7 Best Rated Outdoor Kids Backyard Playsets – In-Depth Reviews

Y ou might think that getting a new addition for your children’s playtime is just that, something that will keep them occupied. But there’s so much more to it, especially when it comes to versatile play option sets. Getting such a product for your loved ones will help them develop several important skills that will no doubt help them later on in life. Here’s what we are referring to:

1. Physical Development: When climbing ladders, rock walls, or ropes, children use their upper and lower body strength, thus enhancing it, and when gripping, pulling, or swiping at handles or panels they perfect their fine motor skills.
2. Mental Development: Building a mental map on how to get from point A to point B is beneficial in developing critical thinking; communicating their next step and waiting for their turn betters their sharing, patience, and overall social skills; and improvising a situation where they play a certain role (pretending to be pirates while turning a steering wheel) improves their creativity.

Benefits of Group Play for Kids

Although most of the aforementioned benefits apply in this case as well, there are a few details missing. Seeing how all of the sets we’re about to show you allow for more participants, your little one will automatically engage in group play. Group activities can work wonders during the developmental years, the acquired skills making it possible for the little ones to relate to and to understand each other better. To be more specific, group play:

• Makes for more confident children – When you leave your children to play with friends, their independence will grow little by little, and through repeated interactions, they will learn how to display and react to new emotions.
• Boosts creativity – Unstructured play is the most common type that usually happens when you provide toys or sets that allow their imagination to soar. It helps keep them in touch with their creativity, and roleplaying helps define social ideas. In a 2013 review paper, Lillard et al. concluded that “pretend play may be a way of developing children’s social skills and awareness of others’ minds”, which can help them build better relationships as they grow.
• Contours social skills – Boundaries and communication, teamwork and cooperation, all are important skills that youngsters need to learn as early as possible to be able to develop a healthy mindset and all can be learned in group play because children tend to be very honest with each other.
• Enhances physical strength – Playtime, even without any resources, puts some of the fine and gross motor skills in action. Mix in some toys or a playset and you’ll have provided them with enough stimulation to achieve a positive outcome by the end of the day.

If any of the points we’ve made so far sound like something you’d like to provide for your child, scroll down to see a comparison of the best-rated backyard playsets.

Top Rated 7 Backyard Playsets Compared

Photo	Product	Materials Used	Play Features	Overall Weight Limit	Age Range	Safety Features	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Gorilla Playsets Pioneer Peak	Premium Cedar Wood, Plastic, Metal	18	1750 lbs.	3 – 11 Years Old	4×4 Frame Beams, 4×6 Swing Beams, Wooden Entry Ladder, Ramp with Ropes, Metal Access Handles, Mesh Net Panels, Chains are Plastisol-coated, Recessed Bolts	Limited 10 Years – Wood, 1 Year – Accessories	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	2. Lifetime Double Slide Deluxe Playset	Steel, HDPE	14	1200 lbs.	3 – 12 Years Old	Steel Ladder, Rubber coating on Chains, Hard Edges are Rounded or Covered with Plastic Caps, No Lead-based Materials	Limited 5 Years	Check Price
	3. Backyard Discovery Skyfort II	Cedar Wood, Plastic, Metal	12	1350 lbs.	3 – 10 Years Old	Wooden Entry Ladder, Metal Access Handles, Chains are Fully Plastic-coated	5 Years – Wood; 1 Year – Parts	Check Price
	4. Little Tikes Bobcat Ridge	Chinese Cedar Wood, Plastic, Metal, Rope	11	1320 lbs.	3 – 10 Years Old	Wooden Entry Ladder, Railings, Handles, 2 Canvas Sunshades (Removable)	5 Years – Wood; 1 Year – Parts	Check Price
	5. Swing-N-Slide Knightsbridge WS 8354	Wood, Plastic, Steel	12	1555 lbs.	2 – 10 Years Old	Metal Access Handles, No Lead-Based Materials, Wooden Entry Ladder	Lifetime
Best For Toddlers	6. Step2 Clubhouse 801200	EverTough Plastic	9	240 lbs.	3 – 5 Years Old	2-Step Ladder, Handrails	3 Years	Check Price
	7. KidKraft F23210	Cedar Wood, Plastic, Metal	8	990 lbs.	3 – 10 Years Old	High Rails on Slide, Canopy Sunshade, Plastic-coated Chains	3 Months	Check Price

1. Gorilla Playsets Pioneer Peak

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To start this comparison, we’re going to take a look at a gorgeous piece comprised of a generous amount of activities and playing stations that your little ones can enjoy for quite a long time. The age range for the Pioneer Peak is from 3 to 11 years old and the weight limit goes over 1500 pounds, meaning that up to 12 children can be entertained at the same time.

Play Features

An incredible versatility awaits the children who will play on this model, and to be more specific, we’ll list the number of activities. First, on the tower side we have monkey bars underneath and the wooden ladder on which they can climb to reach the tic-tac-toe panel and go down the 5-foot high wavy slide. Next, they can cross the clatter bridge all the way to the clubhouse where the 6 by 4-foot play deck awaits with a steering wheel, a telescope, and a flag kit for inventive games. From there, they can access the rope ladder, the ramp, or the rock climbing wall. Once on the ground again, they can sway on the 360° tire, the belt swings, or the trapeze bar. Lastly, there are also two areas designed for more mellow play, namely the picnic table and two sandbox areas with corner seats.

Build & Safety

The main material used when building the Pioneer is premium cedar wood, followed by plastic for the slide, swings, and other details, and metal for the hardware. The same manufacturing is seen in other top of the line products from this brand, namely the Gorilla Playsets Sun Palace Cedar II and the Gorilla Playsets 01-0021 that we will briefly talk about in a following section of this review.

The 4 by 4 and 4 by 6 beams used in the frame and the swing beam of the Pioneer respectively will guarantee a durable and steady construction that won’t tip or sway. There are multiple ways to get into the clubhouse, but the safest routes provided are the climbing ramp with ropes on either side and the wooden ladder on the other end of the structure. Other safety details are the metal access handles that provide stability, the net panels on the bridge, the plastisol-covered chains, and the recessed bolts that prevent snagging or scratching.

Putting it together

Assembly can take from 16 to 20 hours requiring at least 2 adults, and since building might not be the top priority in your day, you can expect to spend up to 3 days on this project. If you apply a fast drying sealant and are one of the lucky ones to get all your hardware labeled right, you might be able to cut down on the hours it’ll take. To help you have everything in one place, we’ve also listed the tools you’ll need in the specifications. Other mentionable details are the roof options available, those being a standard wood roof, a treehouse, a treehouse with a fort, or a vinyl canopy.

Best Gorilla Playsets Products Compared

We previously mentioned that two other products from this brand flaunt the same durable build. In this section, we want to compare these alternative models to the Pioneer Peak that we selected as the best this niche offers. Why? Because you might find one of these alternative products better suited for your budget and expectations. These are models we previously featured in our top but decided to stick to the Pioneer Peak for the main top since it comes with more play features.

Specifications	Gorilla Playsets Pioneer Peak	Gorilla Playsets Sun Palace Cedar II	Gorilla Playsets 01-0021
Play Features	Clubhouse, Alpine Wave Slide, Rock Wall with Climbing Rope, Deluxe Rope Ladder, Deluxe Climbing Ramp, Clatter Bridge & Tower, 360° Turbo Tire Swing with Swivel, 2 Belt Swings, Trapeze Swing, Built-in Picnic Table, 2 Sandbox Areas with Corner Seats, Tic-Tac-Toe Spinner Panel, Steering Wheel, Play Telescope (with working Compass), Flag Kit	Clubhouse, Deluxe Rope Ladder and Metal Rung Ladder Combo, Rock Wall with Climbing Rope, Alpine Wave Slide, 2 Belt Swings, Trapeze Swing, 360° Turbo Tire Swing with Swivel, Steering Wheel, Telescope, Tic-Tac-Toe Panel, Flag Kit	Clubhouse, 2 Belt Swings, Trapeze Bar with Rings, Alpine Wave Slide, Rock Wall with Climbing Rope, Sandbox, Steering Wheel, Telescope, Tic-Tac-Toe Panel, Flag Kit
Slide Length	10′	10′	8′
Swing Beam Height	7′ 7 ½”	7’11”	7′ 5 ½”
Deck Height	5′	5′	4′
Weather Protection	Tongue and Groove Wood Roofs	Tongue and Groove Wood roof with Dormers, Sunburst and a Chimney, Custom Design Pattern of Stars, Crescents, and Diamonds	Tongue and Groove Wood Roof, Sunbursts, Dormers, Chimney, Windows with Shutters
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

As you can see and we already mentioned, the Pioneer Peak is the best when it comes to the amount of play features it includes. But this doesn’t make the Sun Palace Cedar II or the 01-0021 models that less good when compared to it considering that they feature 13, respectively 11 play features. Regardless of the model you end up picking, as long as it’s a Gorilla Playsets product, rest assured knowing that the kids will have a lot of fun using it in the safest manner possible.

Gorilla Playsets Pioneer Peak Test Feedback

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2. Lifetime Double Slide Deluxe Playset

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Switching it up, we’re now going to look at a plastic and metal-only build from Lifetime that comes with 15 playing stations to keep your little ones busy and entertained. The structure is made from powder-coated steel and the plastic components are HDPE which can be a more long-lasting choice depending on the climate you live in.

Activities

It offers two belt-type swings, a cargo net and ladder combo, a trapeze with rings, a wall to climb on, two wavy slides, a small go-round, and a clubhouse tower with an activity board, a steering wheel and binoculars, and a textured car floor. There’s also a nice addition of a spider swing add-on which can replace either the trapeze bar or one of the belt swings. The limit for each station is around 150 pounds, with the only exception being the 300-pound spider swing. In total, you can have a maximum of 10 children (or 1200 pounds) on the playset at the same time.

Safety & Features

The 90797 boasts a large construction, and due to the swings and 9-foot slides, there is a mandatory safety zone that you need to keep, which rounded-up measures 31 by 28 feet. The age range allows for children that are at least 3 years old and at most 12 years old, however, the forgiving weight limit might suit older kids too as long as you anchor the base well. With plenty of safety features included and having passed ASTM and CSPC tests, this set proves to be a reliable option for your backyard. What’s more, the structure is all-weather resistant and the plastic components are UV-resistant to maintain their color and keep from heating up in the sun. To set it up, in the included manual you’ll find a list of all the tools and hardware you need. If you want a model with a similar build but a smaller footprint, take a look at the Lifetime Adventure Tower.

Best Lifetime Backyard Playsets Compared

Yes, the Double Slide Deluxe is any kid’s dream, there’s no denying it. But maybe it’s out of your price range. This doesn’t mean that you have to give up on the Lifetime quality guarantee, far from it. There are other worthwhile playsets to look into for the backyard that come at more accessible prices. In fact, we previously reviewed and included two of them in our top, namely the Lifetime Adventure Tower and the Lifetime 90143. We decided to upgrade these products for the Double Slide Deluxe since it features more play options, so it’s undoubtedly more fun for the kids. Nevertheless, this doesn’t take away from the desirability of its alternatives from the same brand. Here is how these two different options compare to our main pick from Lifetime:

Specifications	Lifetime Double Slide Deluxe Playset	Lifetime Adventure Tower	Lifetime 90143
Play Features	Clubhouse, 2 Belt Swings, Trapeze with Rings, 3D Climbing Wall, Cargo Net, Ladder, Wheel, Binoculars, Two Wavy Slides, Activity Board, Textured Car Map Floor, Mini Go-Round	Clubhouse, Integrated Car Map on Tower Floor, Trapeze Bar, 2 Belt Swings, Two 3D Climbing Walls, Slide, Steering Wheel	3 Belt Swings, Slide, Trapeze Bar with Rings, Monkey Bars, Fireman Pole
Slide Length	9′	9′	9′
Swing Beam Height	7’8″	7’8″	7’8″
Deck Height	5′	5′	N/A
Weather Protection	Hardtop Roof, Side Panel	Plastic Roof, Side Panels	Materials won’t get too hot
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

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3. Backyard Discovery Skyfort II

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Moving on, the next manufacturer on the list is Backyard Discovery and the product they come with is a large-sized one, enough to make room for all the tiny details that make up a world of fun. To get the general details out of the way, the appropriate age range is from 3 to 10 years old, and the maximum weight the whole structure can carry is 1350 pounds. That means that up to 9 children can enjoy using it at the same time. The same weight capacity is seen in the Backyard Discovery Woodridge Elite Set that we previously ranked 6th. Let’s see how it compares to our current pick from Backyard so that you can choose the product you prefer and that is suited for your budget:

Specifications	Backyard Discovery Skyfort II	Backyard Discovery Woodridge Elite Set
Play Features	Clubhouse, Crow’s Nest with Telescope, Sun Deck, Lower Deck with Snack Stand and Picnic Table, 2 Belt Swings, Swing Glider, Rock Wall, Slide, Monkey Bars, Sandbox	Clubhouse with Wrap-around Porch, Sandbox, Sun Deck, Crow’s Nest with Vented Tunnel, Lower Fort with Bench, 2 Belt Swings, Trapeze Bar, Slide, Rock Wall
Slide Length	10′	10′
Swing Beam Height	6’4½”	7’3″
Deck Height	5′	4’7″
Weather Protection	Wood Roof, Windows, Covered Entry Way	Tongue and Groove Wood Roof, Windows
Price	Check Price	Check Price

A Safe Playtime

The Skyfort II comes with activities on both the ground level and the upper level. On the ground, they get a sandbox, a snack stand, a picnic table that can seat 4 children, a swing beam on which they have 2 belt swings and one 2-seat glider, and monkey bars on the other side. To get to the upper deck, they can choose to climb the wooden ladder or the rock wall, helping themselves up with the use of the access handles. By taking the ladder, they will get inside the 5 by 6.8-foot clubhouse from where they can reach the sun deck, the crow’s nest to use the telescope, or they can go down the wavy slide. For their safety, the chains have plastic coating, the metal is rust-resistant, and the wood has a natural resistance to decaying and molding.

App-Assisted Assembly

Backyard Discovery pieces can be assembled using both the instruction manual and the BILT App where you can see everything in 3D to have a better idea of what goes where. A hint we could give you is to first organize the pieces, as they come scrambled in their packages, and then to clear up a few days to put it together, as it can take from 16 to 22 hours, especially if you’re not very handy. The quality of the included hardware might not be the best, so keep in mind that you might need to run to the store. You’ll also need to acquire 6 cubic feet of sand to fill the sandbox. And lastly, inside the manual you’ll find a helpful maintenance guide which we recommend you follow, otherwise, you might end up with a faded stain in less than one season of use.

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4. Little Tikes Bobcat Ridge

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Little Tikes makes an appearance on our list with a large wooden structure that measures 26.5 by 15.9 feet (22 by 32.5 when adding the safety zone), therefore having enough space to include a whole lot of interesting activities to keep your little ones happy throughout the day, every day.

Activities & Assembly

The Bobcat Ridge comes with a variety of enjoyable activities, both on the ground and on the upper level. On the ground your kids can swing in the nest or plastic seat swings, or, for a calmer activity, they can sit down to eat snacks at the picnic table. To reach the upper floor, climbing can be done on the monkey bars, the rock wall, the wooden ladder, or the cargo net (rope ladder). If they take the ladder, it will lead them to a rope bridge that connects to the two crow’s nests, which, in turn, lead to the 5-foot high wavy slide. For protection there are rope railings on the bridge and metal handles at the top of each climbing route. Over the crow’s nests you can also install the two included sunshades. The whole construction can withstand up to 1320 pounds as the maximum weight limit, and the age range for its users is from 3 to 10 years old. To simplify it, about 12 children can use it at the same time. If your kids enjoy slides more than anything, the Lifetime Double Slide Deluxe Playset is the only model on the list that offers two.

Assembly is relatively easy thanks to the app, but it will take a long time (approximately 14 hours with 2 adults putting it together) because of the footprint size. The package also comes with instructions, hardware, and a few tools, all mentioned in the product specifications we provided.

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5. Swing-N-Slide Knightsbridge WS 8354

You can turn your backyard into a place of magic for your kid’s friends easily and without spending a ton of money by simply adding this playset to it. The Swing-N-Slide Knightsbridge comes with basically all that the kids could ask for, including two classic-style swings that feature pinch protection on the chains, a wind rider glider, monkey bars, wave slides, and more. There are a total of 12 features that this playset includes, to which you can add another two, namely the steering wheel and the trapeze swing bar rings. However, these two additions obviously cost extra. But don’t fret, their price isn’t exorbitant in the slightest.

Setting it up is a 2-person job, but this is something expected from a product this size. What you likely won’t be a fan of, though, are the ambiguous instructions that will likely pose a bit of the problem, nor the fact that assembly is going to take an estimated 12 hours to finish. When you do move on from setting it up, there are no more downsides whatsoever. It’s a product that can be used by up to 10 kids at a time thanks to its overall 1,555-pound capacity, the two classic swings each being able to accommodate a child weighing 125 pounds tops, while the slides can each hold 250 pounds max. The product meets ASTM standards for backyard play, so there’s no need to worry about safety. What we especially liked was the large 22 square foot play deck that offers more than enough room to play both on it and underneath it seeing how it is located 5 feet off the ground. Add to these perks the safe build, quality manufacturing materials, and lifetime warranty, and it’s easy to see why it features in our top.

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6. Step2 Clubhouse 801200

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If you happen to be looking for a product made specifically for toddlers, look no further than the Clubhouse Climber from Step2. This cute, bubbly, and colorful piece is all-plastic with a total height of 5 feet and 8 inches. This way, injuries and falling are significantly reduced and your toddler can have a blast while still being out of harm’s way.

Activities & Assembly

The footprint is 11.4 by 7.6 feet and it encompasses two clubhouses connected by a bridge with side panels, and two slides. A 2-step ladder is used to go inside the clubhouse, where the little ones can find a steering wheel, plenty of peek-a-boo windows, and a skylight. The construction is 2.25 feet high, allowing for an interesting crawl-through tunnel underneath. EverTough plastic is used for the whole Climber as it is weather and temperature resistant and it will not fade as time passes. It can withstand a maximum of 240 pounds at once, and the age limit for its users is from 3 to 5 years old. Assembly is easy, and as the instructions together with an Allen wrench are included, you’ll only need to have a ½” torque wrench and a Phillips screwdriver to complete the job. Once installed, the weight of the product will be somewhere around 220 pounds, meaning that you can choose to move it around the yard.

Some things to consider are that the end product might be smaller than it seems (read the dimensions carefully before buying), certain areas inside tend to collect water if left outside and you’ll have to wipe it away, and you shouldn’t leave the set outside in below 32ºF weather, as the plastic can crack.

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7. KidKraft F23210

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Our final product comes from KidKraft and it is called Brightside. Its footprint is approximately 32 by 32 feet and it includes a clubhouse with tarp on one side that can be used as a chalkboard, just as the one on the ground floor on which the little ones can write the menu for the integrated café table that has two stool seats. For more energy-filled activities there is a swing beam that holds two belt swings and a trapeze bar, a long slide and a rock wall in the front of the clubhouse, and monkey bars in the back. Although the slide and swing beam are high, the deck height comes only to 3.25 feet. The whole structure holds a maximum of 9 children that have 990 pounds in total, and the age range is from 3 to 10 years old. For safety, the slide has high rails, the chains are coated, and the canopy acts as a sun shield.

It takes around 8 to 10 hours to build it when there are two adults involved, and in the package, you get an instruction manual and all the hardware you need. As mentioned, the weight limit is lower than that of the other models and the beams are only 2 by 4, so we recommend that you don’t exceed it.

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What to Consider Before Installing a Backyard Playset

Even though it might seem straightforward, putting together a new playset is actually something that you need to put a lot of thought into. Many aspects can make or break your kids’ playtime, so this is what you need to consider before buying and installing it:

Dimensions & Needs
Before you even think about buying a new feature-rich set, you must first think about the space you’re going to place it in, your yard, and then about what your kids want. If they want a slide, does the space allow it? If they want a high tower, does the foliage need to be cut? Your set can only be as big as your space allows.

Placement
Another factor that ties to the dimensions is the safety zone . If the set you chose is so big that it cuts into the safety zone, you can’t buy it as it would mean that the risk of hitting a wall, or a person, comes into play. For metal-made sets, but not only, keeping direct sunlight away is a must. Slides, swing seats, ladders, and many other parts risk getting too hot and they might even cause burns when touched, so choose a spot with plenty of shade. Lastly, make sure that the ground is level or that you at least know the degree of the incline so that you can work with it. Never set up this kind of product on a ground that had large rocks, tree roots, or any other hazards protruding.

Package Check
Once you’ve decided on an appropriate spot and a suitable product, make sure to check the boxes when they arrive. Check the hardware, the pieces, the tools needed, and everything that can become a nuisance if it turns up missing (or if it’s broken) as you assemble the set.

Flooring
When it comes to the floor of the playground, you’ll need something that can cushion any fall that might happen. This flooring can be set either before or after installing the set, depending on your preference. Usually, you can find the flooring thickness needed in the instruction manual. The most common picks are:

◍Poured Rubber / Rubber Tiles
◍Mulch – Rubber Chips / Bark Chips
◍Turf / Artificial Grass
◍Sand

Installing Time & Difficulty
Keep in mind that a playset will take up way more time to build because of the numerous parts it comprises. Make sure that you have enough time and helpers, if needed, to have it up as soon as possible. By postponing the installation process, it means that the individual pieces can be subject to weather changes which can affect their performance. If you know that you can get it done in due time, you might want to look into getting a professional team to set it up for you.

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Buying Guide

As a parent, you wish only the best for your children, from their overall well-being to their safety. Most childhood injuries are generally obtained when playing, either by tripping, slipping, or simply not paying attention to the activity they’re in the middle of. However, once you’ve decided to get a playset for your backyard, while it might sound appealing to simply buy, install, and be done with it, there are some aspects that you need to consider beforehand.

Setting

While you might not have taken it into account by now, be careful about what products you use to upkeep your lawn. 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 installation area, because kids have a tendency of playing on the ground and putting foreign objects in their mouths.

Still on the subject of setting, while there are several surfaces on which you can install this product, you might want to take a look at some environmentally friendly options. Pea gravel and sand might be a better option than hard-packed dirt, as they are relatively cheap. You should consider investing in some type of barrier as well, to keep the ‘ground’ from spreading. Other options are mulch, shredded rubber, rubber mats, and even poured-in-place rubber.

Metal, Wood, or Plastic?

The question of durability, sturdiness, and overall resistance will come into play sooner or later. On the market, there are currently 3 types of primary materials used – wood, plastic, and metal. Depending on your budget, the location, the available space, and 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

• It provides a neutral design, making it a great choice if you want to match it with your outside décor.
• It’s 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.
• Quality wood is sturdy and time resistant, it won’t crack, splinter, nor bend as the kids grow, ensuring the set can be used for a lengthy time period.

But it does have some drawbacks. Since it is heavy and will remain, most likely, directly in contact with the changing weather, it requires extensive maintenance and regular inspections.

The 3 types of wood that are generally used (+ brief specifications) are the following:

1. Cedar: great overall value; great quality; with a natural resistance to rot, decay and insect damage.
2. Redwood: beautiful look; durable; with a natural resistance to rot, decay and insect damage; more expensive.
3. Pine: the most durable without maintenance; able to withstand harsher weather conditions; able to hold a higher percentage of moisture; the price can be between that of the other two.

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 become a home for insects. Easy to clean as well, it comes in plenty of color combinations that are time resistant and won’t chip away.

However, it too does come with downsides. While capable of supporting a certain weight, once it is over-stressed it starts thinning, thus becoming weaker. This type of damage is usually permanent. Even more, once a piece breaks, you’ll have a harder time finding a replacement for it that can fit your particular set. The resulting razor-sharp edges will also become a danger to kids, making it inaccessible until you replace the broken part, or take it off completely.

Metal

Durable, solid, and strong, metal-made models 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 sets 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, they tend to have a simpler, more straightforward installation, requiring just a few tools to set them up.

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, and so it might become too hot to touch if it’s left directly under the sun, in turn being a burn-risk.

Safety Features

Be sure that the model you’re considering has these basic safety features:

1. Solid 4×4 beams of wood for framing or sturdy free-standing metal bars.
2. Pieces are prepared in advance (pre-cut and pre-sanded wood; pre-drilled wood, metal, or plastic).
3. Recessed screws and bolts that won’t cause a scratching or snagging issue.

Other features could include coated chains, railings, handles, temperature and weather-resistant materials, and so on.

Safety tips:

• Supervise every playtime as much as possible.
• Make sure that rope knots are fastened properly.
• Dress your children appropriately (not too tight and not too loose-fitting clothes).
• Do routine maintenance checks.
• If needed, provide protective gear.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

If you don’t have time to go to the playground, then either one of the models presented 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 the extra energy while allowing you to easily supervise as you tend to other chores around the house. So, to help you make the best decision for your yard, let’s do a short recap of the models in the ‘Best For’ categories:

Best Backyard Playset for Sale: Gorilla Playsets Pioneer Peak
The best one overall in this comparison is the Pioneer Peak. It has plenty of versatility when looking at the activities it provides, the size is good, the wood strength and thickness make for a reliable structure, and the safety features are not glazed over. You can allow up to 12 children to have a great time playing on it without worry as the age range is pretty wide and the maximum weight limit can support them without any issues. Lastly, the 10-year warranty is the final detail that seals the deal.

Editor’s Choice: Lifetime Double Slide Deluxe Playset
The kids won’t get bored ever again if you set up this Lifetime playset in the backyard; that much we can guarantee. It’s a hefty investment but one worth making since it doesn’t only keep the kids busy and active but also helps their bodies develop through play.

Best Backyard Playset for the Money: Lifetime Adventure Tower
For a model that can be both friendly with your wallet and your time, go for the Adventure Tower. The plastic-and-metal build makes it so that this piece is extremely low-maintenance, and the material quality coupled with the durability it can assure makes the price point justified while still being more accessible than the other models. We must, again, strongly recommend applying a metal sealant if you plan on leaving it outside to face harsh weather.

Best Backyard Playset for Small Yards: Gorilla Playsets 01-0021
As not everyone has a yard that can fit mega-sets, the Nantucket II comes to the rescue with a smaller footprint. But even so, you still have many playing stations included to keep your kids entertained, and just as many safety features to help keep them out of harm’s way. The build is solid, but one thing to make note of is that the swings might be closer together than those of other models in order to maintain the more compact size.

Best Backyard Playset for Toddlers: Step2 Clubhouse 801200
Another piece that can fit yards of smaller sizes is the Clubhouse Climber. The difference is that this one was made considering the size and needs of toddlers, which is why it is the best model on this list if your young one is within the 3 to 5 years old range. The design is very colorful, the activities are low on injury risks, and the best part for you is that the whole structure is made of plastic; therefore it is movable even when fully assembled, as it doesn’t weigh as much as wood or metal types.