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5 playground equipment essentials – to kick your spring season into full swing

Bring the magic of make-believe to come alive with these playground equipment essentials

playground equipment
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Tired of spending countless hours cooped up indoors? With the weather getting warmer, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel, and we have the solution for your stir-crazy children: playground equipment. 

Before any one of us gets ahead of ourselves, let's pump the brakes. It's crucial to dial in on the proper type of playground equipment, meaning it's imperative to find not only fun and exciting options but ones that prioritize sturdiness and safety too.

We have all that covered, having rounded up five backyard playground equipment essentials that will kick your spring into full-swing and keep it going all season long.

1. Try a multi-functional option

playground equipment

(Image credit: Walmart)

<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F3-1-Kids-Swing-Set-Double-Face-Chair-Glider-Climbing-Ladder-A-Frame-Outdoor-Heavy-Duty-Metal-Set-Backyard-Playground%2F422906191%3Fwmlspartner%3Dwlpa%26selectedSellerId%3D101001360%26%26adid%3D22222222227417100301%26wl0%3D%26wl1%3Dg%26wl2%3Dc%26wl3%3D502120370534%26wl4%3Daud-1028050746418%3Apla-1187406152799%26wl5%3D9067609%26wl6%3D%26wl7%3D%26wl8%3D%26wl9%3Dpla%26wl10%3D128133340%26wl11%3Donline%26wl12%3D422906191%26veh%3Dsem%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwi7yCBhDJARIsAMWFScOs8ejTDEYJhvsILcv1IQ3R3IbL3V5TQ1h194xmNAw0Af_MSEG1GXcaAi08EALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anself 3-in-1 Kids Swing Set for $212.48, at Walmart

Constructed from heavy-duty metal tubes, <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F3-1-Kids-Swing-Set-Double-Face-Chair-Glider-Climbing-Ladder-A-Frame-Outdoor-Heavy-Duty-Metal-Set-Backyard-Playground%2F422906191%3Fwmlspartner%3Dwlpa%26selectedSellerId%3D101001360%26%26adid%3D22222222227417100301%26wl0%3D%26wl1%3Dg%26wl2%3Dc%26wl3%3D502120370534%26wl4%3Daud-1028050746418%3Apla-1187406152799%26wl5%3D9067609%26wl6%3D%26wl7%3D%26wl8%3D%26wl9%3Dpla%26wl10%3D128133340%26wl11%3Donline%26wl12%3D422906191%26veh%3Dsem%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwi7yCBhDJARIsAMWFScOs8ejTDEYJhvsILcv1IQ3R3IbL3V5TQ1h194xmNAw0Af_MSEG1GXcaAi08EALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this swing set is weather-resistant to offer a long-term yet reliable solution. Simply attach the metal braces to the pre-drilled swing beam to stabilize the swing set from shifting and ta-da. With one swing, one glider with a footrest, and one climbing rope ladder, your kids will have hours of fun!

2. Invest in a cedar-wood-based swing set for a farmhouse feel

playground equipment

(Image credit: Amazon)

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107655&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FBig-Backyard-Andorra-Swing-Playset%2Fdp%2FB004QE810W%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B004QE810W%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KidKraft Andorra Cedar Wood Swing Set l Was $499.99, Now $374.10, at Amazon

Beginning with an exhilarating high-rail wave slide, the <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107655&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FBig-Backyard-Andorra-Swing-Playset%2Fdp%2FB004QE810W%2Fref%3Dasc_df_B004QE810W%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">adventure continues with a quick scramble up the rock wall to the canopy-shaded upper deck. There, enclosed by protective side slats, children can draw or write on the vinyl chalk wall, survey their magic kingdoms or sit and play. Outside, a trip to the sandbox for dinosaur digs or a ride on one of the two sturdy belt swings provides plenty of fresh air activity.


3. Install a toddler-proof swing

playground equipment

(Image credit: Etsy)

<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1623321&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F847008201%2Fbaby-swing-comfortable-designships-fast%3Fgpla%3D1%26&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - etsy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Baby/Toddler Swing starting at $80.90, at Etsy

New moms, rejoice! We have a solution for toddlers. 

Enter: <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1623321&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F847008201%2Fbaby-swing-comfortable-designships-fast%3Fgpla%3D1%26&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - etsy.com"" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - etsy.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this modern swing; with chunky wooden beads threaded into the front ropes and an easy-to-hook set-up, the whole family can get in on the backyard fun, regardless of their age group. 


4. Double-down on a dome climber

playground equipment

(Image credit: Walmart)

<a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FZupapa-2021-Upgraded-Dome-Climber-with-2-Year-Warranty-Decagonal-Geo-Jungle-Gym-Supporting-735LBS-with-Much-Easier-Assembly-a-Lot-of-Fun-for-Kids%2F968010177%3Fwmlspartner%3Dwlpa%26selectedSellerId%3D18950%26%26adid%3D22222222227408046879%26wl0%3D%26wl1%3Dg%26wl2%3Dc%26wl3%3D502014932127%26wl4%3Daud-1028050746418%3Apla-1185707621660%26wl5%3D9067609%26wl6%3D%26wl7%3D%26wl8%3D%26wl9%3Dpla%26wl10%3D125216107%26wl11%3Donline%26wl12%3D968010177%26veh%3Dsem%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwi7yCBhDJARIsAMWFScOQ1zv8tXSVH199emZJnenZG4Mz4ryxHw1q1DK9oAO88g1Zwjl_mZAaAseUEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dome Climber, Decagonal Geo Jungle Gym for $241.99, at Walmart

Give your child the ultimate outdoor playground equipment experience with this <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FZupapa-2021-Upgraded-Dome-Climber-with-2-Year-Warranty-Decagonal-Geo-Jungle-Gym-Supporting-735LBS-with-Much-Easier-Assembly-a-Lot-of-Fun-for-Kids%2F968010177%3Fwmlspartner%3Dwlpa%26selectedSellerId%3D18950%26%26adid%3D22222222227408046879%26wl0%3D%26wl1%3Dg%26wl2%3Dc%26wl3%3D502014932127%26wl4%3Daud-1028050746418%3Apla-1185707621660%26wl5%3D9067609%26wl6%3D%26wl7%3D%26wl8%3D%26wl9%3Dpla%26wl10%3D125216107%26wl11%3Donline%26wl12%3D968010177%26veh%3Dsem%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwi7yCBhDJARIsAMWFScOQ1zv8tXSVH199emZJnenZG4Mz4ryxHw1q1DK9oAO88g1Zwjl_mZAaAseUEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dome climber. Designed for kids who like to drill, climb, grab, and so forth — this all-in-one option provides a whole-body workout that develops strong coordination and balance in a superbly fun manner. 


5. This ultimate sports-inspired set

playground equipment

(Image credit: Amazon)

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107655&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FSportspower-Super-Fun-Metal-Swing%2Fdp%2FB005PQR5SE%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sportspower Super 8 Fun Metal Swing Set for $497, at Amazon

<a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=107655&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FSportspower-Super-Fun-Metal-Swing%2Fdp%2FB005PQR5SE%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">This all-inclusive choice was created with one mission in mind: keep kids outdoors and having fun – and that's what this top-rated selection will do. Designed with features such as a classic swing, a two-person flying saucer swing, a rocking horse swing, and a 6-foot wavy slide. It's hard-pressed to find something more comprehensive or exhilarating. 

Brittany Romano
Shopping Contributor

Brittany Romano wrote for Homes & Gardens as a U.S. Shopping Editor. A graduate of New England College, Brittany started her career as a freelance fashion market assistant at Marie Claire. She later joined AMI, where she designed a highly profitable commerce vertical. Noted for her award-winning content, she's covered everything from celebrity beauty hacks to the most lavish home decor.