When it comes to providing endless joy and adventures for your little ones, creating a great kids’ playground with quality outdoor play equipment takes centre stage.
The great outdoors provides the perfect backdrop for children to explore, learn, exercise and enjoy play (all without staring at a screen for hours on end!).
Whether you have a spacious backyard, or a cosy courtyard, the right play equipment can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
What 3 things should be considered when selecting kids’ playground equipment?
Safety first
Before anything else, safety is paramount. Look for playground equipment that meets industry standards and is built with durable, non-toxic materials. Ensure there are no sharp edges and consider age-appropriate options to prevent accidents.
Versatility and fun
Select equipment that offers a variety of activities, encouraging both physical and creative play. Versatile sets can grow with your child, providing years of enjoyment and learning.
Affordability
Look for outdoor playground equipment that delivers quality without straining your budget. Enjoying fantastic playtime doesn’t always require a substantial investment.
However, at times, investing in well-crafted outdoor toys can be a wise choice, ensuring lasting fun and cherished memories for your family.
What types of material are suitable for outdoor play?
Wood
Wooden playsets blend seamlessly with outdoor settings, offering a natural and classic appearance. They’re often sturdy and resistant to wear and tear, making them a popular choice for outdoor play.
Metal
Metal play equipment is known for its durability and long lifespan. It can withstand various weather conditions and the enthusiastic energy of little adventurers.
Plastic
Affordable and easy to maintain, plastic playsets are a practical choice. They come in various colours and are lightweight, making them perfect for backyard setups.
Plus, when your kids outgrow them, they can be a great gift to pass on to another family, reducing waste and spreading the joy of outdoor play.
The best outdoor play equipment to shop in Australia 2023
Here, we’ve curated everything you need for crafting the ultimate kids’ playground paradise.
Lifespan Kids’ Lynx metal swing set with monkey bars, $399, Big W
With four exciting stations including a dual glider, nest swing, regular swing and monkey bars, the humble swing set continues to be a cherished and timeless outdoor classic.
Key features:
- Made from high-quality galvanised steel with powder coating
- Patented safe two-seat glider seat design with cushioning points
- Adjustable seat height and interchangeable seats
- UV stabilised and weather protected
- Meets safety standards
Everfit 8FT enclosed round multi-coloured trampoline, $247.95 (usually $353.95), Myer
Enjoy endless bouncing excitement with this eight-foot trampoline, which is designed for safety, stability, and of course, plenty of fun! Featuring a heavy-gauge steel framework, triple-rate springs and a UV-tested design, this trampoline guarantees hours of worry-free play.
Key features:
- Rust-proof marine-grade galvanisation ensures longevity
- Superior bounce and water resistance
- Anti-graze mat with 5000hrs UV test for safety
- 20mm thick UV-stabilised padding
- Wide UV-stabilised spring skirt
- Bonus storage compartments
Lifespan Kids Backyard Discovery play centre, $1749, Temple & Webster
This wooden playset gives you a world of adventure, featuring a 122cm double rock wall, a thrilling 244cm slide and a sturdy belt swing. It’s more than just fun; it promotes physical development while ensuring safety and reliability.
“Outstanding,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “Excellent quality, highly recommended. Very easy to install (approx. 6 hours if one person is doing it). Delivery was very fast and professional.”
Key features:
- Materials: 100 per cent cedar wood, plastic, iron and rope
- The full-width double wall and nine rock cleats allow two kids to climb at once
- Easy assembly
- Easy to clean
- 30-day return satisfaction guaranteed policy
- 12-month replacement warranty on all parts for manufacturer’s defects and a three-year warranty on wood for rot and decay
Spalding 48″ Baller Basketball System, $499, Rebel Sport
Calling all ballers! Transform your driveway into a home court with the Spalding Baller Basketball System. This system is perfect for players of all skill levels, featuring a 48 inch polycarbonate backboard with a stylish original pad, and a heavy-duty Slam Jam breakaway rim for explosive dunks.
It has almost 720 five-star reviews at Rebel Sport, with one customer writing: “Product as described. Built for purpose with adjustable height so all my kids can play on it. Excellent size backboard and the rim has a great feel like a pro hoop. Rebel delivered to my door in an excellent timeframe from purchase. Overall excellent hoop at a great price.”
Key features:
- Pro Glide lift system for easy backboard height adjustment (2.3 to 3.03m)
- Sturdy steel frame
- 121L hybrid base that can be filled with sand or water
- Height adjusts from 2.3 to 3.05m in 6 inch increments
Action Sports kids’ action metal climbing dome, $99.95 (usually $189), Temple & Webster
Constructed from powder-coated steel, this robust climbing dome is your ticket to lasting outdoor adventures. Built to defy the elements, it offers resistance to weather and rust, promising years of enjoyment.
Key features:
- Promotes active play
- Helps enhance children’s motor skills, balance, confidence and coordination
- Suitable for kids aged 3-9
- Easy to assemble
- 12-month warranty
Rovo Kids’ monkey bars wooden climbing frame set, $836 (usually $1399), Kogan
This climbing set is a thrilling wonderland designed to captivate your children’s imagination while enhancing their strength and coordination. It’s not just a monkey bars either; your little Ninja Warriors will conquer new heights with the rock climbing wall, disc swing, pull-up exercise bars and rope ladder.
Key features:
- Crafted from premium solid UV-treated timber and powder-coated steel bars
- Weather-resistant treated wood construction and eco-friendly non-toxic paint
- Complies with EN71 safety standards
- Ideal for promoting upper body strength and agility in children aged 3+
- Easy to assemble
Amictoy seesaw, $186.51, Amazon
The Amictoy seesaw is a whirlwind of outdoor excitement your kids will adore. With its 360-degree spinning action, children can comfortably bounce up and down, spin around and giggle their hearts out.
“We bought this seesaw so our daughter could play on it with her cousins when they came to visit,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “The kids absolutely loved it! I like that it has the leg under the seat so that the kids don’t get dropped all the way to the floor like we did on the playground when I was younger. The spinning gives an added dimension for the kids to play. They had a blast!”
Key features:
- Ergonomic sponge grips for comfort and a strong grip
- Bumpers to absorb shock and ensure a pleasant playtime
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy installation with clear instructions
Keezi wooden outdoor sand box, $98.95 (usually $109.95), Myer
Bring the beach to your backyard and let the kids go wild. Whether they’re building sandcastles or sculpting sand art, the possibilities are endless.
Key features:
- Adjustable canopy to shield from sun
- Rounded corners feature plastic covers for safety
- Crafted from treated fir wood for protection against wood rot and insect damage
- Water and UV resistant
- Ground sheet included to prevent moisture, dirt and bugs
Lifespan Kids’ Amazon 2.5m monkey bar set, $599, Big W
Watch your little monkeys swing with glee through the jungle canopy of this monkey bar set. Monkey bars are the perfect addition to any backyard, and the Amazon is made from strong timber and quality parts.
Key features:
- Premium timber
- Premium ACQ treatment
- Pre-drilled and customisable
- Matte stained wood for a smooth, natural finish
- Passes Australian safety standards
Action Sports Kids’ Action nest swing, $149 (usually $239), Temple & Webster
Get ready for fun that never ends with Action Sports’ large nest swing, which is perfectly designed to take swinging to the next level.
Key features:
- Crafted with a robust metal structure
- Superior polypropylene with expanded polyethylene foam seating
- Equipped with ground anchor for added support
- Suitable for 3-10 year olds
- 12-month warranty
Backyard Discovery Skyfort II swing & play set, $3799, Big W
The Skyfort II play centre might be on the pricier side, but it’s worth every penny when you consider that it offers a comprehensive, hassle-free assembly with all-in-one convenience (and possibly leading to substantial savings in the long run).
“The finished centre is fantastic and the grandkids love it,” wrote a five-star reviewer. Very well made! Highly recommend!”
Key features:
- Raised clubhouse with wood roof, windows, covered entry way and bay windows
- Front porch with sun balcony
- Crow’s nest with telescope
- Lower deck with snack stand and picnic table
- Standard ladder and open rock wall ladder
- Long, super-safe, speedy slide.
- Challenging monkey bars
- Two belt swings and one trapeze
- Passes Australian safety standards
You might also like:
10 clever craft ideas and projects for kids
3 fun garden projects for kids
How to makeover a girl’s room with a bed canopy
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
