Spring Rockers

Spring Rocker Buying Guide: How to choose the right rocker for nurseries and public spaces

Riding a dolphin across the oceans or galloping on a horse through the prairie – when children play on spring rockers, they forget time and place and feel on top of the world! To help you choose the perfect rocker for your playground, we answer the most important questions about buying spring rockers:

• What is a spring rocker?
• What age are spring rockers suitable for?
• What are the best spring rockers made of?
• How are spring rockers installed?
  

What is a spring rocker?

A spring rocker is a popular piece of playground equipment mounted on a robust steel spring. The principle is simple: the child (or several children, depending on the model) sits on the seat, holds the handles and sets the rocker in motion with their body. The steel spring allows gentle up-and-down movements as well as rocking forwards and backwards – similar to a rocking horse, but more dynamic and imaginative. Spring animals come in many creative designs. Whether classic horse, motorbike, car, boat or fantasy creatures: fun is guaranteed.

 

 What age are spring rockers suitable for?

Children need age-appropriate play equipment – this increases the fun and keeps them safe. From around 3 years of age, children can safely cope with rocking movements and rock independently. As a rule, spring rockers are therefore designed for children aged approx. 2 to 7 years. Toddlers under 2 years should only use spring rockers under adult supervision.  

Our tip: In addition to the age recommendation, the load capacity of the playground equipment is a good guideline. Spring rockers from our range are equipped with high-quality steel springs and can carry up to 60 kg.

Which spring rockers are suitable for public playgrounds? 

The popular, brightly coloured spring rockers are used in nurseries and on public playgrounds, in shopping streets, parks and hotel grounds. To ensure that all children can play safely, always look for the TÜV-tested mark and certification according to DIN EN 1176. Only equipment with this certification may be installed in public areas. This European standard also specifies a minimum free fall zone of 1.5 m all around the rocker and a soft surface, at least grass.

What are the best spring rockers made of?

Spring rockers differ not only in design but also in material. The most commonly used materials are the plastic polyethylene (PE) and HDPE panels. High-density polyethylene is extremely robust and highly resistant to environmental influences. However, on forest and adventure playgrounds, brightly coloured plastic rockers can look out of place. Here, wooden rockers blend in better. We recommend choosing rockers made from hardwood such as robinia. Hardwoods are more resistant to weathering and therefore more durable than many other types of wood.

How are spring rockers installed?

Safety is the top priority during installation. Spring rockers are designed to be firmly and permanently anchored in the ground. There are 2 installation methods:

++ Ground anchors (for concreting in): The spring is securely anchored in the ground with special ground anchors and fixed with concrete. This ensures stability and prevents the rocker from tipping over or shifting during play.

++ Screw foundations: Some models allow the use of screw foundations that do not require concrete. Large screws are driven deep into the ground and the rocker is attached to them. This option is ideal for temporary playgrounds or locations where concreting is not permitted.

Tip: Installation should always be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions – this ensures maximum safety.

 

There are ground anchors that are cast into a concrete foundation and ground anchors designed to be buried directly in the soil without any concrete. The advantage: no drying time and no costly concrete work. To ensure you install your spring rocker correctly and enjoy it for a long time, foundation plans and installation and maintenance instructions are included in the delivery. 


Whether a fun compass rocker, speedy rocking vehicle, horse, fish or beetle: you’ll find brightly coloured spring rockers for nurseries and public playgrounds right here in the Sport-Thieme online shop.