The best outdoor playset for your family replaces the convenience of a park or playground, putting the fun right in your own backyard.

You want your kids to be able to have the same fun as they do at the park, but you also want to keep an eye on them – so getting one of the best backyard playsets is the natural thing to do!

Outdoor playsets are a great way for small kids to get the exercise they need while still having a lot of fun doing so.

Some great benefits of backyard playsets are having close supervision and you don’t have to pack up all of the kid supplies to take them over to a germ-filled public playset.

There’s also a side bonus: more play time equates to better nap times. So really, everyone wins with the best outdoor playsets.

Best Playsets For Backyard

If you’re on the hunt for your own private kid’s paradise, the first thing you want is for the backyard playset to be safe.

If it comes tumbling down when kids start to climb or swing on it, it won’t matter how much you saved or spent, it won’t be worth it.

Of course, best playsets for backyard aren’t necessarily cheap, so finding something durable that can last at least through a few of the growing years is ideal.

If you’re only getting one summer of fun out of an outdoor playset, then all you’ll have is a kid friendly art piece taking up space in your yard.

The main function, though, is fun!

You want an outdoor playset that your kids or grandkids are going to enjoy using.

What outdoor playset is the best for my kids?

What they’ll use and what they won’t like can vary from little person to little person, so it could be worth a trip to a local playground first to see what play structures your own kids prefer to use.

If you have more than one kid and no clear singular favorite, multiple features will be the way to go.

It will also prevent tykes from getting bored using the same thing over and over.

But, on the other hand, if there is anything you notice your child steers clear of, you won’t have to worry if your backyard playset doesn’t come equipped with it.

Best Playsets For Backyard Reviews

For our search, we focused on outdoor backyard playsets that offer at least two different options for little ones and should be used by toddlers, school-aged children and tweens, growing with kids up to age 10.

While there are almost unlimited options out there, we’ve sifted through the reviews and found some of the best outdoor playsets on the market today.

Prairie Ridge All Wood Outdoor Playset by Backyard Discovery

VOTES: 121

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Step2 Naturally Playful Backyard Playhouse Climber & Swing Set

VOTES: 107

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Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Outdoor Playset by Backyard Discovery

VOTES: 102

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Triple Fun Backyard Swing Set by Flexible Flyer

VOTES: 101

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Cedar Summit Forest Hill Retreat Wooden Play Set

VOTES: 77

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A-Frame Big Stuff Adventure Backyard Playset by Lifetime

VOTES: 74

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Home Playground Equipment by Kettler Home

VOTES: 36

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Picture	Title	Votes
	Prairie Ridge All Wood Outdoor Playset by Backyard Discovery	121	Check Price
	Step2 Naturally Playful Backyard Playhouse Climber & Swing Set	107	Check Price
	Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Outdoor Playset by Backyard Discovery	102	Check Price
	Triple Fun Backyard Swing Set by Flexible Flyer	101	Check Price
	Cedar Summit Forest Hill Retreat Wooden Play Set	77	Check Price
	A-Frame Big Stuff Adventure Backyard Playset by Lifetime	74	Check Price
	Home Playground Equipment by Kettler Home	36	Check Price

Prairie Ridge All Wood Outdoor Playset by Backyard Discovery

Another option from Discovery, this set has almost all of the features of the Skyfort II, but is a smaller set overall compared to its big brother.

However, if you’re budget doesn’t allow for the Skyfort, then the Prairie Ridge is the next best thing.

It still has two swings, including the g…

Another option from Discovery, this set has almost all of the features of the Skyfort II, but is a smaller set overall compared to its big brother.

However, if you’re budget doesn’t allow for the Skyfort, then the Prairie Ridge is the next best thing.

It still has two swings, including the glider option for smaller tots, a slide, picnic table, sand box, monkey bars and covered playhouse.

The slide is eight feet down, so you’re still getting a great ride to the bottom!

The clubhouse isn’t bay-window fancy, but it has a covered upper level play area and the snack bar and sandbox below.

This set has the all cedar wood with the same tight-knot structure to prevent small cracking from knots on the wood.

The set is smaller, though, so you might not get as many years out of it compared to the larger version.

The monkey bars are lower to the ground and the design is a bit more compact, so it’s ideal for toddlers and early school-agers.

However, if you want something for the smaller kids that gives a playground feel for the young toddler or early school-ages, then this is a good option.

Pros:
• Lots of different options allow kids to vary activities.
• Safe-T-Fuse hardware included that resists the bolts loosening over time.
• Heavy duty brackets to join all major components.

Cons:
• Smaller in size means that some older kids might outgrow the set.
• Lots of different parts make assembly a bit more complicated.

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121

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Step2 Naturally Playful Backyard Playhouse Climber & Swing Set

If you just want a little something extra for the kiddos to do while home, then this simple backyard playset is all you need.

This is the best option of you want a more affordable piece of equipment that will be durable and adjustable over the years and don’t need a lot of different options.

Ste…

If you just want a little something extra for the kiddos to do while home, then this simple backyard playset is all you need.

This is the best option of you want a more affordable piece of equipment that will be durable and adjustable over the years and don’t need a lot of different options.

Step2 Naturally Playful Backyard Playhouse Climber & Swing Set is perfect for those who never want to leave the swing-set at school.

It also works if you have a big enough back yard to mix and match other freestanding play sets, creating more of a swing station.

Hard edges on this set have been rounded so little ones won’t get hurt and the swings have soft rubber grips around the bottom portions of the chains to prevent pinching.

It’s comprised of high strength low alloy steel so it won’t crack, chip, fade rot, warp or peel.

It also doesn’t require cement for anchoring, so if the day comes to say goodbye to the set, it won’t be a big hassle to remove from the ground, but if it makes you more comfortable, you can always choose to anchor it in cement anyway.

Pros:
• Easy to install, since it’s a basic set with few parts.
• Durable – reviewers found this held up over time.

Cons:
• There’s no slide on this set, which is a bummer if you’re kids like them, or other fancier features.
• Anchors are not included with the set, so if you choose the extra anchoring, you’ll have to go out of pocket for it.

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107

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Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Outdoor Playset by Backyard Discovery

When you start looking for your own backyard playset, you’ll find that Discovery has come out full-force in the market by offering a staggering amount of options.

So many, if can be tough to narrow it down, but we went for it anyway.

We picked the Skyfort II as one of the best outdoor playsets …

When you start looking for your own backyard playset, you’ll find that Discovery has come out full-force in the market by offering a staggering amount of options.

So many, if can be tough to narrow it down, but we went for it anyway.

We picked the Skyfort II as one of the best outdoor playsets because it is almost like having a legitimate school playset in your own backyard.

There’s not much of a chance that kids could get bored with all the bells and whistles of this option, since it has a 10-foot slide, swings – including a glider swing – clubhouse, monkey bars, a sand box, play deck, picnic table for four tykes, crow’s nest and even a rock wall.

To top it off, it’s incredibly durable. The manufacturers have used a small, tight knot structure so the lumber is less likely to develop small cracks and is rot resistant.

The steel clam-shell brackets and Safe-T-Fuse nuts that resist loosening over time mean this is an incredibly safe and secure option, as well.

The clubhouse alone might be worth it, since it’s not just an average four walled box. It has a covered wood roof, covered entryway, windows and…. bay windows.

Then you get a front porch off that with a balcony and crow’s nest with telescope to see the world from. At this point, it sounds nicer than some houses I’ve been in!

If a club house doesn’t draw them in, then below there is a tiny picnic table for little ones to have a picnic on, next to their own sandbox area.

Having the glider option slide is great, especially if you have a toddler who may not yet be ready for a full-on swing.

The rock wall is also a great feature that you don’t see everywhere, but can help kids’ coordination and agility from a young age.

Pros:
• It has everything a child could ask for in a back-yard playset – lots of different play options in one to keep them occupied for hours.
• The set is durable and very safe, so you will be able to use it without concern for at least a few years, if you buy it in the toddler or school-age children zone.

Cons:
• Will the different parts, this one requires quite a bit of assembly, which is not easy.
• More expensive than some of the more basic outdoor playsets.

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102

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Triple Fun Backyard Swing Set by Flexible Flyer

If you want swings, a slide, and a see-saw all in one, but you don’t want to spend a lot on them, then this is your best outdoor playset .

There are enough swings for three that and it comes with a slide and a see-saw, too.

The slide is lower to the ground, only a few short steps up, but if you…

If you want swings, a slide, and a see-saw all in one, but you don’t want to spend a lot on them, then this is your best outdoor playset .

There are enough swings for three that and it comes with a slide and a see-saw, too.

The slide is lower to the ground, only a few short steps up, but if your kids are smaller, it’s not a big deal, and it extends out six feet, so the ride may be shorter, but it won’t be over too quickly for the little ones!

The swing seats hold up to 105 pounds, so while it’s likely that your kid could get the most out of those for years to come, Mom and Dad won’t necessarily have the option of swinging side by side with them as they age.

The paint used on the set has UV protection to prevent fading, but the set is made of metal, so rusting can be an issue, especially for the hardware parts, but since it’s self-assembled, if you wanted to swap out the screws it comes with for better coated options of the same size from your hardware, this might add some time to frame.

While you’re there, you may want to see about getting a ground anchor kit, or add on the Flexible Flyer’s Ground Anchor Kit for Metal Frame Swing Sets, since users found this to fix the issue of the frame not feeling securely held to the ground.

Otherwise, most reviewers found this to be a nice little addition to their backyard during those young growing years for their children.

A lot commented on the extreme slippery factor of the seats, but a creative solution of putting some grip tape over the seat itself solved the problem.

Pros:
• This is a very affordable option for anyone looking to add some fun, but worry about spending a fortune on something children could grow out of.

Cons:
• The bolts and hardware have a tendency to rust quickly.
• If you’re like me, you still enjoy the occasional swing, but these seats only hold up to 105 pounds, so most adults would not be able to swing next to their kids (or if we’re being honest, alone when you have the house to yourself).
• Doesn’t come with equipment to hold it to the ground, so too much rocking movement without adding an anchor leaves some stability issues.

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101

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Cedar Summit Forest Hill Retreat Wooden Play Set

With a slide, including a covered twisty option, this is an outdoor playset by Cedar Summit that is perfect for those looking for extra features to keep kids occupied.

Made from cedar wood, this set includes a five-foot turbo tube slide that is fully enclosed and – bonus – comes with a lifeti…

With a slide, including a covered twisty option, this is an outdoor playset by Cedar Summit that is perfect for those looking for extra features to keep kids occupied.

Made from cedar wood, this set includes a five-foot turbo tube slide that is fully enclosed and – bonus – comes with a lifetime warranty against cracks and breaks, as is the side winder slide that has a 90-degree curve at the bottom for those kids that may not like not being able to see mom or dad when sliding down.

The regular seats support up to 115 pounds, so they can definitely grow with kids into their later years.

The glider can support up to 150, so maybe even mom or dad could get in on the fun!

There’s also a climbing wall for kids that don’t just want to ladder up to the covered fort on top.

With lots of playtime options comes lots of different parts, and some buyers found that construction could be complicated and more difficult if you don’t stay organized.

One of the biggest issues with the arrival of this outdoor playset is that not all of the boards were stained.

If you don’t mind a little mismatch of wood coloring, it’s not likely to be an issue.

Otherwise, you could also stain the rest yourself, but then again, at this price-point, you wouldn’t expect the hassle.

Pros:
• Has two slides, including a covered twisty one, so no one has to wait to take turns.
• Lot of different playing options for kids that like variety.
• Glider swing holds up to 150 pounds, so good for young toddlers to adults.

Cons:
• Lots of different parts means more time-consuming construction.
• Wood does not always come stained uniformly, which you would expect at the higher price-point.

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77

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A-Frame Big Stuff Adventure Backyard Playset by Lifetime

If you’re looking for a sturdy backyard playset that provides various options for fun, but leaves a small footprint in the back yard without too much construction hassle, we’ve got your best option. The Big Stuff Adventure playset has swings and slide covered, and included a covered upper pla…

If you’re looking for a sturdy backyard playset that provides various options for fun, but leaves a small footprint in the back yard without too much construction hassle, we’ve got your best option. The Big Stuff Adventure playset has swings and slide covered, and included a covered upper play area, climbing side wall and cargo net. The set is made of high-density polyethylene and powder-coated steel, so it’s mean to stand up to weather for years to come without warping, rotting or cracking that you could see in some wood sets.

It’s also UV resistant, so there’s no fear of fading, either.

The chains on the swings are zinc coated and rust-resistant as well, and have rubberized grips overlaying the steel for comfort.

There are no hard edges, as the designers rounded them off for safety, and where they couldn’t, they added plastic caps to cover them.

For the fun parts, the slide is 9-feet and wavy on the way down, for some laugh-filled trips to the ground after climbing either the rock wall up, or using the rope cargo net to reach the summit.

Under the covered top level, there’s binoculars for adventure seekers and a wheel to navigate whatever ship or car the imagination conjures up.

Pros:
• Designed to last, the set is made of coated steel to prevent any type of warping or fading over time.
• The slide has a few different bumps that make it extra fun to come down.
• Comfortable for small people, the hard edges are rounded or capped.

Cons:
• At this price point, you could get the Skyfort which includes more bells and whistles.

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74

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Home Playground Equipment by Kettler Home

If you have an active climber on your hands and want a safe place for him or her to exercise their abilities, then you have the best backyard playset with the Kettler .

This set has everything your mini monkey could hope for without the risk of nearby side tables or tipping couches.

It’s fade a…

If you have an active climber on your hands and want a safe place for him or her to exercise their abilities, then you have the best backyard playset with the Kettler .

This set has everything your mini monkey could hope for without the risk of nearby side tables or tipping couches.

It’s fade and rust resistant powder coat finish over steel should keep it nice and colorful over time and it comes with ground anchors to keep it stable.

However, it must be anchored into concrete, which makes set-up a bit more complicated.

Since it is only recommended for kids up to eight years old, you could end up with some abstract art in your yard after this set becomes outgrown.

While the set is mostly a climber’s dream come true with its vertical ladder, monkey bars and pull-up bar, it also has the signature swing to utilize when small arms finally get tired.

The swing is adjustable, too, so it can be raised as growth spurts occur.

Additionally, when it comes to the traditional rope climb in gym class, kids who have had this backyard playset will have an advantage, since there is also a climbing rope attached to this set.

Reviewers found this set to be durable and well-loved, even without a top fort or slide.

It holds up over time, even with daily use.

Pros:
• Lots of climbing options for kids whose favorite feature at a playground is the monkey bars.
• Weather resistant and very sturdy when anchored into concrete – this will not tip over.

Cons:
• This set doesn’t have a slide, which can be one of the best parts if you’re a kid.
• Should be anchored into concrete, so it’s an additional set-up step.

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36

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If you liked this article click here to check out our review on the best toys for kids with autism.

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