Backyard Playsets

In the minds of many children, there’s no better place than the local playground. From slides to swings, the playground can provide hours of entertainment for even the most active kids. However, you might want to consider installing a playset in your backyard to bring the park to you.+

What are backyard playsets?

Backyard playsets are jungle gyms that look like smaller versions of what you’d find at the local playground. Years ago, children were considered “privileged” to have a simple swing set in the backyard. These days, backyard playsets are getting more and more complex and can come equipped with everything from a standard slide to a miniature rock climbing wall. The cost can vary based on the size and intricacy of the playset, as well as the materials involved. Though plastic is a viable option for some, most higher quality playsets are made out of wood or metal. Those with more flexible budgets can even have playsets custom-designed to suit the needs of their property as well as their children. While some playsets offer the option of parental assembly, most large, complex playsets require professional installation. In these cases, the setup is usually built directly into the cost.

Who needs a backyard playset?

Anyone with young children and a large enough backyard can benefit from having a backyard playset installed. Backyard playsets are also a good option for people who don’t have a children’s playground nearby, as they eliminate the need to drive a long distance just to reach a swing set.

Benefits of backyard playsets

A backyard playset provides instant entertainment close to home. By building a place to play right in the backyard, you don’t have to worry about your children getting antsy or bored and causing a ruckus inside the house. After all, the more inclined the children are to play outside, the less likely they are to make a mess inside.

It’s no doubt that these days, even younger kids are spending more and more time watching television, playing video games, and wasting time on the computer. A fun playset is the perfect way to entice your children to get outdoors for some exercise.

Also, in this day and age, a properly-fenced backyard can be a much safer playtime environment than a local playground or park. A backyard playset can help put parental minds at ease by offering the fun of the playground in a private, secluded setting.

Downside of backyard playsets

Although some backyard playsets can reach the multi-thousand dollar mark, cost is rarely an issue when it comes to backyard playsets, as many affordable options are available. However, cheaper playsets come at a different kind of price. Playset safety has been a concern in recent years, with parents trying to skimp on cost and save money on labor by installing playsets themselves. The result has been child injuries ranging from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious broken bones. If your goal in purchasing an outdoor playset is to provide fun, safe entertainment for your children, then spring for higher-quality materials and hire a contractor for a more involved installation. Saving money should not come at the expense of child safety.

Another downside to backyard playsets is that they often take up too much room in the backyard, leaving little space for gardening, dining, and other outdoor recreational activities. It is important that homeowners come equipped with the proper land measurements before selecting a backyard playset. Furthermore, many playsets come along with specific safety requirements on needed outdoor space. Homeowners must adhere to these guidelines in order to avoid injury to their children and damage to their surrounding property.

Finally, while it’s great to have an accessible playset right outside the back door, backyard playsets are not a substitute for public playgrounds as far as social interaction is concerned. Children should regularly play with their peers on neutral territory to learn how to share and get along with others. A private playset might end limit a child’s contact with fellow kids, restricting him socially.

The bottom line

Backyard playsets can be a great investment in your child’s happiness. But when it comes to quality and durability, make safety your first priority. If you can’t afford a strong, stable playset, then it might be better to skip the backyard entertainment and head to the neighborhood playground instead. It might be less convenient, but on the plus side, it’s there, and it’s free.