14 Best Outdoor Playsets and Swing Sets for Older Kids
Updated 11 December 2020
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Author
Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.
Kids weren’t meant to be cooped up indoors all day. Playing outside on swings and playsets will boost their physical and mental health, reduces their stress, connects them with nature, and encourages better sleep patterns. But with games consoles, TVs, and all their cool toys inside, they need something special to tempt them into the great outdoors.
Luckily, there’s plenty of exciting outdoor playsets available for kids of all ages which they can enjoy in their own backyard. From simple climbing sets to adventure towers, rope ladders, wavy slides, and climbing walls.
Safety is key for outdoor play equipment whether it be for younger kids or more adventurous bigger kids, so we’ve done our research to find high-quality metal and wooden playsets using real reviews from real people to make sure you can trust these playsets to keep those mini Mowglis’ entertained, exercised, and active.
1Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber Play Center, Earthtone
Available in multiple colors, the Geometric Dome Climber is a classic outdoor play center that challenges any child to rush to climb to the top or swing freely on the bars. It's made with rock climbing hand grips to provide kids with more confidence in developing strength and improving their coordination. Meant for kids 3-10-years-old, the climber supports up to 600lbs.
What we love
- Balanced well between being lightweight and durable
- Plenty of room to play
What We Don't Like That Much
- Long assembly process may require two adults
2KidKraft Andorra Cedar Wood Swing Set / Playset F24140, Gift for Ages 3-10
The Andorra Swing Set is a simple outdoor playset that older children can readily flock to. It has a cool area that can fit a sandbox, two swings, a slide, and a simple rock climbing wall that isn't too tall. Inside of the deck is a fun vinyl chalk wall that can provide even more fun, especially thanks to the canopy that blocks out the sun's harmful rays.
What we love
- Slide is made from thick, sturdy material
- Easy to fit a sandbox in for more fun
What We Don't Like That Much
- Careful assembly is required or the wood may crack
3IRON KIDS Premier 100 Fitness Playground Blue
The Premier 100 Fitness Playground is one of the best outdoor playsets for older kids with a handful of areas to keep them constantly active. It features a 42in. square trampoline with a support bar, two swings, a monkey bar, and a slide with an attached ladder. For safety, this comes with ground anchors and it's made with a reliable steel frame that prevents wobbling.
What we love
- Includes a quality sunshade that covers the swings and monkey bar
- Well-made trampoline with good rebound
What We Don't Like That Much
- Plastic slide could be of higher quality
4Lifetime Adventure Tower Swing Set - Earthtone (290633)
This Adventure Tower is one of the 7 best outdoor playsets for older kids that offer versatility in what they can do on it. It features 3D climbing walls, two swings, a slide, and even a trapeze bar. With so much to do, it's easy for multiple kids to play with. Also, the trapeze bar and climbing walls can offer a higher level of excitement for older children.
What we love
- The playground has a lot for kids to do
- Features a sturdy, weather-resistant design
What We Don't Like That Much
- Can take a long time to assemble
5TP Toys Explorer 2 Climbing Set Jungle Gym with Platform and Tent, Blue
The TP Toys Explorer 2 Climbing Set is a great choice for a variety of children whether they're toddlers or elementary-age kids. Supportive of up to 220lbs, this playset provides simple ladders all around to climb and a spacious platform to lounge in. There are viewing windows and roll-up doors for easy access.
What we love
- Easy to adjust so that it grows with a child
- Good enough space for more than one child to play with at a time
What We Don't Like That Much
- Older kids might shake the frame when climbing
6Gorilla Playsets 01-1070-Y Outing Wood Swing Set with Green Vinyl Canopy and Yellow Dual Alpine Slides, Natural Cedar
This Wood Swing Set from Gorilla Playsets is one of the 7 best outdoor playsets for older kids who want to enjoy the set with friends or family. There is plenty to do here so no one can get bored. It has dual slides, two swings, a trapeze swing, a rock wall and climbing rope, and even a sandbox area. For imaginative play, there's a steering wheel and telescope too.
What we love
- Numerous areas to play with
- Structure is sturdy and well-supportive
What We Don't Like That Much
- Requires a very large area that's leveled for proper setup
