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VIDEOS How To Enjoy Your Playset In The Winter
If you’re lucky enough to have a playset in your backyard, you know how much fun it can be for your kids during the warmer months. But when the winter rolls around, it’s easy to feel like the play set is off limits. After all, who wants to climb a freezing cold slide or swing in cold air? Well, guess what? Most of the time, kids do!
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to limit your kids and put your play set into hibernation until spring. With a little bit of effort, you can make your play set a fun and safe winter area for all your family. Here is your easy guide to turning that quiet winter landscape into an adventure zone for your kids and their friends!
Safety First: Preparing for Winter Play
Before the kids race out the door, it’s important to do a quick safety check. Winter introduces new variables and even the best playsets require a moment of due diligence:
- Clear the hazards: pay close attention to steps, ladder rungs, decks and slide openings, since ice and packed snow can become dangerously slippery in those areas; just take a few minutes to clear them off.
- Check the Ground: Remember that ground can also freeze so, if you don’t have rubber mulch under your playset, be mindful of the “fall zones” around swings and slides, use garden mats or outdoor cushions in those areas and remind children that a soft landing is less likely in the winter.
Bundle-Up Wisely
- Warmth is key during winter months, so dress your kids in layers. Focus on waterproof mittens and boots; cold, wet hands and feets are the fastest way to cut playtime short!
- Avoid traps; skip the long, dangling scarves or drawstrings and tuck them in well to avoid them getting caught, pulled or stepped on.
Creative Winter Playset Games
Your playset is built to withstand the elements, so go ahead and use it! Here are a few ideas to make your playset winter fun:
The Hot Cocoa Hideout: Your tower or clubhouse can become an instant warm-up station and command center. Cozy it up by bringing in a few waterproof blankets or sleeping bags, a thermos with your family’s favorite hot cocoa and some cups. This makes for a wonderful mid-afternoon break and a great reason to stay out a little longer.
The Lookout Tower: If your playset doesn’t already come with a pair of binoculars or a toy telescope, bring your own out and make your tower an official “Winter Wildlife Observation Post” for spotting squirrels, cardinals, foxes, snowy owls, and even deer or moose in some areas.
Winter Challenge Course: Use the playset to promote friendly competition, keeping the activity level high.
- Swings as Snow Breakers: If you have a soft pile of snow underneath, challenge kids to see who can swing high enough to “bust” the snow pile with their boots.
- Target Practice: Hang a bucket or an old hula hoop a safe distance from the main structure. Have kids climb the rock wall or stairs, walk across the bridge, and finish the course by tossing a snowball target from the safety of the deck.
- The Slide Race: Use the slide for speed, but not for people! Race snowballs down the chute! The twistier the slide, the better the race!
Simple Winter Maintenance
Your playset is an investment in your kids physical, mental and emotional health; a tiny bit of maintenance goes a long way toward ensuring its longevity.
- Store Small Parts: If you have accessories like plastic telescopes, steering wheels, or small baby-bucket swings, consider bringing them indoors for the night.
- Check and lubricate moving parts, like swing hangers. Wipe down posts and beams.
The Best Gift For This Holidays: Winter Playset
Your kids can have all the fun in the world during winter; with the proper attire, a focus on safety, and a spirit of adventure, your playset is ready to be the star of the season, so don’t let the cold sideline this fantastic backyard feature and enjoy!