Play equipment for children turns the garden into an exciting outdoor playground right on your doorstep in no time. In this guide we reveal which garden play equipment is an absolute must for kids.
With the gardening season comes the time for children to play outside – with great play equipment in the garden it’s twice as much fun! But which outdoor play equipment is popular with kids, what can each model do and what age are they suitable for? We looked around and filtered out the eight best play equipment for the garden from the jungle of offers – there is something suitable for every child and every garden size.
The most popular play equipment for kids
There are a few toys that are particularly popular with children. These include classics such as swings, slides and climbing frames. But special features such as trampolines and paddling pools, which are not available on every playground, are also sought after by the little ones.
1. The trampoline
From children to adults – jumping on a trampoline is fun for everyone. And in addition to the fun of it, jumping has another advantage because it promotes coordination and balance and strengthens the muscles. Parents can let their children jump without hesitation on a trampoline secured with a net, such as the Songmics model.
- Large diameter of 305 centimeters
- External net included for more safety (height: 1.8 meters)
- Can hold up to 150 kilograms
- Soft foam padding
- available in different colors
Click here for the trampoline at Songmics
2. The gymnastics bar
Playful training of strength and dexterity is possible with a gymnastics or horizontal bar in the garden. Ideally, the bars of the horizontal bar are made of stainless steel, like the gymnastics horizontal bar from Hudora – this is particularly grippy and gentle on the hands as well as weatherproof. According to the manufacturer, the double version is ideal for two or more children and comes with a concrete ground anchor to ensure optimal stability.
- Made of stainless steel
- Four height adjustable
- Can hold up to 100 kilograms
- Assembly dimensions: 5 x 154 x 241 centimeters
- Free-standing installation possible
Click here for the gymnastics bar on Amazon
3. The seesaw as a classic play device
A seesaw is well suited for a large family with at least two children because it can only be played by two people. There are models for very small or slightly older children. Children should definitely be able to hold on well. With classic rockers, additional impact protection on the floor can be considered. The garden seesaw from Spielwerk is beautifully colorful and has a little extra: it can be rotated 360 degrees.
- For children aged three to six
- Can hold up to 70 kilograms
- Rotates up to 360 degrees
- Dimensions: 200 x 67 x 70 centimeters
- Includes shock absorbers and non-slip handles
Click here for the rocker on Ebay
4. The rope ladder
A rope ladder is a great play equipment for adventurers and explorers of the highest heights. The outdoor rope ladder from Eichhorn is made of wood and offers five rungs with which the little ones can reach high:
- For children aged three and over
- Length: 170 centimeters
- TÜV/GS tested
- Can hold up to 60 kilograms
- With five rungs
Click here for the rope ladder on Amazon
5. Creative play equipment: The modular climbing frame
The modular climbing frame is ideal for little ones aged three and over. Not only can they play and climb around to their heart’s content, the construction itself is a lot of fun and is always new. With the climbing tower from Moveandstic there are many options for building your own towers and constructions – according to the manufacturer, putting them together is child’s play:
- For children aged three and over
- Easy installation of the modules
- Numerous constructions possible
- Large set of 300 pieces
- Made from plastic
Click here for the climbing frame on Ebay
6. The nest swing
A nest swing is a good option for the garden for both small and large children. These swings are cozy and safe even for babies, bringing fun and comfort while swinging. The Yorbay nest swing is designed without holes, which increases safety for the little ones:
- For children of all ages
- Diameter: 100 centimeters
- Can hold up to 300 kilograms
- Length of the ropes adjustable from 150 to 180 centimeters
- Easy assembly
Click here for the nest swing on Amazon
7. Complete set: play tower with slide and swing
If you have enough space in the garden and want to give the kids a lot of fun, you can consider a complete set consisting of a play tower, slide and swing. Everything that is fun for the little ones is already included here. The wooden play tower with a plastic slide and two swings as well as a climbing wall is an adventurous overall package with numerous play options for children aged three and over:
- Includes slide, double swing and climbing tower
- For children aged three and over
- Slide: 1.75 meters long
- Dimensions when assembled: 295 x 160 x 210 centimeters
- Required area: 30 square meters
Click here for the play tower on Ebay
8. For the summer: The paddling pool
When it gets really hot, the little ones love a nice way to cool off. Paddling pools in your own garden are a welcome alternative to the outdoor pool. With this paddling pool, cooling off and fun go hand in hand – with a slide, arch and rubber animals, hours of playing in the cool water are guaranteed:
- For children aged three and over
- Dimensions: 246 x193 x 105 centimeters
- Inflatable
- Maximum water depth: 20 centimeters
- Holds up to 650 liters of water
Click here for the paddling pool on Ebay
The best play equipment for every taste
In no time at all, the garden can be transformed into your own adventure playground with the right play equipment. There are devices that are particularly popular with little ones. When buying, you have to pay attention to a few things, such as the safety and stability as well as weather resistance of the devices and enough space in the garden, ideally on a soft surface such as a lawn.
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