14 Playground Equipment That Would Never Be Approved Today

Playgrounds used to be filled with tall, fast, and risky equipment that wouldn’t pass today’s safety rules. Many of these items caused bruises, broken bones, and more than a few panic moments. Here’s a look at the gear that once thrilled kids — but would never get built now.

1. Metal Slides

Antonius Ferret on Pexels

These were tall, steep, and made entirely of metal. On hot days, the surface could burn your skin before you even reached the bottom. There were no guardrails at the top and no soft landing at the bottom. Today, slides are shorter, plastic, and built with safety in mind.

2. Seesaws

Mutney on Wikimedia Commons

The classic wooden plank on a metal bar seemed fun until someone jumped off suddenly. The person on the other end would slam into the ground, sometimes hard enough to sustain an injury. There was no cushioning underneath or a system to slow the fall. Most newer seesaws now have springs or rubber stops.

3. Spinning Merry-Go-Rounds

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These were heavy metal platforms that kids pushed to spin fast. They had no brakes, no seatbelts, and often threw kids off if they held on too long. Falls were common, and the nearby ground was often just dirt or concrete. They’re mostly gone from parks today due to injury risks.

4. Giant Striding Poles

Elena Samokich-Soudkovskaïa on Wikimedia Commons

These tall poles had ropes hanging down, and kids would grab the ropes and run in circles. The faster they ran, the more their bodies would fly outward like a carnival ride. If they let go, they could crash into the pole or each other. Very few remain today because of the high injury rate.

5. High Monkey Bars

MIKI Yoshihito on Wikimedia Commons

Some sets reached over eight feet high with no padding below. Kids often tried to skip bars or hang upside down. Falls from the top could result in serious injuries like broken arms or worse. Modern versions are shorter and always have soft ground below.

6. Concrete Animal Sculptures

Willem Nabuurs on Wikimedia Commons

These were solid structures kids climbed on, shaped like animals or fantasy creatures. They were completely hard and had no safe surfaces. Falling off meant hitting concrete every time. Most have been removed or replaced with rubber-based designs.

7. Tire Swings on Chains

EgorovaSvetlana on Wikimedia Commons

Often attached to a single chain or rope, tire swings could spin wildly and hit surrounding structures. The tires were heavy and could cause injury if they hit someone. The chains could pinch fingers or rust over time. Today’s swings are lighter and more carefully designed.

8. Balance Beams Over Hard Surfaces

Nassauer27 on Wikimedia Commons

These narrow beams tested balance but gave no support if someone slipped. Many were installed over asphalt or hard-packed dirt. One bad fall could lead to serious injuries. Now, any balance-based play is usually lower to the ground and surrounded by rubber mulch.

9. Log Rolls

David Martin on Wikimedia Commons

These rotating wooden cylinders were intended to help children test their coordination. However, they were unstable, slippery, and offered no protection if you lost balance. Many kids fell off mid-roll and hit the surrounding surface. You almost never see these anymore in public parks.

10. Teeter-Totters with Loose Parts

Mennonite Church USA Archives on Wikimedia Commons

Some older teeter-totters had bolts that loosened over time, making them wobbly and unpredictable. The handles could detach, and the seats could tip sideways. Kids were often jolted suddenly or thrown off. New versions are tightly engineered to prevent such issues.

11. Swing Sets with Multiple Kids Per Swing

Jin Zan on Wikimedia Commons

It was common for kids to double up on swings, even standing while swinging. The extra weight made the swing move wildly and could pull the frame out of the ground. Injuries from collisions were frequent. Newer swing sets are built for one child per seat and anchored securely.

12. Jungle Gyms with Gaps

Hay Kranen on Wikimedia Commons

Old metal jungle gyms often had large spaces between bars. Kids could slip through or get stuck trying to squeeze into tight spots. The structures were also much taller than modern ones. Today’s climbing equipment has smaller gaps and height restrictions.

13. Tetherball Poles

Jasonlescott on Wikimedia Commons

This game involved a ball on a rope attached to a tall pole, and the goal was to hit it around past your opponent. Kids would often get hit in the face with the fast-moving ball. The ropes could also tangle around arms or necks. Many schools and parks no longer offer tetherball.

14. Chain Bridges

Wzhkevin on Wikimedia Commons

These were wobbly bridges made of metal chains and wooden planks. They moved while you walked, and falls between the chains were common. With no handrails or guardrails, balance was difficult, especially for younger kids. Most have been replaced with solid bridges or safer walkways.

• Tags:
• Playgrounds
• Safety
• retro
• Design
• childhood