Swings and slides and see-saws, oh my! 

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Keen to transform your backyard into a total kiddie paradise or just want something cool to get them outside and keep boredom at bay? We've got you covered. 

You can feel it in the warmth of the air, you can smell it in the hint of jasmine that wafts by every now and then and you can see it on the faces of people walking down the street: Summer is coming and boy oh boy, don't we need it, this year more than ever? And while much of us are looking forward to a summer not marked by COVID restrictions, with freedom to, you know, leave the house, I know I'm also looking forward to a summer of having people over... getting out the paddling pool for the kids, firing up the BBQ (or, tasking a guest with firing up the BBQ) and just chilling in my own backyard with people I love for the first time since forever. 

But, while lounging in the sun with an Aperol Spritz might be enough for grown-ups, what about the kiddos? Let's face it, the paddling pool is great, but it won't entertain them forever! There isn't a kid alive who wouldn't love play equipment in their backyard. It gives them something to do when their friends come over and it also entertains them when they're on their own. Win-win. And whether you have a lot of room or a small space, there's definitely something to fit your yard (or balcony) and your budget. Here are our favourites.

Keezi Kids Slide Set, $259.95 at Amazon

Bellam Kids' Outdoor Activity Set, $419 at Zanui

Lifespan Kids Bobcat 2 Foldable Swing, $69 at Amazon

Lifespan Kids Bubble See Saw, $119 at Amazon

Five Seat Swing Set, $278.99 at Catch

Plum Play Gibbon Wooden Swing Set, $649.95 at Catch

Ainsley Outdoor Playground Set, $489 at Catch

Trujump Australia 5 Station Swing Set, $528 at My Deal

Plum Play Climbing Pyramid, $1299.95 at My Deal

Skyfort II Play Centre, $3499 at Zanui

Helmar Lil' Monkey Outdoor Dome Climber, $219.58 at Amazon

Grown N Up Kids Climbing Frame, $299.99 at Catch

Outdoor Monkey Bar Play Set, $399.99 at Catch

Sunshine 2.2m Climb & Slide, $329.99 at Toy Universe

Want us to tell you which one should be outside your back door? Read on! 

Perfect for little kids and also perfectly moveable if you need to mow the lawn or even bring it inside for some fun on rainy days. This affordable combo includes a slide, swing and basketball hoop. It has anti-slip steps up to the slide and a safety fastener on the swing so your little ones can have plenty of fun while you have peace of mind. The kit also comes with a ball, some stickers and a pump to inflate and easily clips together (and unclips as needed) so it's super easy to construct with no tools required.  

A slightly larger set with more options for play, this one includes two basketball hoops and a soccer net so they can really practice their ball skills (in between climbs, slides and swings!) Bright and colourful, it's sturdy yet easy to disassemble as needed and being plastic, can withstand pretty much any weather. Perfect for more than one kid as there's plenty of room to let everyone play together. 

This simple swing may look small but it will take kids up to 25kg so it's built to last pretty much until they're able to clamber onto a regular swing, all on their own. It's height-adjustable to fit big and small kids with a safety bar and belt to keep them snug and can be used indoors or outdoors - it's light and easy to move around. 

Let them get dizzy with this 360-degree rotating see-saw, just perfect for bouncing and spinning around with a mate. The bouncy ball under the seat adds an extra boost whenever they hit the ground, and is super-durable and rust-proof and will take big kids and small. "Have had friends with toddlers and young children over and has been a big hit with every child! Our kids have far too many toys, but this one they have used every day they’ve had it. Love it."

Perfect for swinging on your own or with siblings and mates, this swing set will take up to five kids at once and with varying seats offers plenty of options for fun for all ages. Sturdy, durable and easy to assemble, you can pin it into the ground for extra stability. 

With two swings, a rope, and a ladder swing, this will have your kiddos climbing, twirling and swinging happily for hours. Made from natural wood, it's a great-looking and super fun option that will fit into any backyard and will cater for kids up to about 12 years old. 

An inexpensive playset this will pretty much give your kids everything they need to feel like they're at the park in their own home. With two swings, a climbing frame, a cubby house, chalkboard, sandpit and a large slide, the whole family (and any visiting mates) could spend hours in active and imaginative play. It has tonnes of great reviews and while parents concede it's "a little tedious to set up, the kids "absolutely love it!" And why wouldn't they? 

A similar option, this one adds in an extra ring-shaped pull-up swing for extra gymnastic fun. "Great quality, fantastic swing set. It took about 4-5 hours to build with two people and an electric drill," says one, "but so worth it. They love it." 

Have a little more room to play with and want something that adds an element of imaginary play to the backyard? This option has the requisite cubby, slide and swings but also includes a downstairs "cafe", perfect for setting up a kiddie kitchen and playing cafe. 

A little more compact but just as fun, this one is great for those who want to clamber and slide their way all over town. With a rock wall on one side and two ladders - a fixed one and a web ladder - on the other, this will challenge their spiderman skills as they scurry to the top and slide down. Want to take a load off? The underside of the climbing wall is a cosy cubby to chillax in when they need a bit of peace and quiet. The slide also has a hose attachment to turn it into a waterslide when the weather really heats up. 

Have all the room and want to literally blow your kids' minds? Invest in this straight-up amazing play centre that will mean you never hear "Muuuum, can we go to the park, PLEASE?!" ever again. Featuring three swings, monkey bars, a climbing wall, enclosed cubby, fort and picnic table on the lower floor, there is literally no game your kids couldn't concoct in this thing and, considering it will take up to nine of them, you could pretty much invite the whole street to play. From working out their energy to inspiring their imaginations, this thing is pretty incredible. Yes, it's definitely pricey, but can you really put a price on keeping your kids entertained? 

If your kids are of the 'monkey' variety (I have one, myself), you might want to skip the swings and slides and just go for a climbing frame. The beauty of these things is they can really be anything you want. They can climb, jump, twist themselves in and out, even chuck a big bedsheet over them and turn them into a cubby house if you like. Sturdy, flexible and made from plastic not steel (which is softer and safer for kids) this is weatherproof for leaving outdoors but also great to bring inside on a rainy day. Low to the ground, it's ideal for littler climbers (up to age six). "This is the most fantastic playroom purchase ever," writes one reviewer, adding, "My 2 and 5-year-old kids were climbing other toys (like their plastic kitchen) and jumping off the couch, and I was at my wit's end giving timeouts for climbing. The climber arrived, and finally something they are SUPPOSED to climb. No more timeouts! They are obsessed."

Another great bright and colourful option, this climbing frame is a little larger, taller and stronger than the previous one if you have slightly older kids, catering for kids up to around the age of eight.

With a rope climbing wall, a swing, and a fireman's pole, this is a great option for slightly older kids who need to burn off some energy. Recommended for ages 6+, it will take up to three kids at a time, so great for little ones to play on together with their mates. 

If a simple slide is all you need, you can't get any sweeter, sunnier, or more durable than this number. 2.2m high, it'll give big and little kids a great ride, and with sturdy, well-spaced out steps and grippy handles, is easy for even the littlest legs to climb.  

If you're thinking of getting yourself a playset for your backyard the biggest thing you need to consider is space. If you've got a large backyard, the sky is the limit but if space is a factor, you want to make sure you strike a good balance between giving the kids some fun and still having room to enjoy the backyard. You also need to consider not just the space that the playset takes up, but whether there is space around it - for swings to move back and forth, for kids to run and climb safely. It's also important to consider if you have any powerlines or tree branches that may be in the way. If you're the sort of family who spends a lot of time doing other things in your backyard - cricket, watersports, playing with balls or ride-ons - you might want a smaller playset that is moveable and can come inside if needed or be shifted out of the way. 

It's also good to consider how many kids will likely be playing on it. It sounds obvious, but if you have several kids - or you often have friends over - you need a set large enough that won't cause fights. 

Secondly, you want to consider safety and construction. Playsets are usually constructed of metal, wood, or plastic - the plastic options obviously being less sturdy and meant for smaller kids. 

When it comes to metal vs wood, both are sturdy and safe, and long-lasting though generally, metal structures will hold up a little better when it comes to wear and tear over time. Considering you're talking about a backyard playset for approximately ten years and not something designed to be in a park forever, longevity probably isn't the most critical factor here. 

Want more great buying guides? We've got everything you need for a summer of fun, like the best backyard sand and water tables and the best kiddie pools. Ready to shop?  Be sure to check out our coupons page for all the latest deals and steals.