The days are colder and darker. Leaves are falling from the trees, it's raining almost everyday and sometimes even snowflakes are gathering in the atmosphere. Cold weather showed up loud and clearly. It is time to adapt your garden and climbing frame to these colder conditions. This blog will give you a few useful tips to make your wooden climbing frame and your garden winterproof. .
Because of the cold and wet conditions that winter brings, children probably don't want to play in your backyard playground that often. However, if they do, be aware that it is important to make sure that the playground is safe. Slippery leaves gather in large amounts on the garden playground in no time. Remove them first. This prevents unpleasant glides and other accidents. To ensure that all parts of the playground equipment are in good condition again next spring, it is advisable to make the following preparations in the winter:
1. Regularly remove fallen leaves as they cover the climbing frame, slide or swing. The wetness and rotting of the leaves can make the wooden climbing frame very slippery.
2. All Jungle Gym materials and coatings are designed for outdoor use. However, in case of very strong winds, especially in combination with frost, we advise to temporarily bring the roof tarp inside. This applies to the Jungle Lodge, Villa, Farm, Fort, Castle and the Hut. Are you looking for a new roof tarp? A new one or a replacement can be found in the webshop.
3. Detachable accessories such as swing seats, Jungle Gym flag, StarOscope, PeekOscope, Fun Phone, Bucket etc. are also well protected against weather influences. Keep the climbing frame accessories indoors in the winter and they will remain as new when winter is over. Is it time for a new accessory? You can pick your favorite in the accessories category. And good news! Jungle Gym offers free home delivery from € 65,- for climbing frame accessories and spare parts.
4. In order to make your sandbox winter proof, you can cover it using the included climbing frame Sandpit Cover. With the Sandpit Cover the rain can flush the sand and the moisture evaporates. This way the sand remains ventilated, fresh, dry and odorless. Do not cover the sandbox with a shelf or lid, because this can cause the formation of mold. With the Jungle Gym sandpit cover your sandpit will be fresh and protected for spring.
5. During the cold winter period, the children are probably not continuously outside on the backyard playground, but when they do go outside, it is best to inspect everything. Check regularly whether the bolts and nuts are still tight and tighten everything if necessary. Wood is a natural product and works through temperature fluctuations and moisture. However, with the tips and tricks above you will succeed in making your Jungle Gym climbing frame winter proof and will get to enjoy years of fun outdoor play!
Kids climbing frame in the snow - Photo by @mariannewynne on Instagram
Note: Take the kids outside these days!
In winter the days are shorter and there is less sunlight. This also means less vitamin D. It may sound contradictory, but still take the kids outside regularly. Go to the forest or the zoo. Or put on a warm winter coat and play active games with each other in the garden, that will make them feel warm in no time!
Is it hard to get them to play outside? Give them one of the colourful Jungle Gym climbing frame accessories as a present and encourage them to go outside and play! Change the swing seat to a monkey bar or add a climbing rope. You can also consider some additional climbing frame extension modules. All climbing frame extensions are challenging, stimulating and give a little extra adventure to your backyard playground. Your climbing frame will be as good as new.
Is your climbing frame completely winter proof? Check all tips and tricks. Do you have any questions or additions to these tips? Please contact us any time!
Are you looking for playground equipment for a public area? In that case, check out our Commercial Playground Equipment. All Hy-Land projects have been tested by TÜV Rheinland and offers variety in playgrounds and swing sets.