Climbing Frames
Climbing frames give children the height, challenge and problem-solving that build strength and confidence — multi-activity structures with climbers, nets, walls and slides, all tested to BS EN 1176.
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Aerial Runways
Aerial Runways & Zip Wires
An aerial runway — the playground zip wire — is the biggest thrill in the play area: children grab the seat or handle and ride the cable from end to end, building grip strength and nerve.
What it is
Aerial Runways & Zip Wires
An aerial runway (also called a zip wire or cableway) is a length of steel cable with a seat or grab handle that runs along it. A child launches from a low platform or standing point and rides the cable to the far end, then it returns for the next go. It is consistently the most sought-after item in a playground.
As well as the thrill, aerial runways build grip strength, upper-body strength and confidence, and they teach turn-taking as children queue for a go. They come in seated versions for younger children and standing grab-handle versions for older, more able pupils, all installed to BS EN 1176 with a long safety run beneath.
- The playground's biggest thrill
- Seated or grab-handle versions
- Builds grip & upper-body strength
- Needs a long, clear run
- Tested to BS EN 1176
- Fall-safe surfacing along the run
Anchor an adventurous area with a play tower and climbing frames. See all play equipment.
Good to know
What an aerial runway needs
An aerial runway needs length: a clear, straight run — typically 20 metres or more — with safety surfacing along it and clearance either side. That makes it a signature item for schools with the space, and a strong draw at break and lunch. Seated versions suit younger children; standing grab-handle versions challenge older, stronger pupils.
Because it needs a long, clear zone, we plan the runway early in a layout and route paths and other equipment around it. It pairs well with a play tower and climbing frame to anchor an adventurous play area.
Why Commercial Play
The benefits at a glance
The item they queue for
The zip wire is reliably the most popular piece of kit in the playground.
Strength and nerve
Riding the cable builds grip, upper-body strength and confidence.
Teaches turn-taking
A single rider at a time means children learn to queue and take turns.
Tested to BS EN 1176
Installed to the European standard with the long safety run the ride requires.
FAQs
Aerial Runways: common questions
How much space does an aerial runway need?
Aerial runways need a long, clear, straight run — often around 20 metres or more — with safety surfacing along the length and clearance to each side. We assess whether your site has the space and plan the layout around it.
Are aerial runways safe for schools?
Yes, when correctly specified and installed. School aerial runways are designed to BS EN 1176 with controlled braking, one rider at a time and fall-safe surfacing along the run, and they receive a post-installation inspection.
What age are zip wires suitable for?
Seated aerial runways suit younger primary children, while standing grab-handle versions are aimed at older, stronger pupils. We recommend the version and height based on the age groups using it.
Do you provide the surfacing under the runway?
Yes. A fall-safe surface runs the length of the ride, specified to the correct Critical Fall Height. We install the runway and its surfacing together.
The rest of the range
More play equipment options
Part of our full play equipment range — explore the other surfaces below.
Play Towers
Play towers are the centrepiece of a playground — raised platforms linked by bridges, slides, climbers and dens that pack a whole adventure into one multi-play structure.
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Swings, Springers & Spinners
Swings, springers and spinners deliver the movement children love — the swing of a nest, the bounce of a springer and the spin of a roundabout — building balance, core strength and coordination.
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Traverse Walls
A traverse wall is a low climbing wall you move across rather than up — children work sideways along the holds, close to the ground, building grip and problem-solving with minimal fall risk.
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Mud Kitchens
A mud kitchen is where the best early-years learning happens — a sturdy outdoor kitchen with sink, hob and worktop where children mix, pour, stir and make-believe, building language, science and fine motor skills.
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Metal Play Equipment
Metal playground equipment is built for the long haul — powder-coated steel frames, slides and climbers that shrug off heavy use and weather, ideal for high-traffic and public play areas.
View metal play equipmentThinking about aerial runways?
Book a free site visit and we'll measure up, recommend the right surface and send a clear, fixed quote.