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As a parent, you want nothing more than to encourage your kid’s love for outdoor adventures while keeping them safe and comfortable. However, the sun can sometimes be incredibly intense, especially during the peak hours of the day.
Did you know that a child’s skin can burn in as short as 15 minutes without proper protection? That’s why creating a shaded play area is an absolute must for any family with young children.
Read on as this article shares some tips and steps in creating a safe, secure, and comfortable outdoor play area for your kids. With a well-built and well-designed play area, you can protect your kids from any risk and ensure they can enjoy the outdoors safely.
Choose the right location
The first step in creating a shaded play area is selecting the right location. Take a moment to assess your outdoor space and see where the sun hits the most throughout the day. The sun’s rays are generally the strongest between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. That’s precisely when your kids need the most protection.
So, look for a spot that naturally gets some shade during those peak hours. Perhaps you have a large tree in your yard or a nearby building that casts a shadow over your property. If you’re lucky enough to have these shades, you can place the kid’s play area there. But if you don’t have any existing shade, don’t worry. Consider the sun’s path throughout the day and choose a location that will be shaded during the hottest hours.
Explore different shade structures
Suppose your backyard lacks natural shade. Don’t sweat it! There are plenty of awesome shade structures you can explore to create a cool, protected space for your little ones. One option that’s been earning popularity lately is shade sails.
These versatile shade structures come in different shapes and sizes, and they’re a great way to add some stylish shade to your outdoor area. In fact, if you happen to be in the Brisbane area, you might want to check out the shade and sails for sale Brisbane has to offer. You might just find the perfect fit for your yard and your child’s play area.
Another route you could go is a good old-fashioned pergola. This classic structure not only provides shade but can also add a charming architectural element to your outdoor space. Whatever shade structure you decide on, your children will love having a cool, shaded spot to play in for years to come.
Choose the right ground cover
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries for children? As per research, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children each year for playground-related injuries. Thus, it’s extremely important to make sure the surface of your child’s play area is as safe and shock-absorbent as possible.
Rubber mulch, wood chips, and artificial grass are some of the popular picks for ground cover. These materials are much softer and more forgiving than hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. These can help cushion any falls or tumbles your child might take. Plus, they’re low-maintenance and can help prevent mud and dirt from getting tracked all over your house.
Perform regular maintenance and safety checks
To ensure your child’s shaded play area remains safe and functional, you must conduct regular maintenance and safety checks. To do this, give the play area a good once-over. Inspect the shade structure for any indications of damage or wear and make repairs as needed. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the ground cover. Make sure it stays nice and cushiony, and replace it if it starts to get too worn down.
Moreover, trim tree branches that may pose a falling hazard and remove any debris or hazardous objects from the play area. Lastly, regularly clean and sanitize their playhouses, tents, and toys to discourage the spread of germs.
Educate your children
While providing shade and a safe play area is essential, it’s equally important to educate your children about sun safety. So, before you let them loose outdoors, sit down with your children and go over some basic rules, like always wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and taking breaks in the shade when they need to. You can even make it a fun family activity by letting them pick out their favorite hat or sunglasses to wear while they play.
Another thing to keep in mind is teaching your kids about safe play behaviors. Remind them to be gentle with each other and that no pushing or roughhousing is allowed. And if you’ve got any play equipment in the area, make sure they know how to use it properly.
Takeaway
Creating a safe, shaded outdoor play area for your child is an investment in their health, happiness, and overall development. Hopefully, these tips and steps can help you build your own outdoor play area in your backyard that’s safe, secure, and shaded for your children to play. With these strategies in place, your children can reap the advantages of outdoor play while staying protected from the sun’s harmful rays and other outdoor risks.
