In this article, we will explore some of the best playsets for small backyards.
Backyard toys are great ways to encourage kids to stay active and spend more time outdoors. Among all backyard toys, playsets are the most popular option and they can help your kids burn energy while enhancing their gross and fine motor skills.
If your backyard space is limited, you need to plan well ahead of time what playset to buy and where to place it. In this article, we will present the best playsets for small backyards that are space-saving yet preserving every bit of fun.
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Best Playsets for Small Backyards
Most Entertaining Playset for Small Backyards
What Makes It Special?
- It features four activity walls with many entertaining accessories
- It sports a built-in countertop and seats for kids to take breaks
The best playsets for small backyards should be compact but should still come with ample entertainment features. That’s what made Neighborhood Fun Center to the top of our list. This playset comes with activities on all four sides. It sports a dutch door, a slide, a snack station, ring toss targets, and many peek-through holes.
This playset measures 7 x 6 x 5 feet. On the one hand, it doesn’t take much space in your backyard. On the other hand, your kids will carry out all the activities within or near the playset, so it doesn’t require additional clear space around the playset.
It is hands-down the most entertaining compact playset that can fit in most small backyards or even front yards.
Related: Little Tikes vs Step 2 Slide Comparison
Best Playset for Small Backyards and Indoor Use
What Makes It Special?
- It measures 6 feet long and 3 feet wide. It is one of the smallest outdoor playsets.
- It comes with an interchangeable slide and climber.
For those who are looking for the smallest outdoor playset possible, the best option is the Activity Jungle Gym Climber by ECR4Kids.
This playset will take less than 18 square feet in your backyard, yet it comes with lots of fun elements. The main body of the playset features windows and cut-outs for climbing and peeking through. What’s really cool is that you can replace the slide with a climber without using any tool.
Unlike many playsets that can only be used outdoors, this playset is so lightweight (less than 40 pounds) and compact that you can easily transport and use it inside your house. It is one of the best playsets for small backyards and indoor use.
Best Multi-Slide Playset for Small Backyards
Double Slide Kids Climber by Step 2
What Makes It Special?
- It comes with two slides.
- It features a climbing wall and ladder suitable for small kids.
Does your child love slides? Your backyard may have limited space but you can still provide two slides with the Double Slide Kids Climber. This playset comes with two slides and two walls for climbing – one rock wall and one ladder.
Since this playset doesn’t come with swings, you only need enough space to place the platform in the backyard. The longest edge of this platform takes about 7 feet. Though compact, this plastic playset can hold three to four kids at the same time. Its weight limit is 180 pounds.
Best Wooden Playset for Small Backyards
What Makes It Special?
- It is made with durable wood and has a classic appearance
- It sports a convenient pull-out storage drawer for toys and accessories
The Wooden Playhouse & Slide is a brilliantly-designed compact playset that is also packed with amenities and activities. It consists of a playhouse, a slide, and a toy station.
The entire construction of this playset is made with natural wood and durable plastic. That’s why your child can use it as a pirate ship, a forest cabin, or a little castle for pretend play. Underneath the main body is a spacious storage bin that can slide in and out. It’s a neat idea to utilize space while adding extra convenience.
We recommend this playset for those who are looking for the best playsets for small backyards with limited storage space.
Best Climber Playset for Small Backyards
What Makes It Special?
- There are three climbers on this playset.
- It features natural colors to match most residential yards.
Many parents buy playsets to encourage their kids to stay active and some kids are especially interested in climbing. This Step2 Climber comes with three ways to climb up: a ladder, a rock wall, and a half rock wall with a window.
If you are concerned about fitting a playset like this in your small backyard, you will be happy to know that this one is only 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. Additionally, the bottom of the platform has a crawling tunnel where your kids can play hide-and-seek.
Another nice thing about this playset is that its natural color scheme can nicely match the style of most residential yards.
Best Toddler Playset for Small Backyards
What Makes It Special?
- It is suitable for toddlers between 1 to 3 years.
- It features a swing with a safety belt.
It can be challenging to find a decent playset for toddlers because most playsets are designed for kids 3 years and plus. The Climber and Swing Playset by Little Tikes is a compact plastic playset for toddlers between 1 to 3 years.
This lightweight playset features a swing, a slide, and a cut-out for crawling. The climbing rock wall is designed specifically for beginners. In addition, the slide has a gentle slope for soft landings so that your toddler won’t hit his bottom on the playground.
Though this playset is only 4 feet long and 4 feet wide and weighs less than 30 pounds, it can hold 3 kids. The weight limit for each kid is 45 pounds. This playset is the best toddler playset for small backyards.
Best Simple Playset for Small Backyards
Hide and Seek Climber by Little Tikes
What Makes It Special?
- It measures 4 feet long and is super space-saving
- It is easy to assemble and can also be used indoors
For parents who prefer something easy and straightforward, this Hide and Seek Climber will be an ideal playset for small backyards. It consists of a climber and a slide. The whole setup is only 4 feet long and 3 feet wide.
This playset is designed for kids between 1 to 4 years, though we only recommend it for toddlers under 3 because it can be too cramped for 4-year-olds.
The slide on this playset features a soft landing. What many parents also do is to add a ball pit to the landing end to make it more fun.
Best Crawling Playset for Small Backyards
What Makes It Special?
- It has an adorable and colorful design
- It can be used indoors, outdoors, or you can expand it.
If you prefer a playset that requires minimum supervision, we recommend Climb-N-Crawl Caterpillar. This non-traditional playset measures 7 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. You can also expand it by adding more blocks.
This beautiful looking caterpillar is full of fun features. Besides crawling through the caterpillar’s body, your child can also play hide and seek or peek-a-boo using the cut-out holes. Additionally, your child can climb up and crawl along the caterpillar’s back.
It is one of the best playsets for small backyards that are long and narrow.
Best Playset for Small Backyards with A Canopy
What Makes It Special?
- It is an all-in-one playhouse with multiple play stations.
- It also sports a sand and water play area, as well as 16 accessories.
If you are looking for a playset that promotes not only your child’s motor skills but also cognitive skills and imagination, we recommend this All Around Playtime Patio. It is a versatile outdoor playhouse packed with diverse activities.
This open pavilion-style playhouse comes with four slides, each with its own entertainment options. It features a toy sink and grill, a snack bar, a sand and water area, and Dutch doors.
This playset is ideal for social play and for kids to learn team-building and enhance their communication skills. The removable canopy makes it one of the best playsets for small backyards that are not well shaded.
Related: Water Tables for Toddlers
Best Inflatable Playset for Small Backyards
Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer by Little Tikes
What Makes It Special?
- It is inflatable so it will only take space in your backyard temporarily
- It comes with an air blower and anchors.
The biggest issue with traditional playsets when it comes to small backyards is that the structure takes permanent spaces. The Jump ‘n Slide Bouncer is inflatable so that you can pack it and store it away when not needed.
Once fully expanded, this playset measures 12 feet long and 9 feet wide. It provides more than enough space for multiple kids. The slide is so wide that two kids can use it at the same time. The weight capacity of this bounce house is 250 pounds.
Using an inflatable playset is a creative way to provide playground options for kids when your backyard has limited space. The downside is that it takes time and effort to set it up every other day.
Summary
It can be a daunting task to find the best playsets for small backyards. In addition to planning the size and location of the playset ahead of time, you also don’t want to sacrifice the entertainment features the playset offers. The list of playsets we recommended above will make this easy for you.
Cecilia Yeung is a successful entrepreneur and product researcher. She has a background in psychology and children’s education. As a working mother of two, she loves to write about children’s education and development.
