Safe and Healthy Indoor Play Areas

Indoor play areas are popular destinations for families with young children, but can become a hazard to public health and safety if not properly maintained. Food business operators can keep indoor play areas safe and sanitary by training staff in proper inspection, cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance.

Indoor Play Areas

Indoor play areas include ground level and elevated play structures such as

• Tunnels and slides
• Platforms
• Ladders, stairs and steps
• Nets, ropes and webbing
• Inflatables and trampolines
• Accessories
• Other soft contained play equipment

Hygiene and safety

Handwashing is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses, which can cause infections and illness.

• Hand Hygiene

Noroviruses are members of a group of viruses called calciviruses also know previously as “Norwalk-like viruses.” Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.

• Norovirus Infection

The Minnesota Department of Health’s Injury and Violence Prevention Unit (IVPU) supports comprehensive programs that help reduce the risk of injury and violence.

• Injury and Violence Prevention Unit

Parents and caregivers

Resources for parents, grandparents, day care providers and other adults who supervise children at indoor play areas.

• Parents and Caregivers: Information About Indoor Play Areas

Food Businesses with Indoor Play Areas

Resources for operators of food businesses having indoor play areas.

• Food Business Operators: Keeping Indoor Play Areas Safe and Healthy

Environmental Health professionals

Regulators can use authority granted in Minnesota Statutes and Rules to ensure all establishments comply with requirements.

• Environmental Health Professionals: Regulating Indoor Play Areas