Buying a Playset: How to Choose the Right Features
At Fit N Fun Playgrounds, we believe that the best memories are made right in your own backyard. As a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, we understand how important it is to choose the right playset!
How can you decide which of the many styles, features, and materials available is best for your family and your space? We can help with that.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of choosing the right playset features so you can feel confident making an investment that brings fun, activity, and adventure to your own backyard.
Why Buying the Right Playset Matters
The right playset is a space where your kids can grow, develop motor skills, engage in imaginative play, and burn off energy. When properly selected, a playset can last for years and grow with your family.
Before you begin shopping, consider your child's age, your available space, and how much you’d like the playset to expand over time.
Features to Consider When Buying a Playset
1. Swings
There should be at least one swing on every playset, if not more! Children of all ages enjoy swings because they are classic. For younger children, a bucket or web swing provides safe, encouraging motion. Traditional belt swings or even a two-person glider, which enables friends or siblings to swing together, can be added as they get bigger.
Swings provide endless entertainment and are excellent for improving balance and coordination. Our playsets make it simple to add different swing options or upgrade as your kids get older.
2. Slides
Slides are another favorite, and they come in a range of designs. A straight or wavy slide is perfect for most kids and adds a sense of motion and excitement. For a more adventurous twist, consider a tube slide.
In addition to helping children develop spatial awareness, slides are a fun and safe way to connect ground-level and elevated play areas.
3. Clubhouses & Tunnels
A clubhouse-style playset is a fantastic choice if your children enjoy pretend play! Clubhouses offer a central location for socializing, sliding, and climbing. They also encourage imaginative play, turning the backyard into a castle, pirate ship, or secret hideout.
With places to hide, climb through, and explore, tunnels offer even more fun and dimension. These features are especially popular in families with multiple children.
4. Climbing Features
For kids who love to climb, adding features like rock walls, rope ladders, or monkey bars can provide the right level of challenge. Climbing activities are fantastic for developing motor skills, coordination, and upper-body strength.
Younger children may start with a simple step ladder or rope assist, and as their confidence grows, they’ll move on to more advanced features like a vertical climbing wall or net climber.
5. Interactive Add-Ons
Little details can make a big difference. Add a steering wheel, telescope, or chalkboard to give your children a more immersive experience.
6. Seating & Picnic Areas
Some playsets feature built-in benches or picnic tables, creating the perfect spot for snack breaks, crafts, or quiet time. These small additions make your playset more functional for the whole family and can extend playtime on hot summer afternoons.
Playset Safety Comes First
Safety is non-negotiable. That’s why all of our playsets are built from cedar wood, known for its strength, resistance to decay, and natural splinter resistance. Our playsets are ASTM-compliant, featuring smooth edges, sturdy platforms, and secure hardware. We also recommend professional installation, which we proudly offer across the Continental US.
Ready to Build the Backyard Playset of Your Dreams?
If you’re ready to buy a playset, let our team at Fit N Fun Playgrounds help you find the perfect fit. With decades of experience and a dedication to customer satisfaction, we’re proud to be the go-to source for Pittsburgh families who want their kids to play, grow, and thrive.
