8. 1. Geared toward the elementary age group, it can hold up to nine children at a maximum of 110 pounds each. You’ve never seen a swing like this! Switching them out as a child matures is an easy way to let your kids’ playset grow with them. 1. Inspect protective surfacing and maintain proper area and depth. They’ll race around with their friends for hours, and then, just like the little ones, will find a cozy retreat in the clubhouse platform. Tighten as recommended. Thoroughly inspect all aspects of your product before signing off on the installation and permitting the installer to leave. Commercial Playground Equipment KBT Armed Rope Structure Climbing Net PEAK. Climb the braided polyethylene rope using the colorful footholds for a bird’s eye view of the yard. Let us know in the comments! Here’s a partial list of the many options from which to choose, for initial installation or adding on later: Gorilla Playsets Steering Wheel in Yellow, available from Wayfair, Pirate Telescope Swing Set Accessory, available on Amazon. In addition to tire, belt, and trapeze swings. This option is also naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insects, like the former. As you scroll through these photos of happy kids swinging, sliding, climbing, and having a fabulous time, you’re going to see that playgrounds are available in several different materials. Always buy products for children from reputable manufacturers who adhere to high standards for quality and safety, and warranty their work. Begin assembling the upright support structures and cross beams as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Watch out for tree roots, and make sure there are no branches over the area. Kids Creation Redwood Grandstand Swing Set available on Wayfair, Besides the three swings (which have weight capacities of 250 pounds), this kit includes a playhouse zone with a ladder (250-pound weight capacity) along with a colorful green plastic slide that allows for “quick escapes.”. As you search online or discuss your thoughts with a salesperson, keep the following in mind: Okay, people, it’s time to get this project off the ground! Then we’ll consider the decisions you’ll need to make, so you can pick the one that’s best for your family. It has an upstairs clubhouse with a roof, window, and flower box, and a lower clubhouse with an awning-covered snack counter and two stools. Cedar varieties include Pacific, Western Red, Alaskan Yellow, and Northern White. My favorite sets are made of wood, so let’s begin there. $7,881.38 ... 1.5m high slide “Tsuri” and ladder free standing kit with water feature - PINK. For the preschoolers at your house, consider the Little Tikes Clubhouse Swing Set, available from Amazon. An excellent example of a durable and easy to clean plastic model is the Little Tikes Clubhouse Swing Set, described above. The Step2 Naturally Playful Lookout Treehouse Climber is a terrific choice for toddlers. Although the playhouse or “fort” area can be entered via a ladder, a climbing wall with rock grips, and a set of monkey bars provide additional entrance. 7. The Frontier Swing Set from Gorilla Playsets is an ideal option for this age group, and is available at Wayfair. Like metal, plastic components also pose no danger from splinters or rough edges, and are quite low-maintenance. This product is constructed of 100 percent premium cedar (Cunninghamia lanceolata), and is coated with a child-safe stain. $428.00 . Minimum clearance from the underside of swings to the ground should be 8 inches. Contact the manufacturer immediately if there are any missing or damaged parts. As a kid, if I wanted to swing or slide, I just walked across the street to the neighborhood park. Made in the USA. stained a redwood color, and crafted from imported cedar wood. It’s available from Amazon. 130% thicker than zinc plating. Large systems may accommodate 8 or more children. 4. This model features a clubhouse platform with steering wheel and roof which can be accessed via one of the two ladders. Made with nontoxic materials including natural redwood, this playset will provide hours of backyard fun for your elementary age children and their friends as an attractive addition to your outdoor space. Galvanized, powder-coated steel and high-density polyethylene and UV protection make for a durable product that contains no lead. From safe clearances to customization, you’ll find everything you need to know in this article. Big Backyard Meadowvale II Wooden Swing Set. If you want shade, consider the shadows cast by your home at various times of day. Way back in my day, it was metal all the way. Fence in your home play area to keep out uninvited guests. The Woodridge II by Backyard Discovery has every kind of activity your elementary age kids could want in a play system, and you can feel good about the quality of this set. Remove wood splinters if possible. Repair or replace as needed. Armed with information about what to look for and how to maintain your new set, it’s time to get out there and have some fun. Equipment for small children these days is usually made from plastic, as are slides and activity pieces in structures for older children. Preschoolers have come a long way. Check out this Kids Creation Redwood Grandstand Swing Set. As you explore options, you’ll find that equipment falls into one of three age categories: toddler to age 2, preschool ages 2 to 5, and elementary ages 5 to 12. The quality of pine may vary, since it is a cheap and very readily available soft wood. But it will pay off, I promise you. So read on, and let’s find out what you need to take into account for the safety of your kids. Swings. Sunny & Fun Portable 50-Foot Slackline Monkey Bar and Ladder Kit. Maintain equipment footings, and remedy any potential tripping hazards. 46 $29.99 $29.99 There’s even a nifty periscope for peering out onto the world around them. This can usually be remedied with some installation adjustments. Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set, Primary Colors. Custom modular systems, not only offer interchangeable accessories, but they may be expanded structurally as your children grow. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In a level location, mark off the area required to install your playset (bearing in mind the necessary safety clearances). Mark off a level location, and clear away all debris. The Meadowvale II Wooden Swing Set by KidKraft is a playset with a profile that’s just what you need in a small backyard, and it’s available at Wayfair. Read customer reviews and check prices now on Amazon. Connect With Us Become a Fan Follow Us on Twitter Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe. After all, play sets come in several different materials with a wide array of options to choose from! Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. And for ground exploration, there’s a soft fabric tunnel for baby to crawl through while you take the sweetest pictures ever! Made in the USA. Made in the USA. Rubber mulch or rubber tile are highly recommended for soft landings. 2. Replace or repair any hardware that is loose, worn, or protruding. Premium Slackline Kit 60ft Longest Ever - Tree Protectors Ratchet Cover Strong Carry Bag - Slack Lines for Backyard Ideal for All Levels - Ninja Tight Rope for Trees Easy Setup Outdoor Healthy Fun ... Rope Ladder, Nylon Rope Knots, Monkey Bar, Gym Rings. It features a rope ladder, monkey fists, monkey bars, and rings that may be arranged as desired for a challenging series of activities for your little ninja-in-training. If we pumped hard enough, we could pull those poles right up out of the ground – and of course, that’s how you won the swing contest. 5. Over time, if exposed to the elements, it may turn a silvery-gray color. 9. And it can accommodate up to eight children, at a maximum weight of 110 pounds each. 2. Plan to place a cushioning layer or protective surface beneath the structure, according to the safety clearances recommended in the previous section of this article. PlaygroundEquipment.com 1 Playground Drive Greenfield, IN 46140 Toll Free 1-800-667-0097 International 1-317-747-0203 Fax 1-317-855-9247 Stop use if found, and contact the manufacturer. Perfect for the younger kids ages two through five, the Step2 Clubhouse Climber accommodates up to four children for a fun play date. While that’s still a tempting option, wood and plastic are some of today’s most popular choices, if your budget allows. The Castle Rock Swing Set by Backyard Play Systems is available from Wayfair, and it is perfect for elementary age kids. Here are the basics on some wood options you’ll see: Redwood is a hardwood, grown predominantly in California. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. The Sunny & Fun Portable 50-Foot Slackline Monkey Bar and Ladder Kit is available from Wayfair. This means they can negotiate narrower steps and ladders, and shorter slides. Fun for climbing and sliding, over and over again! 3. For kids of all ages up to 120 pounds, the Laegendary Colored Rope Swing with Platforms, available from Amazon, is a fun way to improve balance and exercise core muscles, as well as the imagination. We occasionally link to vendors to help the reader find relevant products. A fortunate few of my friends, however, had their own gym sets that consisted of metal poles that supported swings, slides, and gliders. Where do you have the best line of sight to keep an eye on your kids when they’re outside? Platforms more than 30 inches above the ground should have guardrails to prevent falls. This elementary age set is one of our top 17 picks described above. Wow! What will you build in your backyard? The Kids Creation Redwood Grandstand Swing Set, on of our 17 recommended products, is a top-quality redwood playset, built to last. There are two swings, a glider, and a high rail wave slide. The slides are made from durable, UV-resistant plastic and are available in yellow or green. This product is made in the USA of imported materials. This product is made from durable, UV-resistant plastic and holds up to 60 pounds. This model features two swings, two slides, a rock-climbing wall, covered play deck, open deck, monkey bars, and a glider swing, making it great fun and exercise for elementary age children. The Grandview Twist Complete Swing Set by Swing-n-Slide is stained a redwood color, and crafted from imported cedar wood. Supervise installation, including leveling, tightening, and adding of accessories and canopy. This model is available at Home Depot. The bottom line with any plastic playground material: unshaded equipment can reach temperatures in the 100s, sometimes even up to 200°F! With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what she’s learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! COPYRIGHT © 2021 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Gym Dandy Tilt-A-Swing Set, available at Wayfair. You could purchase more than one system, and create a custom play area for each age group. Within a footprint of 12’10” x 10’6” this system is packed with play areas including an upper clubhouse, rock wall, high rail wave slide, oversized sandbox, two swings, and an acrobat bar. Stop use and contact the manufacturer. And it has a 10-foot scoop slide, generous play deck, captain’s wheel, telescope, tire swing, rock wall with rope, two adjustable swings, a trapeze bar, a rope ladder, and a canopy for shade. Modular components may also be constructed with a combination of wood and plastic called a “composite” – a mixture of two materials, or of unspecified wood treated with a polymer coating to increase its weather resistance. Every wooden swing set kit is professionally engineered and designed ; Extra wide ladder steps (2x6's vs. dowels or 2x4 lumber) Solid 4x4 framing with all bolt and screw construction - no nails to work loose; Hot-Dipped Galvanized hardware for superior outdoor rust and corrosion protection. The Hide and Seek Swing Set by Little Tikes is suitable for the under two age group and is available from Wayfair. They’re stronger and more limber, learning to balance, and feeling very confident in their movement. Also called Chinese cedar, this is actually a type of cypress that naturally resists decay, pests, and rotting. What are your kids into? Enlist the aid of a strong family member or friend, and read all of the manufacturer’s instructions again. 2. Depending on who you hire to install, this service may be included. So take my advice for the safety of all, and remember to do the following: Police the set for hazards before allowing children to enter. Custom kits: Swing-N-Slide’s custom kit is designed for the do-it-yourself family and comes with three to four design options. Her background includes landscape and floral design, a BS in business from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Merit in floral design from Longwood Gardens. $99.99 $ 99. The Grandview Twist Complete Swing Set by Swing-n-Slide, one of our top 17 recommendations is available from Wayfair. Ridgeview Deluxe Clubhouse, available on Wayfair. 7. Here’s a summary of safety essentials from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to take seriously when setting up a backyard playset: You will want the surface to be sturdy enough to be able to safely install the equipment, and soft enough to minimize injury in the event of a fall. The Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set with 9 Foot Wavy Slide is available on Amazon. Mounting equipment includes a ratchet and carabiners. adventure+ offers range of innovative playground equipment. Read customer reviews and check prices now at Wayfair. Ensure a minimum of 6 feet around the perimeter, surfaced with soft, protective ground for safe use and prevention of injuries from falls. The Ridgeview Deluxe Clubhouse Wooden Swing Set by KidKraft will make your home the most popular one on the block. Now, you’re ready to mark off the area for your playground! Take A Sneak Peak At The Movies Coming Out This Week (8/12) Travel through Daylight Savings Time with these 16 time travel movies; Get a celeb who can do both: 7 celebs with high IQs Hardware should be recessed, not sticking (and posing a potential hazard). Simple enough, right? So shading recreational areas at least at some point in the day is highly recommended. When selecting a modular system, investigate how components are fastened together. Have your children’s friends get parental permission to use your new set. As your one-stop shopping center for your entire facility, you can expect our knowledgeable consultants to be there for you every step of the way. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Systems for this age group come in wood and metal, and can accommodate the weight and wear-and-tear of several children using multiple activity zones at once. 4. It’s a lot of prep, I know. Climb the ladder ramp to a landing and swoosh down the slide! There should never be any missing or damaged equipment components, such as handholds, guardrails, and swing seats. This is the system of your child’s wildest dreams. Crawlspaces below the bridge and tower add to the fun! Beware of models made of “wood” with a pine finish, as they are poor-quality imitations. The Backyard Discovery Woodridge II All Cedar Wood Swing Playset is one of our top 17 picks, and it’s loaded with activities for years of outdoor play. Or, consider a system that casts its own shade with UV protected canopies. Here is more about what we do. And prices can vary widely. Look for “Premium Preserved” pine to ensure a top quality variety. Ensure a minimum of 8 inches between swing and support structure, and between swings. Maximum weight is 50 pounds. Woodridge II by Backyard Discovery, available at Home Depot. The most basic element of a classic playground is the swing. Made in the USA. Help kids experience the joy of movement with equipment made especially for them. It https://www.amazon.com/Figure-8-Balance-Beam-Set/dp/B01KQH58XK?ref is available from Amazon. Made of polyethylene, there are 18 curved sections, eight straight sections, and one “x” for the middle. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Think monkey bars, cable walks, tire swings, and fire poles. Keep metal components free of rust and chipped paint. Read on to learn what you need to know to pick a system that will rock your kids’ backyard adventures! I also took out a contract to have it tightened and inspected each year, and it was well worth the peace of mind. Kids can climb the stairs to the playhouse where they’ll find a porthole and steering wheel, then cross the bridge to a tower where they can peer out opposite portholes, before sliding down the slide to do it all again. A wooden sandbox that can be filled with either sand or a rubber mulch encircles the base. Step2 Naturally Playful Lookout Treehouse Climber. 8. A minimum of 6 feet of protective surfacing should be laid out from the support structure on either side – and even more extended from the front and behind the set, at a length approximately twice the height of the swing from ground to support beam. In a nutshell, equipment might be made predominantly of either wood, metal, or plastic. So you’ve found that perfect viewing spot – but maybe the ground’s not completely level? For example, standard swings come in three types: buckets for the youngest, back-supported for preschool, and belt-style for elementary age children. It’s available from Wayfair. Set up appointments for regular maintenance if this is offered. Openings that are closed on all sides should be less than 3 1/2 inches, or greater than 9 inches. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Be sure to consult the manufacturer of your selected system to learn what’s possible with your chosen model. It is a seat attached to a thick chain or rope and hangs from a metal frame. Playground surfaces such as engineered wood fiber and rubber mulch are affordable and readily available nationwide through our distribution programs, but other popular soft surfaces, such as poured-in-place playground rubber flooring, are offered through our in-house installation crews. A terrific choice for toddler to twos is the Step2 Lookout Treehouse Climber Playset, available from Wayfair. Children’s physical statures and motor skills vary by age, and matching their characteristics to those of the equipment is essential not only for enjoyment, but for safety. 5. Children who crawl soon take their first steps, and then begin to climb, with no fear of falling. The company stamps components with part numbers to facilitate easy assembly with their own Safe-T-Fuse hardware included to maximize safety. And now for the exciting part – shopping for the new playground that your kids are going to love! It features a rope ladder, monkey fists, monkey bars, and rings that may be arranged as desired for a challenging series of activities for your little ninja-in-training. Grab the ball and make a basket, or crawl through the tunnel and up the climbing ladder again for a cycle of rollicking good times. Keep the area free of debris, toys, and litter. 3. Product photos via Backyard Discovery, Backyard Play Systems, Big Backyard, Gorilla Playsets, Gym Dandy, KidKraft, Kids Creation, Laegendary, Lifetime, Little Tikes, S & S Worldwide, Step2, Sunny & Fun, and Swing-n-Slide. A minimum of 16 feet should be maintained from swing support frame to pendulum seesaw. Most kits are pre-drilled and come with everything you need, so it’s completely up to you. Keep things close to the ground with baby swings, ramps, and simple stairs. 5. There doesn’t seem to be a particular color that stays cooler than the rest, although some will tell you that yellow is preferable. This brings us to our next and most important subject: safety. And with a 300-pound weight capacity, the adults in the family can have a go, too. 23% off. And today, kids are spending a lot more time in the backyard, making playground equipment more important than ever for keeping them mentally engaged and physically fit. This is a great choice for a quality system to promote exercise and imaginative play for elementary age children. Here’s a model that’s sure to be a hit with preschool sports fans, and it’s available on Amazon. 3. A sandbox and bench nestle in the shaded lower level, and two belt swings and a trapeze complete this extensive system of fun. Your new apparatus is likely to be a neighborhood sensation! See our TOS for more details. There are other types of pressure-treated pine structures on the market as well, deemed safe and reliable for playgrounds. Grass and dirt surfaces, on the other hand, are not recommended – they are just too hard and potentially unsafe. Are you looking to buy your own playtime centerpiece, and spark a new generation of wonderful childhood memories for your own kids? 99 $129.99 $129.99. Step2 Clubhouse Climber, available at Wayfair. That’s right: if you install a stellar playground, it could attract many kids from all around your community, not just your own. Take inventory of all parts and their condition. Be sure that the children’s area is free of natural obstacles, like branches, weeds, rocks, and tree roots. Be aware that plastic parts do get hot in the sun! Are you shopping for backyard playground equipment and feeling overwhelmed by your options? 6. 4. It looks like a glider, but in addition to moving from front to back, it goes from side to side and around in a complete circle. I’ll leave you here with some final advice, and then you’ll be ready to make the best decision! Tree protectors and a carry bag are included. Installation is also available with purchase, depending on your location.