Outdoor play provides a lot of fun in addition to much-needed physical exercise for children. Playing outside lets your children interact with their friends and indulge in creative camaraderie. Buying the best outdoor playsets for toddlers is a great way to keep them engaged. If they are bored of the same activities every time they play, these playsets can help them find new games and activities. The best outdoor playsets for toddlers will have creative tasks that let your little one apply their curiosity and imagination in a game-like environment. Read along to discover the best outdoor playsets available.
Benefits Of Outdoor Playsets For Toddlers
Exercise
Outdoor playsets offer much-needed exercise to your child. Activities like climbing, swinging, jumping, and sliding can help in improving endurance and building muscles. When children play outdoors with these sets, they also get a dose of vitamin D from the sunlight, which is beneficial to their health. The fresh air provides a boost of energy and revitalizes your kids, making outdoor playsets worth the investment.
Motor skills
Children also tend to learn how to play with the sets while it boosts their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. While playing in a group, children can also pick up on social cues like taking turns and sharing with others.
15 Best Outdoor Playsets For Toddlers
1. Best Weather-Resistant:Jungle Gym Kingdom Pirate Ship Wheel
Children love fairy tales that talk about pirates and their ships. Resembling the wheel of a pirate ship, this plastic outdoor playset is made keeping both safety and durability in mind. Just as a pirate ship braves all weather, this wheel can do the same because it is weather-resistant. Since it’s easy to set up and comes in four colors, your child can use this wheel to identify colors and sharpen their motor skills. The wheel dimensions are 12x1x12inches. This toy is easy to set up and install and can transport your child to the land of pirates and fairy tales. Pros
Quiet and smooth spinning Lightweight at just 0.6lb Meets ASTM safety standards Ideal for an outdoor playhouse Comes with mounting tools
Cons
Included screw may not serve its purpose Yellow cap may not stay in place
2. Best 350 Degree-Rotating:Trekassy Saucer Tree Swing For Kids
Whether you are planning to set indoor or outdoor playsets for kids, this option is for you. Made to resemble a saucer, this large and sturdy swing is made of high-quality steel and fabrics that are durable. Thanks to the strong ropes, you can hang the saucer either at one point for a 360-degree rotation or make it move back and forth like a swing. It comes with a set of instructions that are easy to follow and hanging straps that help in adjusting the height. Here’s a video featuring a detailed review of the product. Pros
Spacious platform UV-resistant fabric Reinforced webbing for extra stability Includes tree strap Load capacity of up to 66lb Includes all necessary hardware
Cons
Colors may fade with prolonged sun exposure May not be easy to assemble
3. Best Polyester:PigPigPen KidsTunnel For Toddlers
Is your child geared up for another adventure? This time, they are going in a tunnel! Made of durable polyester and safe stitching for children, this tunnel is exciting and fun to play in. Your child can now play hide-and-seek, peekaboo, or simply chase others in the tunnel. The toy can help your child develop arm and leg muscles. Since children love to imagine things, they can stimulate their creative juices by making up a story around the tunnel. It’s easy to set up, dismantle, and store, and even comes with a bag for easy portability. Ideal for your home, backyard, and daycare, this tunnel is a must-buy for your little one. This video will help you understand the product better. Pros
Pop-up tube design Vibrant colors Easy to clean Mesh material Extendable design
Cons
Metal rings might hurt the knees when crawling Thin fabric may be easy to tear
4. Best No-Assembly:Intex Jungle Adventure Inflatable Play Center
Does your child like to play with water? This inflatable pool features a slide and animals such as alligators and a flamingo that easily fit into the pool. Made of high-quality PVC, it has built-in sprayers that you can connect to a garden hose. To make sure that your child is never bored, the pool has a ring toss game, a water slide, and five balls to play with! The pool can take up to 130 gallons of water at full capacity. To drain the water, pull out the plug from the floor of the pool. Until that time, your child will never be deprived of fun. Check out a detailed review of the product in this video. Pros
Colorful and attractive design Dual pools Padded landing mat Spacious pool Can hold up to 178lb of weight
Cons
Multiple inflating spots may make it hard to set up Might deflate over time
5. Best UV-Resistant:Simplay3 Young Explorers Adventure Climber
Whether you plan to introduce your children to the world of colors or just want them to have fun, this playset is for you. It consists of a ladder and slide with a steering wheel attached to the dashboard of the playset. While children play with the wheel and imitate driving a vehicle, their motor skills and hand-eye coordination sharpen along with their muscles by crawling in and out or climbing the stairs. Pros
UV-resistant Easy-grip hand and foot holds Extra-wide slide Child-friendly edges Durable double wall construction Suitable for indoor and outdoor use Meets CPSIA safety standards
Cons
May be smaller than the expected size Some may find the instructions vague
6. Best For Imagination:ECR4Kids Peek-A-Boo Caterpillar
This playset is a brightly colored caterpillar that can be assembled and set up either indoors or outdoors. Whether your child is in a daycare, at home, or even in preschool, this toy perfectly blends into the atmosphere, making it an apt playset. Children can crawl into one side of the caterpillar and come out from the other, enjoying some exercise while sharpening their motor skills. Through this playset, you can motivate your child to roleplay, as it can do wonders for their imagination and creativity. You can also teach your children basic social skills, such as waiting for their turn, using the playset. Pros
Sturdy construction Vibrant colors Weather- and fade-resistant Ideal for children aged two to four years Rounded edges for safety
Cons
Caterpillar head may be flimsy
7. Best Child-Friendly:Simplay3 Young Explorers Indoor/Outdoor Discovery Playhouse
Made to look like a real treehouse, this child-friendly playhouse is loaded with ramps, steps, mail slots, and plastic cooking utensils. Specially built for young explorers and adventure enthusiasts, your child can crawl, climb, and look outside. An excellent option for playing pretend games, this playhouse boosts creativity and provides a lot of exercise to the arms and legs. The set is brightly colored to blend with the background, be it indoors or outdoors. Since this toy treehouse is designed with round edges keeping in mind the safety standards laid down by CPSIA and ASTM, it is safe and fun to play with. Pros
UV-resistant Easy to move Easy-grip foot and hand holds Double-wall construction Weather-resistant Durable build
Cons
May not be easy to assemble May require adult supervision
8. Best Skin-Friendly:Bundaloo Inflatable Seesaw Rocker
When children go to a park to play, they usually use the slide, merry-go-round, and see-saw. What if you could let them see-saw from the comfort of your home? This inflatable playset made of high-quality PVC requires two children to play and guarantees loads of fun. Wondering how to assemble it? Very simple! Simply roll out the see-saw, inflate it with air, and there you go! To pack it up, simply deflate the air, flatten it, and store it someplace safe. The see-saw comes with two handles for the children to hold on to, and thanks to its safety and stability, you can now watch your children immerse themselves in endless fun. Pros
Suitable for indoor and outdoor play Puncture-resistant Skin-friendly Backrest for extra support Soft and comfortable seat
Cons
May not be bouncy enough Inflating it can be time consuming
9. Best Food-Grade:UNIH Snow Toys
Are you heading to the beach to watch your child play with the sand? Perhaps it’s the hills to watch your child play with the snow. Either way, this playset has got you covered. This is an all-inclusive playset that your child can use to build or dig snow or sand. It consists of molds to make figurines and smooth-edged sand toys out of sand or snow. You can use this playset to teach your kids about the wonders of both surface types. The brightly colored tools help them develop their grasping skills and learn how to identify colors. Thanks to this playset, your child’s excitement to play with sand or snow will only grow with time. Features
BPA-free Non-sticky and reusable sand Food-grade material Smooth edges
10. Best For Balance:Bobike Kids Climbing Rope Tree Swing
This is a fully adjustable polythene rope that can be attached to a tree. Swinging or rocking is a leisurely activity that can put babies to sleep and encourage adults to unwind and relax. Children using this rope to climb and swing around are assured of all the fun and excitement that follows. Playing with this will help your child improve their balance, strength, and coordination. The rope features a disc that can be used as a seat to help kids swing. All materials used in this set meet ASTM safety standards, making them safe to use. Simply mount it onto a sturdy tree branch, and you are good to go. Pros
Smooth-edged disc Has a load capacity of up to 440lb Five-foot long rope Easy to grip Sturdy rope
Cons
Bottom disc may feel less sturdy May require adult supervision
11. Best Safari-Themed:Step2 Safari Truck Climber
Encourage children to explore the wild and learn about flora and fauna. This climber resembles a truck with a slide on its back where your little ones can climb, crawl, and slide to their heart’s content. It’s designed such that multiple children can play on it at the same time. The oversized wheels, binoculars mounted on the top, safari-themed colors, and open rooftop resemble an actual safari vehicle. Right from role plays and motor skills to physical skills and critical thinking, this playset guarantees tons of learning and development for your children. Pros
Large platform Realistic details Easy to assemble BPA-free and VOC-free Free of phthalates Sturdy and stable structure
Cons
May require additional drilling May not include all the necessary hardware
12. Best For Pretend-Play:Cute Stone Kids Gardening Tool Set
This gardening tool playset by Cute Stone contains a variety of items, including a baby-sized wheelbarrow, shovel, watering can, DIY flower garden buildings, insect figures, and flower pots. These tools are toy-like but equally functional, and the wheelbarrow also acts as a good storage space. The DIY flowers glow and play music help children develop fine motor skills and spark their imagination. Not only does this set promote family time, but it also helps children build social skills through fruitful interaction and engagement with their friends. Pros
Great set for encouraging pretend-play Easy-to-grab wheelbarrow handles Made of environmentally friendly plastic Free of odor Sturdy product with smooth edges Easy to assemble
Cons
Color may fade with frequent outdoor usage Contains small parts that may pose a choking hazard
13. Best Wooden:Little Tikes Real Wood Adventures Bobcat Bridge
This spacious playset can accommodate up to 12 children at once. It has a multi-tiered clubhouse with relaxing sunshades that can be used by children for their favorite activities, such as stargazing. The rock climbing wall, monkey bars, and cargo net ensure countless hours of fun while giving their bodies some much-needed exercise. The swings are made to suit children of all ages, and the sunshades on this playset can be changed accordingly to make space for relaxing too. This playset assures maximum safety as it is ASTM-certified. Pros
Made of wood Promotes active play Wide range of activities Easy-access slide Built-in picnic table Sturdy and durable
Cons
Some hardware could be missing Multiple parts make it hard to assemble
14. Best BPA-Free:Innofans Bubble Maker Machine
Children are known to appreciate the little things in life, such as bubbles. This bubble machine by Innofans is a sure-shot way to ensure that your children are never short of fun. It comes with eight spinning wands and two bottles filled with liquid soap for generating giant sparkly bubbles. The machine can produce more than 4,000 bubbles in a minute. Whether you want to play in your backyard or host a party for your little ones, this bubble machine can only add more joy to every occasion. It is made of durable materials to ensure complete safety for your children. Pros
BPA-free material Easy one-button operation Kid-friendly design Suitable for indoor and outdoor use Ideal for children aged three years and above
Cons
May not be easy to access the battery compartment
15. Best For Roleplay:ECR4Kids Buccaneer Boat
Is your child ready to explore the seven seas? It’s time to board the ECR4Kids Buccaneer Pirate Play Boat and set sail. This is a brightly colored playset made to look like a boat. Suitable for imaginative play and roleplay in schools and daycare centers, the set delivers all the fun that your little ones need. You can use it to teach them the different types of colors on this boat, thereby stimulating their color identification and learning abilities. Since this playset is certified by Greenguard for minimal chemical emissions, it is not only fun but also safe to use. Pros
Weather- and fade-resistant Suitable for indoor and outdoor use Realistic nautical details Tool-free installation Suitable for group play
Cons
Might need anchoring for safety May not be highly sturdy
Since there are a lot of playsets to choose from, how will you decide the best one for your child? To help you narrow down your preferences, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive buying guide.
How To Choose The Right Children’s Outdoor Playsets
Age
You have to choose a playset that is suitable for children belonging to a particular age. Playsets for children belonging to younger ages are designed to be more basic with simple structures, whereas older children tend to have structures that take a longer time to set up. Whichever age your child belongs to, adult supervision while they play is always essential.
Materials
Choose a playset made from materials that are safe for children. Right from the nuts and bolts to the kind of paint, how a toy is made plays an important role in deciding the safety of the children. It is not advisable to choose playsets that have paints leaving an odor. Similarly, you have to choose options that don’t have blunt edges as it helps in minimizing the risk of getting injured.
Space
Many playsets are compatible with both the indoors and outdoors. However, deciding where to place it depends on the space you need to set it up. While setting up an outdoor playset, ensure there’s enough room for kids by removing any stones or sharp objects and covering the space with grass. Similarly, while setting up an indoor playset, you have to ensure there is a dedicated space for the same.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Specializing in kids’ products, Priti Bose ensures that her well-researched articles give readers just what they need for their children. She researched numerous platforms for each product’s detail and customer feedback to compile a list of the finest outdoor playsets for toddlers. All of these listed playsets have detailed descriptions, along with the benefits of outdoor play and a shopping guide to assist you in selecting the best outdoor playset.
