The Best Outdoor Play Equipment for a Chic Backyard Look

OK, parents and caregivers of the world, it’s time to get real. We love our little darlings, and we really want them to have safe and fun places to play in the backyard now that spring is here. But we also like to entertain (and someday we’ll be allowed to do that again!) So we kind of want outdoor play equipment that doesn’t wreck our design aesthetic. Do we really have to choose? Happily, in this arena we can have it both ways! Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has curated a list of the best outdoor backyard play equipment brands that will provide hours of joy for your little people, and maintain a chic backyard look for you.

can outdoor backyard play equipment for kids actually be chic?

This pandemic has certainly offered incredible insight into what people deem essential in their lives. So far, there have been somewhat amusing reports of people “panic buying” toilet paper, baby chicks, flour, puzzles, and hair dye. We’re not here to judge. We may or may not have been one of those people.

At the time of writing, leaders across multiple states and countries are extending stay-at-home orders just as the weather is warming and signs of spring are emerging all around us.

As a mom of three elementary school kids who have been on lockdown for over a month, that makes me want to panic-buy outdoor play equipment and toys.

We are lucky enough to have a backyard in New York City, but we have always thought of it more as an adult entertaining space. With so many parks and playgrounds nearby to enjoy, we have never invested in anything more than lounge chairs and a grill.

Well, this summer it’s going to be a different story as we imagine it will be for so many other families. Is it possible to turn your yard into a tasteful version of a children’s wonderland? What will occupy and entertain them for an hour (or even 20 minutes) of unsupervised play so you can be alone in your own home? Maybe with a glass of wine, even. Just saying.

To address this pressing issue, we’ve searched through the available offerings and compiled over 25 picks of the best and most charming and unobtrusive outdoor play equipment that will allow you to maintain the chic look of your beloved backyard. It’s entirely possible to design a backyard that’s kid-friendly without compromising on style. Yay!

Chic backyard outdoor play equipment for kids 

Playground Sets

Swings, slides, and seesaws will always be a hit with young children. Whether you have acres of land or just one mature tree, we’ve got you covered.

1.

If space is not an issue, check out this winsome gazebo and play station wrapped up in one. It’s Amish-made with all the bells and whistles: three swings, rock wall, spiral slide, tube slide, waterfall slide and a bi-level deck. It’s pricey, sure. But we’re all saving on babysitters now, right?

BUY NOW $9,117.

2.

Every kid dreams of a treehouse, but not all parents have the time or inclination to help build one. This treehouse loft play set has a smaller footprint. But it is big on fun.

BUY NOW $4,002.

3.

Minimalist-minded families will appreciate this free-form activity center featuring the Pikler triangle. Pikler triangles are associated with the Montessori methods of learning and designed to encourage and promote independent play. Emphasis on independent!

BUY NOW  $650.

4.

There’s nothing wrong with a tire swing. But this dreamy, handcrafted swing made from Burmese teak wood and crocheted UV-protected yarn will bring a tropical resort vibe to your space.

BUY NOW  $1, 250.

5.

This stand alone swing set is a modern take on the tire swing featuring a whimsical and adorable elephant made from recycled tires.

 

BUY NOW  $213.99.

6.

Part art installation and part play structure, designer Gabriela Noelle’s inspiring lucite see saw is made to accommodate both kids and adults.

BUY NOW  9,712.50.

Pretend Play

Dramatic play helps children learn to solve problems, cooperate, and think creatively. These outdoor toys help take it to a whole other level.

1.

Are the kids missing school? Have them take a ride on this beautifully constructed school bus made from weather-resistant pine wood. It comes with nine seats on the inside, a steering wheel and stop sign for realism.

BUY NOW  $2,995.

2.

This enchanting Tudor style cottage is primed for tea parties, fairies and forest gnomes. The interior has a loft space, faux fireplace and mantle for maximum coziness.

BUY NOW  $9,249.

3.

Give them the keys to get out of dodge – metaphorically, of course. This officially licensed Fiat comes with 12 Volt upgraded battery and motor with working headlights, and horn.

BUY NOW  $299.

4.

This wooden playhouse reminds us of a breezy beach cabana but is neutral enough to be a stand-in for anything your little ones can imagine.

BUY NOW $481.49.

5.

Put them to work! The CAT Metal Digger is great for digging, dumping and building and can be used in the gravel, sand and snow.

BUY NOW  $309.95.

6.

We can imagine the kids playing restaurant or dining al fresco on this oh-so-cute wooden table and chair set.

BUY NOW  $90.98.

Water Play

No pool, no problem. Here are some super fun water play toys that will engage and delight the kids for hours. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

1.

There’s more than meets the eye to this humble rock. Connect the garden hose and it turns into a sprinkler to add to your nature-inspired playscape.

BUY NOW  $815.

2.

This inflatable rainbow sprinkler encapsulates what carefree summers are all about.

BUY NOW $159.

3.

S.R Smith makes residential splash pads that are surprisingly versatile. The zero-depth pad requires minimal yard space and is fully scalable and customizable. Choose from 6, 9 or 12 jets for a wet and wild time.

BUY NOW  $2,059.

4.

Kiddie pools get a design upgrade from MINNIDIP. Their whimsical patterns hit just the right mark and they’re also big enough for up to 3 adults!

BUY NOW $43.

Art, Music & Sensory Play

Although this type of play is usually associated with the indoors, we found some fantastic ways for kids to enjoy their hobbies in the great outdoors.

1.

If you have ever had a kid in preschool, you know that those water and sand tables are magic. You can even change it up with shaving cream and water beads for extra special sensory play.

BUY NOW  $410.

2.

Depending on how far away your neighbors are, you might consider this set of giant outdoor drums which all produce contrasting bass tones.

BUY NOW  $3,479.

3.

This 3-Way acrylic panel easel allows your littles ones to paint en plain air like an Impressionist. It’s non-rust, metal powder-coated frame means you can keep the mess outside.

BUY NOW  $187.95.

4.

Outdoor orchestra concert in your backyard? How dignified! This Chime Panel has a full scale of eight notes that allow children and adults to play a song and sing along. The pipe is a heavy gauge aluminum that will not rust.

BUY NOW  $1,739.

5.

Pretend you’re at the beach with this attractive sandbox that features two side benches. While the kiddos build sand castles, you can keep reading that page turner.

BUY NOW  $134.09.

6.

We see no reason why these restaurant sidewalk chalkboard signs can’t double as a canvas for some good old-fashioned chalk art.

BUY NOW  $107.99.

Lawn Games

We didn’t forget about families with older kids! These simple lawn games should be a good way to get the gang off their phones and outside for some friendly competition. And best of all, no assembly required.

1.

These six oversized dice are amenable to a host of made-up games. Just make sure the whole family agrees on the rules!

BUY NOW  $28.19.

2.

Grab a mallet and turn the backyard into a croquet tournament for the ages. This beautiful set is handmade in the USA.

BUY NOW  $359.

3.

The energetic rainbow colors of this oversized wooden tower stacking game should lure the whole family out for some quality time together.

BUY NOW  $79.89.

4.

Archery is a summer camp staple. If camps happen to be closed, why not set up your own shooting range?

BUY NOW  $56.99.

Summer is coming. And it might not be what we planned for even a few months ago but we’re going to make the best of it. Fellow parents, hang in there. You’re all doing great!

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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