14 Playground Equipment That Would Be Banned Today
Many types of old playground equipment are no longer allowed because of safety hazards.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Playgrounds in the past often had equipment that posed high risks of injury. Items such as metal slides, tall monkey bars, and spinning rides were popular but unsafe. Today, stricter safety standards have led to safer designs and materials.
1. Metal Slides
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Older playgrounds often had tall metal slides that became extremely hot in the sun. Children could suffer burns from sliding down on warm days. The slides were also steep, which made it easy to fall from the top. Modern slides are shorter, made of plastic, and less likely to overheat.
2. Merry-Go-Rounds
Peter Cooper Jr. on Wikimedia Commons
Traditional merry-go-rounds spun at fast speeds when pushed. Children could lose their grip and be thrown off. Many injuries included broken bones and head impacts. Current playgrounds use smaller spinning equipment with speed limits.
3. Giant Seesaws
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Seesaws used to be large and heavy, often creating sudden, hard landings. If one child jumped off, the other could be jolted into the air. Injuries to the chin, legs, and back were common. New designs use controlled springs and smaller sizes to reduce accidents.
4. Monkey Bars
Paul Gillett on Wikimedia Commons
Old monkey bars were built high above hard surfaces like asphalt or gravel. A fall could easily result in broken arms or other serious injuries. There was no padding underneath for protection. Today, they are built lower with rubber or mulch beneath them.
5. Tire Swings
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Tire swings were popular but carried hidden dangers. Rainwater often collected inside, making them unsanitary and a breeding place for insects. Children could also fall when the swing twisted or spun too quickly. Safer molded swings are now used instead.
6. Spring Teeter-Totters
Ron Armstrong on Wikimedia Commons
Some playgrounds installed teeter-totters with large metal springs. The bounce was unpredictable and often snapped back too hard. Children risked hitting their heads or backs on the seats. Modern versions are designed with softer, controlled motion.
7. Roundabout Climbers
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Roundabout climbers were large metal wheels that rotated while children climbed. They encouraged unsafe climbing at moving angles. Falls were common, along with hand and finger injuries. Stationary climbing domes replaced them in safer playgrounds.
8. Long Chain Swings
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Swings with very long chains allowed extremely high arcs. Collisions with nearby children were frequent. If chains broke or twisted, falls were severe. Shorter chains and controlled swing designs are now standard.
9. Log Rollers
Harlan Ingersoll Smith on Wikimedia Commons
Playgrounds once included rolling logs for balance challenges. Children who slipped were often thrown onto the ground. Some had their legs trapped under the moving log. Balance beams and low climbing features replaced them.
10. Climbing Ropes
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Tall climbing ropes were often installed without harnesses or safety support. Falls from the top caused serious injuries. The ropes also wore down quickly, increasing the chance of breaking. They have been replaced with climbing walls and enclosed nets.
11. Elevated Bridges
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Older playgrounds sometimes had rigid bridges made of metal or wood. The bridges were built high above the ground with little or no guardrails. Children could easily fall or trip. Modern playgrounds use enclosed bridges with protective railings.
12. Spring Animals
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These rides had animal shapes fixed to large springs. The movement was often violent and caused sudden whiplash. Children sometimes hit their heads when the spring snapped back. Safer, low-to-ground bouncing rides are now used.
13. Fireman Poles
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Tall poles encouraged children to slide down from unsafe heights. Many slipped and fell before reaching the ground. Younger children were especially at risk. Safer, shorter versions are now installed with soft flooring.
14. Hard Playground Surfaces
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Older playgrounds were often built on asphalt or concrete. Even minor falls led to serious injuries. There was no shock absorption from the ground. Today, playgrounds use rubber mats, mulch, or sand to reduce impact.