The Best Backyard Playsets & Swing Sets - 15 Fun Playground Games

Easy Outdoor Space Dome Climber

With its bright yellow, blue, and red hues, this jungle gym is sure to catch the eye of every kid on the block. Because the steel is rust- and UV-resistant, it's suitable for every climate.

The maximum weight capacity for this unit is 1000 pounds, and the layout is generous enough to allow up to 5 children to play at once. This model is designed for children aged 3 to 9 years old.

Features:

Gorilla Playset

We love the versatility of this wood-based playset. The design includes two belt swings, a sandbox area, an "alpine wave" slide, a rock wall with a climbing rope, and a treehouse component complete with steering wheel and telescope. A single trapeze bar is positioned between the two belt swings, but an accessory arm provides room for a second trapeze.

In order to access the slide, players must climb the sturdy ladder to the treehouse. The sandbox is positioned beneath the treehouse, providing the area with plenty of shade. The design has a compact footprint, so it can be enjoyed by families with limited backyard space. The company recommends this playset for children aged 3 to 11 years.

Features:

CTSC Zip Line

This zip line kit is sturdily constructed and comes equipped with a stainless steel spring break to prevent the ride from coming to a sudden stop. A non-slip rubber grip and built-in seat round out the safety features. The unit is recommended for children 8 and up. Since it has a generous weight capacity of 250 pounds, most parents should be able to take a turn here and there too—assuming the kids will let them.

This model is available in several different lengths, and CTSC offers customized sets as well. They also include a 10-year warranty with every purchase, along with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Features:

Little Tikes Inflatable Jump 'n Slide Bounce House

For preschoolers, this offering from Little Tykes will be a dream come true. The inflatable structure sits low enough to the ground to give parents peace of mind, while the generously-sized (12 by 9 feet) jumping area allows 3 players to bounce at one time. A built-in slide introduces a new element to the fun.

This unit is made of puncture-resistant material, and boasts a weight capacity of 250 pounds. Included in the set are a heavy-duty air blower, 4 blower stakes, 6 bouncer stakes, a storage bag, and 4 repair patches.

Features:

VW Wonder View Tree Swing

With its green-and-black polyester construction and circular design, the VW Wonder View Tree Swing resembles a flying saucer. Since it's capable of supporting a whopping 600 pounds of weight, it's destined to become a backyard favorite for the whole family.

Thanks to its carefree design and easy-to-follow instructions, it can be set up in a matter of minutes. Although the swing can be installed on an existing playset, we would recommend hanging it from a tree as the name suggests.

This swing is constructed of 900D Oxford polyester that's both waterproof and UV-resistant. The steel frame is padded with thick foam for comfort and safety. Reinforced stitching and an extra-strong rope help to ensure that the swing will deliver years of enjoyment.

Features:

Step2 Playhouse

The Step2 "Naturally Playful" Playhouse is a multi-purpose playset that's ideal for preschool-aged children. In addition to the well-designed playhouse, the unit is equipped with two belt swings and a 5-1/2-foot slide. The slide's loading area is located on top of the playhouse, with a wall on either side to help prevent falls.

This model is composed of durable plastic, which is slightly lacking in eye appeal. However, what it loses in aesthetics, it makes up for in longevity. Besides, the kids who play on it aren't likely to care what it looks like. Note that while the maximum weight capacity for the climbing section is 250 pounds, the swings are only capable of holding up to 75 pounds each.

Features:

Flybold Ninja Obstacle Course

An appealing option for active older kids, this obstacle course offers great value for the price. Included in the set are 40 feet of line with a twin-gear ratchet set, 4 gymnastic rings, 2 fist holds, 2 monkey bars, 13 safety strap buckles, tree protectors, and a carry bag. Users are free to customize the course as they see fit.

Because this kit can be assembled and dissembled within minutes, it's a great choice for family reunions or vacations. It arrives in an attractive gift box and is equipped with a money-back guarantee, in addition to a one-year warranty.

Features:

Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars

Weighing in at just 27 pounds, this jungle gym is small enough not to dominate the entire backyard. Its blue and green bars have great visual appeal as well. This set is suitable for children from ages 3 to 8, but the maximum weight limit is fairly low at 150 pounds, so we would recommend close supervision during play.

The jungle gym is comprised of interlocking plastic tubes and locking springs that can be assembled quickly. The plastic is UV-protected, but the set can also be moved inside in case of inclement weather. Be aware that while locking anchors are available to keep the unit in place, they're not included in this set.

Features:

Swurfer Swing

The Swurfer is an ingenious contraption that's sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. This "swing board" is shaped like a curved wooden skateboard, affixed to a set of ropes. Two adjustable wooden handles allow for a firm grip, making this an appealing choice for exercise as well as play.

Swurfer recommends this product for ages 6 and up. With a weight capacity of 200 pounds, it can be enjoyed by parents as well as kids. Its unique curved design gives it a range of motion that's lacking in most flat-bottomed swings.

Each wooden swing is shaped and finished by hand, supported by double-braided UV- and mildew-resistant rope. The kit comes with everything you'll need for installation, including clear and concise instructions. Note that the higher you hang the swing, the more maneuverable it will be. A maximum height of 30 feet is recommended for "extreme" performance.

Features:

Gym Dandy Spinning Teeter Totter

Unlike most seesaws, which only go up and down, this cleverly designed unit is also able to rotate in a complete circle. This takes the fun to a whole new level and is sure to be enticing to grade-schoolers.

Two soft-cushioned seats and rubber-coated ergonomic handlebars offer comfort, and urethane roller wheels beneath the seats have shock-absorbing capabilities for safety purposes. The powder-coated metal frame is rust-resistant and capable of withstanding all kinds of weather. Although this seesaw delivers plenty of fun, its use may also help to improve coordination and muscle tone.

Share the fun with friends - you no longer having to worry about your child going to the park alone. This spinning seesaw is easy to install in an area 99" X 38" X 45" and holds up 300 lbs. Turn your backyard into a playground full of laughter Instantly!

Features:

Royal Oak Giant Platform Tree Swing

The ample surface area and high weight capacity of this platform swing make it easy for kids to pile on with a group of friends. That's a good thing, because it would be difficult to get them to take turns. The design is eye-catching, especially when the removable flag attachments are in place, and the structure provides a ride that runs the full gamut from mellow to exciting.

This swing is constructed of 900D Oxford fabric, supported by an industrial-strength steel frame. It can be hung from either an existing swing set or a tree branch, but the "Easy Hang" straps are sold separately. Note that in order to be eligible for the 12-month warranty, buyers must purchase directly from the manufacturer.

Features:

Sportspower Arcadia Swing Set

The Arcadia from Sportspower is a basic swing set, offering 2 sturdy-bottomed swings, a two-person glider, a trapeze bar, and a slide. With a total weight capacity of 600 pounds, up to 6 children should be able to play at once.

The unit features a heavy-duty steel construction with a powder-coated paint finish for longevity. The chains are coated in vinyl to prevent pinching, and the playset meets all ASTM safety regulations. An anchoring set is available, but not included in the purchase price.

This is a solid unit, available at a decent price. Be forewarned, however, that its components aren't particularly sophisticated, and that it's a little bit too small for kids over the age of 7.

Features:

Trailblaze Ninja Course

This obstacle course features a number of intriguing components that are sure to delight even the most screen-obsessed kid on the block. Included in the set are a 50-foot line, 3 gymnastic rings, 3 fist holds, 2 monkey bars with safety strap buckles and delta rings, tree protectors, a seat swing, and a twin-gear ratchet set. A carry bag is also included, so the set can be packed up for camping trips or visits to the beach.

All of the obstacle course components feature an easy-grip design, and the course can be customized to your liking. The set includes 3 extra strap buckles, so more obstacles can be added if you have them. Trailblaze backs up its product with a money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

Features:

Gym1 Deluxe Indoor Playground Set

What we love most about the Gym1 Deluxe Indoor Playground is the flexibility. The components can be installed in any regular doorway from 25 to 36 inches wide, with no drilling required. Included in the set are a climbing rope with knots, a belt swing, a ladder, a trapeze, and a core doorway unit for easy installation. The set has a weight capacity limit of 300 pounds for each component.

The manufacturer claims that this product is suitable for ages 3 through 12, giving it a broader range than most of the units listed here. Budding gymnasts can use the trapeze and ring attachments to practice at home, while the climbing rope helps build core strength. The price tag is a bit high, but not prohibitive, especially considering how versatile this set is.

Features:

Squirrel Products Swing Seats

If you've built or inherited an empty swing set, this two-pack from Squirrel Products is designed to fill in the blanks. While some basic hardware is included, these belt-style swings are designed for installation on an existing frame. Note that in addition to providing the frame, you'll have to purchase the installation hooks separately.

Dark green in color, the swing seats are large and sturdy enough to be enjoyed by adults as well as children. The chains are coated in yellow plastic to keep young ones' fingers from getting pinched. Squirrel Products recommends this swing for children ages 3 and up.

Features: