Outdoor Kids Backyard Playsets

C hildren love to play as much as possible, regardless of what type of house you own. However, if you do own a large house or one that has enough space for a backyard, you might consider transforming it, at least temporarily, into your kid’s playground, with a backyard playset. With several ways to keep kids entertained, it has several features that are optimized for both girls and boys, ensuring that your kid will have a wonderful time playing. Plus, it offers a great way for your kid to get some exercise and waste all that built-up energy, making sure that, by the end of the day, he or she will sleep soundly after an entertaining and fun day. Thus, to help you and your kid chose the best set that will match all desires; we offer you our best recommendations.

Top 9 Backyard Playsets Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Item Dimension	Item Weight	Required Materials Included	Supported Weight	Material	Age	Price
Best Overall	1. Swing-N-Slide Pioneer Peak	276 x 132 x 272 inches	567 lb.		800 lb.	Wood	3-11 years	Check Price
Our Choice	2. Backyard Discovery Skyfort II	263 x 201 x 148 inches	720 lb.		1,350 lb.	Wood	2-11 years	Check Price
Most Versatile Playset	3. Gorilla Playsets Sun Palace Cedar II	252 x 153 x 144 inches	889 lb.		800 lb.	Wood	3-10 years	Check Price
	4. Swing-N-Slide PB 8272-TY	251 x 136 x 123 inches	574 lb.		1155 lb.	Wood	4-15 years	Check Price
Best for Young Kids	5. Step2 Clubhouse 801200	70 x 137 x 91.50 pounds	197 lb.		240 lb.	Sturdy Plastic	2 – 6 years	Check Price
	6. Gorilla Playsets 01-0021	156 x 192 x 127.2 inches	560 lb.		800 lb.	Wood	3-12 years	Check Price
Best Budget-friendly	7. Lifetime 90143	217.2 x 168 x 93.6 inches	100 pounds		640 pounds	High-density polyethylene and powder-coated steel	3 -12 years	Check Price
	8. Backyard Discovery Woodridge Elite Set	231 x 188 x 141 inches	680 lb.		1080 lb.	Wood	3-10 years	Check Price
	9. KidKraft F23210	155 x 153 x 108 inches	200 pounds		990 lb.	Wood	3 – 10 years	Check Price

1. Swing-N-Slide Pioneer Peak

Check Price at Amazon

Created to look like a fort, made with pioneer peak cedar wood, with two towers surrounded by several attractions that will enchant any child’s imagination, it is large and spacious enough for several kids to play safely as it measures 23 feet in width, 11 feet in height and 22.6 feet in depth. It is recommended to have a 6-foot perimeter around the playset for added safety, making the recommended footprint reach 34 feet width and 36 feet depth.

Playing Tools

From a rock-climbing wall to a clatter bridge with two sandboxes below. It comes with an alpine wavy slide, a safe entry ladder, a Deluxe rope ladder, a climbing ramp with several bridges like a clatter bridge and a tower bridge and panels all carefully mixed together with different kinds of swings, 360° Turbo Tire swing with swivel, 2 belt swings, and a trapeze swing to make it a full and complete fun park.

What’s more, it even has a built-in picnic table, so your child can eat his or her lunch there if the fun is not over yet. It is perfectly designed to accommodate any type of game, as it can even transform from castle to a tower, a fortress and even a ship. The steering wheel will make the experience believable, while the flag kit, play telescope, tic-tac-toe panel, it will let your child’s imagination flourish.

Safety First

Thanks to its sturdy construction, weighing 567 pounds, it can hold up to 800 pounds while its tongue and groove wood roof with deck heights of 5 ft it provides children between 3 to 11 years old with plenty of play space. Additionally, it meets and exceeds ASTM safety standards for residential use.

Accessories Included

All the required hardware is inside the package while all the required lumber is pre-cut, pre-sanded and pre-stained. Plus, the main beams are pre-drilled as well, to help you even further. It comes with a step-by-step illustrated assembly manual in case you get confused along the way, while the factory stained lumber is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect damage. Quite difficult to assemble on your own, it is advised to get at least 2 or 3 people to help you with it, as it can take up to 2 or 3 days to fully set it up.

---

2. Backyard Discovery Skyfort II

Check Price at Amazon

Measuring 21.11 feet in length, 16.9 feet in width and 12.33 feet in height, it will require at a safe zone of at least 6 feet all around, thus reaching 28.9 feet in width and 33.11 feet in length. It weighs 720 pounds, as it is made with cedarwood, which is free of any chemical stains and it has a natural resistance to mold, decay and UV rays. The heavy-duty brackets it comes with are powder coated thus are completely protected against elements. Thanks to its exclusive Safe-T-Fuse hardware, the locking nuts resist loosening over time while their rounded surfaces won’t catch on clothing or cause scrapes as it meets all ASTM standards.

The huge upper fort has a clubhouse with a lower playback, and a built-in picnic table, while the rock wall will definitely be more exciting to climb than your average ladder, as it will stimulate coordination, muscle strength and motor skills. Plus, everything can be done in complete safety, as there are metal grab handles to ease his climb and secure his position. Easy entry and exit from the connected upper fort, simply get an easy slide down with the wavy 10 feet slide, practice accuracy and grip strength with the monkey bars or simply scan the surroundings from the sunny balcony with a roomy front porch or from the crow’s nest.

There is also a sandbox for kids beneath this backyard fort, while the telescope will contribute to the ‘pirate’ game. With 2 standard belt swings and a 2-person swing set glider, there are enough activities to enjoy. It is recommended for kids from 2 to 11 years old, as it can support up to 1,350 pounds, thus around 9 kids at once. It can take up to 2 or 3 days to fully assemble it, and it comes with a 5-year limited warranty for rot and decay.

---

3. Gorilla Playsets Sun Palace Cedar II

Check Price at Amazon

It measures 21 feet in width, 12.67 feet in length, 12 feet in height when fully assembled, and it is best to have an additional 6-foot perimeter around it for safety measures. The set weighs 889 pounds, it is made from solid cedar wood construction, with a redwood finish, and the wood roof has dormers, a sunburst and a chimney for a more natural look.

The rooftop measures 10.6 feet in height, 6 feet in width and 4 feet in depth. It has a large play deck, 4 feet in depth, 6 feet in width, placed at 5 feet height from the ground, which can be reached by either climbing the 4-foot width ladder or if your child is more adventurous, he or she can try reaching the top by climbing the rock wall.

You don’t have to worry about risks, as the wall comes with an additional climbing rope, to ease the kids’ climb. Even more, it has 4 metal access handles for kids to easily grab or get a hold of, whenever they need additional support. The playhouse can easily assist in pirate games, thanks to the telescope, flag kit and steering wheel it comes with, or amuse your child with the Tic-Tac-Toe panel. The set has an alpine wave slide, which allows an easy and fun descend, and can sustain up to 250 pounds, while the rope ladder allows more versatility and fun.

It comes with 3 swing beam positions, which are able to sustain up to 150 pounds, with 2 belt swings and 1 trapeze swing, and a 360° Turbo Tire swing with swivel placed right under the platform. Thus there will be no argument between kids over which takes the swing first. Moreover, the monkey bars are made with heavy-duty metal rungs, thus are durable and resistant to intense use.

It can support up to 400 pounds and it is recommended for a maximum of 7 kids at once with ages between 3 to 10 years. ASTM certified, all the required lumber is already pre-cut, pre-sanded and pre-stained and the main beams come pre-drilled to allow easier installation. It will take you around 5 to 7 hours to fully install it, so it’s recommended to ask for help when you assemble it. The lumber is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect damage and it comes with a limited 10-years warranty on the lumber and 1-year warranty for the accessories.

---

4. Swing-N-Slide PB 8272-TY

Check Price at Amazon

Made from time-resistant rustic conifer wood, measuring 251 inches in length, 136 inches in width and 123 inches in height, the wood is already premium stain-treated when you receive it. While both the play deck finish and the rooftop are shingled, it comes with fast and easy brackets and a complete instruction set for your assembly to be smoother, faster and easier. All the necessary equipment is included in the box while the wood is already pre-cut for an easier fit. But, you will have to assemble it from scratch and it might take you up to 2 days to fully set it up, as it has a total weight of 574 pounds.

Additionally, it comes with a 5 years warranty from the moment of your purchase. Recommended for kids between 4 and 15 years old, it can support up to 1155 pounds, while its activities are sure to keep your kid entertained. Thanks to its two deck heights, one at 4 feet and the other at 5 feet it offers plenty of options for kids regardless of what height they feel comfortable with.

It comes with 2 slides, a Yellow 5′ Turbo tube slide and a Green Sidewinder slide with a rock climbing wall equipped with 8 rocks and a set of stairs. The fort is equipped with a picnic table, while the roof will protect them from direct sun rays, thanks to its sunburst gable. The monkey bars are a great alternative to the back-to-back, 2 -person glider swing or the 2 belt swings it comes with.

---

5. Step2 Clubhouse 801200

Check Price at Amazon

Let your child develop its coordination from an early age, with all the activities and features this playset offers. It is recommended to be used by kids age 2 up to 6 years old, and it can hold up to 4 kids at the same time, as well as a maximum weight of 240 pounds. It should be placed at a minimum distance of 6.5 feet from structures or obstructions to prevent any type of possible injury, and it shouldn’t be used when the temperature drops below 32°F.

While it’s not as large as other products from its range, as it measures 70 inches in height, 137 inches in width and 91.50 inches in depth, it will provide your kids with lots of fun. They can use either slide, green or blue, for a quick ride down; pretend to drive a car or a ship, thanks to the steering wheel from the cabin, while its two towers can make a perfect castle.

The main ‘room’ comes with a direct sunlight window, placed right in the middle of the roof, while the built-in bridge will not only serve as a connecting way between the main areas, but it will provide lots of fun when your kids will pretend to play castle guards. The stairs and handrails will help your little ones learn how to increase their coordination, while also providing them increased safety. It even comes with a crawl-thru tunnel to increase the fun while playing different games.

However, the unit does require assembly, and it will take you around 45 mins to put it together with some additional help. While the pieces themselves are not heavy, they are large, and it has a total weight of 197 pounds when fully assembled. Additionally, it can be placed on shredded or recycled rubber, sand, pea gravel, wood mulch, or wood chips, for a safe playing surface. It is made from sturdy plastic, and it comes with a 3-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

---

6. Gorilla Playsets 01-0021

Check Price at Amazon

It features windows with working Palladian style shutters, wooden roof with sunbursts, dormers and a chimney. Measuring 156 inches in width, 192 inches in length and 127.2 inches in height, it can support up to 800 pounds. With all the required hardware delivered in the package, your assembly process will definitely be aided thanks to the 4 x 4 solid cedar wood lumber being pre-cut, pre-sanded and pre-stained.

Already treated against rot, decay and insect damage, with a Redwood finish and Gorilla certified, it has a 10-year warranty, you still have to take care of it regularly. It offers up to 10 activities for kids between 3-12 years old, with several elements included that will make the games more realistic, engaging and fun. The fort has two access ways: the more traditional climbing way, using the stairs, or, the rock climbing wall. It also has a strong, tight rope set in place, in case climbing proves to be too difficult for your kid.

The steering wheel and telescope will make the entire ‘pirate game’ a whole more entertaining giving it a nice touch of realism. Additionally, it has 2 belt swings together with a trapeze bar with rings, a supplementary sandbox, and a tic-tac-toe panel for diverse activities.

---

7. Lifetime 90143

Check Price at Amazon

Once assembled, it measures 18.10 feet in length, 14 feet in width, 7.8 feet in height, and it requires a safety zone measuring 34.10 feet in length and 27.1 feet in width. It is dedicated for kids with ages between 3 and 12 years old, and it can support up to 6 occupants at the same time, as well as a maximum weight of 640 pounds.

Additionally, it is made from high-density polyethylene and powder-coated steel, thus you don’t have to worry about your kids getting injured while playing, nor will it warp, rot or crack. Moreover, you don’t have to paint it, as it not only comes in two different color pallets – earth tones and primary – but it is already covered with an anti-UV coat to reduce discoloration and time damage.

It provides your kids with lots of entertaining, as it features a 9-foot wavy slide, 3 belt swings, 1 trapeze bar with gym rings, a fireman’s pole and monkey bars. The swings can hold a capacity of 150 pounds, and it can be placed right on the grass, as it doesn’t require cement. All hard edges have been rounded or covered with plastic caps, to avoid any accident and it provides soft rubber grips on swing chains to prevent pinching or snagging. It comes with a 5-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

---

8. Backyard Discovery Woodridge Elite Set

Check Price at Amazon

Measuring 19.3 feet in length, 15 and 8.3 feet in width and 11.75 feet in height, it requires at least a 6-feet perimeter around it for safety ending up measuring 27 and 8 feet in length and 31.3 feet in width. It features weather-resistant materials, as the swing sets and wooden materials are made from cedarwood, and they are chemical-free, as well, which means they are safe for children and animals alike. Naturally resistant to mold, and decay, they are also UV resistant.

The heavy-duty brackets will make sure to keep everything together, while the powder coating applied to them provides additional protection from the elements. It features special Safe-T-Fuse locking nuts created to be able to sustain several types of activities, which means it is able to support up to 1080 pounds and it weighs 681 pounds. The nuts will resist loosening over time while their rounded surfaces won’t cause scrapes nor will they catch on clothes, as they meet all ASTM standards.

For kids between 3 and 10 years old, it features several activities and fun ways to spend time. In order to reach the elevated crow’s nest, very useful during the ‘pirates’ game, they have to climb the 7-rock wall ladder, while the elevated enclosed tunnel will test their agility, serving as an excellent obstacle, or as a nice hiding spot. The classic peak style wood roof will ensure the fort is well protected from direct sun rays or rain, as the kids can easily get down from there using the 10 feet wave slide, or if they prefer to get climb down in a more traditional way, the 5feet flat step ladder is exactly what they need.

There is a lower clubhouse under the main fort, with a specially created floor, as half of it is made of wood while the other half is made to accommodate a covered sandbox. Plus, if they would rather enjoy swinging around instead of climbing, sliding or running, the 3 positions swing beam, with 2 belt swings and an acrobat bar, offers several possibilities to perform tricks and spins. Coming with all parts included in the pack, it will take at least two persons to install it in approximately 2 days.

---

9. KidKraft F23210

Check Price at Amazon
It measures 12’ 11” in width and 12’ 9” in length, and it weighs 200 pounds, and it requires a perimeter around it measuring 26’ in length and 24’11” in width, in order for your kids to be safe, with no obstacle to obstruct their play time. It can hold up to 9 kids at once, with ages between 3 years up to 10 years, and it has an approximate assembly time of 8 up to 10 hours with two people working simultaneously to set it up. It can hold up to 990 pounds in total, and it is made from cedar wood for increased durability and time resistance.

Additionally, it comes with several ways to keep your kids entertained while developing their cognitive ability, flexibility, and coordination. It comes with 2 belt swings, so there will be no argument over who uses the swing first, and it has a trapeze, as well, for increased fun. The swing beam length is 83.63”, thus all of the swings, including the trapeze, can be accessed at the same time. It comes with a rock wall with multi-colored rocks, to provide your kid with a good climbing exercise, but it does come with a ladder, as well. Thus, it provides kids with 2 ways of reaching the clubhouse, and the chalk walk that is placed there. The deck has a height of 39 inches, a width of 38.5 inches and a length of 32.5 inches.

The slide provides an easy way down, measuring 85 inches in length, 39 inches in width and 16.5 inches in height, or, if your kid considers himself an athlete, he can use the monkey bars, placed at the other end. Under the clubhouse, there’s a sandbox, as well as a shaded café table with stool seats for whenever the kids need a break, or to be used when they play different games. Moreover, it comes with a 90-day warranty from the moment of your purchase.

---

Safety Rules for Happy Kids

As a parent, you wish only the best for your kid, from his overall well-being to his safety. Several injuries, especially during childhood, are obtained from playing around, falling or simply not paying attention to the activity itself. However, once you’ve bought your kid a playing set for your back yard, while it might sound appealing to simply install it and be done with it, there still are some safety precautions you have to take to keep your kid safe.

Setting

While you might not have taken it into account by now, be careful about what products you use to keep your lawn green. What pesticides and fertilizers are you using? Are they made of potentially harmful chemicals? Are they safe to inhale? If the answer is ‘no’, then exchange them or find another place for your playset, because kids have a tendency of playing on the ground or putting foreign objects in the mouths.

What material is it made of?

What is the set made of? The most commonly used materials for these types of toys are wood and metal. Whereas metal is definitely stronger than wood, made to last longer and resist to different weather conditions, wood, on the other hand, is more aesthetically pleasing, offering a cool sensation to the touch even in hot summer day.

Sure, metal frameworks for playsets may be less expensive than their wooden counterparts, but it might be one of the accident’s causes as it can heat up so high that kids might let go of a bar because it is too hot. Wooden frameworks do require a bit of maintenance and regular checks to be sure they are still in top shape and won’t give in when your kid plays around.

Install it correctly

Such a detailed and complex toy will require lots of patience from both you – to install it – and from your kid – not to try it before it’s ready. Take your time and be sure to have it properly set up, regardless of how much time it might take. Sure, it’s not always pleasant to waste so many hours on a toy, but your kid’s safety is definitely worth it. Plus, on the long run, if it isn’t installed correctly, the results could be disastrous. It could very well come apart, not only hurting the kids badly but some hits might be fatal, and you surely don’t want that!

What surface you have it placed on?

While there are several surfaces on which you can install the set, you might want to take into account other environmentally friendly grounds. Pea gravel and sand might be a better option than hard-packed dirt, while they are relatively cheap. You should consider investing in a barrier around the playset to keep the ‘ground’ from spreading. Other options are mulch, shredded rubber, rubber mats, and even poured-in-place rubber.

Age

Be sure your kid is old enough to be able to play with all the features and activities included in a playset. While some might be just what he or she needs for one particular age, he or she may be too little for others. Thus, whenever your kids play, you should keep an eye on them to be sure they don’t hurt themselves, especially if there are older kids around.

Safety tips:

• Supervise your kids.
• Take away any types of ropes.
• Give your kids the right clothes.
• Check the playset for any damage before you let your kid play.
• If needed, give your kid protective gear.

---

Wood, Metal or Plastic?

Keeping your kids entertained while allowing them to spend time in nature is a great way for them to develop their social, motor and coordination skills. A perfect solution if you don’t have time to go to your nearby playground, is investing in a backyard playset. Not only will you be able to keep an eye on them while taking care of other chores, but they’ll also be safe, spending time in a secured area with less next to no dangers.

However, once you decide to buy a playset, comes the question of its durability, sturdiness and overall resistance. Currently, on the market, there are 3 types of sets – made from wood, from plastic and metal. Depending on your budget, the location and the available space, as well as the kids’ age, your needs might differ. So, to help you make the right decision, let’s take a closer look at each type.

Wood

The classic design when you think of a playset, it provides a neutral design which makes it a great choice if you want to match it with your outside décor. The wood these sets are made form is eco-friendly, so it won’t negatively impact the environment, and it provides you with a large range of options to choose from, as it can be easily shaped in different styles as well as decorated in multiple tones.
Sturdy and time resistant, it won’t deform nor bend when kids grow, ensuring the set can be used for a lengthy time period. Even if it does happen to break, though this rarely happens, finding a replacement for the part that malfunctioned is easier than looking for a metal piece or a plastic one.

But it does have some drawbacks as well. Since it is heavy and will remain, most likely, directly in contact with the changing weather, it requires extensive maintenance and regular inspections. Additionally, it can also become home to some insects that are more attracted to wood, like termites or wasps.

Plastic

Plastic playgrounds are quite attractive and can come in a variety of shapes, with seamless jointing that doesn’t register as a danger to your kids. Durable and maintenance-free, it won’t rust or corrode, nor will it splinter or be made a home of from insects. It requires less maintenance than its counterparts, ensuring it is safe for kids to use at all given times. Easy to clean as well, it comes in plenty of colors that are time resistant and won’t chip away.

However, it too does come with short backs. While capable of supporting a certain weight, once it is stressed it starts thinning and discoloring, becoming weaker. This type of damage is usually permanent, and can’t exactly be reversed. Even more, once a piece breaks, you’ll have a harder time finding a replacement for it that can fit your particular set. Its razor-sharp edges will also become a danger to kids, making it inaccessible until you replace the broken part, or you take it off completely. Additionally, direct sun rays are also an enemy of plastic, as they will discolor the material if the set is exposed constantly.

Metal

Durable, solid and strong, metal playsets can pass the test of time with flying colors. The metal can be painted in any color, and it won’t bend nor wrap once exposed to elements. Low-maintenance, these playsets are, most of the time, treated against rust and corrosion, resulting in a unit that won’t pose as many problems as plastic or wood. Additionally, these sets tend to have a simpler, more straightforward installation than other types, requiring just a few tools to set them up, whereas the others might require even a few days if installed by one person only.

On the other hand, metal doesn’t share the same flexibility as its counterparts, resulting in permanent damage once it’s broken or bent. Additionally, metal tends to heat up faster, therefore it might become too hot to touch if it’s left directly under the sun, in turn causing burns.

Conclusion

All in all, it depends entirely on your needs and preferences, since all three types can provide your kids with lots of entertaining. However, when choosing a unit, keep in mind its location, the needed maintenance, and consider how much time you’re willing to spend caring for it. By doing so, no matter which unit you end up purchasing, you’ll make sure it is the right one for you.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

In conclusion

If you don’t have time to go to the playground, then a backyard playset is the perfect way to keep your kid happy and safe, at the same time. It might take some time for you to set it up, but it provides your child with an entertaining way to spend all his or her energy while allowing you to easily keep an eye on him. So, to help you make an informed decision, let’s review them quickly:

Best Overall : Swing-N-Slide Pioneer Peak
Swing-N-Slide Pioneer Peak is a great start because it comes with all the necessary accessories, as well as already pre-drilled parts, so your work is cut in half. Additionally, it comes with lots of activities for your kid to enjoy and is spacious enough to accommodate more than 5 kids at once. It is sturdy and well made, so you won’t have to worry about its time resistance.

Our Choice : Backyard Discovery Skyfort II
naturally resistant to mold and decay, Backyard Discovery Skyfort II offers a sturdy and durable choice. Meeting all ASTM standards its surfaces are round, for increased safety, while the heavy-duty brackets are powder coated therefore resistant to rust and corrosion. When it comes to activities, there are aplenty, as it will stimulate coordination, muscle strength and motor skills. It can support up to 9 kids at once, for more interactive gameplay.

Most Versatile Playset : Gorilla Playsets Sun Palace Cedar II
Extremely versatile, Gorilla Playsets Sun Palace Cedar II will take the fun to another level. While it does indeed require some time to set it up completely, it provides your kids with 15 activities to try. Climbing, jumping, sliding, or swinging, kids will have an entertaining and fun experience, as the set can support up to 7 children at once.

Best Backyard Playset for Young Kids : Step2 Clubhouse 801200
Better suited for kids with ages between 2 and 6 years old, Step2 Clubhouse 801200 is made from sturdy plastic, therefore it requires only 1 hour to set it up completely. It can hold up to 4 kids at the same time, providing them with 8 activities to stimulate their creativity, and imagination while boosting their social skills and physical aptitudes. Colorful, with round edges, your kid will be safe as it plays, and it won’t rust, corrode, nor chip with time, thus it is a long-lasting investigation.

Best Budget-friendly Backyard Playset : Lifetime 90143
If you don’t want your kid to skip out on the backyard fun, but your budget isn’t too stretchy, Lifetime 90143 is a unit you should look into. Made from durable and sturdy steel, it has a powder coat which means it won’t rust or corrode with time. It comes with 5 different activities to help your child release all his/her energy, and all the hard edges have been rounded for increased safety.