Nick,
I served as a "team captain" when we built our local public playground.
Here's what I learned:

1. By far the most injuries occur from falls to the ground. Therefore
the surface under the climbing equipment is one of the most important
considerations. Designers get technical about ratios of voids to
solids, but basically, you want something that will cushion their fall.
Sand is bad because it packs down like concrete. Wood chips are good.
Grass is bad because it wears away and leaves packed earth.

2. Head Entrapment is a big concern. Remember that very often, a
child's body will pass through a slot that their head won't pass
through. When they go through feet first, then their head won't make
it through, and their feet won't touch the ground, the results are
often very sad. Any opening needs to be less than 3.5 inches or more
than 8 inches at its smaller dimension.

3. Avoid situations that create a "V" with narrow part at the bottom,
especially if it's off the ground.

As others have said, there may be local regulations. If you don't get
any help there, the Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes
guidelines (not regulations) in their Handbook of Public Playground
Safety. Get it he www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/325.pdf

DonkeyHody
"Every man is my superior in that I can learn from him." - Thomas
Carlyle



Nick wrote:
Does anyone kow where I could get guidlines for building a kids
playhouse?
Things like railing height, spindle spacing, ceiling height, things
like
that. I'm building a 2 story structure with a bridge to a "look-out
post"
with ladders, a rock wall, a slide and a pole to slide down (not sure
about
the pole yet). Any info will be helpful.

Thanks

Nick