Guide to choosing Roundabout and Spinners for playgrounds
Rotating play equipment—such as roundabouts and spinners—provide one of the most essential movement experiences for children. Alongside sliding, climbing, and balancing, rotation acts on the inner ear fluids, helping to develop balance and enhance sensory processing. When children work together to operate a rotating play unit, it encourages social interaction, teamwork, and even intergenerational play, fostering a stronger sense of community.
Types of rotating play units
We classify rotating playground equipment into two main categories: Multi-User Structures, such as traditional Roundabouts, and Single or Double-User Products, commonly referred to as Spinners.
Examples of Roundabouts
This roundabout offers a sensory-rich experience where children can lean, sit, or hold onto the beam for support as they spin. Its open design makes it easy to crawl or step inside, and it can accommodate up to seven users at once. Available in vibrant green, red, or yellow, Milly is set to be the centerpiece of any playground, delivering endless fun and laughter.
A less traditional style of roundabout, the Orbit features a seat which rotates around a central axis, with riders using the central hand rail to push themselves around. The contemporary cut-out design of the Orbit has a lower visual impact and will blend in seamlessly with a play area. As there is slightly less support compared to a traditional roundabout with a deck, it offers a sense of challenge and risk-taking and will likely appeal to older or more confident children.
The SpinR² is a classic inclusive whirl with a unique twist. This large spinner encourages cooperation and socialization as children work together to turn their world into a colorful blur. The inclusive wide seats are at a transfer height and provides support for children with poor trunk control, while offering plenty of space for parents to sit and join in. As well as the thrill of spinning, there is an added surprise element of a small bounce during rotation which further enhances the play experience.
The Spiral offers thrill seekers an exciting spinning adventure that engages all their senses. Its innovative beam design provides versatile support, allowing children to lean, sit, or hold on while they spin. The open ended shape invites them to either crawl inside or step over the beam, giving them multiple ways to enter and explore the fun.
Pedal your way around the playground with this one-of-a-kind bicycle roundabout, designed to bring both fun and physical activity to kids of all abilities. Featuring eight seats, this roundabout combines classic spinning play with the excitement of cycling. Four seats come equipped with pedals, encouraging active participation and movement, while the remaining four seats feature supportive rods, making it accessible for children who prefer a more relaxed experience or may need additional support.
With its simple yet versatile design, the Roty playground roundabout offers endless spinning fun! Its open shape allows you to sit facing inward or outward, stand while leaning over the center, or even lie down—however you choose to play, you're guaranteed an exhilarating spinning experience. The comfortable handles provide a secure grip for extra support during the ride. Plus, the Roty's height is just right, making it easy for children to step on and off with ease, ensuring both accessibility and excitement.
Examples of Spinners
This small spinner, with its snake-like central column, offers a fun and safe spinning experience. The low platform, large enough for two, provides easy access and stability. By holding the central column, you can spin yourself around, feeling the speed and "G" force close to the center. It's a simple yet effective challenge, great for developing motor skills and physical strength. Perfect for one or two kids, even of different ages.
Designed to be fun for all children, this play structure is especially thoughtful for those with autism spectrum disorders. It offers a safe, enclosed space where kids can retreat from overstimulation when needed. Inside, textured surfaces and molded features invite tactile exploration, engaging their senses in a calming way. Windows on both sides ensure adult visibility for peace of mind, while helpful grips make entry and exit easier for children, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience for all.
Tornado is an exciting overhead spinning whirl ride. Used by one person or a group working together, young people love the speed, thrills and challenge Tornado brings to play. It also develops physical strength. Whilst its height excludes young children it is accessible to pre-teens and teens. It is a very popular playground item due to the number of uses it can be put to e.g. at a slow pace for a chat or a full on thrilling experience.
Important safety considerations for Roundabouts and Spinners
Playground surfacing criteria
All rotating play units require an impact absorbing surface such as bark, pea shingles, wetpour, sand, or artificial grass. Ensuring proper ground clearance is crucial to prevent entrapment hazards and promote safe play.
Ergonomic design deatures
Our rotating play units are engineered to accommodate children of all ages and abilities, providing a range of graduated challenges while maintaining a high level of user safety.
Additional considerations for choosing Roundabouts and Spinners
1 Materials and durability
Our Roundabouts and Spinners are made from high quality structural steel, providing outstanding durability and resilience. This ensures that the equipment will stand the test of time, contributing to environmentally sustainable play spaces. Opting for durable playground equipment is an investment in both safety and longevity.
2 Aesthetics and customization
We offer a versatile range of designs, from neutral shapes that blend harmoniously into the landscape to bold, eye catching structures that act as focal points in any play space.
3 Inclusiveness
Inclusivity is at the heart of our design philosophy. We collaborate with child development experts to create play structures that cater to children of varying abilities. Our flagship Spinmee Inclusive Roundabout is a prime example, providing an engaging experience for both wheelchair users and able bodied children alike.