My family spent the weekend levelling up our DIY backyard playground on a budget, and it reminded me how little you actually need to create something kids really love.
Over the years, we’ve slowly added a few fun things. Many of them free or second-hand from Facebook Marketplace, and each summer I try to add one simple, affordable item that encourages the kids to spend more time outside.
Because honestly… that’s the goal!
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Why We Prioritize Outdoor PlaY
In a world full of screens, having a space that naturally draws kids outside has been one of the best things we’ve done for our family.
Daily outdoor play helps:
- Boost vitamin D levels (important for immune health and mood)
- Improve sleep quality (they fall asleep faster and sleep deeper)
- Reduce screen time without constant battles
- Encourage creativity and imagination
- Get my outdoor chores completed, while being able to keep an eye on them or include them in what I am doing
I notice such a difference in how my kids play outside. They create games, build things, climb, balance, and move their bodies in ways that just don’t happen indoors. I also noticed that there is less conflict between them.
You Don’t Need a Big Budget
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you need an expensive play structure to create a fun backyard.
You really don’t. We do not have a play structure. Instead, we created different areas throughout the yard to stop and play.
Some of our kids’ favourite things have been:
- found secondhand
- repurposed
- or added slowly over time
If you’re working within a budget, start small and build over the years. It honestly makes it more fun and more meaningful.
What We Have in Our Backyard Playground
Here are the simple, budget-friendly items that keep our kids entertained for hours:
Dome Climber
I love our dome climber. My kids are little monkeys and spend so much time hanging, climbing, and even sitting on top chatting with friends.
I recently saw the cutest idea: throwing blankets over it to make a “summer igloo” and we’ll definitely be trying that this year.
We found ours on Facebook Marketplace for $100 CAD, and I see them listed there all the time.
👉 Find a similar dome climber here:
https://amzn.to/4clWUBS
Large Trampoline with Net
A trampoline is an absolute backyard staple for us.
All four of our kids can jump at once, and they’ve created their own games like “jumping shoes” and “pop the popcorn.” It’s also strong enough for my husband and I to join in.
We actually scored our 12’ trampoline (with safety net) for FREE on Marketplace. Keep an eye out because they show up often.
I just saw that you can buy a tent to go around your large trampoline and camp out in your yard. How fun is that!?
👉 Browse trampolines here:
https://amzn.to/4tdGIsm
Climbing Rope with Swing
This is one of our newer additions and it’s already a favourite.
It’s a climbing rope with knots and a small swing at the bottom. We hung it from a sturdy tree close to the house so I can keep an eye on the kids while I’m in the kitchen.
The kids have named it “Rapunzel’s hair” since the rope looks like a golden braid 😂.
👉 Find the climbing rope we use here:
https://amzn.to/48VX1Sp
Disk Swing
Our disk swing can fit multiple kids at once and feels a bit more secure than a traditional swing.
We’ve had ours for 4 years now (bought used in perfect condition for $40), and it still gets used constantly, even in the winter months.
I’ve seen stands for these type of swings as well, so don’t let not having a tree in your yard deter you from this one. I have also seen them attached to a swing set/outdoor playground if you already have one set up.
👉 Shop a similar disk swing here:
https://amzn.to/4vCpFBR
Above Ground Steel Pool
We were lucky, our above ground pool was left by the previous owners of our home.
It’s been such a gift, especially since we don’t have central air. The kids are in it constantly during hot days, and it’s helped them become confident swimmers much faster.
It’s also perfect for all ages since its 4′ deep, and having friends over without feeling too crowded.
👉 Find similar above ground pools here:
https://amzn.to/3Od4KVn
Zip Line:
We ordered this one and are patiently awaiting its arrival. I have no idea if it is a safety hazard, where we are going to put it yet, but it looks so fun and my kids are going to freak when they see it!!
👉 Find the zipline we ordered here:
https://amzn.to/4tjfLDw
Slide
Slides are one of the easiest things to find secondhand for cheap (or even free).
We don’t have a full play structure yet, so my husband got creative and attached ours to a tree using a simple wood support.
Not perfect, but it works, and the kids love it.
Dreaming Ahead…
One day, I would love to build a larger play structure suitable for our kids ages at that time or creative treehouse. I’ve seen some beautiful, simple designs that fit a more natural, homestead-style backyard.
But for now?
This setup is more than enough.
The kids move from one area to another, stay active, and spend hours outside and that’s exactly what I was hoping for.
More Fun Play IdeaS:
- campfire pit – not exactly a playground idea, but great for family time and there are no rules that say you can’t have a camp fire during the day (unless a burn ban is on!)
- Collapsible soccer nets
- Sidewalk Chalk – we don’t limit our kids to the paved areas. They draw on trees, fences, porch, wherever they want as the chalk washes off very easily in the rain.
- Bubbles
- Water Balloons
- Bikes/Scooters – I love these scooters since they super lightweight and fold up to throw in the trunk to bring with us.
- Mud Kitchen – I see these all the time on Marketplace and are a good DIY project if you have the time. A family member and his son made ours 💚
- Homemade Balance Beams – made with logs and 2×4′ s or whatever materials you have available
- Slip and Slide (I’ve seen cool ideas online how to make your own)
- Sprinkler – we just use the same sprinkler for the kids that we use to water our garden
- Water guns
- Sandbox – easy to make or pick up for low cost used
- Tire swing – fun weekend project with the kids
- Climbing Trees – as simple as it gets! Probably my daughter’s most used backyard toy 😊
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about creating a budget backyard playground, don’t overthink it.
Start with what you can find.
Add things slowly.
Get creative.
Kids don’t need perfect, they just need space to move, imagine, and be outside.
And often, the simplest setups end up being the most loved.
I’d love to hear what backyard toys your family is enjoying. Please send me a note in the comments section below!
And if you’d like to read more Family Living posts, check them out here.
