Hands require smaller grips and bodies require appropriately placed railings on platforms. On the whole, playground equipment for 2 - 5 year olds should be designed lower to the ground. Keep in mind, playgrounds should physically challenge all children. Older children should be encouraged to use overhead and horizontal bars because they have greater arm development and strength. However, the same pieces are not appropriate for 2 - 5 year olds.
Playgrounds also can facilitate other areas of physical development.
They can stimulate senses with different textures and contrasts in color. They can help develop dynamic balance by providing smaller children with small ramps or steps and school-aged children with rope and chain ladders, bridges and balance beams. Equipment such as appropriately sized slides and swings encourage children to experiment and stretch their bodies and emotions to new limits. Appropriately designed playgrounds allow younger children to explore new methods of playing and to take qualified risks. Parents can help nurture positive emotional development by observing, supervising, facilitating and complimenting, but not directly interfering unless there is a safety problem.