OK, parents and caregivers of the world, it’s time to get real. We love our little darlings, and we really want them to have safe and fun places to play in the backyard now that spring is here. But we also like to entertain (and someday we’ll be allowed to do that again!) So we kind of want outdoor play equipment that doesn’t wreck our design aesthetic. Do we really have to choose? Happily, in this arena we can have it both ways! We’ve curated a list of the best outdoor backyard play equipment brands that will provide hours of joy for your little people, and maintain a chic backyard look for you.
can outdoor backyard play equipment for kids be chic?
We are lucky enough to have a backyard in New York City, but we have always thought of it more as an adult entertaining space. With so many parks and playgrounds nearby to enjoy, we have never invested in anything more than lounge chairs and a grill.
The Best Outdoor Play Equipment for a Chic Backyard Look
We have chosen the best and most charming and unobtrusive outdoor play equipment that will allow you to maintain the chic look of your beloved backyard. It’s entirely possible to design a backyard that’s kid-friendly without compromising on style. Yay!
The Best Outdoor Play Equipment for a Chic Backyard Look
Chic backyard outdoor play equipment for kids
Playground Sets
Swings, slides, and seesaws will always be a hit with young children. Whether you have acres of land or just one mature tree, we’ve got you covered.
1. Amish Made Backyard Playstation Octagon Playhouse Vinyl Swing Set Model 219
If space is not an issue, check out this winsome gazebo and play station wrapped up in one. It’s Amish-made with all the bells and whistles: three swings, rock wall, spiral slide, tube slide, waterfall slide and a bi-level deck. It’s pricey, sure. But we’re all saving on babysitters now, right?
BUY NOW – $15,283.00
2. Amish Made Princess Castle Playground Set
Every girl dreams of a princess castle, where they can use their imagination and play. Watch their fairy tale stories come to life in this playground set. 
BUY NOW – $11,737.00.
3. The Miriapod – Triple Challenger for the Daring Conquerors
Minimalist-minded families will appreciate this free-form activity center featuring the Miriapod Triple Challenger. It is designed to encourage and promote independent play. Emphasis on independence!
BUY NOW – $400.31.
4. Outdoor Cacao Swing Handmade Crochet in UV Protected Yarn with Burmese Teak Wood
There’s nothing wrong with a tire swing. But this dreamy, handcrafted swing made from Burmese teak wood and crocheted UV-protected yarn will bring a tropical resort vibe to your space.
BUY NOW – $1, 425.00.
5. Twin Pops Seesaw
Part art installation and part play structure, designer Gabriela Noelle’s inspiring lucite see-saw is made to accommodate both kids and adults.
BUY NOW – $12,550.00.
Pretend Play
Dramatic play helps children learn to solve problems, cooperate, and think creatively. These outdoor toys help take it to a whole other level.
1. Amish Made Yellow School Bus Playground Set
Are the kids missing school? Have them take a ride on this beautifully constructed school bus made from weather-resistant pine wood. It comes with nine seats on the inside, a steering wheel and stop sign for realism.
BUY NOW – $5,680.00.
2. Fairytale Cottage Playhouse
This enchanting Tudor-style cottage is primed for tea parties, fairies, and forest gnomes. The interior has a loft space, faux fireplace, and mantle for maximum coziness.
BUY NOW – $8,899.00
3. Backyard Discovery White Sweetwater Wood Playhouse
This wooden playhouse reminds us of a breezy beach cabana but is neutral enough to be a stand-in for anything your little ones can imagine.
BUY NOW – $299.99.
4. CAT Metal Digger
Put them to work! The CAT Metal Digger is great for digging, dumping and building and can be used in the gravel, sand and snow.
BUY NOW – $399.00.
5. 2 in 1 Kitchen and Cafe Pretend Cooking Playset
We can imagine the kids playing restaurant or dining al fresco on this oh-so-cute cooking playset.
BUY NOW – $232.99.
Water Play
No pool, no problem. Here are some super fun water play toys that will engage and delight the kids for hours. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
1. Small Rock Water Fountain
There’s more than meets the eye to this humble rock. Connect the garden hose and it turns into a sprinkler to add to your nature-inspired playscape.
BUY NOW – $1,099.00.
2. Flamingo Inflatable Sprinkler
This flamingo inflatable sprinkler encapsulates what carefree summers are all about.
BUY NOW– $59.99.
3. Kids Dog Splash Pad Sprinkler
This kids dog splash pad sprinkler makes residential splash pads is great for keeping cool on a hot Summer day. It is durable for toddlers and small to medium dogs.
BUY NOW – $38.99.
4. Gator Inflatable Pool Play Center
Kiddie Pools gets a design upgrade from Gator. Enjoy the mini-slide and dragon sprinkler as you cool off during the Summer heat.
BUY NOW – $65.99.
Art, Music & Sensory Play
Although this type of play is usually associated with the indoors, we found some fantastic ways for kids to enjoy their hobbies in the great outdoors.
1. Children’s Factory 18″ Small Sensory Table, Sandbox with Lid, Water Table for Kids, Red
If you have ever had a kid in preschool, you know that those water and sand tables are magic. You can even change it up with shaving cream and water beads for extra special sensory play.
BUY NOW – $183.76.
2. Large Drums
Depending on how far away your neighbors are, you might consider this set of giant outdoor drums which all produce contrasting bass tones.
BUY NOW $3,715.00..
3. Acrylic Panel easel
This 3-Way acrylic panel easel allows your little ones to paint in plain air like an Impressionist. Its non-rust, metal powder-coated frame means you can keep the mess outside.
BUY NOW $265.99.
4. Chime Panel with Letters
Outdoor orchestra concert in your backyard? How dignified! This Chime Panel has a full scale of eight notes that allow children and adults to play a song and sing along. The pipe is a heavy gauge aluminum that will not rust.
BUY NOW $2,320.00.
5. Wood a Frame Sidewalk Magnetic Free-Standing Reversible Chalkboard
We see no reason why these restaurant sidewalk chalkboard signs can’t double as a canvas for some good old-fashioned chalk art.
How to create a chic look for the backyard with fun outdoor play equipment.
BUY NOW – $129.99.
Lawn Games
We didn’t forget about families with older kids! These simple lawn games should be a good way to get the gang off their phones and outside for some friendly competition. And best of all, no assembly required.
1. GoSports Giant 3.5″ Red Foam Playing Dice Set with Bonus Scoreboard
These six foam dice are amenable to a host of made-up games. Just make sure the whole family agrees on the rules!
BUY NOW – $28.99.
2. Croquet Set
Grab a mallet and turn the backyard into a croquet tournament for the ages. This beautiful set is handmade in the USA.
BUY NOW – $119.99.
3. Wooden Tower
The energetic rainbow colors of this oversized wooden tower stacking game should lure the whole family out for some quality time together.
How to create a chic look for the backyard with fun outdoor play equipment.
BUY NOW – $77.35.
4. Skillbuilder Bow and Arrow Set
Archery is a summer camp staple. If camps happen to be closed, why not set up your own shooting range?
How to create a chic look for the backyard with fun outdoor play equipment.
BUY NOW – $59.99.
Summer is coming and good luck with keeping your family entertained with these items!
