10 Outdoor Home Playground Sets That Are Worth the Money

Drawing inspiration from a mid-century modern bungalow, Avenlur’s Forest outdoor swing set is as much about safety as it is about style. The use of non-toxic paint and sealants on the 100 per cent pine wood, and the addition of ladder handles and slide edges, are evidence of that.

Avenlur Modern Backyard Outdoor Swing Set, Wood Wood Toys, $2,870.

With its three storeys made from naturally-rot-and-insect-resistant FSC-certified wood, this multifaceted playset takes outdoor home playground time to new heights. A twisty tunnel slide, a firefighters’ pole and a fully kitted-out mud kitchen (with a BBQ!) are just some of the fun features jammed into this neat playtime package.

KidKraft Summit View Playset, Costco, $1,700.

Solid and deceptively simple, this pyramid-shaped home playground set has a few surprises up its sleeve. Tucked underneath is a camouflaged den, with a roll-up window and door, ideal for top-secret Capture the Flag strategy meetings.

Plum Play Wood Pyramid Playset, Rona, $1,999.

Beautifully handcrafted in Canada from sustainably sourced Western Red Cedar, this sweet playhouse is as close to the real thing as a kid can get… until they’re old enough to apply for a mortgage themselves! The tiny tempered-glass windows, sweet Dutch door and wee window boxes are all fully functional. Welcome home, little one!

Little Cedar Playhouse & Sandbox, Outdoor Living Today, $4,999.

Beyond the basic swing-and-slide combo, home playground ideas can (and should!) include elements that stoke imaginations and promote tactile play. With its chic adjustable canopy and integrated play kitchen (complete with a stainless-steel cooking set), this stylish sandbox is anything but basic.

Outsunny Kids Sandbox, Amazon, $200.

If you’re looking for a luxury home playground set that stands above the rest, Eagles Nest Elite Swing Set does just that… literally. Part towering castle playhouse, part soaring swing set, its large, solid-cedar platform is big enough to host full-blown mock medieval sieges (or maybe just a calm cousin campout?). Plus, the extra-tall, 3.5-metre tower and its 360-degree crow’s nest lookout allow for unobstructed views of neighbouring lands and possible invading armies.

Eagles Nest Elite Swing Set, Backyard Discovery, $3,699.

Having a soft place to land after a busy afternoon of fresh air and home playground fun is an important element of any kid-friendly backyard setup. These mini-me chaise loungers tick a lot of boxes with their soft, striped cushions, integrated drink holders and three-sided privacy canopy. That they match our existing adult-sized loungers is an added bonus.

Wooden Outdoor Double Chaise Lounge, KidKraft, $180; Waterproof Cover, Amazon, $56.

With its bay windows, board siding and black-and-grey colour palette, this deluxe, cedar-constructed home playground pulls inspiration from coastal Cape Cod design. On top of being loaded up with fun, nautically-themed playtime options, such as a crow’s nest telescope and netted swing, its classic architectural features means it would effortlessly blend into any backyard setup.

Backyard Discovery Whispering Point Wooden Swing Set, Amazon, $2,499.

When looking for inspired home-playground ideas that will really keep your kids occupied outside, it’s best to go with the flow… literally. This next-level, Canadian-made cedar “water table” has multiple removable plexiglass gates to create mini cascades, exploring concepts of both volume and gravity. Bonus: It doubles as an unexpected backyard water feature!

Just Playing Cedar Water Flow Station, The Montessori Room, $1,050.

Bright colours and uncomplicated design are the hallmark features of this modern, home playground set. Its unique red megaphone and blue firefighters’ pole provide a plethora of play options, but it’s the simple, sleek construction (and lower price point) that cements its place on the “best home-playground sets” list.

KidKraft Modern Outdoor Wooden Swing Set, Toy R Us, $1,600.