Introduction 

Nowadays, children are all looking at their smartphones and playing with the latest gadgets. When parents decide they want to go for a trip to the park, they find themselves leaving important chores at home and preparing everything down to the last detail before heading out. This makes it more of a hassle than a form of enjoyment. Why not take the playground home with you? Not literally, of course! There are available toys in the market today that offer the same recreation and fun as going to the park within the comfort of your own home. Presenting…playsets! 

Why go for a playset rather than individual toys sold separately? Kids having fun with playsets are developing their skills while playing. Letting their imagination run freely encourages kids to think creatively. Playsets also motivate children to communicate with you or their playmates. It urges them to speak their minds and hone their verbal and non-verbal skills. This results in building social relationships, not being afraid to interact with other people, whether by sharing or fostering friendly competition. Playsets are also good for sensory play and practicing fine motor skills by using the parts that have specific uses like toy wrenches, injections, mixers, and even small cashier registers! 

Now you know what playsets can do for your kids (and a little bit for you, too), let us check out the different choices you have before purchasing one. 

Size Matters 

Small 

Several playsets measure 2-3 feet tall and are no higher than your average toddler. These playsets are perfect for small spaces and often narrow enough to spare some space in the living room or nursery. For standard purposes, we consider the biggest playset part under 36” small. However, be on the lookout for playsets less than a couple of feet comprising even smaller parts as these can become choking hazards and are dangerous for younger children. 

Large 

For homes that can accommodate the bigger pieces, some playsets are more than 3 feet in height, some even running as big as trees!  Usually, these playsets can be climbed on, stepped on, swung at, and sat on. They are made of more sturdy material and are composed of larger parts compared to the small playsets. 

Look for the Perfect Material 

Metal playsets 

Metal playsets are playsets that usually use thin gauge steel pipes which are welded and attached to the concrete. Their base is made of heavier metal pieces or concrete. They are colorfully coated and exposed to high heat, so the paint will not wear off easily in a powder coating process. Metal playsets need constant oiling and checking for rust buildup to preserve them and last longer by avoiding corrosion. 

Vinyl-coated playsets 

Vinyl playsets use treated lumber to make them more resistant to rotting. For added protection, the treated lumber is coated with PVC or vinyl, which is UV protected so it won’t lose its quality under the sun. Other parts of the playset may be made up of wood fiber and plastics from recycled materials. The best part is that no upkeep is required for vinyl playsets, causing its price range to be higher than metal or wooden playsets. 

Wooden playsets 

Wooden playsets are often made of cedar, pine, or redwood. 

• Cedar playsets are resistant to rotting, decaying, and damages from pests. They have a sweet woody smell and hold paint and glue nicely, and are usually non-splintering. Northern White Cedar is the lightest of all commercial woods, so you can be assured of its quality. 

• Pine playsets are frequently pressure-treated to last for years and contain safe preservatives that help prolong their quality.  As a result, these playsets are not as expensive as Cedar and Redwood ones. 
• Redwood playsets are the most expensive wooden material. Woodworkers swear by its durability, malleability, and minimum shrinkage and expansion. Maintenance like staining and sealing should be made yearly to prevent moisture from being trapped inside, resulting in earlier material decay. 

Best Features to Consider 

Space-saver 

For indoor playsets, you would want something that would be compact and foldable. It could also be a kit with storage like a bag, pouch, or box included. For outdoor playsets, look for small inclusions in the playset that will maximize the space it occupies like the driver’s wheel, handlebars, climbing ropes and rocks, poles, and even mini slides. 

Age-appropriate 

Are you buying a playset for your one-year-old or giving it as a gift to a toddler? Will a 10-year-old kid use the playset? Find a playset that matches the age requirement to ensure the kids are entertained, away from unexpected incidents, and develop their specific skillsets. 

Budget 

You don’t have to break the bank when deciding to buy playsets. They come in various prices ranging from a little over $20 bucks to hundreds of dollars. If you have the budget to splurge, make sure you buy playsets with features reasonable for their price. If you’re tight on the cost, you may check smaller playsets that still provide fun and safety compared to the expensive ones. 

Number of users 

Another thing to consider is the multiple players who will use the playsets. Will your only child be using the playset? Are there other kids who will be using the set? For outdoor fun, opt for something heavy-duty and made of quality material and components that will stand the test of time. 

Other Selection Tips 

• Check warranty coverage. Various stores extend their warranty on parts, money-back guarantee, or lifetime warranty for some playsets. 
• Look for suitable playsets that follow your neighborhood guidelines. You may also want to consider the weather conditions in your city if you are buying outdoor playsets. 
• Playsets usually comprise several pieces, so you need to ensure that they have been correctly assembled. You should also double-check the condition of the playset before and during usage.  

• Always make sure kids play with close adult supervision. 

Conclusion 

Playsets are made to bring enjoyable learning time to the children’s developmental years. After reading our guide, rest assured that choosing a playset is more simple than ever before.  So make purchasing and playing with playsets a great bonding time for you and your little one! Visit Aosom for your playset needs!