Ideas About Playstructure for the Backyard

There are quite a few less expensive options if you go for plastic or the metal ones. You could also try a search on Craigslist, there are usually some great choices and since it's used it'll cost much less (and you can always haggle over the price if you need), or eBay. There are also things like connecting tunnels the kids can climb through and blow up ball pits that cost much less and still have a great deal of play value.

We are looking, also, there are several at toys r us that are on sale right now. My husband wanted to spend $1500 and I didnt. We have one park about 6 blocks away and 10 within a mile radius. I thought something a little less costly would be better. There is one with swings, twisty slide, fort, sandbox, tictac toe and more that is on sale from $600 regularly $800. It has several reviews, the worst was that it was confusing to put together. I think they all said their kids loved it once it was done, though. I think we are going to get that. It is called the Bayside swingset Here is the link:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2993239

Hi M.. We have a wood with plastic coating play structure. We bought it a few years back at home depot. Don't know if they still carry it but it is awesome. It was a little bit pricey but worth it! All you have to do is spray it w/ a hose to clean it and you don't have to worry about weather damage at all! And there's no splinters!

We have the Step2 Naturally playful clubhouse climber http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1309 and have loved it! We have a 3 yr old and an 18 mo old and both play on it very well. I also like its neutral color because it blends into the yard and it will not fade like the brightly colored ones. We shopped around and with a coupon and free shipping I thin it was around $500.00. You can also find these things on Craigslist that are still in great shape!

Hi M.,
We're actually going to build a play structure this month. While we have one with swings and a slide, the fort part at the top of the slide just isn't big enough for our two (3 and 5) to share. So, we're building a tower between two large redwood trees in our backyard. That way, the kids think it's a tree house and yet there is nothing connected to the trees.

We're thinking about using Trex (or similar) for the flooring and hand rails. It's made from recycled grocery bags, somewhat resembles wood and doesn't splinter at all.

Have fun!

we bought ours at toys r us. on sale it think it was $800 and they are always on sale. it's cedar and has 2 swings, a glider, a climbing wall, a fort, monkeybars, a curvy slide, a cafe table and a sandbox below the fort. my boys were 2 & 4 when we got it and they still love it. after school every day they run out to the playstructure to play. during the summer they eat lunch at the cafe table. we weren't sure whether to get one or to just visit the park more often but we are really glad we did get one. the one drawback - there are a zillion parts and you have got to be good with putting wood structures together. good luck.

I have a basic set from "child life." I ordered it from a catalog several years ago but I'm sure they also have a website.
It's all wood, painted green, monkey bars across the top, two swings, a "horsey" swing and a trapeze/rings combo swing (no slide.) It cost around $1,200.
You do have to assemble it yourself, but it's very well made and attractive. We also have a sandbox from the same company.
It's such a worthwhile investment...good luck!

Try finding a used one on Craigslist. We got one that was 4 years old for $500...I've seen them for less too.

If you have a smaller budget, I really recommend a metal swing set with swings, slide, trapeze bar, and two-person flyer. Kids don't use the set past age 9 or so. These basic sets still provide lots of fun, no splinters, and are easy on the pocketbook. The advantage of these is that when your kids outgrow it, if you didn't let your sprinklers rust it out, you can quickly get someone who will want it and remove it for you (give it away or you can even sell it, plenty of used swing set buyers out there). It is a quick project to assemble and disassemble. If you want it to stay in your yard as long as you live there, and you want to spend a lot of money, go for the fancy wood set.

Costco has an awesome play structure in stores right now (we've been eyeing it for our twin grandbabies). It's a little pricey (for us) but if you think about the HOURS of fun and not having to load everyone up to go to the park. . . it has a climbing wall, swings, slide, table and benches and an upper level playhouse.

We bought a playstructure for our 3 kids about 4 years ago. It was the best money I ever spent. They play on it all the time. I recommend you get a swing bar with 4 swings. When they get older and have friends over they will use all the swings at once.

Go simple, the set-up is no small task...The assembly, what to put on the ground to pad falls ( sand, wood chips, outdoor carpet, real or "fake grass" or foam pads
( gray squares sold in four packs, at auto stores then tape together with duct tape)
the larger will be a pain if you pick the wrong spot.
wood will need to be treated every year or two.
The metal swing sets if anchored (cemented legs) and oiled moving part every year, can be great fun.
My kids have a huge cost co set, but they only use the swings...
We will be happy to get rid of it in a few years...

M., JUST YESTERDAY on craigslist I saw the greatest play structure!! I think it might be an indoor one but you should definitely check out the baby+kids section at craigslist, it's amazing how much stuff is there... here's a link to see the one I'm talking about: http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bab/663041987.html

Here's a FREE one that's on there today:
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/zip/664214908.html

Good luck!

Check out Playgrounds Unlimited. They are located in Santa Clara. The owners are good people.