Slides, Swings, and Surprise Injuries: Keeping Kids Safe at the Park by Guest Blogger, Cassandra Sala

Playgrounds Should Be Fun—But Are They Safe?

Playgrounds are every kid’s happy place—sliding, swinging, and climbing structures make for the ultimate adventure. Whether it be school, recess, or playing at the park, playgrounds provide a dedicated space for children to enjoy themselves while building physical and social skills. But what happens when fun turns into a trip to the emergency room?

Playground accidents are not limited to causing just scrapes or bruises but result in more serious injuries. Every year, more than 200,000 children end up in the ER with playground-related injuries1—many of which could have been prevented. The good news? It’s easy to keep your child safe without taking the fun away.

Common Playground Injuries: What Parents Should Know

Falls Are the #1 Cause of Playground Injuries

Falls are the leading cause of playground-related injuries, making up nearly 80% of all reported cases1 . If the ground beneath a child is concrete, packed dirt, or even grass, the impact can be dangerous. Prevention Tip: Choose playgrounds with soft, impact-absorbing surfaces like wood chips, rubber mats, or sand. Always supervise children on high structures and encourage them to use equipment properly.

Monkey Bars & Swings: Fun or Fracture Risks?

Two of the most commonly used pieces of equipment on the playground—swings and monkey bars—also contribute to a large amount of injuries1 . Monkey bar falls often cause wrist or arm fractures, while swings become hazardous when kids walk too close or jump off mid-air. Prevention Tip: Teach kids to grip tightly when swinging across bars and to walk around swing paths, not through them.

Slides: A Slippery Slope for Injury

While many parents think sliding with a toddler on their lap is safer, it is actually a leading cause of leg fractures in young children2 . If a child’s foot gets caught while sliding, the extra weight of the adult can twist their leg, causing serious injury. Prevention Tip: Let toddlers slide down on their own while you support them from the side if needed. Always make sure one child at a time is on the slide to prevent pileups.

1. Stay Close, Stay Aware: Active supervision can prevent nearly half of all playground injuries3 , and while parents don’t need to hover, staying alert helps prevent risky behavior like rough play or unsafe climbing. Putting away distractions—yes, including your phone!—and staying within reach of younger children makes for a safer play environment.

2. The Right Equipment for the Right Age: Playgrounds often have separate areas for kids ages 2-5 years and 5-12 years. Playing on equipment not suited for their age increases the risk of injury3 . Guide younger children to play on structures designed for them and encourage older kids to stick to age-appropriate areas.

3. Dress for Safety: Make sure your child’s outfit isn’t a hazard while they play. Loose clothing, scarves, and drawstrings can get caught on equipment, creating a strangulation risk4 . Helmets—while great for biking—can also get stuck in small openings, making them unsafe for playground use. Dress kids in snug-fitting clothes and closed-toe shoes with good grip to help them play safely and comfortably.

4. Do a Quick Safety Check: Not all playgrounds are well-maintained. Defective equipment, rusty metal, and even extreme weather conditions (hot metal slides, wet or icy surfaces) can pose serious risks. Check the playground in advance for hazards and check slides or surfaces for heat or slipperiness.

Small Actions, Big Safety Impact

Playgrounds should be places of fun, not injuries. By staying engaged, choosing safe equipment, and teaching kids good play habits, parents can help prevent accidents while letting their children enjoy the adventure of outdoor play. Before your child runs off to play, take a minute to scan for hazards, check their clothing for safety risks, and set a few simple ground safety rules. A little preparation now can prevent a trip to the ER later!

References

1 What Is the Most Dangerous Playground Equipment? Colling Gilbert Wright: The Florida Firm. June 21, 2023. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://www.thefloridafirm.com/blog/most-hazardous-playground-equipment-for-kids/.

2 Olsen J. Mayo Clinic Minute: A warning to parents about sliding with kids. Mayo Clinic. December 18, 2017. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-a-warning-to-parents-about-sliding-with-kids/.

3 Jacobs M. Strategies for preventing playground accidents at schools. Public School WORKS. February 12, 2025. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://corp.publicschoolworks.com/resource/strategies-for-preventing-playground-accidents-at-schools/

4 webtech. What is a playground entrapment hazard? Playground Guardian. January 23, 2024. Accessed March 6, 2025. https://playgroundguardian.com/news-articles/what-is-a-playground-entrapment-hazard/.