Play With The Kids By Building A Playground In Miami

Creating a playground as a family can be a fun and memorable experience. Children will enjoy helping you make decisions as the entire project comes together. A couple of things to keep in mind are deciding on what style of playground you want and ensuring a safe foundation is laid before building. Thankfully, Miami has many great places to find these materials. Consider these important components before starting.

1. Consider desired use: Playground sets vary in terms of size, material, assembly difficulty and durability. When deciding on a playground set to build, consider what you want the playground for and how long you would like it to last. Will you be using it on a regular basis? Do you intend to use it only when grandchildren are visiting? Will it be part of a daycare center that is also used by your family? Do you want a swing set included? Playground equipment can be catered to your specific needs. The answers you provide to these questions will help determine which set is best.

2. Decide on a budget: Depending on your budget, you will want to scope out local deals on playground equipment. Many places offer special discounts if you buy a set in conjunction with their bestseller items. For example, certain stores will offer a playground or swing set at one price alone. However, this equipment may be offered at a discounted rate if you purchase a slide or trampoline to go with it. Do your homework. What do you want to spend? Talk to local schools and restaurants that have playground sets similar to what you are looking for. Perhaps they can offer you some insight into getting a great deal with a Miami vendor. Once your desired playground set is selected, have your kids help pick out the colors and theme.

3. Choose the flooring: There are several options for the flooring of a playground. Depending on how you plan to use the area, flooring options can include play sand, astroturf, rubber flooring or rubber mulch. What do you want in your playground? Each of these textures withstands different types of weather and temperatures. Depending on where you will place the playground set, you need to consider safe flooring for the children that will be playing on it. Let the kids help pick out the colors and patterns of the foundation. They will enjoy being part of the process.

Here are a few local businesses that should be able to help you get started:

Playground Services, Inc.
12145 SW 114th Place
Miami, FL 33176
(305) 969-8797
qualityplaysets.com

Hours: Mon to Fri - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sun - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Playground Services offers playgrounds of various types. Services include installation and estimates for onsite services and delivery.

Fun Kids Playgrounds
7680 NW 63rd St.
Miami, FL 33166
(305) 471-7776
fun-kids.com

Hours: Mon to Sat - 9 a.m. to 5 pm, Sun - Closed

Fun Kids Playgrounds has everything you could imagine for a home playground. Choose from slides, swings or climbing equipment.

PlayKids / Swings N Things 
7701 N.W 56 St.
Miami, FL 33166
(305) 267-KIDS (5437)
swingset.com

Hours: Mon to Sat - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sun - Closed

PlayKids provides swing sets, tire swings and build-it-yourself sets. Stop in for all of your swinging needs.

Related: Park Moms Keep Playgrounds Safe, Recruiting New Members 
Related: Best Indoor Party Places For Kids

For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSMiami/YourHome.

Belky Schwartz is a Miami native working as a therapist, writer and educator in South Florida. Through her work she has learned a great deal about herself and the people with which she shares her life on a daily basis. Interests for her include photography, reading, and taking in Miami's many scenic views. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.