Many parents look for kid-friendly AstroTurf and safe play-area turf because they want a clean and secure surface for their children.
Artificial grass offers exactly that. It creates a soft, stable and mud-free play zone that works well in all weather.
Modern products — including high-quality AstroTurf for kids — are designed to support safer landings and reduce the risk of slips or scrapes. They stay clean, cushion impact, and handle daily use with ease.
At Superior Lawn, we install child-safe AstroTurf and kid-friendly artificial grass for homes, schools, and nurseries across London.
This guide explains how to build a safe, cushioned play area using the right turf, base, and safety layers.
- So… Is Artificial Grass Truly Safe for Children?
- What Makes Artificial Grass Safe for Children?
- How to Create a Child-Safe Artificial Grass Play Zone
- FAQs: What Every Parent Wants to Know
- Can kids play barefoot on artificial grass?
- Will artificial grass give my child rug burns?
- What if my child spills food or gets sick on the grass?
- Is it safe for babies and toddlers?
- Does artificial grass smell?
- Is it safe under the playground equipment?
- Will it help with allergies?
- Does artificial grass get too hot in summer?
Artificial grass creates a safe, clean and reliable space for children to play. They provide comfort, reduce injuries and stay usable in all weather conditions.
This makes them a great choice for families who want a low-maintenance and child-safe play area.
1. Soft and Cushioned Surface
Artificial grass and modern soft AstroTurf offer a cushioned surface that helps reduce the impact of falls. The fibres and underlay work together to create a gentle landing zone, making play areas safer for active children.
This is especially useful around swings, slides and climbing frames where a softer surface matters most.
2. No Mud or Mess
AstroTurf play areas keep the ground clean and usable all year. There’s no mud, no bare patches and no slippery surfaces after rain.
Children can enjoy the garden without bringing dirt inside, and parents get a cleaner, low-maintenance outdoor space.
3. Child-Friendly, Hypoallergenic Materials
Most artificial grass products for children are non-toxic, lead-free and hypoallergenic.
This reduces exposure to pollen and soil allergens, making the play area more comfortable for kids with sensitivities. The smooth fibres also help prevent friction burns that can appear with harder or older playground surfaces.
4. Safer Than Hard Surfaces
AstroTurf playground surfaces are much safer than concrete, gravel or decking. They offer better shock absorption and help prevent injuries from slips or falls.
When installed with a proper base, they create a consistent and stable surface that stays safe for everyday use.
Related Read: Is Artificial Grass Safe for Kids? A Parent’s Guide
Safety Checks Before Installing AstroTurf for Children
Before installing artificial grass in a children’s play area, it’s important to make sure the surface meets the right safety standards.
These checks help protect kids from injuries and ensure the turf performs well under daily use.
1. Check the Critical Fall Height (CFH)
Critical Fall Height shows how well the surface absorbs impact from a fall.
Choose AstroTurf products that have been tested for CFH, especially if the play area includes swings, slides, climbing frames or raised equipment.
This helps reduce the risk of serious injuries.
2. Confirm BS EN 1177 Compliance
BS EN 1177 is the UK safety standard for impact-absorbing playground surfaces.
Artificial grass designed for children should meet this requirement.
Using compliant products ensures the surface is safe for everyday play and suitable for supervised environments like schools or nurseries.
3. Decide If Shock Pads Are Needed
Shock pads are foam layers installed under the turf to improve impact protection.
They are strongly recommended under any AstroTurf play area where children may jump, fall or run at speed.
Shock pads create a softer landing and help the turf meet the correct safety levels for falls.
How to Choose the Right AstroTurf for Kids
Choosing the right turf is important for safety, comfort and long-term use.
Kid-friendly AstroTurf should feel soft, stay cool, and be made from safe materials. Here are the key things to check before installing it in any children’s play area.
Best Pile Height for Safe Play
Pile height affects comfort and cushioning.
For kid-friendly AstroTurf, a pile height between 25mm and 35mm works best.
It feels soft underfoot, offers good shock absorption and stays stable during play.
Shorter piles can feel too firm, and longer piles may flatten quickly in high-traffic play zones.
For gardens with swings or slides, choose a turf designed specifically for safe AstroTurf play areas to ensure proper support and comfort.
Soft, Non-Abrasive Fibres
The fibres should be soft enough to prevent friction burns.
Look for turf made with smooth, non-abrasive yarns that are gentle on skin.
This type of soft AstroTurf for children is ideal for crawling, running and everyday play.
Products built for playgrounds usually include extra cushioning and a safer fibre shape, making them better suited for kids.
Non-Toxic, Lead-Free Materials
Parents often search for reassurance about turf safety, especially asking, “Is AstroTurf safe for kids?”
The answer depends on the material.
Always choose turf that is:
- Non-toxic
- Lead-free
- Latex-free (if possible)
- Certified safe for children
These materials keep the play area healthy and minimise exposure to allergens.
High-quality, safe AstroTurf for play areas is designed to meet strict safety guidelines.
Heat & UV Protection
Turf used in sunny areas should have UV protection to prevent fading and heat build-up.
Good UV stability keeps the turf safe and comfortable for kids during warm months.
Some kid-friendly AstroTurf products are also designed to stay cooler by reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing heat.
This helps maintain a safe temperature on hot days and improves comfort for children playing outdoors.
Adding Shock Pad Underlay for Better Safety
A shock pad underlay is one of the most important safety features for children’s play areas.
It sits beneath the AstroTurf and adds extra cushioning, helping to reduce the impact of falls. This makes the surface safer for active play and improves overall comfort.
Shock pads are commonly used under AstroTurf sports and kids’ surfaces, but they are just as valuable in home gardens, nursery play spaces and school playgrounds.
Choosing the Right Thickness
Shock pads come in different thickness levels. The right choice depends on the height of the play equipment and the level of protection you want.
- 10mm – Suitable for general play areas with light activity.
- 20mm – Good for moderate-impact play zones.
- 30mm – Best for areas with climbing frames, slides or raised platforms.
A thicker pad provides better cushioning and creates a more cushioned AstroTurf play area for children.
It also helps the surface meet recommended safety levels for fall protection.
Installation Tips for a Kid-Friendly Play Surface
Installing artificial grass or AstroTurf correctly is essential for creating a safe play area for children.
A good base, secure edges and proper drainage all help the surface stay stable, cushioned and clean throughout the year.
These steps apply to both artificial grass and kids’ AstroTurf garden setups.
1. Proper Base Preparation
A strong base is the foundation of a safe play surface.
Start by removing existing soil and levelling the ground. Add a compacted sub-base of MOT Type 1 or crushed stone to keep the area stable and prevent dips or movement.
A well-prepared base supports the turf, improves shock absorption and keeps the surface safer for everyday use during AstroTurf installation for kids.
2. Secure Edges for Safety
Edges must be fixed firmly to prevent lifting.
Use timber edging, steel edging or concrete borders to hold the turf in place. Once the turf is laid, secure the perimeter with turf nails or outdoor adhesive.
This stops children from tripping over loose edges and helps maintain the shape of the play area.
3. Smooth, Strong Joins
If your garden needs more than one roll of turf, joining them properly is important.
Use quality joining tape and adhesive to create a smooth seam that won’t separate under pressure.
Strong joins prevent gaps, uneven lines and movement underfoot — essential for both artificial grass and domestic AstroTurf installations used by children.
4. Drainage for Year-Round Play
Good drainage keeps the play area clean and usable in all weather.
A compacted base with the correct fall helps rainwater move away quickly.
For AstroTurf surfaces, proper drainage prevents puddling, slippery patches and unpleasant smells.
This ensures that kids’ AstroTurf garden setups remain safe, dry and ready for play every day of the year.
5. Simple Maintenance for Artificial Grass Play Areas
Artificial grass play areas need very little upkeep, but a few simple steps can keep them safe, clean and comfortable for children.
Regular care also helps maintain the lifespan of the turf, especially in busy gardens and school play zone.
6. Regular Brushing
Brushing helps keep the fibres upright and prevents flattening in high-traffic areas.
Use a stiff-bristle broom or a power brush and brush against the grain.
This keeps the surface looking fresh and supports long-term durability in AstroTurf maintenance for kids.
7. Sanitising
Play areas used by children should be cleaned more often.
A quick rinse with water removes dirt, dust and pollen. For deeper cleaning, use safe cleaners for AstroTurf play areas that are non-toxic and child-friendly.
These products help keep the turf hygienic without damaging the fibres.
8. Long-Term Care
Check the turf occasionally for loose edges, flattened spots or debris buildup.
Remove leaves and waste regularly to prevent drainage issues.
With simple attention, cleaning kid-friendly AstroTurf stays easy and the surface remains soft, safe and ready for everyday play.
Optional Safety Add-Ons
A few extra features can make a children’s play area even safer and more comfortable.
These add-ons work well with both artificial grass and AstroTurf playgrounds, especially in gardens with active play or raised equipment.
1. Soft Edges
Soft edging helps prevent trips and protects children from sharp borders. It blends neatly with the turf and keeps the play area safe and tidy.
2. Rubber Tiles
Rubber tiles can be added under swings, slides or high-impact areas. They offer extra cushioning and improve fall protection where children land the most.
3. Foam Mats
Foam mats create a softer feel under smaller play zones.
They work well for toddlers, indoor–outdoor setups and back gardens where extra comfort is needed.
These simple add-ons enhance safety and make the play surface more enjoyable for everyday use.
Kids-Friendly Astro Turf Cost Guide
The cost of installing artificial grass for children depends on the turf type, padding, and safety features you choose.
Playground-style AstroTurf products are usually priced slightly higher than standard garden turf due to their added cushioning and safety ratings.
Here’s a simple comparison to help guide your budget:
- Standard Artificial Grass – More affordable, suitable for general garden play.
- AstroTurf-style Playground Turf – Higher cost, designed for fall protection and heavy activity.
Choosing affordable, kid-friendly AstroTurf helps balance long-term safety with cost.
If the play area includes climbing frames or raised equipment, adding shock pads will increase the total price but significantly improve safety.
Whether you’re building a small garden play zone or a full playground surface, selecting the right materials ensures good value and lasting performance.
Also Read: How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in London? 2025
Final Thoughts
Kid-friendly AstroTurf and artificial grass offer a safe, clean and comfortable play surface for children.
With the right turf, proper base preparation and added safety features like shock pads, you can build a play area that stays soft, stable and ready for everyday use.
These surfaces reduce injuries, prevent mess and keep your garden looking neat in all seasons.
At Superior Lawn, we install premium kid-friendly AstroTurf for play areas across London.
Our team uses high-quality materials and proven installation methods to create safe, long-lasting play spaces for homes, schools and nurseries.
If you want a safe, cushioned and low-maintenance play area for your children, we’re here to help.
Book your free survey today and let our experts design and install the perfect kid-friendly AstroTurf surface for your garden.
People Also Ask
Is AstroTurf safe for kids to play on?
Yes. High-quality, kid-friendly AstroTurf is non-toxic, lead-free and designed to be gentle on skin. When paired with a shock pad, it provides a cushioned, safe surface for everyday play.
Do I need a shock pad under the AstroTurf?
If the play area includes swings, slides or climbing frames, a shock pad is strongly recommended. It improves impact protection and helps the surface meet fall-safety guidelines.
How long does kid-friendly AstroTurf last?
With proper installation and simple maintenance, most play-area AstroTurf lasts 10–15 years. Brushing, rinsing and checking edges regularly helps it stay safe and comfortable.
Can AstroTurf get too hot for children?
Quality kid-friendly AstroTurf includes UV protection and heat-reduction technology. These features help keep the surface cooler during sunny days. Providing shade in peak summer hours is also helpful.
