Woman pushing girl on swing
At Every Turn > Primary Care > Playground safety: What parents need to know
Tips May 14, 2015

Playground safety: What parents need to know

Bridget Clementi, Executive Director

The warmer weather is calling us outdoors. As children run off to play on the playground or backyard playsets, we have a few safety tips for playground injury prevention.

Falls are the most common type of playground injury, accounting for more than 75 percent of all playground-related injuries. Lack of supervision or improper supervision is associated with approximately 45 percent of playground-related injuries.

PLAY it safe to avoid injury

Following these guidelines will offer hours of safe, playground fun. Remember “PLAY” it safe when you are on the playground.

“P” is for Play appropriately.

  • Never push or roughhouse while on jungle gyms, slides, swings and other equipment.
  • Always slide feet first, avoid climbing outside of railings and barriers, and stay seated on swings.
  • Leave bikes, backpacks, and bags away from the playground equipment so no one trips over them.
  • Ensure that children use age appropriate playground equipment.

“L” is for Loose clothing or untied shoelaces. A hazard — at any age.

  • If you see a child with their shoes untied, help them out with a double knot. If you have young kids at home who cannot tie shoes, the best shoes for playing outdoors may be well-fitting shoes with elastic or Velcro closure.
  • Loose clothing or strings — like drawstrings on sweatshirt hoods — can also present an accidental strangulation hazard and could easily get caught on playground sets.

“A” is for Active adult supervision.

  • Supervision is the best way to keep children safe and prevent injuries. Always supervise your child at the park, playground or in your backyard.
  • Check that the equipment is safe before your children start to play on it.
  • Be sure nothing is broken and no sharp objects stick out.

“Y” is for Your playground surfaces.

  • Safer surfaces include mulch, pea gravel and shredded rubber.
  • Avoid asphalt, concrete, grass and soil surfaces.
  • Make sure that playground equipment is dry to avoid slipping.
  • Check for any hazards.

Many injuries that occur on the playground are preventable. Parents can visit kohlssafeandhealthy.com and download our “Keep Spriggy Safe” mobile app to learn more about outdoor safety for their kids.

Children's Wisconsin Resources

Children’s Wisconsin has more than 20 primary care offices conveniently located throughout the Milwaukee area and southeast Wisconsin. Find a pediatrician near you. View more articles from Bridget Clementi

Related stories

How kids can safely use artificial intelligence Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 20, 2025

Rise of the Machines: What Parents Should Know About AI and Kids

Kate Bennett, DSW, LCSW Behavioral Health Consultant

What parents can do to help their kids use AI in safe and healthy ways.

How to identify and treat head lice in children Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 15, 2025

How To Identify and Treat Head Lice in Children

Sarah Mooney, MD Pediatrician

Lice are annoying, but they are harmless and do not spread disease.

Top 5 things parents should know about hand, foot and mouth disease Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 11, 2025

What Parents Should Know About Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Cheryl Cameron, MD Pediatrician

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a mild but highly contagious viral infection that is common in young children.

Measles outbreak United States 2025 Children's Wisconsin
Tips Aug 08, 2025

Measles Outbreak Shows Importance of Getting Your Kids Vaccinated

Frank Zhu, MD Medical Director

The recent measles outbreak is a regrettable reminder to all of us of just how preventable this disease truly is when your child is vaccinated.

How to get kids to talk about the feelings Children's Wisconsin mental and behavioral health
Tips Aug 07, 2025

How To Help Your Young Child Talk About Their Feelings

Janelle Clark, LPC Behavioral Health Consultant

Children who find healthy ways to express their feelings are more likely to develop positive relationships with others, feel more confident and perform better in school.

Common newborn skin ailments Children's Wisconsin
Tips Jul 18, 2025

Baby Blemishes: Seven Common Skin Conditions in Newborns

Stephen Humphrey, MD Pediatric Dermatologist

Seven common skin conditions that affect newborns, how to treat them and when to see a doctor.

Building the Confidence Muscle: How To Help Kids Learn To Stand Up for Themselves Children's Wisconsin
Tips Jul 17, 2025

Building the Confidence Muscle: How To Help Kids Learn To Stand Up for Themselves

Jamie Radant, LPC-IT Behavioral Health Consultant

Teaching kids how to stand up for themselves is a valuable skill that will serve them well throughout life.