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Nov 04, 2024

Best Kids Outdoor Play Equipment For You Home | Better Homes and Gardens

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Creating a kids’ playground with quality outdoor play equipment in your own backyard is a great way to providing endless joy and adventures for your little ones, all within the safety of your home.

After all, the great outdoors provides the perfect backdrop for children to explore, learn, exercise and enjoy play (all without staring at a screen for hours on end!).

Whether you have a spacious backyard, or a cosy courtyard, the right play equipment can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. So here, we have put together a collection of the best kids outdoor equipment available in Australia based on factors including size, design and longevity. We’ve also included key details on what to look for, as well as insights on what to look for based on the size of your space, budget and children’s ages.

01

Best for: reason

Lifespan Kids has taken the classic swing set to a new level with this design, which includes a dual glider, nest swing, regular swing and monkey bars.

“I bought this for my grandkids, aged from 2 to 12 years. It was a hit with them all, particularly the nest swing,” one customer who shared in a five star review via the Big W website in 2024. They added another handy insight if you’ve got trees outdoors, noting: “Unfortunately a tree fell on it the week after they started using it, but it did prove how sturdy the swing set is.”

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02

Best for: unforgettable playtime

With a cubby house, small rock climbing area and shaded sandpit, this outdoor playground set has something for just about everyone. There’s even a play kitchen inside, including a mounted sink, faucet and chalkboard.

While there weren’t any written reviews when we checked the Temple & Webster site, one happy customer did rate it five stars. Lifespan Kids also has an average rating of 4.5 stars via Google.

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03

Best for: driveway basketball games

Calling all ballers! Transform your driveway (or a paved area) into a home court with the Spalding Baller Basketball System. This equipment is perfect for players of all skill levels, featuring a 48 inch polycarbonate backboard with a stylish original pad, and a heavy-duty Slam Jam breakaway rim for explosive dunks.

It also has over 750 five-star reviews at Rebel Sport, with one customer writing: “Product as described. Built for purpose with adjustable height so all my kids can play on it. Excellent size backboard and the rim has a great feel like a pro hoop. Rebel delivered to my door in an excellent timeframe from purchase. Overall excellent hoop at a great price.”

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04

Best for: joyful jumping around

This colourful trampoline is packed with safety features to keep kids safe, including a safety net, shoe tidy net and thick rainbow padding.

“My daughter loves it super safe and easy to assemble, plus the cover adds to the safety on hot days,” one customer shared in a five star review via ProductReview.com.au, where Kahuna has an average rating of 4 stars.

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If you have more space or are looking for other trampoline features, check out our best trampoline buyer’s guide!

05

Best for: burning off energy and building up balance

Constructed from powder-coated steel, this robust climbing dome is your ticket to lasting outdoor adventures. Built to defy the elements, it offers resistance to weather and rust, promising years of enjoyment.

It’s proved popular with customers on Temple & Webster, where it has over 50 reviews in total, and over 40 five-star ratings.

“Great equipment for a small area, children 2 to 8 enjoy this product,” one customer who left a five-star review in October 2024 shared. They added that the “equipment is strong so more than 1 child can climb at same time adding to the enjoyment. Helpful to lay out all parts in their size group and to have 2 people when constructing as 1 can hold item while other screws in bolts.”

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06

Best for: climbing skills

This climbing set is a thrilling wonderland designed to captivate your children’s imagination while enhancing their strength and coordination. It’s not just monkey bars either – kids will conquer new heights with the rock climbing wall, disc swing, pull-up exercise bars and rope ladder.

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07

Best for: sharing the fun

Seesaws are a classic piece of kids outdoor play equipment, and this one from Amictoy puts a bit of a spin on the original, with 360-degree spinning action. It’s also got built-in bumpers, so children can comfortably bounce up and down, spin around and giggle their hearts out.

“We bought this seesaw so our daughter could play on it with her cousins when they came to visit,” wrote a five-star reviewer on Amazon. “The kids absolutely loved it! I like that it has the leg under the seat so that the kids don’t get dropped all the way to the floor like we did on the playground when I was younger. The spinning gives an added dimension for the kids to play. They had a blast!”

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08

Best for: sandcastles and creations

Bring the beach to your backyard and let the kids go wild. Whether they’re building sandcastles or sculpting sand art, the possibilities are endless.

One customer who gave it a five-star review on Myer shared: “pretty sturdy! great for young kids, especially because of the sun protection. My 3 year old got it for his birthday and loved it. Perfect little sandpit for a bit of fun at home.”

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09

Best for: aspiring soccer players

Channel the spirit of the Matildas and Socceroos with this pop-up soccer goal. It’s lightweight and portable, but also comes with pegs to secure it wherever you want to put it.

“While there was only one review on the Big W website when we che”Solid powder coat metal frame base adds weight to the structure. Kids love it. Good value for price. Seems to have been manufactured well,” a happy customer shared on the Big W website.

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10

Best for: slippery dip fun

The vibrant purple colour of this slide means it will quickly catch the eyes and attention of just about any kid. It’s also designed for longevity, with a robust steel frame and high-quality polyethylene and polypropylene materials.

“My kids, aged 3 and 5, love this slide! Highly recommend if you have young children,” shared one customer who wrote a five-star review on the Temple & Webster website.

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Before anything else, safety is paramount. Look for playground equipment that meets industry standards and is built with durable, non-toxic materials. Ensure there are no sharp edges and consider age-appropriate options to prevent accidents.

Select equipment that offers a variety of activities, encouraging both physical and creative play. Versatile sets can grow with your child, providing years of enjoyment and learning.

Look for outdoor playground equipment that delivers quality without straining your budget. Enjoying fantastic playtime doesn’t always require a substantial investment.

However, at times, investing in well-crafted outdoor toys can be a wise choice, ensuring lasting fun and cherished memories for your family.

Wooden playsets blend seamlessly with outdoor settings, offering a natural and classic appearance. They’re often sturdy and resistant to wear and tear, making them a popular choice for outdoor play.

Metal play equipment is known for its durability and long lifespan. It can withstand various weather conditions and the enthusiastic energy of little adventurers.

Affordable and easy to maintain, plastic playsets are a practical choice. They come in various colours and are lightweight, making them perfect for backyard setups.

Plus, when your kids outgrow them, they can be a great gift to pass on to another family, reducing waste and spreading the joy of outdoor play.

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With a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Wollongong, Tiarne spent the early years of her career honing her writing skills at publications like BEAUTYcrew, beauyheaven, Bounty Parents and BEAUTYDIRECTORY. Now, as a Digital Content Producer for Better Homes & Gardens, The Australian Women's Weekly, Women's Weekly Food and New Idea, Tiarne crafts content across homes, food, beauty, fashion and more. Her eight years of writing experience and love of shopping translate into articles that help readers find the best products (at even better prices!). Beyond the digital world, Tiarne enjoys unwinding with her dog, indulging in her love of baking, putting her beloved air fryer to good use and watching hours of mindless television (balance is important). These passions shine through in her writing, making her your guide to living well – at home, on a plate and beyond.

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