Types of Playground Equipment

There are so many amazing types of playground equipment out there, and no backyard or commercial playground is complete without at least a few of them! We’ve put together this guide to help you figure out which you should start your own playground with:

• Swing sets
• Slides
• Seesaws/teeter-totters
• Monkey bars
• Other climbing equipment
• Tunnels and tubes
• Sandboxes
• Merry-go-rounds
• Sensory equipment

Each brings a different experience, and that’s the whole point - kids get bored easily, so it’s great to have options for them. But whether you’re looking to get started with swing sets or monkey bars, playground slides, or anything else, your search ends here at Swing Set Mall!

We’ve helped communities and families create the ultimate play areas since 1989. You’ll gain access to the top brands and models at the lowest prices, guaranteed, always backed by world-class customer service from A to Z. Shop now or reach out for one-on-one support!

What Are the Different Types of Playground Equipment?

A great playground isn’t built around one piece of equipment. 

A backyard swing set brings tons of fun - until kids want something they can climb on. 

Then they want something they can slide down. 

Then they want something they can spin around on at exhilarating speeds.

Whether you’re designing a backyard space for your children or trying to create a playground that will bring joy for decades to come, the goal is to mix as many different types of playground equipment as possible - all while staying within budget, of course. We’ll walk you through the most popular playground components below to help you set out on the right foot!

Swing Sets

We’re starting with swing sets because they anchor most outdoor play areas. They’re familiar, easy to use, and appealing across a wide age range. Toddlers love the motion, older kids push for height and speed, and even adults end up taking a turn!

There’s so much variety here, not just in terms of materials but swing seats. Belt swings are the classic choice, but bucket swings support younger kids, tire swings support group play, and gliders let two kids move together, and disk or trapeze swings add a more physical challenge. Changing the swing type can completely change how the set gets used.

These structures take up quite a bit of space, which is why we usually recommend starting with them. They can guide the layout of the rest of your playground equipment. 

Slides

Slides bring speed, anticipation, and repetition - and they can go hand-in-hand with your swing set! Many structures combine the two seamlessly so kids can climb up, slide down, and then spend some time swinging back and forth. This dynamic duo is one of our favorites.

Like the different types of swings, there are many different types of playground slides you can choose from as well. Straight slides are the basic choice for younger kids and smaller areas. Wave slides add a little unpredictability. Tube slides feel more enclosed and adventurous, especially for older kids who want something that feels bigger and faster.

Slides connect easily to platforms, towers, and climbing walls, so kids can move through the play area instead of staying in one spot. They’re a great addition to any playground. 

Seesaws/Teeter-Totters

Seesaws (also known as teeter-totters) encourage cooperation. They don’t work without another person, which naturally pulls kids into shared play. 

The traditional teeter-totter requires serious balance and timing, but today’s versions often have springs or multiple seats so they’re easier and safer for younger users. They’re especially great for playgrounds designed for social interaction rather than solo play. They don’t take up a ton of space, either. You just need a little section to bring one of these into your playground!

Monkey Bars

No playground is complete without monkey bars. They serve two purposes: they’re tons of fun, all while building strength and coordination. Some kids race across. Others take it one bar at a time, learning to trust their hands and arms.

There are several types of monkey bars to consider. Straight overhead ladders are the classic option. Curved or arched monkey bars are a bit more challenging. Ring-style or swinging grips change the motion entirely and demand more control.

Other Climbing Equipment

Monkey bars aren’t the only types of climbs worth adding to your playground. Take climbing domes, for instance, or rope ladders. Rock walls, cargo nets, there are so many great options. There are countless ways to elevate play off the ground in a safe manner! 

Some test balance. Others test strength. Some are slow and careful, while others encourage fast movement. This variety matters. Not every child climbs the same way or at the same pace. Multiple climbing options let kids choose their comfort level and build confidence over time.

You can learn more about the different climbing playground equipment names in our blog.

Tunnels and Tubes

Tunnels create a different kind of play. They’re less about movement and more about imagination and exploration. Kids crawl through, hide inside, or use them as shortcuts between sections of the playground. 

Tunnels feel like secret spaces for younger children. They become part of games and obstacle courses for older kids. Tunnels also add inclusivity. They’re engaging without forcing kids to climb, so just about everyone can participate! 

Sandboxes

Sandboxes slow things down - in a good way. They encourage creativity, cooperation, and focused play. Digging, building, pouring, and shaping sand holds attention when kids are all tuckered out from playing on the other types of playground equipment. 

That’s what we keep harping on. Sandboxes work best alongside active elements, because they keep children engaged for a longer period of time and bring more options for kids who don’t want to run around to play. They’re a place to reset without leaving the play area.

Merry-Go-Rounds and Other Spinning Equipment

Spinning equipment changes the game. Instead of moving forward and back or up and down, you rotate around, and around, and around! Hence the name merry-go-round.

These types of playground equipment are popular in group settings because they naturally bring kids together. Some require teamwork to get moving, while others let children spin on their own at a controlled pace.

Sensory Equipment

Sensory elements round out a playground by engaging touch, sound, sight, and movement. This can include textured panels, musical components, steering wheels, mirrors, activity boards, and interactive play panels.

These features are especially important for inclusive playgrounds, but they benefit all kids by adding quieter, focused activities. Sensory equipment often fills gaps between larger structures, turning empty space into something engaging.

Don’t Forget the Surfacing!

A lot of focus gets put on the types of playground equipment, and for good reason - it’s where the fun comes from! But the surfacing used in the playground is just as important from a safety perspective. It helps absorb falls and also makes the entire area feel finished.

• Rubber mulch and poured rubber are popular for their shock absorption and low upkeep. 
• Engineered wood fiber is budget-friendly and works well when it’s installed and topped off correctly. 

We don’t recommend grass and dirt. They wear down quickly and turn muddy in high-traffic zones, especially under swings and slides. They aren’t going to provide much in the way of shock absorption, either. 

But whichever you go with, surfacing should match the height and type of equipment you’re installing. It’s one of the smartest decisions you’ll make when building a safer, longer-lasting play area.

Find All the Equipment Your Playground Needs at Swing Set Mall!

Having the right parts matters just as much as having the right ideas when you’re building a playground, be it in your backyard, at a school, or in your local park. That’s where Swing Set Mall comes in.

We make it easy to bring everything together in one place. From complete swing sets and slides to replacement chains, hangers, brackets, climbing holds, and specialty swings, our catalog covers the pieces that actually get used every day.

Our family-owned business has handpicked the top equipment from the industry’s best brands, always offered at the lowest prices (guaranteed). Your order is also backed by our money-back guarantee, and you have access to exceptional customer service every step of the way.

We say this because we want to reiterate that you don’t have to figure this out on your own. You can connect with our team today for personalized guidance on designing a playground everyone will love!  

Final Words on the Different Types of Playground Equipment

The best outdoor play spaces mix multiple types of playground equipment to keep kids moving, challenged, and engaged as they grow. Swings, slides, climbing features, and sensory elements each play a role, and together they create a play area kids come back to day after day.

You can learn more about plastic vs wood swing sets and Gorilla vs Rainbow swing sets in our blog if you’re still weighing your options. Or, you can connect with our team now and start building the best playground around!