Outdoor Equipment Keeps Kids Active
An empty yard risks the chance of having bored children. However, there are so many ways to add activities; it is difficult to decide on the best option. This article helps move the decision-making process… In the right direction; by providing informed, unbiased reviews of outdoor activity equipment.
Whether it is a swing set, a trampoline, or a bounce house; we supply the information you need. To make sure your children are safe and entertained. And we make sure that your equipment will withstand time in harsh outdoor elements.
Each product review is performed by an experienced professional. And is based on interaction with the product; interviews with product owners, and information provided by site manufacturers. The products rank in three categories: quality, cost, and safety.
Quality of the Outdoor Equipment:
Quality measures through the workmanship of the product, which varies. Plastic items might be with a highly resilient material… Or they may weather and crack. Assembly of plastic products may lead to breakage; rather than a well-constructed piece of equipment. Wood products should have straight edges and easy-to-understand instructions. Metal products, such as trampolines and swing sets; need to be from metal that will not bend and break with overuse. Our experts figure out the faults in reviewed products, and they objectively write about them.
Cost:
The budget for outdoor equipment is always critical in purchasing choice. If buying a one-time-use water feature for the kids; a low-budget, low-quality item will suffice. If it’s going to last all summer; the budget will need to be bigger. Our product reviews allow customers to evaluate the cost versus the worth. And justify larger expenses by recognizing the value. We realize people want more bang for their buck. And we aim to show how that can be achieved.
Outdoor Equipment. Safety:
The biggest element of choice when purchasing outdoor equipment is child safety. Along with every product review; we assess the safety features and precautions that should be taken with each product’s use. For example, trampolines are inherently a safety risk for children; but our product reviews will explain how to keep your kids safe with pads and enclosures.
Product reviews are a dime a dozen. And there are so many available on the internet. That it is difficult to decipher what is fact from fiction. Our product reviewers also review a significant number of reviews from others; to ensure that they are leaving no stone unturned. Our reviews are a collaborative effort in giving a well-rounded review. And the end result is full-product disclosure. Your purchase will be a positive experience.
TOP 6 PICKS OF OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT FOR 2020
1. KIDS CREATION REDWOOD CIRCUS 4
Look around for this Kids Creation Redwood Circus 3 Swing Set. It is made in the United States with real wood, the set’s quality is way above that found at most garden centers.
Besides the three swings (which have weight capacities of 115 pounds), this kit includes a playhouse zone with a climbing rope (250-pound weight capacity) along with a colorful green plastic slide that allows for “quick escapes.”
The fort area can be entered via a ladder. A climbing wall gives an extra entrance.
A wooden sandbox encircles the base that can be filled with either sand or rubber mulch.
Made with non-toxic materials including natural redwood, this playset will provide hours of backyard fun for your elementary age children and their friends in an attractive addition to your outdoor space.
It’s also available in larger sizes and in more complex variations.
2. BACKYARD DISCOVERY WOODRIDGE II
The Woodridge II by Backyard Discovery has all kinds of activity your kids in elementary-age could dream of in a play system, and you can be happy about the high-quality set.
The wooden parts are 100 % cedar that’s decay-resistant, durable, and pre-stained, and the plastic is UV resistant.
The company stamps components with part numbers to facilitate easy assembly with their own Safe-T-Fuse hardware that maximizes safety.
Able to handle the wild play of up to 9 children at one time, this full-scale set has an upper fort with a roof made of wood, open lower porch, sun deck, a nest of a crow, and a tunnel that can be accessed via a rock-climbing wall.
Perfect for the younger kids ages two through five, the Step2 Clubhouse Climber accommodates up to four children for a fun play date.
Kids can climb the stairs to the playhouse where they’ll find a porthole and steering wheel, then cross the bridge to a tower where they can peer out opposite portholes, before sliding down the slide to do it all again.
Crawlspaces below the bridge and tower add to the fun! Made in the USA.
3. STEP2 NATURALLY PLAYFUL LOOKOUT TREEHOUSE
This is a terrific choice for toddlers! Children love to repeat tasks that please them, and with broad stairs, a platform, and a slide, they can take turns climbing up and sliding down, over and over again.
There’s even a nifty periscope for peering out onto the world around them.
A roof provides much-needed shade on a sunny day and the relaxed security your kids need. It’s a great place to snuggle up with a picture book when their batteries wind down!
The maximum weight is 50 pounds. Made in the USA.
4. LIFETIME MONKEY BAR ADVENTURE SWING SET
This one has all the things elementary-age kids love to have when they play outdoors.
It comes with 3 belt swings, a trapeze bar with gym rings, a wavy slide, and a fire pole, to keep your little ones busy for hours.
Galvanized, powder-coated steel and high-density polyethylene and UV protection make for a durable product that contains no lead. Made in the USA.
This model is available on Amazon in either brown and green earth tones or bright primary colors.
5. BACKYARD PLAY SYSTEMS CASTLE ROCK SWING SET
The Castle Rock Swing Set by Backyard Play Systems is a great option for outdoor equipment. It is perfect for elementary age kids!
6. LITTLE TIKES HIDE AND SEEK CLIMBER AND SWING
Our final pick is for the under two age kid’s group. It’s the Little Tikes Hide and Seek Climber and Swing and will keep the kids entertained for hours!
It has included a molded seat swing with a three-point harness, junior rock-climbing wall, clubhouse landing with peek-a-boo windows, and steering wheel.
And for ground exploration, there’s a soft fabric tunnel for baby to crawl through while you take the sweetest pictures ever!
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A PLAYSET
- Always buy toys and equipment for children from reputable manufacturers who adhere to high standards for quality and safety, and warranty their work.
- When selecting a modular system, inspect the components and how they are fastened together. Wood should be smoothly sanded and bolted – it should not be glued, nor should there be laminated layers.
- Hardware should be recessed, not sticking (and posing a potential hazard).
- Look for models that have met the highly respected safety standards of an organization such as the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).
- Consider the professional installation and maintenance contract to ensure expert installation and upkeep. The life of your system depends upon both.
