Best Outdoor Playsets

Trying to find an outdoor play set that meets all the necessary standards is a difficult task and can be a bit of a nightmare if you don’t have some kind of guidance. You’re trying to balance safety and durability with cost and entertainment value for the kids. Fortunately, there are multiple solutions to the problem, and you can find a number of great playsets that offer plenty of fun and exercise while keeping safety in mind that doesn’t break the bank. Take a look at some of your best options for the ultimate play set for your kids.

BEST OVERALL | Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Set

Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Set full view

The Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Set is a complete playground built to last from high-quality cedar and some of the toughest hardware out there. The hardware has locking nuts that won’t loosen over time, and all materials are treated so that you don’t have to worry about weather damage at all. The play set contains a raised clubhouse with a porch and crow’s nest, monkey bars, a picnic table and snack area, sandbox, two belt swings, a 2-person glider swing, and a rock climbing wall, all of which are made to promote healthy play for kids. With toddler-friendly devices and safety features, as well as a weight rating that holds up to 9 children at 150 pounds each, the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Set is an all-around gem that appeals to any age group. Perhaps its only downfall is the price, though with what you get for the money, this is still an absolutely incredible value. You’ll never have to replace it, and you’ll never have to worry about your children getting hurt on this monstrous playground. MSRP is $1,469.49 for the set, complete with all necessary hardware for assembly, but be sure to check the current Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Set- Amazon price here.

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BEST DESIGN| Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure Play Set

Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure Play Set in use

The Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure Play Set rates for the best design because it includes so many features in such a small space – under 14 ft x 15 ft. In addition, it’s freestanding, which means it holds its own weight centered on the ground without the need for a difficult installation involving anchors or pouring cement. You can have this set up with the easy instructions in a few hours, and it’s so sturdy you can assure your children will spend hours exploring the different aspects without concern for safety. The play set features a roofed clubhouse with activity center (chalkboard, wheel, and binoculars), a cargo net, 3D climbing wall, two belt swings with rubber grips, a trapeze bar with hand grips, a propeller swing, and a 9-foot wave slide. The target age group is 3 to 12 years of age, but the 900-pound weight limit allows for flexibility. Maybe the only downfall is the cost, with an MSRP of $1,518.95, but be sure to check the current Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure Play Set- Amazon price here.

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EASIEST TO USE | Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Combo Water Park and Bounce

Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Combo Water Park and Bounce full view, in use

Because it’s not a permanent structure that has to be erected and kept in the backyard at all times, the Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Combo Water Park and Bounce is definitely one of the easiest play sets you’ll ever use. It’s also extremely entertaining, especially during the hottest parts of the year – summer – when your kids are home all day, with various water features. All you have to do is use the inflator that’s included, and the entire playset is set up in minutes. It has multiple anchor spots to hold it in place, and it offers children a variety of activities, including a slide, spray cannons, a climbing wall, a bounce area, a splash area, and crawl tunnel which all help avoid heat stroke during summer play. It’s got a pirate theme to get the imagination going, and when it’s time to put it away, it deflates into the size of a rolled sleeping bag for easy storage. There’s a commercial grade impact surface for your children’s safety, and it holds up to five children of about 100 pounds each. While that doesn’t include most children over the age of ten, it’s perfect for the target group of 2 to 10 years old. The Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Combo Water Park and Bounce has a reasonable MSRP of $599.99, but be sure to check the current Blast Zone Pirate Bay Inflatable Combo Water Park and Bounce- Amazon price here.

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MOST VERSATILE | Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set with 9 Foot Wavy Slide

Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set with 9 Foot Wavy Slide In use

At first glance, the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set with 9 Foot Wavy Slide looks very basic, but if you’re looking for the kind of playset that’s going to appeal to your kids throughout their journey from toddler to young adulthood, that can be the best option, making it extremely versatile. As toddlers, your children will learn to slide, building strength and confidence, and later, they’ll grow into the other features that promote coordination and strength. The play set includes three belt swings with rubber grips, a 9-foot wavy slide, a trapeze bar with gym rings, monkey bars with two separate ladders that also lead to the slide, and a fireman’s post. The entire structure is built to pass playground performance and safety standards, so you know your children are free from harm, and the durable materials are long-lasting. Another versatile factor is the ease of moving it – you don’t need to anchor or cement it into your yard. It’ll hold its own weight down. But if you need to move it, you also won’t have to dig it up. MSRP for the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set with 9 Foot Wavy Slide is $1,033.93, but be sure to check the current Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set with 9 Foot Wavy Slide- Amazon price here.

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BARGAIN BUY | Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center Swing Set with Glider

Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center Swing Set with Glider full view

Price tags can get pretty shocking when you start looking at playsets, especially when you want the best for your children. However, the Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center Swing Set with Glider may not be the cheapest on our list, but it is the bargain buy choice because it offers the same entertainment value and sturdy, safe construction as more expensive sets without the high cost of most year-round models out there. This playset is complete with a rope ladder, climbing wall, raised clubhouse (with the steering wheel), a six-foot slide, two belt swings, a glider swing, and a basketball hoop. The poly construction avoids the splinters and cracking that can come with wooden play sets, so you can assure that the Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center Swing Set with Glider will last as long as your child hasn’t outgrown it. Of course, that’s probably the one downside to this playset – it’s aimed at ages 3 to 8, and its weight limit is far less than other competitors. It’s also a little harder to erect, with the instructions difficult to understand in some places. Still, it’s an amazing playground, and MSRP is just $999.99, but be sure to check the current Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center Swing Set with Glider – Amazon price here.

Read the full review for Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center Swing Set with Glider.

BOTTOM LINE

When summer comes, your children want to be able to play and run outside. You don’t always have the time or the capability to take them to the park, and you don’t want them running around inside the house where disaster can happen. Buying a play set for your yard can ease your burden while allowing your children to expend excess energy in a healthy, safe manner. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you and your children. Then, you can make a more informed decision and purchase one of the best outdoor playsets available. And for more fun, outdoor options for your kids, check out our Best Outdoor Trampolines right here!