What are the best outdoor playsets?

The best outdoor playsets are commercial-grade structures. These are durable, heavy-duty systems made from high-quality materials like powder-coated galvanized steel, rotationally-molded plastic, recycled plastic, aluminum, etc. Usually, commercial playgrounds are constructed from different materials than residential playsets. This is because residential playsets are intended for low-volume use in more private areas, like someone’s home. 

Commercial playgrounds are generally located in high-traffic public spaces and used by a large population of people. Commercial-grade materials are used to build these playsets to ensure the safety of anyone who plays on them and make these structures long-lasting. These playsets are IPEMA-certified and ASTM compliant. You will see this version of playsets in outdoor public spaces in several various locations like schools, parks, daycares, apartment complexes, or churches. 

Outdoor play systems bring learning outside, offering children a chance to exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and socialize with other children. Physical activity can relieve stress, regulate sleep, build key developing muscle groups, and encourage social interaction among children. For this reason, it is important to find the right play structures for the children in each community. The best and most popular play systems have several different features and activities that everyone in the surrounding community can enjoy. These can be small units with plenty of ground-level elements for infants and toddlers, or big installations with climbers and spiral slides for elementary-age kids. 

Generally, infants, toddlers, and school-aged children are the most frequent users of playground equipment. This is why the majority of commercial playground equipment is designed for kids ages 2-12. However, there are also commercial playsets and exercise equipment for older kids, adults, and even dogs.

Take a look at some of our Best Outdoor Playsets.

Best Early Childhood

Play is essential for children of all ages. However, it is important to consider the age of the children that will be using the playground equipment, since there are several different adolescent developmental stages. Early childhood ranges from six months up to five years old, before being enrolled in school. The best outdoor playsets for this age group encourage imaginative play, sensory stimulation, and motor skills development. This is why infants and toddlers will adore the Happy Hollow playset!

Happy Hollow

• In-stock and ready to ship
• Easy to mount and assemble
• New, state of the art for early childhood play
• More than a dozen unique development-focused play elements

Best Value

The most cost-effective outdoor playsets are Quick Ship or In-stock structures. These are a selection of the most popular or best-priced playsets in one or two common color schemes, primary and neutral. They will be in stock and ready to ship in a matter of a few weeks or even days, saving the buyer much time. And as we all know, time is money! It is also a good idea to be on the lookout for deal or sale pages on a manufacturer’s website. This is a great place to come across a surplus or open box item in perfect condition for a reduced price. Two examples of outdoor playsets that have the best value are Hoosier Nest and Cooper’s Neck.

Hoosier Nest

• Great for children ages 2-12
• Holds 28-32 children
• Incorporates 3 different play panels
• Boasts 2 slides, wavy and spiral

Cooper’s Neck

• Boasts a variety of play components including climbers, slides and ladders
• Perfect for elementary-age children
• Holds up to 40 children at once
• Offers a lot of play for a great value

Best Sellers

It can be challenging and overwhelming to figure out which playset would fit your needs the best. There are many factors to consider when making this decision: cost, quality, components, and more. Our bestselling play systems have the perfect combination of all these characteristics, making it more likely that your community will enjoy them! Granite Manor and Grand Cove are some of our most popular bestsellers. These two playsets are also featured in our Quick Ship collection. Your community is bound to love playing on these two play structures!

Granite Manor

• Suitable for ages 2-12
• Affordable option that packs a punch
• Features 2 slides, a single and a double
• Includes a pod climber, rain wheel and a drum

Grand Cove

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• Utilizes a subtle nautical theme
• Features 2 slides, one on each end
• Can be accessed from the pea pod climber or transfer station
• Suitable for ages 2-12

Best Components

The best outdoor playsets will have a diverse selection of components that offer effective fun for the target ages. Play systems will often feature a combination of slides, climbers, activity panels, swing sets, safety surfacing, site amenities, and more. A great playset will have several components that will intrigue, entertain, and enrich the minds and bodies of little ones. Woodstock and Eau Claire playsets are packed with various exciting elements that will keep children playing for hours!

Woodstock

• Packed full of thrilling play components
• Features a double, spiral, left turn, right turn, and straight slide
• Includes an attached craggy climbing wall
• Suitable for ages 2-12

Eau Claire

• Uses 10 pebbles to connect 2 separate structures
• Includes 3 amazing slides
• Features a tunnel that connects two sections of the main structure
• Suitable for ages 2-12