Mom Approved: The 8 Best Backyard Playsets Under $1000
Are you trying to find the best backyard playsets under $1,000? There are so many different playset options on the market that it can feel overwhelming to find the right one for your family. This post is all about the best backyard playsets on the market right now for $1,000 or less.
*This post includes affiliate links which allows me to receive advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.*
As a mom of two young kids, I’ve been’m constantly harping on my kids that they need to spend more time outdoors. But the automatic response was almost always, “What are we going to do?”
Without a local park close by our house, I was looking for a way to help our kids stay active, decrease their screen time and spend a lot more of their days outdoors. That’s when I began the hunt for the best backyard playsets under $1000. (Because we’re still a family on a budget!)
In a hurry? We ultimately purchased the Backyard Discovery Atlantis. Check it out right here!
Some of the most popular and trusted swingset brands offer a handful of options under the $1,000 mark. After extensive research while looking for a wood playset for my own 6 year old and 3 year old, these are the ones that consistently got rave reviews and high marks for longevity and performance.
best backyard playsets under $1000
Without further ado, here are the best wood playsets and swingsets currently on the market that you can grab right around the $1,000 mark (or less)!
All are available for purchase online, and some even include set-up options directly from the company. Check them out and find the perfect fit for you and your family.
1. Backyard Discovery Atlantis – $999
I would definitely say that Backyard Discovery’s Atlantis Swing Set is one of the best outdoor playsets for 8-year-olds and kids a bit younger than that. This is a super sturdy swing set that includes a wooden roof, rock climbing wall, two swings, and a sandbox option underneath.
Even though this wood playset is compact, there’s plenty of room for a handful of kids to spread out and have fun.You can use Backyard Discover’s BILT app to put the set together by yourself, or you can purchase assembly directly through their company.
2. KidKraft Appleton Wooden – $417
There are a lot of different Kidkraft playset options on the market. But this classic wood playset definitely gives you a great bang for your buck. The simple swing design makes the building process a breeze and the adorable chalk board wall makes this one of the best outdoor play sets for toddlers.
3. Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley – $999
Are you trying to find a big kid swing set under $1,000? The lower price range definitely makes the hunt a challenge, but its not impossible! Lots of reviewers have said great things about Backyard Discovery’s Mount McKinley model for kids who are a little older. With a double rock wall climber and a unique rope ladder feature, there’s plenty to keep your kids on the move.
4. Skyview Cedar Backyard Playset – $899
If you’re looking for the best wood playset with a lot of fun details, try the Skyview Cedar Backyard Playset! Although a lot of reviewers noted that building the playset takes a ton of time and patience, the end result (and the near perfect rating) makes it seem like it’s absolutely worth the price.
This is another play set that seems to be a good fit for older kids. One of the main perks of this one is the two-person glider swing which you don’t see on a lot of swing sets!
5. Sportspower Brighton Wood Swing Set – $216
If swinging is the main name of the game for your kids, then this Sportspower set has everything you need. The skyflyer swing easily supports two kids on traditional swings along with a multi-position swing that can be used seated, kneeling, or standing.
Although you won’t want too many kids on it at once, the company does stand by its claim that this set supports 3 kids of up to 100 lbs. each.
6. Dolphin Playground Cedar Swing Set – $699
The Dolphin Playground Swing Set could be another great option if you’re looking for the best swing set for kids age 5-10. It also has a lot to offer for younger kids as well. I love that this set comes with a slide, a picnic bench, swings and a monkey bar option, giving it more variety a lot of the other wood playsets on the market.
As a note, a handful of reviewers on this one noted that they needed a few additional screws reinforcement wood added to the set over time.
7. SuniBoxi Wooden Swing Set – $359
If you’re on the hunt for the best play sets for toddlers, look no further. While the SuniBoxi swing set doesn’t include a slide, it is jam-packed with activities that little ones will love, like a chalkboard wall, a basketball hoop, and the option of a sand and water table.
If you want to keep kids 1-4 busy for hours, this is the set to get. Not to mention it’s available at a super doable price point.
8. Backyard Discovery Belmont – $799
If you need to stay under $1,000, Backyard Discovery’s Belmont Swing Set is a great midrange option that gives you a good amount of bang for your buck. All the basics are here including a slide, swings, and an acrobat bar.
Smaller kids will also love the addition of the picnic/activity bench. Backyard Discovery sets are great because you can download their BILT app which guides you through the building process. You can also purchase assembly through their company.
Why Choose a Wood Swing Set?
You can definitely find metal and plastic playset equipment at lower price points. But there were a few key reasons that a wood playset might be nonnegotiable for you.
Here are a few common reasons that you may choose a wood play set over other materials.
1. Aesthetic appeal
Many people prefer the look of wooden swingsets over metal ones. Wooden sets have a more natural and rustic appearance. They can also be stained or painted in a variety of colors to match your personal taste or to complement your home’s exterior. (We painted the playset that we chose white. More updates on that coming soon!)
2. Durability
Wooden swingsets are often more durable than metal ones because wood is less prone to rust and corrosion. Additionally, wooden sets are less likely to dent or scratch, which can prolong their lifespan.
3. Customizability
With a wooden swingset, you can choose from a variety of wood types, colors, and designs and find a set that fits your needs and preferences. Additionally, wooden sets can be expanded or modified over time, as your kids grow.
4. Environmental impact
Let’s be real, playsets can be a beast to dispose of or give away. The good news? Wooden sets can easily be refreshed and resold, or recycled and repurposed at the end of their lifespan.
While there are certain situations where a metal playset might be a great choice, these are a few of the reasons we went with wood. One reason you may go with metal is that they’re more cost-effective. But you don’t have to sacrifice quality in order to get a great price.
How to Choose the Best Wood Play set for Your Family
When you’re looking for the best wood play set for your family, there are definitely a few criteria you’ll want to pay attention to.
Here are the top considerations you’ll want to look at while exploring the best play set brands and options.
1. Consider your space: Before you start looking at the best playsets, assess your yard and decide how much space you actually have available. Keep in mind any obstacles like trees and fences that could interfere with the placement of the play set.
2. Think about your children’s ages: This is a duh, but before buying, consider the age range of your kids! For young children, look for a playset with lower platforms and smaller slides. When shopping for the best swing set for older kids, look for a playset with taller platforms and longer slides.
3. Check for safety features: Safety should be your top priority when choosing a playset. Look for playsets that have safety features such as rounded edges, sturdy construction, and non-toxic finishes. Also, consider the height of the playset and make sure it’s right for your child’s age and ability.
4. Consider the materials: Wood playsets are super popular because of their durability, but you also have to take care of them! Look for playsets made from high-quality, pressure-treated lumber that is resistant to rot and insect damage. If your wood isn’t treated, you’ll want to paint or seal it early on. Also, make sure the hardware is made from rust-resistant materials such as stainless steel.
5. Read reviews: In this list, I narrowed down the options of the best wood playsets under $1,000. But you’ll still want to read reviews! Check out reviews from other customers to see their experiences with the playset – especially those who mention having kids in the same age range. You can get a lot of additional insight before your purchase by putting in this research time.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best wooden playset for your family that will provide hours of outdoor fun while keeping your children safe.
And the winner for best wood playset goes to…
After doing extensive research and reading reviews, our family ultimately decided to go with the Backyard Discovery Atlantis. We payed someone to assemble the play set for us, and so far we are LOVING having this play set for our kids.
We recently had about 8 kids over for a family hang out, ranging in age from 2-9 years old. All of them had fun on the swingset and it held up with no problems at all.
We decided to paint and seal our playset so it has the best chance of having a long life. So far I am loving the results! What do you think?
This list should give you a great head start in finding the best wood playset for your family to enjoy. Which of these playsets are you planning to add to your shopping list? I’d love to hear about it!
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