$250 to $500
Palm 5-in-1 Toddler Playground
Our smallest outdoor playground at 82.7 x 42 inches, made for patios, decks and small yards.
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Backyard Playground Sets
Backyard playground sets
Climb.Swing.Slide.
A backyard playground puts the park outside your back door. The right set depends on how much yard you have, how old your kids are and what they love to do. Here's how to measure your space, compare sizes and set up a playground safely, from small patio sets to full swing sets.
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The short answer
For a small yard, patio or deck, choose a compact play tower or toddler playground with no swing beam. For a medium yard, a swing set with a climber gives kids swings, a slide and a rock wall in one footprint. For a large yard or several kids, a full swing set with a playhouse, monkey bars and three or more swings keeps everyone busy. In every case, leave at least 6 feet of clear space around the set and add a shock-absorbing surface underneath.
Types
Types of Backyard Playground Sets
Toddler Playgrounds
Low platforms, short slides and easy steps for ages 1 to 4. Small enough for a patio.
Playhouses with Slides
A raised clubhouse for pretend play plus stairs and a slide, in a narrow footprint.
Swing Sets with Climbers
Swings, a slide, a rock wall and monkey bars on one frame for medium yards.
Full Swing Sets
A playhouse, several swings and more ways to climb for large yards and big families.
Indoor and Outdoor Sets
Foldable climbers that move between the playroom and the patio with the seasons.
Add-On Play
Water tables, sand tables and mud kitchens that round out a backyard play area.
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By yard size
Which Playset Fits Your Yard?
Play area adds about 6 feet of clear space on every side of the set. Leave extra room in front of and behind swings.
| Playset | Set size (approx.) | Minimum play area (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm | 6.9 x 3.5 ft | 19 x 16 ft | Patios, decks and small yards |
| Mimosa | 8.8 x 3.9 ft | 21 x 16 ft | Narrow yards and side yards |
| Sycamore Large | 9.3 x 5.2 ft | 21 x 17 ft | Small to medium yards |
| Sycamore XL | 10.5 x 5.8 ft | 23 x 18 ft | Medium yards |
| Forest Small | 12.8 ft long with swing beam | 25 x 18 ft | Toddlers in medium yards |
| Sycamore Jumbo | 13.9 x 7.8 ft | 26 x 20 ft | Large yards |
| Craftsman | 15.1 x 6.6 ft | 27 x 19 ft | Large yards |
| Forest | 16.5 x 8.3 ft | 29 x 20 ft | Large yards and big families |
By age
Choosing by Age
Typical ranges. Always check the age range and weight limits for each set.
| Age | Look for | For more ideas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 years | Low decks, short slides, easy steps and a bucket swing | Outdoor playsets for toddlers |
| 3 to 6 years | Rock walls, ladders, a playhouse for pretend play and belt swings | Swing set guide |
| 5 years and up | Taller decks, monkey bars, trapeze bars and saucer swings | Jungle gym guide |
| Siblings of different ages | A larger set with a mix of swings, plus a baby or toddler seat you can swap out later | Baby and toddler swings |
Buying guide
What to Look for in a Backyard Playset
A footprint that fits
Measure your yard and compare it to the play area, not just the set size.
Room to grow
Pick a set your child can grow into, or one that takes add-ons and swing swaps.
A mix of play
Swings, a slide and something to climb keep kids coming back.
Weight limits
Check per-child and total limits, especially for siblings and playdates.
Solid wood construction
A sturdy wooden frame stays cooler than metal and holds up to years of play.
Clear instructions
Labeled hardware and a good manual make assembly and anchoring easier.
Safety
Backyard Playground Safety
Pick a level spot
Install the set on flat ground, away from fences, trees, sheds and walkways.
Add 9 inches of surfacing
Use wood mulch, wood chips, rubber mulch or sand at least 9 inches deep, or rubber safety tiles.
Leave a 6 foot safety zone
Keep at least 6 feet clear on every side, with more room in front of and behind swings.
Anchor the set
Follow the manual to anchor the set so it cannot tip or shift.
Check it every season
Tighten bolts, check swings and chains, and top up surfacing.
Supervise play
Keep an eye on young children, and follow the age and weight limits for each set.
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Avenlur Backyard Playsets
Wooden playgrounds and swing sets from patio size to big backyard.
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$500 to $1,000
Mimosa Playhouse with Slide
A covered clubhouse on a 37.5" deck with climbing stairs and a 71" wavy slide, in a narrow 105 x 47 inch footprint.
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$500 to $1,000
Forest Small Swing Set
A compact playhouse tower with a slide and swing beam, scaled for toddlers and smaller yards.
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$500 to $1,000
Sycamore Large Swing Set & Climber
Rock wall, monkey bars, slide, belt swing and saucer swing in about 111.5 x 62 inches.
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$1,000+
Sycamore XL Swing Set & Climber
A taller deck and climbing wall with a wooden ramp, for growing kids and medium yards.
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$1,000+
Sycamore Jumbo Swing Set & Climber
A double peaked climbing wall, trapeze bar, wave slide and three swings for big yards and big families.
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$1,000+
Craftsman Swing Set
A modern swing set with slide, climber and sandbox. Supports 110 lbs per child and 600 lbs total.
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$1,000+
Forest Swing Set
Our biggest swing set, with a playhouse, slide and rock wall, at 198.5 x 100.1 inches.
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Backyard Playground Questions
What is the best playground set for a small backyard?
Look for a compact set with a small footprint and no long swing beam, such as a play tower, a toddler playground or a playhouse with a slide. The Avenlur Palm measures just 82.7 x 42 inches, and the Mimosa is a narrow 105 x 47 inches. Remember to add about 6 feet of clear space on every side.
How much space do I need for a backyard playset?
Plan for the playset footprint plus at least 6 feet of clear space on every side, and more in front of and behind swings and at the bottom of slides. For example, the Sycamore Large is about 9 x 5 feet but needs a play area of roughly 21 x 17 feet.
What should go under a backyard playground?
Use a loose-fill surface such as wood mulch, wood chips, rubber mulch or sand at least 9 inches deep, or rubber safety tiles. Grass and packed dirt do not absorb falls well. Extend the surface at least 6 feet beyond the set on all sides, following CPSC playground safety guidelines.
What age is a backyard playset for?
It depends on the set. Low decks, short slides and toddler swings suit ages 1 to 4. Taller decks, rock walls, monkey bars and trapeze bars suit preschoolers and older kids. Check the age range and weight limits for each set, and choose one your child can grow into.
Is a wooden playset better than metal or plastic?
Wood is sturdy, stays cooler in the sun than metal and looks at home in a backyard. Plastic sets are lighter but can fade and crack, and metal sets can get hot. A wooden set needs a yearly check of the hardware and finish.
Do backyard playsets need to be anchored?
Yes. Any set with swings, climbing walls or monkey bars should be anchored or installed on level ground exactly as the manual describes, so it cannot tip or shift during play.
Can I put a playset on a slope?
Choose the flattest spot in your yard. A playset should be installed on level ground, so a sloped yard may need to be leveled where the set and its safety zone will go.
How do I maintain a wooden playset?
Check and tighten bolts at the start of each season, look for loose or worn parts, rake and top up the surfacing, and keep the wood clean. Follow the care instructions in your manual for the finish.
Keep reading
More Guides
Bring the Playground Home
Wooden backyard playsets covered by our five-year warranty and shipped free in the continental US.
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