Getting the right playground equipment for your yard is often more difficult than it seems. Questions like “will this fit?”, or “is this safe?” are common and thinking up the perfect equipment for your child takes lots of unexpected effort. Here are some ideas for a backyard playground that will fit your yard’s size and your household’s budget.
Combine equipment into one unit
Many playground additions are packaged and sold separately. Things like swing sets, slides, or monkey bars are often available to buy as their own unit, but finding a unit that includes all three is possible. These combination options are great for yards with limited space – and they offer kids lots of different things to interact with.
It’s easy to find a “themed” playground equipment unit as well. Pirate ships, space stations, and other themed equipment sets are interesting and affordable for those parents looking for something a little more eye-catching for their toddlers.
Use the landscaping to your advantage
Oddly-shaped playground equipment can be awkward and difficult to fit in yards not previously prepared for it. It’s easy to find yourself buying a swing set or playhouse and discovering it doesn’t fit in your yard the way you want it to after getting it home.
Your landscaping efforts can come in handy here. Digging holes or planting trees can help position otherwise awkward equipment into reasonable positions in your yard.
Extend your yard with a well-placed fence
If you have extra land around your designated yard, you can help fit more playground equipment inside it by building or extending your yard’s fence. A fence can help keep toddlers from wandering away and prevent animals from entering. Additionally, a fence is a great way for establishing “ground rules” for outside play among your children and their friends.
You might also consider using a tree in your yard to make a tire swing, or building playground equipment yourself if you’re handy. Regardless of your method of placement, every yard can squeeze in something fun and engaging for your kids and their guests, and a fence can only help you with that goal.
