Safety Tips for Hosting a Private Play Space

Hosting isn't just about having a nice yard — it's about handing other people's kids a safe place to play for a few hours. Here's what to think through before and during each booking.

Be honest on the safety checklist

Every listing includes a safety checklist covering fencing (full, partial, or none), whether there's a pool or other water feature and how it's secured, the condition and age-appropriateness of any play equipment, and whether other people or pets might be present during bookings. Fill it out accurately, not aspirationally — guests are making a decision about their kids based on what you tell them, and it's also what they'll compare against what they actually find when they arrive.

Walk your own space like a guest would

Before your first booking, walk the space the way a parent would with a toddler in tow. Are gates latching properly? Is there anything within reach that shouldn't be — tools, chemicals, an unsecured pool gate? Is play equipment in good repair? It's worth doing this check periodically, not just once.

Write house rules that actually say what you mean

House rules are your chance to set expectations before anyone arrives — shoes off on certain surfaces, which areas are off-limits, where to park, anything specific to your space. Guests confirm they've read and agree to your house rules at checkout, so this is the place to put anything you'd otherwise have to explain in person every time.

Know what's covered

Every booking includes a protection fee that funds damage and liability coverage. You're also background-checked and identity-verified before your listing can go live, which is part of what earns a space its "Verified host" badge — guests see that as a signal of trust, and it's also part of how Hopscotch screens who's hosting in the first place.

A parent stays with the kids — every time

Guests confirm at checkout that a parent or guardian will be present with their children for the entire booking. Your space isn't expected to be staffed or supervised by you — it's expected to be supervised by the family who booked it, the same way it would be if the kids were playing in their own backyard.

If a visit doesn't go well

You can report a problem from any past booking and our team will follow up. If a specific guest isn't someone you want to host again, you can block them — they won't be able to book your spaces or message you going forward. Blocking doesn't cancel anything already on the calendar, so you'd still handle an existing booking through the normal cancellation flow if needed.

Have a listing that could use a second look? Review your safety checklist and make sure it still matches your space.