Backyard playground sets are very popular among families with children, churches, daycare centers and even neighborhood associations. They are great for children to play and be physically active while also socializing. However, with all the offer that is out there on the market, it can be rather hard to make the best choice for such a set. Today we are going to have a look at the things you need to keep in mind before buying a playground set and then see what are the best backyard playground sets for your kids.
What to Keep in Mind When Looking for the Best Backyard Playground Sets
1. Build Type
There are several types of playground sets, whether you choose a pre-built or a custom built one. As such, you will find 3 popular design plans:
- Angled-base
The angled-base playground sets are some of the sturdiest you can find. They are height-adjustable and they offer lots of deck space. The sloped sides can be customized with ladders, rope walls and rock walls.
- Adjustable-base
This type is great if you have an uneven or sloped backyard. Each of the base-post can be adjusted to the terrain you have. As such, you don’t need to re-landscape the yard.
- Multi-level
The multi-level type of playset design is a combination of other designs. Two or more of their features are placed at different heights. This allows for more space to play and to customize.
2. Materials
The best backyard playground sets usually have the sturdiest materials. It’s hard to choose the right material, we know, but here are the most common three ones used for such sets. Remember that some sets include the name of the material in their selling name.
- Wood
The most popular types of wood used for playground sets are redwood, cedar, and pine. Most of the time you will see cedar backyard playsets, and this is because they are more resistant to insects and rotting.
- Vinyl
Yet another sturdy material is vinyl. It requires a minimum amount of maintenance and it’s very durable. The making process here consists in putting wooden components into various thick vinyl posts. However, this is the most expensive material, and the playground sets that use it generally have higher prices.
- Metal
This is the cheapest material used for playground sets. However, it requires a lot of installation work, since you should dig the holes, and pour concrete for anchoring the entire structure. Moreover, you run the risk for them to rust and corrode.
These are just three of the things you should consider when deciding upon a playground or swing set for your kids. Now we’ll have a look at the best backyard playground sets to see what does the market offer.
Best Backyard Playground Sets to Get for Your Kids
1. Kids Creation Redwood Circus 3 Swing Set
This playset is made in the USA and it uses real redwood. It has a superior quality and it comes up with 3 swings and a playhouse zone paired with a climbing rope. You will also find a green slide made of plastic. Moreover, the kids can play in the wooden sandbox found at the base. You can find this Kids Creation Playset online at a price of $1,899.99.
2. Backyard Discovery Woodridge II
Being one of the best backyard playground sets you can find available online, it offers all the activities you could want for elementary age kids. The plastic used for it is UV resistant, while the wood parts are made completely of cedar. The cedar is very durable, resistant and it’s pre-stained as well. It can accommodate 9 children simultaneously and it offers an upper fort complete with an open lower porch, a wood roof, a crow’s nest, sun deck and a high-rise tunnel. You can buy the Backyard Discovery Woodridge II on Amazon.
3. Step2 Clubhouse Climber
The Step2 Clubhouse Climber is great for kids between 2 and 5. It can hold a maximum of 4 children at once, which is not that much compared to the other playsets. Upstairs the kids will find a steering wheel and a porthole. Then, they should cross the bridge and reach the tower. From there, they can slide down and start all over again until they get tired. The Step2 Clubhouse Climber costs less than $1,000 and you can find it online on Amazon.
4. Step2 Naturally Playful Lookout Treehouse
This is a great choice if you have toddlers. The broad stairs, the slide, and the platform enable them to play all day long until they grow tired of it. You even get a fun periscope for the kids to have a look into the outside world. The roof keeps them away from the sun, and the platform can serve as space for them to play with other toys or color their favorite book if they’re old enough. The maximum weight is 50 pounds, and the playset is made in the USA. You can check out the Step2 Naturally Playful Treehouse on Amazon.
5. Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set
Yet another one of the best backyard playground sets, the Lifetime Monkey Bar is complete with a 9-Foot Wavy Slide. It offers 3 belt swings, a trapeze bar complete with gym rings, a fire pole and a wavy slide, which should keep everybody busy for a good while. It’s made of a powder-coated steel that was also galvanized, as well as from a high-density polyethylene. It includes a UV protection, which makes it very durable. You can choose between green or brown shades or primary colors. Get it on Amazon for less than $1,000.
6. Backyard Play Systems Castle Rock Swing Set
Even though this is one of the best backyard swing sets, you can also include it on the list with the best backyard playground sets as well. A great alternative to a rope playground, the Backyard Play Systems Castle Rock Swing Set comes with a 10-foot scoop slide and a generous play deck. You will also see a captain’s wheel, a tire swing, a telescope, 2 swings which you can adjust, a rock wall with rope, a canopy for shade, a trapeze bar and, finally, a rope ladder. The list is quite long, as you can see, and the online price of the Castle Rock Swing Set matches it.
7. Meadowvale II Wooden Swing Set by Big Backyard
Big Backyard is already a famous name in this industry, so you must have heard of it already. The Meadowvale II Wooden Swing Set is a great garden playhouse. You can find it available online at Wayfair and it has lots of great features. With it, your kids can enjoy a rock wall, an oversized sandbox, an upper clubhouse, an acrobat bar, a high rail wave slide and two swings.
8. Step2 Game Time Sports Climber
The model is a total success among preschool kids who love sports. You can find it on Amazon, where it costs less than $100 if you can believe it. Your kid can climb up the ladder ramp until they reach the landing. From there, they can simply go down the slide. Complete the playground with a basket and a ball and you’re ready to go! It can support up to 60 pounds of weight and it’s made in the USA.
9. Ridgeview Deluxe Clubhouse Wooden Swing Set by Big Backyard
The Ridgeview Deluxe Clubhouse set is yet another great product from Big Backyard. It deserves its place on the list of the best backyard playground sets simply because it offers lots of features. The material is 100% premium cedar and it’s made in China. The material comes covered with a child-safe stain. Your kids can enjoy climbing the rock wall and swinging from the monkey bars. There are two swings, a high rail wave slide, and a glider. The upstairs clubhouse has a roof, a window, and a flower box. The lower clubhouse is complete with a snack counter, as well as two stools. It is available online at Wayfair for less than $1,000.
10. Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber and Swing
The Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber and Swing is a great option for children under two years old. It is available on Amazon and it’s rather cheap. It features a molded seat swing, complete with a three-point harness, a clubhouse that has peek-a-boo windows, a steering wheel and a rock-climbing wall for juniors. Moreover, it has a soft fabric tunnel for the baby to crawl.
Conclusion
These are the 10 best backyard playground sets you can find for your kids. There are, indeed, some other options available on the market, but these are your safe bets. Remember to consider the material, the design type and the age of your kids when you choose an option. It is important to have a playground set that is adequate for your child’s age so that they can be safe in it. Lots of them are extremely customizable, but even if you’re not satisfied with the offer, you can always buy some other swing set accessories, for instance.
Lastly, if you don’t plan to offer them a surprise, go and choose the set together with your kid. They will choose their favorite colors and models and you will just have to pay for it. Have fun!
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