Is a Backyard Playset Worth It?

  • By: Mike Hale
  • Date: July 17, 2022
  • Time to read: 5 min.

Backyard playsets are growing in popularity, and they aren’t only seen at playgrounds anymore. Having your own backyard playset can prove beneficial for numerous reasons, but they cost a hefty amount especially if you want a full playset instead of a solo swing set. That poses the question: is a backyard playset worth it?

Backyard playset is definitely worth it. Your kids will love it, and you can keep an eye out for them at all times and ensure their safety. Even when they master the obstacles, they’ll still have tons of fun. Plus, if you maintain the playset properly, it can increase the value of your property.

Still, you need to take care of some details before letting your kids play on a playset. If you are unsure how to assemble it properly, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Your child’s safety has to come first.

Think about the value it gives you while you’re living there, not how much it’ll be worth when selling the property. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know before buying one.

Is a Backyard Playset Worth It?

Even if you don’t plan on staying at your current home forever, having a backyard playset is always worth it. There’s so much more to it than just the financial value and figuring out whether it’ll raise your property value or not. Just think about all the great memories your children will have while playing around on it. I’ll break down the pros and cons of buying a playset.

Firstly, having a playset in your backyard raises your property value. Most people have kids or plan on having them, so they’ll appreciate the extra features when buying a house. Just make sure you maintain it as much as possible.

Of course, if you let the playset rot and don’t take care of it properly, it will deteriorate over time and stick out like a sore thumb. That could lead to your property decreasing in value, so if you’re not ready to take care of your backyard and playset properly, don’t even bother buying one, not only because it looks bad, but because it’s unsafe.

Secondly, is it really that important to think about how much money you can get out of it? The financial value of a playset is way less important than the sentimental value it will have for your kids. It’s an awesome way to have them be more physically active, to play and enjoy, instead of sitting inside, looking at a screen, and playing video games.

They will have beautiful memories of their own private playground, while you’ll be able to keep a close eye on them while they play. In my experience, they just don’t get tired of it until they grow older. My kids played around their playset even after they mastered all the obstacles. That’s when the real fun began, and they started experimenting.

So, having a backyard playset is worth it both financially and sentimentally, as your kids will love their set, and you’ll love having them around.

Backyard Playset

Does a Playset Increase Home Value?

As I mentioned before, having a backyard playset can significantly increase home value. However, the amount depends on several factors, such as the location of the property, the backyard size, and the quality and size of the playset.

For instance, if you’re living in an urban area with a lot of traffic and not a lot of parks and playgrounds, having your own backyard playset will play a huge role to potential buyers that have smaller children. Do safety inspections at least once a year, and all those investments will return to you once you’re selling the property.

The size of the playset also plays a big role. The larger the playset is, the more value it adds to the property. But, you should be careful not to go overboard, because if the backyard is small, and you put a huge playset in there, you’ll lose valuable outdoor space that some buyers might want to have.

Overall, your property value will increase if the playset is well-maintained, but the amount of the increase depends on every situation individually.

How to Choose a Backyard Playset?

Choosing a backyard playset might be a bit more tricky than you think. Don’t worry, though. You can do it in merely a few steps.

First, you should think about how big your backyard is. You don’t want the entire yard to be taken away by a playset. There are also some regulations about the distance between the playset and the fencing, property lines, trees, etc.

Next, you should choose the materials. The best choice would be vinyl, as it’s the most resistant to weather conditions. You can go with wooden or metal playsets, but they are prone to rot and rust, which can lead to splinters or cuts. If you choose wood or metal, you will need a lot more maintenance to keep the playset safe and sound.

After choosing the material, think about the age of your children. Most playsets have an age limit because of weight, height, etc. As they grow older, you can add more elements to make it more challenging and exciting for them.

Finally, consider what your child loves, because a playset is only good if the kid loves it. Go for a theme they find interesting. Pick a color they like. Choose elements they prefer (swings, slides, climbs…) If they love it, you will love it, too!

Best Backyard Playsets

If you still don’t know where to start or what to get, I have a few awesome suggestions that your kids will certainly love. Your choice should depend on how active and energetic your child is, so here’s a few varieties of backyard playsets for more/less active children.

SPORTIVIKIDS Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course

Every child wants to be a ninja, right? Well, the SPORTIVIKIDS Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course playset allows them to feel like one! There are numerous obstacles and add-ons you can choose from, such as slacklines, swings, ladders, etc. It’s highly adjustable, and it will keep your kids entertained for months.

5 Ft Turbo Tube Slide

The Swing-N-Slide 5 Ft Turbo Tube Slide is a great choice for those who have a deck that faces the backyard. It’s great for younger and older children and mounts very easily to any 5 ft platform. That way, you don’t have to buy a complete playset, but your kids can still have tons of fun.

Gorilla Pioneer Peak Treehouse

If you have a big backyard, and money isn’t the issue, then go for a Gorilla Pioneer Peak Treehouse playset. It’s huge and has all the elements your child might like: swings, slides, monkey bars, treehouses, and more. It’s very durable, and add-ons are possible, which makes this a fantastic choice for your kids to enhance their motoric capabilities.