From swing sets and sandboxes to kids climbers and jungle gyms, the right outdoor play equipment sets the perfect backdrop for healthy fun and high adventure. However, with so many options available, finding the right playground equipment and outdoor playsets can be confusing. That’s why we’re here to help you narrow down your options so you can choose the right play equipment for you and your little ones.

5 Minutes, 5 Key Decisions

• Key Decision 1: Equipment Type
• Key Decision 2: Location
• Key Decision 3: Material
• Key Decision 4: Finish
• Key Decision 5: Special Features

Key Decision 1: Equipment Type

Playgrounds typically consist of one or more basic types of outdoor play equipment: swing sets, climbers and sandboxes. Whether you want just a single piece of equipment or you’re putting together a complete playground, you can also find smaller play equipment for kids and toddlers so that they can play more safely than on larger, standard-size playground equipment.

Swing Sets – A playground classic, swing sets are available as individual units that feature two or more swings and as part of complete playground sets that can include clubhouses, ladders and slides. Whichever you prefer, be sure to choose one that will fit in the available area but still leave enough room to swing safely. >> View Swing Sets >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Climber – Kids climbers provide younger children who love to climb a safer, more controlled play environment and can even require less space than kids swing sets. And, some climbers include additional play equipment such as climbing walls, ladders, slides and even kids clubhouses so you can easily create a complete playground right out of the box. >> View Climbers >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Sandboxes – Outdoor sandboxes are available in a wide range of sizes to fit virtually any playground or backyard. Many larger sandboxes feature a canopy covering that can help protect kids from harmful sunrays, and many smaller sandboxes feature table legs or a stand to create a fun, portable sculpting station. >> View All Sandboxes >> View Sandboxes with Legs >> View Sandboxes with a Canopy >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Key Decision 2: Location

When choosing play equipment, always make sure it’s appropriate for its intended location. Residential playground sets and commercial playground equipment is similar in structure and components such as swing sets, climbers and slides. However, depending on local regulatory requirements, commercial playground equipment may be subject to regular safety inspections. Residential – Designed for home use, residential playground equipment is typically small enough to fit in limited areas while still providing enough room for play. And, residential playground equipment is often available as complete outdoor playsets for particular age groups such as toddlers. >> View Residential Swing Sets >> View Residential Climbers >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Commercial – Commercial playground equipment is designed for high traffic, public play sites such as schools, parks and camping grounds and is best suited for children ages 2-12 years old. However, some residential playground equipment that meets the required safety standards may also be considered appropriate for daycares, preschools and other such commercial locations. >> View Commercial Swing Sets >> View Commercial Climbers >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Key Decision 3: Material

While many older playgrounds are constructed of steel, most of today’s play equipment is primarily made from wood, metal or plastic. Each material offers a unique look, is available in a variety of finishes and has its own level of quality, durability and affordability.

Wood – Swing sets, climbers and sandboxes that feature a solid wood frame offer a natural, inviting look that often blends in well with outdoor areas. And, they’re easier to use on cooler and warmer days because the wood doesn’t get too hot or cold to touch. >> View Wood Swing Sets >> View Wood Climbers >> View Wood Sandboxes

Metal – Swing sets and climbers that feature a metal frame are typically sturdy, stable and budget-friendly. Also available in a wide range of colors, high quality metal playground equipment is best suited for outdoor use and with proper maintenance, can last for years. >> View Metal Swing Sets >> View Metal Climbers

Plastic – Many of today’s climbers and sandboxes are made of plastic, especially kids climbers for toddlers. Plastic outdoor play equipment is highly colorful, easy to keep clean and typically easier on the budget than wood or metal playground equipment. >> View Plastic Climbers >> View Plastic Sandboxes

Key Decision 4: Finish

From natural wood swing sets to brightly colored kids climbers, you can find play equipment in a wide range of colors and finishes. Once you know which outdoor play equipment you want, choose the finish that will help you create the look you want. >> View Natural Wood Play Equipment >> View Dark Wood Play Equipment >> View Multi-Colored Plastic Play Equipment >> View Multi-Colored Metal Play Equipment

Key Decision 5: Special Features

The best outdoor playground sets feature a variety of ways for kids to exercise and have fun. To create a versatile play area, consider adding swing set accessories or additional outdoor play equipment such as ladders, slides, monkey bars and clubhouses.

Clubhouse – Many playground climbers for kids feature a clubhouse on the second level to provide easy access to a slide or even monkey bars. These kids clubhouses provide a fun staging area for Mission Control, Pirate Ship and other favorite playground games. >> View Play Equipment with a Clubhouse >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Slide – A fun childhood favorite, playground slides are often attached climbers with a clubhouse and are available as standard straight slides, tube slides or wave slides. For increased safety, be sure to get one that’s appropriate for the intended age group. >> View Play Equipment with a Slide >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Swings – Many play equipment kits include a swing set so that you can get a complete, matching playground right out of the box. Playground sets with swings usually take up a lot of room, so make sure you have enough space for kids to play safely. >> View Play Equipment with Swings >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Climbing Station – Some outdoor playground sets feature a climbing station such as a rope, net or even a wooden wall with handholds and toeholds. These climbing stations make a fun addition that’s usually safer than the nearest tree or rooftop ladder. >> View Play Equipment with a Climbing Station >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Ladder – Another fun feature for little climbers, ladders provide easy access to the clubhouse, monkey bars and slide. Depending on the playground set, ladders are available in solid wood, metal or plastic, so be sure to choose one that’s made of a user-friendly, durable material. >> View Play Equipment with a Ladder >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Monkey Bars – A classic piece of outdoor play equipment, monkey bars help kids build their upper body strength and coordination. Not every climber can make it all the way across every time, sos make sure that the ground covering below is soft enough to help cushion any falls. >> View Play Equipment with Monkey Bars >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Quality and Value: A well put together playground sets the stage for building healthy habits and fundamental social skills. Choosing the best quality play equipment you can afford can go a long way towards making sure your investment provides years of safe outdoor fun and fond childhood memories.

Under $1,000 – Bring home a fun sandbox, simple swing set or basic outdoor playground set for years of affordable fun. >> View Play Equipment under $1,000 >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

$1,000-$1,500 – Expand your options and get a solid wood swing set or a complete playground kit with more features such as swing sets, slides, monkey bars and clubhouses. >> View Play Equipment from $1,000-$1,500 >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

$1,500-$3,000 – Install one of these top quality swing sets or outdoor playground kits to create the perfect play area for kids of all ages. >> View Play Equipment from $1,500-$3,000 >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]

Over $3,000 – Create the ultimate playground with one of these premium quality outdoor playground sets and get the full range of fun features such as multiple clubhouses, climbing walls and swing sets. >> View Play Equipment over $3,000 >> Our Top Pick: [Insert Product Name]