16 Old-School Playground Equipment That Disappeared
Explore the classic, risky playground gear from the past that’s now gone for good.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Playgrounds used to be wilder and riskier, but somehow, they were more fun. From towering metal slides to spine-jarring merry-go-rounds, kids of past generations braved equipment that would never pass today’s safety checks. This list revisits the nostalgic and sometimes hazardous playground relics that modern kids will never know.
1. Metal Slides That Sizzled in the Sun
Stilfehler on Wikimedia Commons
These tall, silver slides felt like fun until your skin met the scorching surface. On hot days, they could leave minor burns, but that didn’t stop kids from lining up.
2. Seesaws with No Safety Stops
Pixabay
Two kids, one plank, and zero shock absorption. Seesaws in the past delivered a thud every time someone slammed it down. You could be flung skyward if your partner jumped off unexpectedly.
3. Giant Metal Jungle Gyms
Wilsonious on Flickr
Towering steel frames in geometric shapes ruled the playground. Kids climbed to dizzying heights without harnesses or pads below. Rust and sharp corners were common, yet no one batted an eye.
4. Spinning Merry-Go-Rounds
Michael Rivera on Wikimedia Commons
One of the wildest rides in any playground, these were child-powered spinning disks. Friends would run to build momentum, then hop on for a dizzying whirl.
5. Concrete Animal Sculptures
RRRW001 on Wikimedia Commons
Elephants, hippos, or turtles made from solid concrete? Absolutely. These whimsical statues were often climbed, sat on, and treated like part of the playground set.
6. Monkey Bars Suspended Over Asphalt
lornagrl on Flickr
Monkey bars were a staple, but in the ’70s and ’80s, they hovered over blacktop. Falling meant bruises, sometimes worse. Still, kids swung like little acrobats, challenging each other to races.
7. Tire Swings on Rusty Chains
DavidMaisel on Wikimedia Commons
Tires hung from chains gave endless hours of circular motion fun. They twisted, spun, and rocked — sometimes until nausea set in. Dirt and water pooled inside after rain, but no one cared.
8. Metal Climbing Domes
Wikimedia Commons
These dome-shaped climbing frames were equal parts gym and jungle. Kids played king of the hill or pretended it was a spaceship. Their height made them thrilling — but dangerous if you fell.
9. Wooden Balance Beams
Wikimedia Commons
Simple logs or planks balanced on posts taught coordination the hard way. With no railings or padding, one wrong step meant a faceful of dirt.
10. Chain Ladders That Swayed Like Crazy
Caleb Oquendo on Pexels
Climbing a swinging ladder of metal chains took guts and grip strength. Each step moved underfoot, turning the climb into a full-body challenge.
11. Pull-Up Bars with No Padding Below
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
Fixed at different heights, these bars were meant for upper-body strength or hanging upside down. Kids tested their limits without spotters, sometimes face-planting on concrete.
12. Balance Chains and Wobbly Bridges
Alpha on Flickr
Some playgrounds featured chains as narrow paths to walk across — suspended above hard ground. Every step was shaky, testing balance and nerves. Falling off was part of the learning curve.
13. Log Rollers and Barrel Climbs
RawPixel
Large rotating logs or barrels challenged kids to walk or crawl across as they rolled beneath them. Staying on meant quick reflexes and insane coordination.
14. Fireman Poles from High Platforms
Alpha on Flickr
Slides weren’t the only way down — many tall structures had fireman poles. Sliding down was fast and fun, but missing your grip? Not so fun.
15. Tetherball Poles
Scott Akerman on Flickr
A ball on a rope became the centerpiece of fierce one-on-one matches. Players smacked the ball to wrap it around the pole while dodging face hits.
16. Metal Swing Sets with Super Long Chains
Jerry LIANG on Pexels
These towering swings went high. The longer chains meant greater momentum and soaring arcs. Kids often tried to loop over the bar — a myth, but one worth attempting.