As towns and cities across the nation begin to ease restrictions, families face a multitude of choices. From pools to beaches, summer camps to restaurants, and now, playgrounds—everyone is trying to navigate this new reality. Just a couple of months ago, our options were limited to staying home, with local attractions like ice cream shops and museums closed under strict orders. But with these places now reopening, the responsibility has shifted back to us as parents to make informed decisions.
It’s a confusing time; we can’t even call it “post-COVID-19” since the virus is still a very real threat. Perhaps we should label this period as “post-curve-flattening but still very much in a pandemic while anxiously watching for new spikes”? That seems fitting to me.
For my family, however, we won’t be venturing out just yet. We’re cozy at home, safe and sound in our pajamas. While I know some families are eager to enjoy the open spaces again, I personally am not ready to join them—not even for a quick trip to the park. The crux of my decision lies in one crucial fact: there’s still so much we don’t know.
From the onset of this pandemic, new information continues to emerge almost daily. One alarming development is the rise of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children associated with COVID-19, with experts still uncertain about its causes or effects. The CDC acknowledges that they are “still learning about MIS-C and how it affects children” and the questions remain vast.
I refuse to have my kids venture into this freshly “reopened” world while we still lack essential knowledge. I’ve seen images of crowded beaches and packed restaurants, and it makes me uneasy to think about what might happen if we expose ourselves too soon.
We learned early on that playgrounds were not safe havens. The equipment, touched by countless tiny hands, cannot be adequately sanitized. Kids find it difficult to maintain physical distance, and keeping masks on can be an uphill battle, especially when they’re busy playing. And let’s be honest, after five minutes at a park, at least one of my kids will need to use the restroom.
Research from the National Institutes of Health and Princeton University found that COVID-19 can survive on plastic surfaces for over 16 hours, making playground equipment—often made from plastic—a breeding ground for germs. Metal surfaces fare no better, with the virus lingering just as long.
Compared to playdates, playgrounds pose a greater risk. While parks offer open space, their chaotic nature makes it hard to ensure safety. Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist, likens playgrounds to the “Wild West,” where you have no control over who is present and their potential exposure to the virus.
If you can find an empty park and sanitize every surface while keeping your kids from interacting with others, you might consider a visit. But honestly, that sounds more stressful than just staying home. The very purpose of a playground is interaction, which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid.
Instead, we’re opting for safer activities to keep our kids active and engaged—bike rides, obstacle courses in the yard, and family walks that don’t involve touching communal surfaces.
I do wonder if my perspective would differ if the reopening process was gradual and cautious. Instead, as soon as the stay-at-home orders lifted, crowds flocked to public spaces. For families like mine, who have adhered strictly to safety guidelines, this has pushed us to remain indoors even longer, fearing a resurgence in cases.
Watching others—seemingly responsible adults—gather without masks or physical distancing makes me anxious. The reality is, the virus is still present, and any interaction could potentially spread it.
With so many unknowns surrounding COVID-19, all we can do is make the safest choices possible. As a mother, I know that the best way to protect my family right now is to skip the playground altogether. If you’re interested in more supportive content, check out this post on our other blog. Additionally, for further insights into fertility, visit Make a Mom and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Summary
In this period of uncertainty, many families are faced with making their own choices regarding public spaces as they begin to reopen. For one family, the risks associated with playgrounds—like the inability to sanitize equipment and the chaotic nature of children playing together—outweigh the benefits. As experts continue to learn more about COVID-19, particularly its effects on children, the decision to stay home feels like the safest option amid ongoing concerns about the virus and its spread.
Keyphrase: Playground Safety During COVID-19
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