Kids need free time to run, climb and play.  With winter drawing to a close finally, here are 3 Ways to Make the Playground Safe + Fun. This post was sponsored by Landscape Structures as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own. #ShapedByPlay #IC #ad

3 Ways to Make the Playground Safe + Fun

Here are my 5 suggestions for ways to make your trips to the park or playground safe + fun:

1. Stay hydrated! Bring along a water bottle for each of your children and yourself. Be sure to give them frequent reminders. By the time your body thinks you're thirsty, you're already on your way to being dehydrated.
2. Make the most of your park and playground time by packing a few extra things for your kids to play with like jump ropes, bubbles, a ball, and sidewalk chalk.
3. Use sunscreen to protect your children's sensitive skin - and don't forget the hats and sunglasses.  You can get a sunburn in even mild weather! I keep my summer essentials "beach and boat tote" handy for park and playground trips. It's got everything from sunscreen to bandages and everything in between!

From a very young age, we have been bringing the kids to the park - this is one of my favorite throwback images when Olivia was just a few weeks old, and Ethan was about 3. I remember he slept good that night after the fresh air and exercise!  It's so important to give kids these opportunities to play outside.  Even with a small swing set in our back yard, the kids just love going to our local playground or park for some fun.

As a mom, and the PTA president of my children's elementary school, I understand just how important it is for kids to get enough healthy outdoor playtime. They need unstructured time to use develop both their imaginations, as well as their physical strength. At Highland Goffe's Falls Elementary, we are currently raising funds to enhance our playground for exactly this reason.  Our local Landscape Structures associate has been very helpful with determining the space and making recommendations.  In fact, Landscape Structures offers help with funding by supplying grant and fundraising information, too.  We're looking to add a slide, a climbing structure, and hopefully some sort of shaded area to our existing playground.  With 430 students, our current small structure just isn't big enough to accommodate all the children - even divided among the three recesses.

The playground is where our kids learn so many essential social skills.  The playground fosters both independent play and teamwork, plus problem solving, and so much more.  And sometimes it's even where they work out their feelings.  That is why is just so critical for our kids - especially those that live in urban areas - have large outdoor play spaces.

Watch the “For A Better Tomorrow, We Play Today" Video

You'll love this video by global playground manufacturer Landscape Structures. Freedom to play outdoors helps kids grow and develop for bright futures!

Find a Landscape Structures location near you HERE. And you can check out Landscape Structures on Facebook and Twitter as well.

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