Can Kids Play on Artificial Grass? A Parent’s Guide to Safety, Comfort, and Fun

If you’ve been thinking about switching to artificial grass but wonder whether it’s truly safe for your kids, you’re not alone. Parents across Colorado love the idea of a lush, low-maintenance lawn but they want reassurance that synthetic grass is soft, non-toxic, and durable enough for endless backyard adventures.

The short answer is yes. Kids can absolutely play on artificial grass. In fact, it’s one of the best surfaces for families because it stays green year-round, resists mud and allergens, and cushions falls better than many traditional yards.

Below, the team at Indy Artificial Turf & Landscaping explains why artificial grass is a great choice for kids, how we make it safe, and how to keep it comfortable through Colorado’s changing seasons.

1. Safe, Soft, and Built for Play

Modern artificial turf isn’t the scratchy “AstroTurf” you might remember from old sports fields. Today’s materials are soft, flexible, and made with safety in mind.

Cushioned Feel Underfoot

Each turf system includes multiple layers that create a forgiving, padded surface:

• Base layer: Crushed granite or road base provides drainage and stability.

• Shock pad (optional): Adds bounce and extra protection under playsets or jungle gyms.

• Turf layer: Polyethylene blades designed to feel just like real grass — only softer.

• Infill: Rounded silica sand or specialized playground infill helps blades stand upright while cushioning every step.

That layered design absorbs impact and keeps little knees, elbows, and feet comfortable during play.

2. Fall Protection for Play Areas

If you’re building a backyard playground or swing set, safety surfacing is key. Playground-grade artificial turf systems can be certified for fall heights up to 10 feet, meeting ASTM safety standards (the same ones used by schools and parks).

This means you can install turf beneath slides, monkey bars, or climbing walls with confidence — no splinters, no mud, no hard-packed dirt.

No More Bare Spots

Traditional grass wears down to dirt under swings and playhouses. Artificial turf keeps its color and texture no matter how many laps your kids run.

3. Non-Toxic and Allergen-Free

Parents often ask: Is artificial turf safe for toddlers or kids who put everything in their mouths?

Yes. The turf products we install are:

• Lead-free and heavy metal-free

• Non-toxic and hypoallergenic

• Made from child-safe polyethylene fibers

There’s no soil dust, pollen, or lawn chemicals, just a clean, soft surface that’s safe for rolling, crawling, and cartwheeling.

Because you’ll never need fertilizers, pesticides, or weed killers, kids can play freely without exposure to potentially harmful residues.

4. Clean, Hygienic, and Easy to Maintain

Let’s face it, kids are messy. Artificial grass makes cleanup simple.

No Mud

Rain, snow, and melted ice drain right through the turf’s permeable backing, leaving the surface clean and dry. Even after a storm, it’s ready for play in minutes — no muddy footprints on your floors.

No Grass Stains

Synthetic blades don’t break down or stain clothes, so you can say goodbye to green knees and hours of laundry scrubbing.

Easy Rinsing

If spills or sticky hands happen (and they will), just hose off the area. For deeper cleaning, a quick vinegar-and-water spray or mild turf cleaner keeps everything fresh.

5. Designed for Colorado Weather

Colorado’s climate can be extreme — freezing winters, blazing summers, and 300 days of sunshine. Artificial turf is engineered to thrive through all of it.

UV-Stabilized for Year-Round Color

Our premium turf products feature UV stabilizers that prevent fading, even under intense, high-altitude sun. The grass stays green through snow, rain, and drought.

Drainage That Handles Snowmelt

Underneath the turf, a compacted granite base and perforated backing let snowmelt drain quickly. Once the sun returns, your yard dries fast, ready for play long before traditional sod.

Cooler Surface Options

Modern turf systems can include heat-reflective pigments and light-colored infills to keep surfaces cooler in summer. A simple hose rinse drops temperatures even further for barefoot comfort on hot afternoons.

6. Perfect for Kids with Allergies or Sensitivities

Seasonal allergies can make outdoor play miserable. Artificial turf helps reduce triggers because it eliminates the main culprits: grass pollen and mold spores.

No natural soil means no dust clouds or mud to kick up allergens. And because you’ll never need chemical fertilizers or sprays, you can rest easy knowing your kids are playing on a clean, hypoallergenic surface.

7. Custom Turf for Play Zones and Family Yards

Every family uses their backyard differently, which is why we tailor each design to fit how you live.

Backyard Play Areas

We can install soft, cushioned turf beneath playsets, slides, and trampolines for a safe, level surface that stays pristine year-round.

Open Lawns

For kids who love tag, soccer, or cartwheels, we use medium-pile turf that looks and feels like a park lawn, but never needs watering.

Multi-Use Family Yards

Combine hardscaping and turf for the perfect setup: a patio for dining, artificial grass for play, and clean edging to separate everything neatly.

Pet + Kid-Friendly Lawns

If you have both pets and children, we can install a hybrid system that handles heavy traffic, drains quickly, and stays odor-free, so everyone can enjoy the yard.

8. Maintenance Tips for Parents

Artificial turf takes care of itself most of the time, but a few quick habits will keep it looking brand-new for years.

1. Rinse occasionally. A simple hose-down clears dust and pollen.

2. Brush every few months. A stiff broom lifts fibers and keeps the turf soft.

3. Pick up debris. Clear toys, leaves, and sticks to prevent flattening.

4. Avoid sharp objects. Keep bikes and toys with metal edges off the turf to avoid tears.

5. Stay pet-aware. If you have dogs, rinse urine spots weekly and scoop waste promptly.

That’s it. No mowing, no watering, no re-seeding, and no mud cleanup after every storm.

Common Questions from Parents

Is artificial grass safe for toddlers?

Absolutely. The materials we use are non-toxic and lead-free, with soft fibers and smooth surfaces that are gentle for crawling and bare feet.

Does turf get too hot for kids to play on?

Not with the right materials and care. Heat-reflective pigments and a quick water spray keep temperatures comfortable even in peak summer.

Can kids fall and get hurt on turf?

Turf with a shock pad provides fall protection that meets national playground safety standards. It’s actually safer than natural grass over hard soil.

How long does artificial turf last?

With quality materials and installation, you can expect 15–20 years of family playtime with minimal upkeep.

Family-Friendly Landscaping, Simplified

At Indy Artificial Turf & Landscaping, we believe every family deserves a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space where kids can play safely and freely. Our team designs and installs affordable, high-quality turf systems that pair perfectly with hardscaping, fencing, and xeriscape landscaping. So your whole yard feels cohesive, practical, and ready for real life.

Whether you’re building a backyard playground, refreshing your lawn, or creating a shared play-and-pet area, we can help you choose the right turf, layout, and safety features for your family. Call us today to request a free quote online.

We’ll help you design and install a kid-friendly artificial turf lawn that’s soft, safe, and built for years of worry-free play. At Indy, we believe the best family memories are made outdoors.