Places to Play

Thinking of building a play area where the kids can run, swing, slide, climb, hang, hide and jump? Get a head start with these 15 ideas designed to inspire.

Sandlock Sandbox(11 of 14)

All of those sandbox features that parents look for have been designed into this backyard play structure, which come as an easy-to-assemble kit.

These sandboxes are designed with an interlocking construction. They come with removable seats, an umbrella bracket and puncture resistant ground barrier. When playtime is over, fasten the vinyl cover onto the sandbox to keep it clean and dry.

Play Like a Kid, Plan Like a Parent
SURFACE MATERIALS: Plan well with surface materials around swings, slides and other play structures and you will avoid many cuts, scrapes and other injuries.

If you use loose-fill materials like wood chips or recycled rubber, the rule of thumb is nine inches of material for equipment up to eight-feet high. If you use sand or gravel, create a nine-inch depth for a structure five feet high. Remember that these materials compress, so you'll have to initially put several more inches down. And you will have to periodically replace the fill, which will get displaced. The fills should be installed over grass or soft surfaces, not over concrete.

Next Photo: Sunshine Theatre