Creating an outdoor space for kids to enjoy is a fun undertaking. It allows you to think creatively about what children will like most while also thinking about what play structures will encourage educational learning. Swings, seesaws, climbing structures, merry-go-rounds, and so many other components are all possibilities for an engaging, entertaining play area.

However, it’s also important to think about the safety of kids while building the space. Little tumbles are inevitable, but you want to avoid any preventable accidents from occurring. Here are four tips for designing safe and fun outdoor spaces for kids.

1. Make Safety a Priority

First, when building an outdoor area for children, you need to prioritize safety. While you want everyone to have a fun time, most importantly you also want them to play safely without any serious accidents. Children of all ages don’t always have the foresight to think about potential hazards, so it’s up to you to design as safe a space as possible.

Ensure that commercial playground equipment is properly mounted and check it regularly for any loose bolts or screws. Add soft surfaces such as mulch, rubber, or artificial grass under play spaces. Install fencing around the area to keep little ones contained while still giving them the freedom to explore freely.

If you are installing a water feature — such as a pool, fountain, or splash pad — make sure that the area is gated. Also, keep a cover nearby and use it when the water area is not in use. This will protect not only your children but other passing little ones as well. If the idea of a water feature is too intimidating, think about installing a low-lift bubbling rock or water wall. It will still have the same effect but doesn’t require 24/7 supervision.

2. Create Activity Zones

Another design tip that will keep kids safe while also meeting their play needs is to create various activity zones. Place swings, slides, and monkey bars near each other in a designated play area for older children. Sandboxes, musical walls, and other interactive panels suitable for can be placed together to entice younger children.

Whether you’re constructing a neighborhood park, a school playground, or a space for your backyard, adding a spot for parents to watch is also a good idea. A few park benches or a picnic table in a shaded area can be a welcome site for parents and caregivers keeping a close eye on their little ones.

If the space permits, you may also want to consider a small garden area. It’s a great opportunity for children to learn about nature while also beautifying the area. Don’t assume that you need a large plot of land, either. A few potted herbs or some planted flowers can give a nice effect to the space. If you do have more land, planting a few hardy vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, and carrots can be an educational lesson and further encourage kids to eat their veggies at dinner too!

3. Think About Durability

Although the upfront cost of buying long-lasting playground equipment and materials may seem like a lot, it’ll be worth it in the long run. Thinking about durability and ease of maintenance when designing a play area is key. You want the hard work of planning, installing, and building the playground area to pay off. This is especially important if you’re building a playground in a public area, such as a park or school. The more use the playground gets, the better but only if it can stand up to the wear and tear of little ones.

Metals with UV-protected plastics are resistant to lots of use as are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and PVC plastics. For ground materials, poured-in-place rubber is a great option for areas underneath swings or slides where children are more prone to fall. Rubber mulch is another popular selection since it is more cushioning than traditional mulch. For grassy areas, consider artificial turf which requires much less upkeep than regular grass and can withstand high-traffic areas.

When making your selections, also think about maintenance. Public playgrounds must be regularly inspected to ensure children remain safe. With this in mind, you’ll want to choose materials that require less maintenance. Wood may look nice, but it could require regular staining between seasons and treatment to avoid splinters, mold, and insect infestations. Instead, choosing durable recycled plastics could be a more long-lasting solution.

4. Add in Shade and Sheltered Areas

It’s impossible to predict the weather. A sunny day can quickly turn into a passing rainstorm while a cool spring day can become blazingly hot! For kids (and parents), adding in shade and sheltered areas can make coming to the outdoor play area as enjoyable as possible.

Trees, of course, offer natural shade and can help cool off children as they run around and exert their energy. But unless you have pre-existing trees around the area, planting new foundational trees can be expensive. Installing structures like umbrellas and shade sails can give a similar effect with less upkeep. They’re also good options as you wait for any planted trees to grow and mature.

Adding in structures such as gazebos and pavilions can also be beneficial. Not only are these good for parents and caregivers to sit while the children play but they can also be used for gatherings. A kid’s birthday party can be set up under these structures as can school graduation celebrations and other similar events.