How Do I Choose An Outdoor Playset?

Buying a playset for the kids is a fantastic idea for a family present because it will encourage your children to spend time together outside, where they can burn off some energy and enjoy the fresh air. However, finding out how to select a backyard playset can be challenging when there are various possibilities at varying pricing points. To make your search easier, we've outlined the most important criteria to consider while evaluating different types of playsets.

Some parents buy their children an outdoor playset in an attempt to recreate the fun of going to the playground without leaving the house. Even though a playground isn't strictly necessary, it's a good idea to invest in one because your kid will use it for years to come.

The metal and plastic playsets that were common when we were kids have been replaced by more flexible and creative designs. Many are now constructed entirely of wood and have climbing structures, playsets, and picnic areas. However, there is a cost to all those extra features: Larger, more complex sets might cost thousands of dollars. Online baby product directory at My Baby Nursery.

If a parent has the means to do so, they should invest more in play equipment that is made of better materials and has more built-in safety features.

The Difference Between Commercial And Residential Playsets

There are a few essential distinctions between residential and commercial playsets to keep in mind, even though the function of your area may dictate the type of playground equipment you require.

Residential Playsets

Families with kids would benefit greatly from installing a residential playset in their home. Even a tiny yard can become a fantastic area to let kids' creativity run wild with the addition of a high-quality playset.

The possibilities for your home playset are limitless thanks to the large variety of standard playsets and the extensive variety of customizable accessories. Vinyl playsets don't require any sanding, painting, or staining and can be adapted to meet your children's changing needs for exercise and mental stimulation as they age.

Commercial Playsets

We have a commercial playset suitable for every location, from schools and daycare centres to parks and stadiums. Commercial playsets are made of long-lasting vinyl, so hundreds of children can play and develop without worrying about getting hurt by splinters. Commercial equipment is constructed to survive and requires no upkeep beyond a periodic hosing down during peak usage periods to prevent rust, bowing, and rotting.

Types Of Playground Equipment

Playground sets that truly shine take into account the ages of the kids who will be utilising them. This is why we have a wide range of equipment to accommodate a wide range of environments, budgets, and ages.

Free Standing Structures

When space is limited, freestanding constructions are a terrific way to get the most out of your entertainment experience. They are enjoyable for people of all ages, can be set up with no effort, and don't demand a lot of room. Both the balance board and the swing beam can be used for hours of fun and exercise in the development of motor skills. A hammock or picnic table in a shady part of the yard is a great place to rest after a day of outdoor activities.

Towers

Towers are becoming increasingly common in both commercial and residential playsets. The addition of buildings enhances the playset's visual appeal and provides more space for modifications like slides, rock barriers, ladders, and cargo netts. A canopies or roof can create a cool shaded area for kids to play in.

Playhouses

A playhouse may provide hours of entertainment for kids with active imaginations. In spite of their diminutive stature, playhouses are modelled after adult structures in many respects. They're ideal for kids who want to play house like their parents.

Kids can enjoy the outside through the slider windows with screens, and the playhouse may blend in with the rest of the yard thanks to the available shingle and siding options. Put together the best play area ever by adding a lofted playhouse to your existing playset.

How To Select An Outdoor Playset

Finding the right playground apparatus for your area might be difficult due to the abundance of alternatives. Here are five tips to help you find a playset that will last for many years and be a good investment.

Determine Space, Size, And Location

Space & Size

The optimal playset size will maximise entertainment without hogging all of the available area in the backyard, leaving plenty of room for future play equipment. Make sure your play area meets the bare minimal requirements for your chosen playset, but don't forget to factor in some breathing room for active play and future growth!

Location

Consider the clearances around your playset, as well. Many HOAs have restrictions on how close a child's playset can be to:

• Your residence
• Fences and property lines
• Sheds and similar structures
• Branches and trees
• clotheslines and electrical wires
• Water features and pools

Playgrounds should be installed in full view of the house so that parents can keep an eye on their children at all times; if possible, a shaded area should be chosen to reduce the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion from the swing set's slides and swings. If you want to get the most out of your playset investment, it's important to think carefully about where you put it together. We have a wide range of playpens for your baby right here at My Baby Nursery.

Select The Type And Color Of Your Construction.

Playsets should be made with the highest quality materials, and safety should always come first. It is important that a playground doesn't deteriorate or pose a safety risk over time because it is a pricey investment.

Construction Type

In terms of playsets, there are benefits and drawbacks to every design option. Some things to think about when deciding on playground equipment's build type:

Wooden Playsets

Due to their timeless design and long lifespan, wooden playsets have long been a favourite. To prevent decay and aid with insect control, pressure treatment is commonly applied to the lumber. Wooden playsets are a great investment for the long-term, but they require annual upkeep to prevent the wood from splitting and fading.

Metal Playsets

Famous for its durability and ability to withstand repeated use, metal playsets are a popular choice among parents. Powder coating is a frequent way to protect them from corrosion. Metal playsets have the potential to overheat and cause burns to youngsters during the warmer months.

Vinyl-Clad Playsets

Playsets made from vinyl are five times more durable and four times more adaptable than their wooden counterparts. They're a great alternative to traditional wooden or metal playsets because they're more durable and won't break or rust. They are also quite low-maintenance; simply rinse them down in the spring and summer to keep them in top shape for the rest of the year.

Colour

If you want your new playhouse to blend in with the rest of your yard's decor, consider painting it a colour that already exists in nature. Fortunately, playground equipment of all kinds is available in a rainbow of hues to accommodate any design scheme.

Your playset's paint or stain should complement your house's exterior and any other outside structures you have, such as a gazebo or a shed. Choose a colour scheme centred on white with a calming tone, such blue or green, if your home has white or cool-toned siding. Almond-coloured playground equipment with red, green, and yellow accessories looks well next to homes with warm-coloured exterior. Wood-grain finishes are a classic choice that may complement both cold and warm colour palettes.

Consider Age Range

Safety And Age Appropriateness

Keep the kids in mind when making decisions about the playset and any accessories. Even the youngest children will enjoy playhouses and baby or infant swings, while items like rock walls, cargo netts and trapeze bars are more suited to older children who are developing more complex motor abilities. You know your kids well, and while there are some general principles to follow while looking for a safe playset, you should ultimately use your own judgement.

Tower Deck Height

If you want to get the most out of your playground equipment investment, you should think about how it can accommodate your kids as they develop. The deck height of your children's playset should be at least 5 feet so that they can use it for a longer period of time. Older kids, or younger kids under close supervision, can have more fun on a taller (6'-9') or multi-level deck.

There are commercial settings, such as preschools and daycares, where a playset with lower deck heights may be appropriate because the playset does not need to grow with the children.

Weight Restrictions

Know how much your chosen playset and its accessories can weigh. You might want a playset with a higher weight restriction for a few different reasons:

• As a result of the large number of kids (commercial uses)
• Children who are older or who have older siblings
• Some kids, especially the really young ones or the ones with special needs, may benefit from having an adult on hand while playing on a playset.

A Playset That Grows With Your Children

Maximise the fun of your toy by customising it with various extras. Your children's playset may be adapted to meet their changing needs as they grow, making it ideal for encouraging the development of their motor skills. Selecting a playset with a number of towers of varied heights will help ensure the security and mental engagement of your children as they grow.

Children of preschool and kindergarten age can benefit from more advanced playground equipment, such as enclosed slides, tyre swings, and tower-level playhouses, instead of the open slides, infant swings, and ground-level playhouses they used to utilise.

As your kids become older, you may give them a place to practise their motor skills and discover their sense of adventure by adding features like monkey bars, rock climbing ramps, and more towers.

Think About Your Personality And Interests

Consider the kids first while making your playground decision. Do they want to become the next ninja warrior, or do they want a secluded spot to have tea parties and act out make-believe? Regardless of their passions, you should get them a playset that meets their requirements and encourages them to grow.

Children's social and physical development can be aided by a high-quality playhouse that becomes the neighbourhood hangout.

Go For A Test Drive With Your Playset

Even if you'll be footing the bill, it's important to get a playset that the kids will actually use. By including them in the decision-making, you may select the most appropriate playground apparatus for your home, school, or community. Invite the youngsters to the Swing Kingdom design centre to create a custom playset based on their ideas through drawing or writing.

The dealer locator can help you identify a local retailer where your children can try out a Swing Kingdom before you make a purchase decision.

Other Things To Consider

• Guarantee Safe to Use — Like you, we prioritise safety above all else. The first and foremost thing to check is that the kit is safe to use.
• See It That Everyone Has Enough Space — Have you been debating whether a swing set or outdoor playset would be best for your children? Ensure there's adequate space for everyone to participate. Make sure there are enough slides, swings, and seats for your kids and their friends so that no one has to wait to have fun.
• Look to See whether It Is Maintenance-Free — Don't buy anything without first asking questions about this feature unless you're looking for more work in the backyard. To prevent its wood from rotting and falling apart, wooden swing sets need to be repainted or restrained periodically. Vinyl playsets, on the other hand, will never need to be stained, painted, or maintained to withstand the elements.
• Examine the Number of Possible Plays — It's important to provide a wide selection of playsets so that youngsters will continue to be interested in their purchase.
• Ensure that the kids enjoy it — Ask your children for advice on picking out a swing set because they will be the most objective observers. Simply said, if children are not enthusiastic about it, it is not worth purchasing.

Safety Tips

Cover The Ground.

More than 200 thousand kids every year get injuries when using playground equipment, and this includes both commercial and community playgrounds, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of these mishaps occur when people tumble to the unprotected earth below. Bark, rubberized mulch, play sand, or pea gravel spread over the area might help absorb the impact of a fall.

Beware Of Entrapment Hazards.

Children should not use climbing equipment that has a nett that they could get caught in. To avoid becoming trapped, any opening above ground level should be no smaller than 3 inches and no larger than 91 / 2 inches.

Regularly Inspect The Play Set.

Make sure there aren't any cracks, rust, rot, or flaking paint, and that everything is in working order. Additionally, parents should test the temperature of slides before their kids use them.

Go With The Pros. 

Having a professional assemble and instal your set is a smart option, especially for more complex playsets, to ensure that it is put together correctly and is safe to use.

Care Tips

Reseal And Clean The Wood.

Your playset should be power washed and sealed once every couple of years to preserve the wood.

Tighten Bolts. 

The expansion and contraction of wood is a natural response to changes in humidity and temperature. The bolts and other fasteners should be checked for tightness once a month during the warm months, beginning in the spring.

Shop Smart

Consider The Future.

Think about your child's development over the following few years before purchasing a playground for him, and opt for something that will serve his needs for a while.

The Classics Are Always In Style.

Parents have told us they would prefer traditional playground equipment like swings, gliders, and slides to something more trendy like a rock-climbing wall. Children prefer the tried-and-true, and they won't complain about much. All they need is the bare essentials to feel at ease and entertained. Looking for the best tables and chairs for a baby playroom? Look no further. My Baby Nursery has you covered.

Get Good Wood.

Instead of pressure-treated pine, spruce, or fir, Humphreys recommends opting for cedar or redwood. Because cedar and redwood aren't treated with chemicals, they're better suited for use around kids. According to Humphreys, they also last longer than pressure-treated woods because they are more resistant to rot and decay. He mentioned that cedar was less expensive than redwood.

• 7-10: The average lifespan of a well-maintained playset in years.
• 6-12: The depth of ground cover required to safeguard a child in the event of a fall, measured in inches.
• 6: The ground cover's feet should reach beyond the playset's perimeter.

Things To Consider When Selecting A Play Set

• Find some redwood or cedar. Lower quality timbers won't last long outdoors.
• Search for a solid build. Don't buy a cheaply made playset if you expect it to last more than a few years before it starts to sag and creak.
• Find an organisation that can fix your playset if there are any issues after they have been installed.
• Do you think this playset is big enough to be enjoyable? and justifiable?"

Conclusion

A playset for the kids makes a great holiday or birthday gift. However, large, complex sets may cost thousands. Due to their vinyl material, residential playsets never need sanding, painting, or staining. There are various playground equipment alternatives, making it hard to choose. We've included five crucial factors to help you choose a playground your kids will enjoy for years.

To allow for other activities, it's crucial to balance playing with garden space. Consider assembly when buying a playset for your infant or toddler. Our favourite playsets have pros and cons depending on the materials and design. For example, woodgrain playground sets with red, green, and yellow accents match similar-coloured dwellings. Young or special-needs children may benefit from an adult's presence on a playset.

Use the dealer locator to let your kids try Swing Kingdom products before buying. Bring the kids to the Swing Kingdom to construct a playground based on their drawings and words. Children cannot utilise netted climbing structures. Instead, bark, rubber mulch, play sand, or pea gravel help cushion falls. Parents should power wash and reseal playsets every two years.

Well-maintained playground sets can last ten years. Redwood or cedar is better for children's bedrooms than pine, spruce, or fir sprayed with hazardous chemicals. Avoid inexpensive playsets if you want them to last.

Content Summary

• Buying a playset for the kids is a fantastic idea for a family present because it will encourage your children to spend time together outside, where they can burn off some energy and enjoy the fresh air.
• However, finding out how to select a backyard playset can be challenging when there are various possibilities at varying pricing points.
• There are a few essential distinctions between residential and commercial playsets to keep in mind, even though the function of your area may dictate the type of playground equipment you require.
• A canopies or roof can create a cool shaded area for kids to play in.
• A playhouse may provide hours of entertainment for kids with active imaginations.
• Put together the best play area by adding a lofted playhouse to your existing playset.
• Finding the right playground apparatus for your area might take time due to the abundance of alternatives.
• Determine Space, Size, And Location The optimal playset size will maximise entertainment without hogging all of the available areas in the backyard, leaving plenty of room for future play equipment.
• If you want to get the most out of your playset investment, it's important to think carefully about where you put it together.
• Playsets should be made with the highest quality materials, and safety should always come first.
• If you want your new playhouse to blend in with the rest of your yard's decor, consider painting it a colour that already exists in nature.
• Fortunately, playground equipment is available in a rainbow of hues to accommodate any design scheme.
• Your playset's paint or stain should complement your house's exterior and any other outside structures you have, such as a gazebo or a shed.
• Keep the kids in mind when making decisions about the playset and accessories.
• If you want to get the most out of your playground equipment investment, consider how it can accommodate your kids as they develop.
• The deck height of your children's playset should be at least 5 feet so they can use it for a longer period.
• Know how much your chosen playset and its accessories can weigh.
• Maximise the fun of your toy by customising it with various extras.
• Selecting a playset with some towers of varying heights will help ensure your children's security and mental engagement as they grow.
• Think About Your Personality And Interests Consider the kids before making your playground decision.
• Regardless of their passions, it would be best if you got them a playset that meets their requirements and encourages them to grow.
• Even if you'll be footing the bill, getting a playset that the kids will use is important.
• By including them in the decision-making, you may select the most appropriate playground apparatus for your home, school, or community.
• Invite the youngsters to the Swing Kingdom design centre to create a custom playset based on their ideas through drawing or writing.
• The dealer locator can help you identify a local retailer where your children can try out the Swing Kingdom before you make a purchase decision.
• Please make sure there are enough slides, swings, and seats for your kids and their friends so that no one has to wait to have fun.
• If children are not enthusiastic about it, it is not worth purchasing.
• More than 200 thousand kids every year get injuries when using playground equipment, including commercial and community playgrounds, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Most of these mishaps occur when people tumble to the unprotected earth below.
• Children should not use climbing equipment with a net they could get caught in.
• Make sure there aren't any cracks, rust, rot, or flaking paint and everything is in working order.
• Additionally, parents should test the temperature of slides before their kids use them.
• Having a professional assemble and install your set is a smart option, especially for more complex playsets, to ensure that it is put together correctly and is safe to use.
• Your playset should be power washed and sealed once every couple of years to preserve the wood.
• Think about your child's development over the following few years before purchasing a playground and opt for something that will serve his needs for a while.
• Instead of pressure-treated pine, spruce, or fir, Humphreys recommends opting for cedar or redwood.
• 7-10: The average lifespan of a well-maintained playset in years.
• 6: The ground cover's feet should reach beyond the playset's perimeter.