Home Outdoor Living Turn Your Backyard Into a Park for Your Kids with These Play Houses, Jungle Gyms, and Swing Sets Let the make-believe commence. By Rachel Sanoff Rachel Sanoff Twitter Rachel is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on November 1, 2021 09:50AM EDT Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Kid Kraft Backyard activities for your littles ones don't have to be limited to jump rope or ball games. Today's play sets stimulate a child's developing mind—and look good, too (many of these cheerful, aesthetically-pleasing setups won't stick out like a sore thumb). From cedar swing sets with built-in telescopes (perfect for adventure time!) to slides and play kitchens (for the aspiring Martha in your life, perhaps?), your kids will never run out of games to play at home when equipped with one of these beautifully-designed structures. Ahead, find some of the most fun, elevated outdoor options that parents and children alike will love. Top Picks Best Colorful Set: ALPIKA Swing Set for Backyard Garden Best Swing Set: Isabelle & Max Jeanlouis Swing Set Best Realistic Play House: KidKraft Forestview II Wooden Playhouse Best Jungle Gym: WoodenWorkshopUA Climbing Triangle Activity Center Best Set for Climbing: Klo Kick Climbing Dome Swing Set The Best Nature Crafts for Kids ALPIKA Courtesy of Amazon your backyard Neon green and orange colors set these swings apart from other play sets, and will bring plenty of cheer to your backyard; the adjustable ropes allow your child to continue enjoying them as they grow. More importantly, a durable, weather-resistant frame and non-slip seats will keep them safe. And when they want a break from pumping and gliding? Little ones can switch to the included seesaw. Shop Now: ALPIKA Swing Set for Backyard Garden, $142.99, amazon.com. Isabelle and Max Courtesy of Wayfair weather-resistant You'll get lots of use out of this adorable orange-and-blue swing set; it has a steel frame and plastic seats, making it durable and weather-resistant. With two single seats and one tandem that can hold two kids at the same time, there is endless fun to be had. Shop Now: Isabelle & Max Jeanlouis Swing Set, $124.99, wayfair.com. KidKraft Courtesy of Walmart This gorgeous play house—constructed with 100-percent cedar lumber—is an exciting space for any child to explore and, not to mention, a beautiful addition to your yard. Complete with a doorbell, clock, chalkboard walls, and a mock kitchen, there's no shortage of fun details to spark a kid's imagination. Shop Now: KidKraft Forestview II Wooden Playhouse, $299, walmart.com. Backyard Discovery Courtesy of Wayfair safe from rain A miniature castle for your backyard, this structure offers children ample opportunities for make-believe. Features include a sandbox, swings, rooftop, monkey bars, climbing wall, slide, and picnic table—and we could keep going. Additionally, the sturdy roof means your child will be safe from rain and other weather while outdoors. Shop Now: Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Swing Set, $2,299, wayfair.com. 2MAMABEES Courtesy of The Tot your next renovation Have you ever wanted to model your real home after a play iteration? This enchanting miniature black-and-white farm house, built with cedar wood, comes with a potted garden and mini kitchen with faux food and utensils—it's so sweet, it just might inspire your next renovation. Shop Now: 2MAMABEES Oceana Playhouse, $1,850, thetot.com. WoodenWorkshopUA Courtesy of Etsy Your child will never get bored with this wooden jungle gym. They can climb on three differently-sized triangles and one ladder, slide down ramps, and stand on a balance board. Shop Now: WoodenWorkshopUA Climbing Triangle Activity Center, $700, etsy.com. Backyard Discovery Courtesy of Wayfair safest option Simply looking for a standalone swing set to add onto your existing backyard play area? This heavy-duty two-seater piece, with steel corner supports and a supportive swing beam, is your best, safest option. Shop Now: Backyard Discovery "Durango" Wooden Swing Set, $380.91, wayfair.com. KidKraft Courtesy of Kid Kraft Who's the keeper of the fortress? This comprehensive jungle gym, with a rock wall, swings, crawl space, and slide, allows for virtually any pretend scenario. Shop Now: KidKraft Jungle Journey Swing Set, $1,299, kidkraft.com. Klo Kick Courtesy of Wayfair This unique steel set's climbing frame supports up to six kids—between the ages of three and 10—so everyone can experience it at once. The canopy functions as a gentle swing. Shop Now: Klo Kick Climbing Dome Swing Set, $259.99, wayfair.com. Little Tikes Courtesy of Wayfair nighttime star-gazing Your entire brood can scale this hideaway's sloped walls—and the clubhouse deck is the perfect spot for nighttime star-gazing. Shop Now: Little Tikes Real Wood Adventures Cottontail Hideaway, $1,199.99, wayfair.com. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit