Most kids enjoy outdoor exercise. Climbing frames provide children with lots of opportunity for fun, healthy activity. If you are planning to purchase a climbing frame for your family, there are several things to consider.
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Safety First
The most important factor in Choosing Any Outdoor Play Equipment Is Safety. Be sure that you assemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and consider the laws in your area regarding the placement of such products. Many towns and councils require that your garden be fenced if you have a climbing frame, so that unsupervised children do not wander over and risk getting injured. Additionally, some insurance companies require that you take out additional coverage to protect yourself in the event of a guest getting hurt.
Once you have the frame in place, establish a few rules that will help your children to play safely. Young children should be supervised by an adult at all times, and even older children need to know that if they don’t follow the safety rules, they will not be allowed to use the climbing frame.
Climbing frames should not be used in stormy or wet weather, and each component should be used only for its intended purpose. The Chances Of Falls increase dramatically when children are allowed to run up and down slides or engage in other behaviours other than what the manufacturer intended.
Choosing the Climbing Frame
When selecting your climbing frame, there are a number of factors to consider. Cost, of course, matters to most families, but there are other things to think about, too. With proper care and maintenance, climbing frames can last for many years, so try to choose one that will ‘grow’ with your children. Some sets are fun for toddlers and young kids, but are quickly outgrown, while others offer features that appeal to older kids, too. Be sure to ask your kids for their input before making the final decision. There may be some options that appeal to them more than others.
Metal or Wood
Depending on the placement, aesthetics can be an important issue. While traditional metal frames are cost efficient, the more modern wooden sets are designed for attractiveness as well as for fun. Some of the frames offer ample room to include bridges, tunnels, forts, and other components that can make the unit welcoming to more children, perfect for large families.
Typically, wooden climbing frames are more costly that their metal counterparts, but they are designed to last for 10-20 years, so if you hope to use the centre for a lengthy time, it may be worth the additional cost. If you plan to keep it long enough to entertain older kids, be sure that you choose one that will handle the weight of big kids. In general, wooden sets can withstand a greater weight load than metal ones.
Both metal and wood gym sets will require occasional maintenance to keep them in good working order. It’s a good idea to check the hardware periodically and replace any components that are loose or worn.
Some Assembly Required
All parents have encountered the dreaded words ‘some assembly required’, and know that the phrase realistically translates into, ‘lots of assembly required’. Before beginning the project, be sure that you have all of the required tools and supplies. Keep in mind that some large activity gyms should be stabilised by inserting the legs into poured concrete. Familiarise yourself with the assembly instructions before you begin. Also, know that in some areas, a building permit may be required.
While some handy homeowners choose to handle the task themselves, many retailers offer delivery and assembly for an additional charge. In either case, be sure that the centre is assembled in a safe manner, as taking shortcuts puts the children’s safety at risk.
