Spending time outdoors is great for developing kids. Not only do outdoor activities promote better health and improve physical fitness, but they also take kids away from excessive screen time. Besides offering fresh air, bringing them closer to nature inspires them to be more creative, daring and nurtures their adventurous spirit.
All these benefits of outdoor activities can be increased ten-fold with the help of a few playsets designed to prolong the time spent playing outdoors. Whether it’s an elaborate swing set or a simple set of hockey sticks, the playsets discussed below will find your kid having fun outdoors for hours on end.
Picking the Perfect Play Set
Outdoor playsets vary in design, concept, usage, and application. The age range of kids is also a significant factor in deciding what kind of outdoor playset to buy. Our list includes a set or two for kids of all ages, starting with two-year-old toddlers to preteen. Before we head over to the list, let’s have a look at the various criteria you should look out for when buying an outdoor playset for your kids.
Safety
Any outdoor playing equipment for kids must pass all nationally and internationally recognized safety standards. The risk of injury in the outdoors is increased, and hence extra safety parameters should be taken into account while designing these playsets. On top of that, we’ve made sure to select only sets that meet our own high safety standards.
Most manufacturers make it a point to list the safety features incorporated in their design to put your mind at ease. Lack of this prominent and vital information should make you wary of buying such equipment.
Concept and Design
There are plenty of outdoor playsets to choose from online, so how do you narrow down your list? Look for playsets that encourage STEM learning, or offer exceptional physical activity, or introduce your kid to a new concept or sport. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your kids can get more than just fun out of their playsets? They’ll be spending hours playing with these toys, so you should go for the ones that offer a tad more than just regular play.
Sturdiness and Durability
Outdoor playsets are subjected to more severe wear and tear due to harsh weather, summer heat, and snow. Do not skimp on the price and invest in playsets that can withstand pressure under various weather conditions without losing their integrity, colors, and textures.
Good playsets make use of sturdy, high-grade, and durable plastics, PU-treated fabric material, stainless steel frames, and screws, nuts, and bolts that can withstand extreme pressures.
Ease of Setup and Use
Invest in sturdy and durable products that require minimal upkeep. While some playsets are easy to assemble and use, others require detailed instructions to put together and could be challenging for kids to master. Neither of these things is a negative point, but it should factor in before purchasing an outdoor playset based on your kids’ requirements.
Also, check whether all the accessories and equipment necessary to assemble and install the playset are included in the package. If not, make prior arrangements and factor the additional costs into the total cost of the playset.
Age and Interests
Don’t buy outdoor playsets designed for toddlers for tweens and vice versa. Most manufacturers have a standard ‘Recommended Age’ listed on their products to help you slot their toys for the right age group.
Similarly, if your kid isn’t into adventure sport, buy them something more accessible, like a swing set. If your toddler prefers water-based activities, don’t buy him/her a sandbox. Preferences are something you’ll have to take into account on your own.
With these factors in mind, you’re now ready to choose the perfect playset for your little one.