December 14th, 2017
Winter Playground Safety Tips for Cold Weather Play
Children's energy levels don't hibernate in the winter. Even when the temperatures drop and the grown-ups would rather stay under a blanket with a warm drink, kids still want (and need) to play. Outdoor play remains important in the colder months, offering physical activity, fresh air, and much-needed stimulation. But just like summertime play requires sunscreen and hydration, winter play demands extra safety considerations. If you're heading to a park or playground during winter, here are essential winter playground safety tips to keep kids safe, warm, and happy.
Bundle Up: Dress for the Weather
Winter playground safety starts with proper clothing. While running and climbing will keep a child's core body temperature up, their extremities are more vulnerable to the cold.
What to wear to protect extremities:
- Hat or earmuffs: Essential for keeping little ears warm.
- Gloves or Mittens: Mittens are often warmer than gloves because fingers share body heat.
- Thick Socks and Waterproof Boots: Keep feet warm and dry in snow or slush.
- Layers: Dress children in layers, including thermal or moister-wicking base layers, to trap heat while allowing freedom of movement.
Make it routine to check that everything fits properly and covers exposed skin. A neck gaiter or scarf can help protect faces on especially windy days.
Check for Cold Metal Surfaces
Most modern playgrounds are made with plastic or coated materials to withstand all seasons. However, metal parts can still pose a risk in freezing temperatures.
Cold metal conducts heat away from the skin rapidly, which can lead to frostbite or burns in very cold weather. Even more alarmingly, wet skin can stick to freezing metal, posing a painful and dangerous hazard.
Safety tips:
- Encourage children to wear gloves at all times.
- Discourage play that involves direct contact with metal surfaces, such as railings or poles.
- Keep an eye out for curious behavior - yes, that includes tongues on poles, a classic but painful winter playground mistake!
Watch Out for Ice and Snow Accumulation
If ice has frozen onto play structures, it's wisest to avoid those structures entirely; the same is true if a puddle has frozen under a swing set that makes walking to the swing treacherous. Also, even if the only covering is fluffy snow, work with children to remove it from the slides, climbing gyms, and other equipment before playing to avoid accidentally stepping on something unseen or losing one's footing. Snow can hide sharp objects, uneven surfaces, or small toys that could pose tripping hazards. In addition, packed snow can become slippery and just as dangerous as ice. Bring a small broom or snow brush to help clear surfaces, and encourage kids to help with safe, simple tasks like brushing off a slide or swing seat. Teaching kids to participate in prepping the playground can also reinforce responsibility and awareness of safety.
Before letting children play:
- Inspect the equipment for ice patches, especially slides, climbing gyms and ladders.
- Avoid equipment with standing ice or surfaces that appear shiny or slick.
- Shovel or brush off snow from key play areas to help prevent hidden hazards.
In public parks, playground maintenance may be limited during the winter months. Parents and caregivers may need to take extra responsibility to ensure the area is safe before play begins.
Choosing the Right Playground
Some playgrounds are better suited for winter play than others. Look for well-maintained parks with rubberized safety surfacing or mulch, which offers better traction that concrete or asphalt. Parks that are exposed to sunlight will also warm up faster and help snow or ice melt more quickly.
Features to look for in a winter-friendly playground:
- Good drainage to avoid water pooling and freezing
- Durable, non-metal equipment
- Proximity to heated buildings or restrooms for warming up
If your school, church, or neighborhood is considering new playground installation, look into features designed for all-season use and low maintenance materials.
Set Time Limits and Take Warm-Up Breaks
No matter how bundled up kids are, long exposure to cold temperatures isn't safe. Winter wind, wet snow, and below freezing air can gradually sap body heat.
How to keep winter play safe:
- Encourage short play sessions with indoor breaks to warm up.
- Watch for early signs of frostbite (numbness, white or greyish-yellow skin).
- Bring warm drinks, like hot chocolate or warm water, for after play.
- Make sure children have access to a warm place to rest if they start shivering or complaining about the cold.
Even 15-30 minutes of active play can be beneficial, as long as safety precautions are in place.
Create a Winter Play Plan for Schools and Churches
For schools, churches, or daycares that want to keep recess and outdoor play going all winter, developing a winter play policy is a smart move.
Include:
- Clothing requirements for outdoor recess
- Criteria for when it's too cold to play (based on wind chill or temperature)
- Procedures for inspecting and maintaining playground in winter
- Guidelines for staff supervision and emergency readiness
This helps ensure consistent safety standards and keeps kids moving even when it's cold outside.
Consider Indoor Alternatives for Harsh Weather
Some days, the weather is just too cold, windy, or wet for outdoor play. On those occasions, consider using indoor playgrounds, gyms, or creative movement spaces.
Many churches and schools are now investing in indoor play structures, which offer year round fun without exposure to the elements. If your organization wants to keep kids active during winter, this could be a great long-term solution.
Final Thoughts: Safety First, Fun Always
With a little attention to winter playground safety, outdoor play can be a welcome relief from being cooped indoors . From warm clothing and careful inspections to choosing the right equipment, these winter playground safety tips help make sure cold-weather fun doesn't lead to injury or illness.
Don't let chilly temperatures stop kids from moving, laughing, and playing. Just take the right winter playground safety steps to stay safe!
Want to Learn More about Safe, Year Round Playgrounds?
At Noah's Park & Playgrounds, we're here to help communities create safe, inclusive, and weather resistant playgrounds.
Contact us today to learn more about cold-weather playground materials and design options that keep kids active all year long!