Toys and swings

Ball and sand pits

Keep them covered when not in use as these are great hiding places for spiders and insects and attractive litter boxes for neighborhood cats. Check and clean regularly.

Play, craft and toys

Provide your child with toys and items suitable for their age and abilities. Most toys have age recommendations, care instructions and necessary warnings on the packaging. Supervise your children during play and while younger and older children are playing together.

Play equipment, swings, cubbies and trampolines

Back yard play areas can contain any play equipment but the items should comply with Australian Standards. Make play areas safer by anchoring swings to the ground, using soft fall and using shaded areas under a tree or shade sails. Use timber treated with environmentally friendly preservatives which will not leach poisons into the ground and regularly check for splinters. If you have a trampoline, consider a trampoline pit  so that the jumping mat is level to the ground, safety nets and spring covers. If you have a cubby, can your children safely get in and out? Is the cubby roof difficult to climb to? Keep play equipment clean, splinter and rust free, free from rubbish, insects and embedded objects, and secure or replace items which become loose or weak due to wear and tear and exposure to sun, wind and rain. Supervise and maintain visibility of outdoor play.