What do you put around a playground?

A playground’s surface is an important safety issue to consider. Its main purpose is to protect little ones from serious injuries while enjoying their play area. The materials most commonly used for backyard playground surfaces are: Wood mulch Rubber mulch Pea gravel Sand Living grass Artificial turf Rubber tiles

When should you replace backyard playground equipment?

Most play equipment can be expected to last around eight to ten years. You should frequently inspect your backyard play area, searching for cracks, loose bolts, and broken objects. A poorly maintained playground structure may only last for five years. Wooden mulch will need refreshing every year or two.

10 Backyard Playground Ideas for Kids

“You could hear the wind in the leaves, and on that wind traveled the screams of the kids on the playground in the distance, the little kids figuring out how to be alive, how to navigate a world that was not built for them by navigating a playground that was.” – John Green

Outdoor play is a vital part of the childhood experience and what better place to experience it than in your own backyard?

Children who spend ample time playing outdoors gain multiple physical, social, emotional, and intellectual benefits. Therefore, if you have a private backyard of any size, designing a fun backyard playground is a must.

Scroll through our gallery to see dozens of fun DIY backyard playground ideas suitable for kids of all ages. Whether you start with a premade playset or design a DIY backyard play area from scratch, you’ll be on your way to having the best kid-friendly yard on the block.

1. Swing Sets for Timeless Fun

Swing sets offer a blend of fun and physical activity. Incorporating them into your backyard can create a focal point for children’s play.

Choose from wooden or metal sets to match your backyard’s aesthetic and consider adding features like tire swings for added fun.

Colorful playground equipment in a green park

Wooden swing set in a manicured garden with lush grass

Wooden swing set with pink seats in a backyard with trees — Source: @strongarm_of_the_lawn via Instagram

Metal swing set with green seats in a garden at sunset — Source: @925eats via Instagram

2. Creative and Cozy Playhouses

If given a choice, many a kid would rather have a playhouse than a swing set. A playhouse is a mini-retreat for an imaginative child; a perfect place for reading books alone or hosting tea parties with friends.

A playhouse can also be integrated into a play structure, either at ground level or elevated with a sandbox tucked beneath. Backyard ideas for play house design can mimic the exterior of your main home.

Or you can go another direction entirely. Design a charming cottage for a creative little girl, or make a small red barn—a perfect touch behind a farmhouse.

Playhouse decorated for autumn with pumpkins and leaves — Source: @cars.castles.capes via Instagram

Wooden playhouse with flower pots under a sunny tree — Source: @wino_woodworker via Instagram

White playhouse with slide and red chairs in a lush yard — Source: @askashmash via Instagram

Autumn themed playhouse with festive decorations — Source: @hautepepperbites via Instagram

Playhouse with pastel balloons and children’s toys outside — Source: @jenna_omurchu via Instagram

Colorful custom playhouse with a porch and slide — Source: @paulsplayhouses via Instagram

Elevated playhouse with slide and climbing wall in a backyard — Source: @lifespan.kids via Instagram

A tree house is another great type of backyard playground shelter. Watch this video for tips on locating the perfect tree to hold your treehouse:

3. DIY Playset Projects on a Budget

Building a playset yourself can be cost-effective and customizable. Use materials like repurposed wood or recycled tires, and design it to fit your space and children’s interests.

Sturdy plastic slides, rock wall footholds, and other features are usually structurally sound well after wooden playset parts have worn out.

Browse social media marketplaces for PVC pipe and other material that can safely be repurposed into a swing set frame or teepee poles.

Hang a tire swing from a sturdy tree for an easy, affordable DIY swing. If you have a friend whose kid has outgrown their outdoor playset, ask if you can disassemble it and reuse some of the parts.

Adding personal touches like themed paint jobs can make it unique.

Wooden swing set with slide and saucer swing in a yard — Source: @512woodworks via Instagram

Playset with swings and slide in sunny yard — Source: @sweethomeuzarraga via Instagram

Elevated wooden playhouse with flower pot and pink accents — Source: @_myhomeinspo_ via Instagram

Backyard playset with slide and climbing wall under a large tree — Source: @swervystudio via Instagram

Wooden playhouse with slide and childrens play kitchen outside — Source: @home.nr11 via Instagram

4. Dynamic and Versatile Playsets

Invest in playsets that grow with your child. Look for modular designs that allow for additions like climbing walls or rope ladders.

These adaptable structures can evolve over time to keep up with your child’s developing skills and interests.

Colorful backyard playset with swings and a slide in a grassy area — Source: @carolyn_suzanne_martin via Instagram

Kids playset — Source: @swingsetman via Instagram

5. Building Sandbox Playgrounds

A sandbox is the stuff kid dreams are made of. Who doesn’t have happy memories of digging for hours, creating roads, tunnels, and construction sites? While many playset kits come with an integrated sandbox, it’s easy and inexpensive to build your own.

Note that a sturdy lid is a must for any backyard playground sandbox. It will keep cats and wild animals from urinating or defecating into the sand between play sessions. It will also help keep the sand and outdoor play toys clean.

Wooden sandbox — Source: @meganniles.exprealty via Instagram

6. Exciting Backyard Slides

I’m sure your child would agree: a backyard swing set isn’t complete without a fun slide or two. A slide is a great addition to any playset as it encourages climbing. Getting to the top and repeating it helps build physical coordination—an important benefit of backyard play.

Playset slides come in many configurations. Get a short toddler slide if your children are very young.

Tall slides can be a climbing hazard for very small children, but tall, twisting, tunnel slides are ideal for big kids. Make sure you have a soft pad of artificial grass or a thick layer of wood chips beneath for a soft landing.

Backyard slides — Source: @bestinbackyards via Instagram

7. Modern Saucer Swings

Saucer swings are another vital feature when shopping for a playset or designing a DIY swing set. For safety reasons, look for swing set chains that are adjustable for height. A saucer swing set for young children should include at least one swing that has a backrest and safety strap.

These swings are great for both solo and group play, encouraging social interaction. They can be hung from trees or existing swing set frames and are ideal for lounging or active swinging.

8. Energetic Trampoline Fun

Trampolines have long been great ways for active kids to burn off excess energy.

Whether you have a full-sized, freestanding trampoline or a small bouncer pad for toddlers, try to include one in your backyard playground.

Prevent injuries from spoiling the fun by making sure your trampoline has a proper net enclosure. On a small toddler trampoline, a padded bar to hold on to is usually enough.

9. Safe Play with Artificial Grass

Artificial grass in play areas ensures a soft, cushioned surface, reducing the risk of injuries. It’s low maintenance and stays green year-round, making your playground look inviting.

Plus, it’s great for areas where natural grass might struggle to grow.