Growing up, visiting a playground was a part of younger kids’ routines. There, they enjoyed imaginative play on the swings, a fun challenge on the obstacle courses, and, of course, interaction with the many pets that people brought to the park. Not only did this give them fond memories, but it also taught them how to connect with others in the neighborhood.
Sadly, over time, that beloved play space was transformed into residential apartments. While a smaller playground is made available in a different place to accommodate kids, it just didn’t feel the same as the one they grew up with.
Why? Mainly because the new playground was missing some of the most popular playground equipment they used to enjoy. It lacked the variety and features that made the old park so special.
You see, outdoor play isn’t just about running around – it’s about having fun, making new friends, developing social interaction and fine motor skills, and forming long-lasting memories. Communities that invest in safe, engaging, and versatile playground equipment—like the ones listed below—help foster an environment where kids can thrive, grow, and enjoy their time to the fullest.
Slides
One of the most iconic pieces of outdoor playground equipment, slides are often the first thing kids rush to upon entering a play area. Slides offer kids a thrill while fostering important physical development skills, whether simple, curving, or towering.
The attraction of slides lies in their simplicity—children climb to a higher point and slide down, experiencing a momentary rush of excitement. From preschoolers to older elementary-aged kids, slides continue to be a universally loved playground staple.
In addition to their entertainment value, slides are available in various forms—from straight, traditional designs to spiral or tunnel versions that bring an added sense of adventure. The diversity in design, material, and height ensures slides can be tailored to fit different age groups and spaces, making it easy for planners to integrate them into most parks or schools. This flexibility and excitement make slides a top priority when selecting new playground equipment.
Benefits of Slides
Slides are a classic and exciting feature of outdoor playground equipment that never goes out of style. Children of various ages love the sensation of speed and exhilaration while sliding down. Beyond the fun factor, slides offer several developmental and sensory benefits:
Motor Skills Development
Climbing to the top of a slide helps build strength and coordination, engaging both gross and fine motor skills.
Balance and Stability
Controlling their bodies as they slide down encourages better balance.
Sensory Stimulation
The feeling of movement and differing heights can provide vestibular (balance) and proprioceptive (body position awareness) sensory experiences.
Social Interaction
Slides often encourage shared play experiences, teaching children patience, cooperation, and turn-taking.
Cost of Slides Installation
The cost of purchasing and installing a slide can vary based on the material, height, and design style. Basic freestanding slides typically range from $3,000 to $6,000, with durable, high-quality materials like metal or UV-protected plastic slightly on the higher end.
If additional features are added, such as tunnel slides, spirals, or dual lanes, prices can exceed $10,000 to $19,000. Overall installation costs depend on the surrounding safety surfacing required to ensure playground safety.
Seesaws Playground Equipment
Seesaws, also known as teeter-totters, are another popular playground equipment that kids love. With their simple pivoting motion, seesaws create an interactive experience that encourages kids to pair up and engage in cooperative play.
Whether balanced with a friend or taking turns with others in a group, kids enjoy the experience of feeling the ups and downs of the equipment. It's a great way to foster teamwork and shared fun.
Seesaws have also evolved in design and are now available in safer, more ergonomic versions, including those with spring centers or multiple seats. Today’s seesaw designs focus strongly on safety and balance, ensuring that children of various ages and sizes can enjoy them without risk of injury from abrupt motions. Their traditional charm, coupled with modern updates, makes seesaws a common feature in many playgrounds.
Benefits of Seesaws
Seesaws may seem like a simple piece of playground equipment, but they provide numerous physical and social benefits for children:
Promoting Teamwork
Since a seesaw requires at least two participants, it encourages cooperation and communication. Children learn how to balance weight and work in tandem with their play partners.
Core and Leg Strength
Using a seesaw helps develop muscle strength as children push up and down.
Coordination & Balance
Balancing on the seesaw stimulates hand-eye coordination and body control as children must continually adjust their movements.
Flexibility
Children adjust the force and rhythm of their movements to match their partners. This adaptability enhances their body awareness and reaction time.
Installation
The cost of installing a seesaw can vary widely depending on factors such as size, materials, and added safety features. Simple designs tend to be more affordable, while larger, multi-person, or spring-loaded models with enhanced functionality may fall into a higher price range.
As with other playground equipment, installation costs may increase if safety surfacing—like rubber mats or wood chips—is required to ensure a safe play environment and meet safety standards.
Adventure Playhouses
Playhouses are a beloved staple of outdoor playground equipment across the United States. These small, often enclosed structures offer children an inviting space for creative and pretend play. Whether hosting imaginary tea parties or transforming into a superhero hideout, playhouses provide a versatile, fun, and developmentally enriching environment.
Benefits of Playhouses
Playhouses provide an excellent opportunity for children to engage in imaginative play, a critical component of early development. Through role-playing activities like "playing house" or running an imaginary shop, children of different age groups improve their social, cognitive, and emotional skills. They also develop important communication skills, as pretend play encourages dialog, storytelling, and peer cooperation.
Along with nurturing creativity, playhouses promote motor skill development. Children may crawl through small doorways, open windows, or balance on attached platforms, all of which help improve fine and gross motor skills. Playhouses also tend to foster cooperative play, which aids in learning how to work in groups, share responsibilities, and resolve conflicts through interaction.
Cost of Installation
The cost of installing a playhouse on a playground depends on factors like size, design, and materials. Simpler models are generally more affordable, while larger or more intricate designs may require a higher investment.
When planning for a playhouse, be sure to account for additional expenses such as site preparation, installation labor, and any necessary safety measures to meet local regulations and create a secure play environment.
Obstacle Courses Play Equipment
Do you remember the thrilling sensation you felt as a kid after completing a task/challenge before your friends or siblings? This is what obstacle courses offer—fun challenges while being competitive against each other—not just for younger children but also for adults.
Benefits of Obstacle Courses
Cedar Slope Fitness Course Playground
Improves Memory and Problem-Solving Skills
Completing an outdoor obstacle course is no easy task. It requires problem-solving skills to get through the entire course, and your brain constantly tries to figure out the best strategy to win.
As you'd expect in an obstacle course, some of this playground equipment is tougher to conquer, from climbing equipment like monkey bars, climbing nets, or rock walls to spinning playground equipment. So, you’ll need to figure out whether you’ll start with the toughest equipment and work your way to the easier play equipment or not.
Builds Resilience
For kids under 8 years old, every moment is a learning experience. As they grow older and approach puberty, they continue developing personalities and often prefer being alone. Kids experience so many things at once and often have no outlet for their emotions.
Fortunately, playing on the playground with other kids can help with this problem. Classic playground fixtures like obstacle courses put them in challenging positions where they have to be resilient to finish the task, just like in life.
Outdoor Fitness
Have you ever completed an obstacle course? If yes, then you understand what it takes to go through the popular playground equipment without failing.
Obstacle courses work out almost every muscle in your body, and it’s a great way to introduce kids to fitness.
Cost of Obstacle Courses
How many kids will use the playground equipment? How old are the kids? Do you want the kids to improve upper body strength or balance? These are some aspects you want to consider before shopping for obstacle course playground equipment.
Here at WillyGoat, our obstacle courses range from about $5,000 to $40,000.
Outdoor Play Swing Sets
Kids love swing sets, and you’ll often see this equipment in most play spaces all over the country. Even families that can’t visit a playground are choosing to install this playground equipment in their backyard.
Swing sets can be a healthy distraction as the family prepares dinner. They’re also an opportunity for kids to have fun and bond with friends, as seen in this review by Shannon Leigh Rathbun:
“We purchased a swing set from Willygoat Toys and Playgrounds. The price was very reasonable, and the quality is great. Shipping and delivery were quick, and there were no issues. It took my husband and I 5 days to complete as there were a lot of pieces. I would suggest hiring someone to put it together if possible. Our boys love it. They use it every day. I would definitely recommend this company.”
Benefits of Swing Sets
Relaxation
After a stressful day at school, kids need an escape—a place where they feel like kids again and can let go of their worries and relax. Playground equipment such as swing sets can be that place for them.
Less Screen Time
It’s hard to convince kids to put down their electronics for outdoor play. You need a fun playground to persuade them to make the switch.
Fortunately, a swing set in your backyard encourages kids to be more active and play outdoors, so you should have an easier time convincing them to ditch their gadgets.
Better Sleep
Instead of playing with their gadgets, your kids will be moving more as they play on their swing sets. By evening, your kids will be exhausted, and you can expect them to sleep like babies.
Cost of Outdoor Play Swing Sets
We have different swing sets for all ages, priced to fit any budget. Plus, shipping and delivery are quick so your kids can play on their very own in no time.
Bringing Back Playgrounds to Encourage an Active Lifestyle
According to the World Health Organization, obesity rates have more than quadrupled in the last 45 years. In the U.S. alone, obesity prevalence among kids and teenagers aged 2–19 years is 18.5%.
Although you can’t rule out technology and poor nutrition, the biggest concern for most parents is the lack of enough exercise, which kids can get from community playgrounds.
Repurposing most community play spaces into residential apartments is another factor as it not only takes away the fun of playing outdoors but also the opportunity to engage in physical activity. While there are still remaining play spaces available, most of the commercial playground equipment is in a shabby state, as the community gave up on buying fresh ones.
Now, investing in new, popular playground equipment—like monkey bars and merry-go-rounds—not only helps in solving this concern but also introduces your kids to physical fitness.
Building a Playground for a Healthier Tomorrow
It doesn’t take much to build a playground. If everyone chips in, we can contribute to creating spaces where kids can play safely while also developing physical coordination.
If you’re unsure which playground equipment to choose, contact us, and we'll guide you through the selection and planning process.
