driving (5mi.), biking(2mi.), walking(1mi.) or within 4 blocks. However, its disadvantage is that you can only see pictures and opening hours of the playground on the website, but don't know what facilities it has. Also, while you can search for any city, the information it provides is mostly in US cities.

By experience

In theory, outdoor playgrounds are often built in parks and schools. So, if you don't know where the nearest outdoor playground is, go to the nearest park or ask your relatives and friends who have kids.

When can you take your baby to a outdoor playground?

Don’t take babies under 2 months old to outdoor playgrounds.Because children during this period are very weak, if they are exposed to germs or sick children, they will get sick themselves. Distance is a factor parents should consider when choosing a playground, but cleanliness is even more important. In addition, choose playgrounds with as many shades as possible. Children under six months are not suitable for sun exposure, so parents should provide physical sun protection for them when taking their children out, and choose to travel when the sun is not too strong.

Which equipment can babies play?

Small bucket swings

Small bucket swings are suitable for children aged from 6 months to 4 years old. At first, babies may feel uncomfortable, you can hold your baby on your lap on a big-kid swing and help them adjust to the sensation. Then, you can put them in the small bucket swing and push the swing slowly and gently. If there is a safety strap, be sure to use it. Here are also some details that you need to pay attention to:

Before putting your child on the swing, disinfect the seat, especially the handle.

 If it's a sunny day, feel the temperature of the seat first to make sure it doesn't burn the child.

Pay attention to floor hygiene, remove rubbish that may attract bugs, and some sharp stones that may injure children.

Finally, when playing with your child, pay attention to the movements of other children to make sure they don't bump into your baby.

Slides

Many playgrounds have areas designed specifically for toddlers, in which slides and other play equipment is smaller and closer to the ground. These slides should be fine for a 2-year-old to use. If you baby is younger than 2 years old, it is suggested to take them to indoor slides, where less children run for each other. Here are also some details you need to pay attention to:

1.If your kids are the first time to slide, you should stand beside the slide, and help babies slide slowly with their feet first.

2.Make sure there are not other kids run for your baby when they slide.

3.Make sure they can follow your directions and can sit down and then slide.

4.Don’t let your children climb up the slide.

Large outdoor playgrounds for older children and adults

If you want to seek excitement from huge swing sets and huge slides, you can go these places:  Lazy Dayz Playground at Smothers Park in Owensboro, Kentucky; Tower Playground in Denmark; Clemyjontri Park in McLean, Virginia; Diana, Princess of Wales, Memorial Playground in the UK; Jungle Gym in Nashville, Tennessee; Blaxland Riverside Park in Sydney, Australia; Wallholla in Purmerend, the Netherlands; Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, Minnesota; Wright Brothers Playground in New York City, New York; Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Minnesota.These are the world’s top 10 largest and most interesting outdoor playgrounds. If you happen to be in these places, if your child is older than 4 years old and can play independently, don't look for the nearest outdoor playground, go to the large playground with your child to find happiness!