Best Outdoor Playsets
Children can grow and develop their strengths, agility, and other skill sets through their playing activities. That is why getting them a good outdoor playset will go a long way in offering the best environment for them to learn and grow. However, as they play, young children are often exposed to increased risks. Most of the injuries suffered are obtained through falls, and that is why it is highly recommended to set up an outdoor playset over a protective surface.
That is why choosing the right outdoor playset for your child’s age is important. With proper installation and regular inspection and maintenance, you can minimize the risk of injury and ensure your child will have a good time playing. Aside from purchasing the playset, it is also highly recommended that you teach your kids on how they can play safely.
In this outdoor playset review article, we have taken a close look into some of the best outdoor playsets and compiled a list of the best seven. We are reviewing playsets in different price ranges, of different designs and fit for different age groups.
Due to increased demand and supply issues, among others, a lot of the outdoor playsets may not be available at this time. One workaround is to take a look at the outdoor playsets bestsellers list and check availability based on that list
…In a Hurry?
BACKYARD DISCOVERY OAKMONT ALL CEDAR WOOD PLAYSET SWING SET
This is one of the most popular outdoor playsets from Backyard, a company that’s established itself as a leader in producing children’s fun products. The Oakmont All Cedar Wood playset features an upper fort and lower canopy. The upper fort has a colored canopy while the lower canopy has two swing belts and a trapeze swing, which will allow three kids to have a great time at the same time.
It is also important to note that the cedar material used on this playset is 100% resistant to weather conditions. The cedar wood is also naturally resistant to decay and mold growth.
This outdoor playset is perfect for you if you have a small yard. Some of its notable Features are:
SNACK WINDOW
The snack window allows your children to play imaginative restaurant games while also providing space for them to settle and enjoy their playtime snacks.
3 POSITION SWING BEAM
With the trapeze swing, the two belt swings, and the acrobat bar, you can rest assured that each child will have an activity to partake in.
SPEEDY SLIDE
To add more fun, the Oakmont playset comes with an 8feet speedy slide to help your children speed safely and swiftly, to wherever they are going. As part of its safety measures, this playset is joined using Backyard’s exclusive Safe-T-Fuse nuts that are resistant to loosening. The head of these nuts is rounded to prevent scratching your child’s clothes or tiny hands.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Weather and UV resistant | Can be assembled by a single person, but it takes hours |
| As long as instructions are followed, it should take 2 people around 7 hours to assemble the playset. The result is reported to be sturdy and safe when installed correctly | Some people report needing to drill additional holes, but it might be due to not following installation instructions |
LIFETIME 90630 PRODUCTS ADVENTURE TOWER DELUXE PLAYSET
Are you looking to provide your children with years and years of playtime and fun? Then the Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset will be a great addition to your Backyard. This playset is designed to be durable and safe for your kids. It can withstand severe elements of weather and will keep your kids playing for hours with the various features that it packs.
LIFETIME PLAYSET REVIEW
It is important to note that children of all ages can use the Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset. It is made of high-density polyethylene and steel, which makes it durable and resistant to warping, or cracking.
The playset comes with swing seats, sliders, rock climbing walls, to ensure that your kids have something interesting to take part in. While your kids enjoy the various features, you also get to benefit from the low maintenance required for the playset.
Some of the notable features include:
- A 5-inch tall decking with a sandbox and clubhouse
- Doors and windows
- Storefronts
- Rock climbing walls
- Wavy slide
- Trapeze swing
- Steering wheel
- Chalkboards
- An arched climber
- Car map
- Monkey bars
- Fireman pole
This playset comes in green, brown, and tan colors. It is perfect for children aged between three and twelve years. Another cool feature is that it can accommodate up to ten kids. Also, the playset comes with a free-standing hence no need for you to have a cement installation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full featured playset, from monkey bars to slides and more | Playset is a little bit expensive, but the features justify the higher price |
| Durable and safe |
STEP2 NEAT & TIDY II PLAYHOUSE
The Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse provides a perfect imitation of a real kitchen space. It provides a great place for the kids to host pretend dinner parties and cookouts using the molded-in grill space. The playhouse even has a countertop area and a molded-in sink for pretend washing.
As the children take care of their playhouse just like the adults do with the real house, this drives a sense of responsibility into them. It also boosts their independence, which is key to boosting their self-esteem.
Additionally, this playhouse comes with a charming design that’s incorporated into a realistic color palette, and stacked stone. It also has a working doorbell that’s powered by triple-A batteries, and a play phone. Here are some features you will get.
SMALL FOOTPRINT
The Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse’s small footprint makes it ideal for either indoor or outdoor use, which means that your child’s play does not end once its dark outside or if it’s raining.
DURABLE DESIGN
It uses the EverTough plastic that’s durable and sturdy. It is also able to withstand wear and tear, and you won’t have to worry about repairs or replacements for a long time. The floor has drain holes which facilitate easy clean up of your child’s house.
REALISTIC AMENITIES
The Step2 Neat & Tidy II Playhouse has realistic doors, windows, a doorbell, and kitchen amenities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small enough to be used both outdoors and indoor, it provides entertainment no matter the season. | The playhouse has really good ratings, you only need to make sure that it has all the parts after receiving it |
| Durable and sturdy, it encourages creativity and roll play |
LITTLE TIKES DELUXE HOME AND GARDEN PLAYHOUSE
The Little Tikes Deluxe Home and Garden Playhouse is perfect for your child’s budding imagination. The playset comes with realistic features that will surely make it enjoyable for your children to hang around. The playhouse has a working door that opens and closes.
It is made using an open design that allows enough light and the cool breeze to come into the house. Most importantly, the open design allows you to watch over your child as they enjoy their time inside the playhouse.
We also noticed that the Little Tikes Deluxe Home and Garden Playhouse has a built-in mailbox where your child can receive letters; think of it as an added tool for you to pass notes to the child as they are playing.
Inside the Little Tikes Deluxe Home and Garden Playhouse, you will find a stove, sink, and clicker knobs. It also comes with a sand and water table for your child to take part in pretend gardening.
It is advisable to use the Little Tikes Deluxe Home and Garden Playhouse indoors when temperatures fall below freezing. Before you begin the installation process, be sure to go through the instructions manual that comes with the playhouse.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can be used both indoors and outdoors. | You have to inspect it after delivery. |
| Easy to assemble. |
LIFETIME GEOMETRIC DOME CLIMBER PLAY CENTER
This playset is perfect for adventurous wall climbing expeditions for your kids. It features a 54-inch tall climbing dome, with hand grips. You can get it in either a blue or brown variant. The Little Tikes Deluxe Home and Garden Playhouse will help to ensure that your kids develop strong muscles and coordination abilities. You can view it as a backyard jungle gym for your child and friends to spend hours at.
The good thing with this playset is that it is free-standing, made out of heavy-duty steel, is able to withstand ultra-violet rays, which ensures that it retains its color, and requires low maintenance. Additionally, it is not coated with any lead element.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sturdy and fun, it help develops muscles and engages children in imaginative play | Some users say that it took longer to assemble than they expected |
STEP2 EXTREME ROLLER COASTER RIDE-ON PLAYSET
Step2 is among the leading outdoor playset manufacturers, and their Extreme Roller Coaster Ride-On Playset lives up to the standards. It is made with a colorful design that appeals to the eye. The playset comes with a 2.7-meter riding track, which will surely make it the talk of the neighborhood.
With the single rider coaster, it will help to instill the importance of sharing as the kids take turns to ride down the coaster.
The Extreme Roller Coaster Ride-On Playset comes with a three-piece riding track and one coaster car. Here are some of the notable Features on the playset.
SAFETY FEATURES
The Extreme Roller Coaster Ride-On Playset has a wide, non-slip stair to ensure that your child does not slip and hurt themselves. The stairs make it easy for the kids to access the coaster car. Its coaster car is also made secure with its molded-in footrests and a high back.
EASY-STEP TRACK
The Extreme Roller Coaster Ride-On Playset makes it easy for toddlers to walk the coaster car back up the platform using the molded-in steps.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Develop your child’s fine motor skills with this fun ride | Setting up this playhouse will require an adult who is technically gifted. |
| Safe, has a non-slip stair built in |
SIMPLAY3 YOUNG EXPLORERS ADVENTURE CLIMBER
It is important to point out that the Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber in a winner of the 2019 Parents’ Choice Award. It is perfectly designed to ensure that your kid(s) gets an amazing time outdoors.
The slide used is extra wide and has side rails that one can easily grip. It also features a ladder for climbing to the platform. Another amazing thing with Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber is that it is made from bright colors, and its edges are smooth and rounded to avoid causing harm to your child.
It is also worth noting that this playset has a double-wall construction that’s resistant to UV rays and will serve your child for years to come.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2019 Parent’s Choice Award winner, durable and safe, can be used year-round | Some people report assembly issues, they also say the manufacturer is very helpful in resolving these issues |
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN OUTDOOR PLAYSET
THE MATERIAL USED TO MAKE THE PLAYSET
When it comes to outdoor playsets, there are two common materials to choose from; metal or wood. However, you will also come across some made out of plastic, but these are commonly for toddlers. When buying the playset, ensure that it is made of durable materials in all parts. However, when choosing the material, focus mainly on the framework structures and not the accessories.
SPACE
While shopping for a playset, the space that you have in your compound should be greatly considered. Not only should it be big enough to allow installation, but also enough to give room for the kids to play around. For an outdoor playset that has a swing set, you will need to have enough space in front and at the back of the playset. This will allow your child to swing forth and back without any obstacle.
It is important to note that most outdoor playsets have what we call a recommended safety zone. This refers to the area that you will need to provide around the playset.
EASE OF INSTALLATION
You do not want to buy a playset that’s difficult to assemble. Therefore, when buying an outdoor playset, you should consider its ease of installation. It is important to note that many outdoor playsets are quite massive and have huge elaborate structures that would take some days to install. If you are the type that would not want to undergo such trouble, you can always seek professional help, but keep in mind that it will add extra costs.
It is also important to note that some of the playsets will require an in-ground cement foundation for added stability. On the other hand, some are integrated with stability features in their design. It is up to you to choose what option to go for.
SAFETY FEATURES OF THE PLAYSET
As we already established, children are exposed to risks while they take part in their fun activities. And as your children enjoy themselves, a lack of enough safety features can quickly ruin all the fun in a snap. While checking out different playsets, check out to ensure that the design of the playset ensures the safety of your child.
Some things that you can look at to determine how safe the playset include the edges and swing chains. All the edges should be covered, and no sharp edge should be exposed that can cause injury, the decks should be designed to prevent falling, swing chains should have handgrips and the playset should not be coated with lead paint, which can be hazardous to your child.
Now, let’s take a close look at why playsets are important to your child’s life.
BENEFITS OF HAVING OUTDOOR PLAYSETS FOR YOUR CHILD
FOR BUILDING THEIR SELF-ESTEEM
While playing, young children get used to expressing themselves freely. Also, since the playsets allow them to play imaginary games like cooking, the child will eventually develop a sense of independence, which is crucial for their self-esteem. Playing these imaginary games gives them the power and confidence to be able to do whatever they want.
IT FOSTERS CRITICAL THINKING
Running into problems while playing, for example, a door that refuses to open forces the child to think hard and find ways to solve the problem. With constant participation in the games and encountering problems, every other time builds the child’s ability to think and come up with solutions critically. The benefit will be transferred to other spheres of life and not only during playtime.
ENHANCES TEAMWORK
Have you not seen old employees being trained on how to work as a team? You know how expensive it is. But do you know that installing playsets for your child and allowing them to play with other kids builds their ability to work as a team? And consequentially, allowing them to grow into responsible and team-oriented individuals that the corporate world and other sectors are looking for? As the children learn to overcome obstacles in their playtime with their friends and take part in pretend plays, they can develop their teamwork abilities.
IMPROVES THEIR LANGUAGE AND SOCIAL SKILLS
One of the vital skills that children require while growing up is how to communicate and socialize with people. With the games they play on the outdoor playsets, the children can role-play, which engages them socially and also boosts their communication skills. Since most games require teamwork, it teaches the child how to react and act on what their playmates have said or done.
BUILDS CREATIVITY IN THE CHILD
Pretend play is quite helpful in building the child’s creative abilities. As they create scenarios in their heads and play it out with their friends, the creative part of their minds is tapped into and allowed to grow.
PLACES THAT BENEFIT FROM HAVING OUTDOOR PLAYSETS
APARTMENT COMPLEXES
If you are a property owner and want to increase the value of your property, creating a sense of community among the residents is a must-do. Having swing and playsets installed is one great to do so. A large number of families will rather move into a complex that has facilities for their children to play in, rather than to one that does not.
It is apparent that play is crucial in the growth of your child. And that’s why you should consider getting them an outdoor playset. However, as we already pointed out, there are several options in the market, which will make it a daunting task to get the best playset for your kid. Below is a review of the seven best outdoor playsets for your kids that will make it easy for you to settle on one.
DAYCARE CENTERS
Looking after young kids can prove to be a challenging task. However, having them engaged in playing activities can ease the burden. That is why daycare centers will find the outdoor playsets to be of great importance. Not only will the playsets keep the children engage, but they also help to stimulate their creative abilities through imagination.
HOMES WITH CHILDREN
This is the first and most obvious place that will require an outdoor playset. With the developing technology and how much it is affecting people’s healthy lifestyles, installing a playset will help to get your child outside and away from the devices. Playsets come with several features and accessories that will ensure that your child is fully engaged outside. As we’ve already established, the time spent outside has a lot of benefits for the child.
CHURCHES
A lot of churches run daycare centers for parents, and having a playset is beneficial to them. Aside from the daycare, there are times during worship that kids can no longer concentrate and become playful. Instead of having them run in and out of the church, distracting people, having an outdoor playset can help to keep them in one place, safe.
CONCLUSION
Kids are amazing. They can be dreamers, storytellers, or whatever they want to be. As they grow, they will be more intrigued by exploring new possibilities, think critically, and learn through the games they play. It is therefore important for you as a parent to provide them with a controlled environment where they can take part in games and grow healthy.
The outdoor playsets we’ve listed above are from different manufacturers, but you can rest assured that they will give your child the fun playing time they require. Designed to enhance playtime and boost your child’s growth, there is a lot to benefit from the playsets in our review.