Home Outdoors
ByMary Henn
Updated: Jan. 29, 2024
Make your backyard carnival-like for your kids with these outdoor play sets!
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No-Tree Treehouse
Don’t have a tree? No problem! This freestanding Scenic Heights Outdoor Cedar Playhouseis a tall, miniature wooden home with all the essentials for hours of play. It has a flat-step ladder that leads up to a swinging front, a side porch with stairs, windows, a play kitchen, boxes for toy storage, a cushioned bench and more. Your kids (and probably your neighbors’ kids, too) are certain to love this no-tree treehouse.
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Rocket Swing
This made-in-the-U.S.A. rocket swing will have your kids soaring in no time! It’s weather-proof and seats two small children for face-to-face interaction. Ready for takeoff? Install this unique piece onto your already-existing swing set with a few simple steps.
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PVC Fort
No, you don’t have to spend a month’s salary for your kids to have a good time. Build your own play set with the excess PVC pipe you have stored down in the basem*nt. Use PVC pipe to build a fort you can use inside or out. Instead of making custom curtains for the fort, you can even use old sheets and blankets to add to the fun (and help you save cash).
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Tree Swing
It doesn’t take much to hang a classic tree swing. This natural wood swing on Amazon comes in two colors and includes everything you need to hang it: Rope, buckles, and metal rings. It can be hung from a tree branch or a beam and works for children and adults. Oh, and did we mention it’s only around $50? Yep, you heard that right! Who knew hours of fun could be so inexpensive?
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Rock Climbing Wall
Keep your children active with a rock climbing wall. The Skyward Summit has four unique surfaces for varying challenges, plus two climbing cargo nets, one-floor net, and nine grips. The top of the climbing summit has a hole for children to peek out, so it’s the ultimate hideaway spot.
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Play Deck and Covered Sandbox
This covered sandbox has a wooden cover that doubles as a play deck and seating! When the cover is folded away, it turns into two wooden benches on each side of the sandbox. It also has a canopy to offer shade from the sun. You’ll love this deluxe sandbox because it’ll blend into any garden setting, and its features will have you wanting to play in it yourself.
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Play Tent
This indoor/outdoor tent makes an excellent sanctuary for kids. It includes a string of LED star lights for nighttime play and has a whimsical feel. This castle tent will be the biggest hit of any summer sleepover party. Plus, it’s under $60, lightweight, and easy to move. What more could you ask for?
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Teeter Totter
Here’s an award-winning teeter-totter that spins around and has large inflatable ball seats that are comfortable to bounce on. Up and down and round and round—your kid will have fun bouncing around without hurting their tush.
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Backyard Bungalow House
This multi-kid outdoor playhouse has a working door, mailbox, a kitchenette, a gardening station with pretend flowers and a lemonade stand with a real chalkboard. What more could they ask for? The adjustable canopy roof opens and closes, providing relief from the sun when necessary.
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Obstacle Course
Kids of all ages will enjoy this monkey bar and ladder kit for the ultimate backyard obstacle course. The kit includes 50-feet of webbing, three nylon rope monkey fists, two monkey bar holds, two gymnastics rings and a ladder to keep the whole family entertained for hours on end. Bonus: This thing might just keep you in great shape too!
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Playhouse Frame
This simple playhouse framecan be customized and decorated by you and your child. This model is 96 inches wide and offers hours of fun to help elevate those days spent playing in the backyard. The frame brackets make it easy for anyone to assemble the playhouse structure in less than a few hours. No angle cuts are necessary!
Originally Published: April 08, 2020
Author
Mary Henn
Mary Henn, MA, MFA is a shopping editor at Family Handyman. She’s also a national award-winning writer and journalist. Her expertise lies in interior design, cleaning, pets, and outdoor trends.
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