With summer just around the corner kids will be ready to spend their days playing outdoors. If you’re considering getting a backyard playset, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve created a list of the best backyard playsets for kids, anything from themed sets to those perfect for small backyards can be found here. Our overall favorite product is from KidKraft because it’s durable, affordable, and easy to assemble. Keep reading for a list of the best backyard playsets for kids.
Our Top Picks
  | Best Overall: KidKraft Andorra Cedar Wood Swing Set This backyard playset has a little bit of everything. It’s perfect for those who want a playset that is compact while still engaging kids if a fun outdoor activity. |
  | Runner-Up Best: Step2 All Around Playtime Patio Playhouse Here is an excellent option for those with very small backyard spaces, but still want their kids to have a backyard playhouse. It comes with features that make it a unique playset. |
  | Best Budget: Step2 Lookout Treehouse Kids Outdoor Playset Backyard playset don’t have to break the bank. This option is very affordable and will keep kids interested and playing for hours. |
  | Best for Small Spaces: KidKraft Garden View Outdoor Playhouse The best backyard playset for small spaces is a small garden house that comes with several built-in interactive features that kids are certain to love. |
  | Best Splurge: Backyard Discovery All Wood Playset Complete with a slide, swings, a rock wall, and more, along with the ability to hold several kids at once, this playset is our favorite splurge pick. |
  | Best Swing Option: KL KLB Sport Metal Swing Set with Slide If swing sets are the backyard playset your kids are interested in, definitely check this one out. It comes with two swings and other exciting features. |
A Closer Look: Best Backyard Playsets & Playground Equipment
After looking at all the instructions, we put together the best possible list of playground equipment and playsets. Read on below to see the final result.
1. KidKraft Andorra Cedar Wood Swing Set
The best backyard playset and playground equipment overall
Brand: KidKraft | Materials: Wood | Age Range: 3-12 | Size: 108.0 x 95.0 x 123.0 Inches | Price: 💰💰💰
If you’ve never had a backyard playset and don’t know where to start, here is a good option. With a slide, two swings, chalk board, rock wall, and sand pit, it’s hard to beat everything this playset has to offer. It comes with a lot of features while taking up little space in your backyard. The 100% premium cedar lumber ensures that this playset stands up to inclement weather and allows several kids to play on the structure at once. There’s so much to do and explore with this playset, kids are certain to have a blast.
Reviewers Like
- Pieces arrive packaged very well
- Swing can handle over 250 pounds without any issue
- Assembly instructions are easy to understand
Reviewers Dislike
- Very light wood so it might chip easily
- Chalkboard is not true chalk wall material, may be difficult to erase
2. Step2 All Around Playtime Patio Playhouse
The runner-up best backyard playset and playground equipment
Brand: Step2 | Materials: Plastic | Age Range: 2-8 | Size: 47.5 x 47.5 x 60.0 Inches | Price: 💰💰
Let kids pretend they’re getting ready to host their own outdoor party with this pavilion-style outdoor playhouse. On one side is a barbeque with tongs and a spatula while the other side has a serving table with plates, cups, and silverware. Another end has a small sand pit where kids can play with a small structure, buckets, and shovels. A fabric canopy overhead protects kids in the playhouse from the sun. There are enough activities in this one playhouse that several kids can play together and enjoy the outdoors.
Reviewers Like
- Wheelchair friendly
- “More engaging than a bouncehouse”
- Very sturdy playhouse once assembled
Reviewers Dislike
- Slightly challenging to put together
- Cover tends to fly off with any amount of wind
3. Step2 Lookout Treehouse Kids Outdoor Playset
The best budget backyard playset and playground equipment
Brand: Step 2 | Materials: Plastic | Age Range: 2-7 | Size: 66.5 x 25.0 x 57.5 Inches | Price: 💰
If you are looking for a backyard play structure on a budget, look no further. This slide treehouse from Step2 is the perfect product for your little ones. Keep in mind that this playset runs smaller, so it’s only ideal for young kids. That said, kids love climbing the steps and sliding down. They can pause to look through the telescope at the top of the structure as well. It’s small size makes it safe and easy to use for small children. This is a great buy if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a fun playset for a youngster.
Reviewers Like
- Kids enjoy the telescope accessory
- Lightweight but still extremely durable
- Kids as young as 1-year-old can easily play on this structure
Reviewers Dislike
- Very small, ideal only for young kids
- Somewhat challenging to put together
4. KidKraft Garden View Outdoor Playhouse
The best backyard playset and playground equipment for small spaces
Brand: KidKraft | Materials: Wood | Age Range: 3-8 | Size: 53.3 x x 54.3 x 57.4 Inches | Price: 💰💰
For those working with small spaces, owning a backyard playset is not out of reach. This miniature house comes with interactive details like a working doorbell, functional mailbox, a clock with moveable hands, and more. Kids can get creative with how they play in this play structure. A cute planter box and two chalkboards on the outside let them write notes and pretend to tend to their own plants. The set is structured with an accordion-folding design which makes it easy to assemble.
Reviewers Like
- Very easy to put together (less than 2 hours)
- Very affordable for the quality of the product
- Kids love the interactive features installed in the house
Reviewers Dislike
- Not bottom to the structure
- Not waterproof, doesn’t stand up to heavy rain well
5. Backyard Discovery All Wood Playset
The best splurge backyard playset and playground equipment
Brand: Backyard Discovery | Materials: Wood | Age Range: 0 | Size: 186.0 x 150.0 x 119.0 Inches | Price: 💰💰💰💰💰
Our favorite splurge pick for the best backyard playset truly comes with everything. A rock wall and two kinds of ladders create multiple ways of entering the structure. The slide and attached swing set are added bonuses. At 16 square feet, this backyard playset is ideal for large backyard or playgrounds where several kids are expected to be playing on the structure. High rails on the slide and larger openings into the play structure help prevent kids from hurting themselves while playing. This is an excellent option for those seeking a top-notch playset.
Reviewers Like
- Tarp roof is very durable in different kinds of weather
- Stands up well over time, even after a year of near-constant use
- Can purchase assistance from Amazon to build the structure
Reviewers Dislike
- Takes up to two weeks to arrive
- Soft wood, some ends frayed after consistent use
6. KL KLB Sport Metal Swing Set with Slide
The best backyard playset and playground equipment
Brand: KL KLB | Materials: Metal | Age Range: 3-8 | Size: 149.0 x 118.0 x 73.0 Inches | Price: 💰💰💰
If a swing set is more interesting to your youngsters, we have the best metal swing set for your backyard. There are two swings in the center with a slide and teeter totter on opposite ends. Powder-coated steel helps keep it durable, passing playground performance and safety standards. It’s also UV and all-weather resistant which ensures that it will remain high quality through all kinds of weather. Reviewers love that different kinds of swings can be installed on this set. For example, a toddlers set can easily be added for young kids to enjoy the swing set as well. Consider this playset if you’re looking for a fun and engaging backyard swing set.
Reviewers Like
- Multiple kids can play on it at once
- Very sturdy once assembled properly
- Extremely enjoyable for even older kids
Reviewers Dislike
- Takes a long time to arrive
- Instructions might be hard to understand
Choose any of these backyard playsets to get a great product for kids to enjoy outdoors. There is a style and size for all ages and interests, you’re certain to find a product here that fits your little ones perfectly.
Our Process
For this guide on the best backyard playsets and playground equipment, our team spent 1 hour researching the most popular options from over 20 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about one hundred and twenty user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each backyard playset and playground equipment. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 6 backyard playsets and playground equipment on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.
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Further Reading
