Children love playing outdoors, it is fun and essential for them to get their regular exercise. Climbing frames, wooden or metal can provide kids with a focus point for their activity. When planning to buy a climbing frame there are a number of things to consider.
Choosing the Climbing Frame
There are a number of factors to consider when selecting your frame. With proper care and maintenance a climbing frame will last children for many years. It is therefore important to choose a climbing frames that will grow with kids. Some playcentres are specifically made for toddlers and younger children. These playcentres which are fun for toddlers and younger children are all well and good but they will be outgrown and eventually become pretty much redundant in the garden. Although they will retain some sell on value if they are treated well of course. If you want to the climbing fame to retain it's usefulness as children grow then it is worth looking at more modular design. Many of these types of climbing frames start in quite a basic form but further attachments can be added to them; slides swings, playhouses, and monkey bars to name but a few. It is always good to ask the children that the set is being bought for what they would enjoy playing with. After all it is for their benefit and they might be more inclined to use it if their input is considered.
Metal or Wooden Framed
Depending on the placement, aesthetics can be an important issue. While traditional metal frames cost less, the more modern wooden sets are designed for aesthetic reasons as well as for sustainability and 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 groups of kids.
Typically, wooden climbing frames are more costly that their metal cousins, but they are designed to last a generation, 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 larger kids. In general, wooden climbing frames can much greater weights and rougher play sessions than metal climbing frames.
Safety Comes First
The most important factor in choosing a climbing frame is safety. Be sure that you assemble it according to the manufacturer's instructions and consider the laws with regards to placing of such products. Also allow plenty of space around the climbing frame to avoid injuries if they fall backwards off the frame. 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 playhouse or climbing frame. They should not be used in stormy or wet weather, and each component should be used only for its intended purpose. The chances of injury increase dramatically when children are allowed to run up and down slides or engage in other behaviours other than what the manufacturer intended.
Maintenance of the Frame
Metal and wooden climbing frames, although built to withstand rough play may require occasional maintenance to keep them safe. Both types of playcentres will need to be checked periodically for any loosened nut and bolts, screws or worn parts that might need fixing or replacing.
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.
Be warned if you plan to erect the set particularly wooden climbing frames it might take longer than you think and you may require some help. Many retailers offer delivery and assembly service for these reasons for an additional fee. It is imperative that the centre is constructed in a safe and considered way otherwise a child's safety might be at risk.
