Best Affordable Outdoor Playsets to Make Your Garden Fun 2023 Review

After being inside for a long time, affordable outdoor playsets will encourage you and your kids to engage more in outdoor activities, such as gardening. Letting the kids out for some much-needed entertainment, family-friendly interactivity, and Vitamin D is always a wonderful idea. 

However, coming up with exciting gardening activities for them to do may be challenging. And you might find yourself soon running out of ideas. One way to ensure that the kids don’t get bored while they discover how to make gardening fun is to give them a full outdoor playset that has a lot of different things for them to do. 

Find peace of mind and enjoy some time outside by keeping your kids busy and active with any of these affordable outdoor playsets on our list. Check them out below!

affordable outdoor playsets

What the Best Outdoor Playsets Will Mean for Your Children

When you want the best outdoor playsets for your kids, it would also depend on how much space you have outside, how old your kids are, and how much money you’re willing to spend. 

After looking at what we have reviewed over here, you’ll be able to find one that fits your needs, style, and budget, so you and your kids will be happy to learn more about gardening. 

Who knows, you may just find a few toddler-friendly versions for the kids to keep them busy.

From our research, we came up with this list of the best affordable outdoor playsets that also prove to be plenty of fun for your garden.

Top 3 Affordable Outdoor Playsets to Make Your Garden Fun — Product Ratings

Product
Best Choice
Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse
Little Tikes 3-in-1 Garden to Table Market
Top Rated
KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen
Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playset – Shaded Outdoor Playhouse for Kids with...
Little Tikes® 3-in-1 Garden to Table Market Pretend Garden Food Growing and Cooking Toy Role Play...
KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen with EZ Kraft Assembly™, Lights & Sounds, Ice Maker and...
Pros
The overhead canopy provides shade for friends; To grill and enjoy a meal at the snack table; Use the built-in play sink to wash the dishes and store them in the storage bag so they're ready for the next time; Encourages kids to mimic adults and boosts their self-expression and self esteem; There are a variety of accessories included for splashing around and exploring the sand, such as a water tower, scoops, and a double-sided shovel, to name a few; This playset features realistic stacked stone and neutral colors and makes an incredible backyard playset
Kids can grow their own food, sell it, and then cook it; Multiple children can play at the same time and take turns starting to grow, preparing food, selling, and purchasing all of the delightful, organic creations; In addition to pollinating the bees, kids can grow their own fruits and vegetables, sell them to their friends using the credit card reader, then cook a pretend meal on the side grill; Children learn how to celebrate healthy eating with this outdoor playset to make gardening fun
Amplifies and enriches childhood play through active play; Can grow vegetables in planter boxes that fit over the kitchen ledge; Write the name on the chalkboard label; Self-adhesive closures hold carrots and onions together for a clean cut; Using the ice maker is easy—just push the button; Pots, pans, and accessories can be stored in the two included wood-grain fabric bins
Cons
Challenging to put together, but well worth the effort
Assembly can be challenging, but with a bit of perseverance you will get it sorted
Ice machine can be a bit sticky to get ice out
Dimensions
47.5 x 47.5 x 60 inches
18 x 25 x 18 inches; Weighs 1 pound
44.2 x 13.6 x 43 inches
Bottom Line / Summary
Step2 Playsets are known to be indestructible, easy to clean and will outlast hours of interactive play.
Imaginative 3-in-1 Garden to Market Table with side grill. For creative playtime, this toy market and kitchen playset comes with realistic accessories. Kids can plant, grow, cook, sell, buy, and enjoy delicious treats simultaneously
KidKraft is part of a timeless wooden outdoor playset that encourages numerous hours of interactive play, built to last.
Best Choice
Product
Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse
Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playset – Shaded Outdoor Playhouse for Kids with...
Pros
The overhead canopy provides shade for friends; To grill and enjoy a meal at the snack table; Use the built-in play sink to wash the dishes and store them in the storage bag so they're ready for the next time; Encourages kids to mimic adults and boosts their self-expression and self esteem; There are a variety of accessories included for splashing around and exploring the sand, such as a water tower, scoops, and a double-sided shovel, to name a few; This playset features realistic stacked stone and neutral colors and makes an incredible backyard playset
Cons
Challenging to put together, but well worth the effort
Dimensions
47.5 x 47.5 x 60 inches
Bottom Line / Summary
Step2 Playsets are known to be indestructible, easy to clean and will outlast hours of interactive play.
More Info
Product
Little Tikes 3-in-1 Garden to Table Market
Little Tikes® 3-in-1 Garden to Table Market Pretend Garden Food Growing and Cooking Toy Role Play...
Pros
Kids can grow their own food, sell it, and then cook it; Multiple children can play at the same time and take turns starting to grow, preparing food, selling, and purchasing all of the delightful, organic creations; In addition to pollinating the bees, kids can grow their own fruits and vegetables, sell them to their friends using the credit card reader, then cook a pretend meal on the side grill; Children learn how to celebrate healthy eating with this outdoor playset to make gardening fun
Cons
Assembly can be challenging, but with a bit of perseverance you will get it sorted
Dimensions
18 x 25 x 18 inches; Weighs 1 pound
Bottom Line / Summary
Imaginative 3-in-1 Garden to Market Table with side grill. For creative playtime, this toy market and kitchen playset comes with realistic accessories. Kids can plant, grow, cook, sell, buy, and enjoy delicious treats simultaneously
More Info
Top Rated
Product
KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen
KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen with EZ Kraft Assembly™, Lights & Sounds, Ice Maker and...
Pros
Amplifies and enriches childhood play through active play; Can grow vegetables in planter boxes that fit over the kitchen ledge; Write the name on the chalkboard label; Self-adhesive closures hold carrots and onions together for a clean cut; Using the ice maker is easy—just push the button; Pots, pans, and accessories can be stored in the two included wood-grain fabric bins
Cons
Ice machine can be a bit sticky to get ice out
Dimensions
44.2 x 13.6 x 43 inches
Bottom Line / Summary
KidKraft is part of a timeless wooden outdoor playset that encourages numerous hours of interactive play, built to last.
More Info

Best Overall Outdoor Playset:

Step2 All Around Playtime Patio with Canopy Playhouse

Our Score: 96%

Our Take: Step2 toys can handle 1000s of playtime hours. Great to pass onto family members.

Step2 is considered the best backyard playset when it comes to parties in the garden. Prepare to amaze your kids with this pavilion-style design and the working swing doors that includes sand and water features

Product features

  • Open Air Pavilion Design: This multi-station playhouse is large enough for multiple kids to play simultaneously
  • Stylish Canopy: Wind flaps on the market-style canopy keep it from blowing away. Easy to remove the covers for storage and washing.
  • Eye-Catching and Practical: It’s easy to envision this design in any backyard, thanks to the realistic stonework around the base and the neutral color scheme.
  • Sand and Water Playground for Children: With the included sand and water table, kids can wait for the pretend cookout to begin. Toys can be safely stored under the included lid while they splash and dig.

Why it is the best product

Step2 brings families together. Especially when they gather for a cookout or barbecue and kids want in on the action. Furthermore, these playsets are indestructible and child friendly. 

Pros

  • Boost role play and encourages creativity among children
  • Enhances social skills and language development due to interactive play
  • Teaches kids to think for themselves and discover solutions to any problems
  • Encourages independence from their parents

Cons

  • The product might not withstand strong winds if you reside in windy regions

Best Value Outdoor Playset to Make Gardening Fun:

Little Tikes 3-in-1 Garden to Table Market

Our Score: 90%

Our Take: This outdoor playset has easy-to-store produce and is effortless to clean.

The Little Tikes range is very realistic and similar to stands featured at the Farmers Market. Two or more children can play all at once. All the accessories you kids need are right at hand to encourage interactive growing, planting, cooking, and more.

Product features

  • Realistic and interactive play: Inspired by farmers market stands, with a corner grill and lifelike accessories.
  • The possibilities for imaginative play are endless: Children can cultivate their own plants and produce, then market and prepare the resulting food.
  • Creations can be grown by multiple kids at the same time. 
  • In addition to pollinating the bees, kids can grow their own fruits and vegetables, sell them to their friends using the credit card reader, then cook a pretend meal on the side grill.

Why it is the best value product

Little Tikes 3-in-1 Garden playset encourages social awareness among children and allows them to discover their creative side. This product lets kids experience what it’s like to be farmers in a realistic setting. Plenty of storage space, which makes it a valuable addition to any garden where lots of fun is the name of the game. 

Pros

  • Fruit and veggies are easy to take apart and put together using velcro
  • Excellent standing activity for kids of various age groups
  • Accessories are cute and child-friendly in that they can be thrown around and picked up at will
  • Long-lasting as your kids can play with this set for years to come

Cons

  • The velcro wears out over time and may require restitching

Best Seller Backyard Playset for Kids:

KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen

Our Score: 94%

KidKraft Wooden Farm playsets are deemed timeless wooden outdoor products. The design was inspired by kids who know what they want and what works for them. KidKraft built furniture that is near and dear to our children’s hearts. 

Product features

  • Helps toddlers master their coordination skills: Every child should be encouraged that anything is possible if they believe in it.
  • Forms and maintains friendships. 
  • Emulates family value through realistic designs
  • Creates a useful comparison between the real world and a fantasy one

Why KidKraft is a best seller

The Kid Kraft farm-to-table play kitchen with EZ Kraft installation inspires scrumptious fun for tiny foodies. It is super easy to remove a variety of vegetables and then chop them using your wooden knife and cutting board. Cute sound of slicing veggies for kids. The product received well over 6,000 ratings from happy customers around the world. 

Pros

  • Offers hands-on playing experience for kids
  • Blackboard and chalks let children write out the name of their favorite creations
  • Veggies give off a crisp sound when cut
  • Ice maker actually works in that plastic ice cubes drop down
  • Everything is within easy reach and well organized

Cons

  • Instructions are not clear enough

Why Should You Have Faith in Us?

We independently choose and collect all the information to bring you the best review of the products all in one place. Whether you are busy creating a secret garden with your children or gardening with toddlers, we have you covered by providing you with the best kids gardening ideas, tips, and reviews.

What Factors Should You Consider When Purchasing an Outdoor Playset?

Our kids mean the world to us. As parents, we will do anything to ensure we have their best interests at heart when buying playsets to make gardening a fun activity. Special consideration should be given to their safety, the type of materials the sets are made of, and their educational value.

Product descriptions and warnings should always be carefully read before purchasing. Toys that pose a health and safety hazard should be avoided; instead, shop around to find something better suited to your little one.

Toys made from sustainable commodities, such as wood, are the best option for outdoor play. Wood is also known for its antibacterial qualities. In addition to being functional, wooden outdoor sets are used to encourage gardening to make lovely additions to your backyard.

backyard playsets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the outdoor playset equipment safe?

Most if not all playsets for kids are designed with safety in mind and the surfaces are child-friendly.

How do we keep the backyard playset clean?

It goes without saying that the playsets will get dirty, even if there are some footprints or watermarks. We suggest you make use of warm water and a tiny bit of cleaning detergent. Be sure to check the instructions or recommended guidelines.

Are the playsets easy to use?

The sets are incredibly user-friendly and will ensure hours of fun playing in the garden. Overall, it is very easy to set up and can be used right away. 

Conclusion 

We are sure you will agree that the well-being of our children are near and dear to our hearts. For this reason, we want to make it easier for you to make an informed decision when buying backyard playsets for kids to make your time with them in the garden a great experience. 

We hope and trust that we inspired you and empowered you to gather enough information on the best affordable outdoor playset to make gardening with your kid fun and exciting!