As the camping season ends and you dig out your off-season to-do list, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to your campsite’s playground. Your guests have gone home and your equipment stays behind—exposed to wind, rain, frost, and snow.
Protecting your playground is one of the best moves you can make in the off-season. That’s why this blog takes you through sensible steps to take care of your playground in preparation for the cold season. A bit of smart preparation will now protect your investment, extend the life of your equipment, and ensure a smooth, safe start when spring bookings pick up again. Read through these steps to find your special Wickey PRO discount code at the bottom
Here’s your practical checklist to get your play area winter-ready.
1. Start with a thorough inspection (before the frost hits)
Before winter truly sets in, give every piece of equipment a thorough check. Look for:
- Cracks, splinters, rust, or damage
- Loose screws, fittings, or bolts
- Wear on high-use areas like swings, ropes, and climbing grips
- Stability issues—confirm posts are secure and check anchor points
Document any issues you find. This ensures you can address them now or have a clear to-do list for the start of the next season. Pro tip: Keep the manufacturer’s maintenance checklist nearby to ensure no detail is overlooked.
2. Deep clean to prevent winter damage
Autumn leaves, mud, and moss can trap moisture, which can lead to rot, mold, or corrosion.
- Remove debris: Clear off all leaves, moss, and other organic debris.
- Wash surfaces: Give all structures a good wash with mild soapy water to remove grime and dirt.
- Protect wood: After the wood is thoroughly dry, apply a suitable protective wood stain or oil. Adding post caps is also a great way to prevent water from seeping in from the top.
- Protect metal: Clean metal parts and check for rust. Applying a light anti-corrosion coating can help protect them through the cold months.
3. Refresh the ground surface and impact areas
Your safety surfacing needs winter care, too. Frozen or waterlogged ground can become hazardous and affect the structure of your playground.
- Level loose fill: Rake and level out sand or woodchip surfaces. This prevents water from pooling and lets you top up any compacted areas.
- Inspect mats: Check rubber or EPDM tiles for cracks, hardening, or adhesion issues.
- Clear hazards: Clear fall zones and drainage areas of leaves, branches, or any hidden hazards like stones or tent pegs.
4. Secure and store removable parts
Some playground accessories are better off stored indoors. The cold and wet can make materials brittle, cause them to stretch, or lead to unnecessary wear.
- Take indoors: Remove items like baby swings, flexible seats, ropes, and nets.
- Store safely: Keep them in a dry, frost-free environment.
5. Cover and protect what stays outside
While most Wickey PRO equipment is built to endure the elements, some components benefit from extra protection.
- Use breathable, weather-resistant covers on items like slides or play panels.
- Important: Make sure the covers are not completely airtight. Trapped moisture can do more harm than good.
6. Don’t forget the perimeter, fencing, and signs
Winter storms can be rough on the areas surrounding your playground.
- Trim branches: Cut back any overhanging branches that could drop leaves (or worse) onto the equipment.
- Check fencing: Make sure fences and gates are secure, and repair any broken slats or latches.
- Inspect signs: Check all safety and information signs. If any are faded, broken, or missing, order replacements now so they’re ready for spring. This is also a good time to ensure all your signage aligns with EN 1176 standards.
7. Plan ahead for spring (spares and upgrades)
The quiet winter months are the perfect time to plan for next season.
- Stock smart spares: One missing bolt or cap can close an entire play zone during high season. Order common spare parts like screws, caps, or swing hangers now to beat the spring rush.
- Plan upgrades: Thinking about expanding? Winter is ideal for planning a new toddler corner or adding challenging parkour-style elements for teens. With Wickey PRO, you can order safe, durable solutions directly from the manufacturer—no middlemen and no hidden costs.
Your cold-season checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to follow as you prepare for the cold season:
✅ Inspect & document (hardware, structures, compliance)
✅ Deep clean surfaces; treat wood and protect metal
✅ Relevel impact zones; check drainage and hazards
✅ Remove/store flexible accessories; lubricate what remains
✅ Cover key elements with breathable protection
✅ Secure fencing, refresh signage to EN 1176
✅ Build a spares kit and pre-order replacements
✅ Schedule winter upgrades and spring commissioning
Ready for a carefree spring
By taking these steps now, you’re not just protecting your investment; you’re saving time, money, and effort when spring returns. Your playground will stay in great condition, ready to bring joy to families as soon as the new season begins.
Do you have questions about preparing your play area for winter, or do you need help with spare parts? Our experts at Wickey PRO are here to help.
Special for PiNCAMP partners: Enjoy 15% off all Wickey PRO products with the code PINCAMPWINTER15. Hurry—the code is valid until 31 December 2025.
Here’s to a well-deserved winter break—and an even stronger start next season!
