It’s that time of year again—playset buying season. The moment when countless parents prepare to invest thousands into backyard jungle gyms for their little ones. For years, I managed to dodge this suburban obligation. But then, one day, I had a moment of weakness.
I can’t even blame my kids; they never pestered me about it. Honestly, I’m not sure they even wanted a playset. No, it was my desire for one that grew. Whenever we were outside, my kids would meander aimlessly, inevitably retreating indoors to the couch. I wanted to send them back outside with a shout of, “Go play!” But with what? Our yard was devoid of anything fun—no pool, swings, or even a smooth driveway to ride bikes on. For the sake of my sanity and their enjoyment, I decided we needed a playset.
As I daydreamed about lazy summer afternoons spent on swings and in a fort, I had one condition: if I was going to spend a small fortune on a playset, my kids would have to use it—constantly.
The playset I had my eye on resembled a small house, complete with a picnic table, and was almost as big as our actual home. It seemed like the perfect hideout for two little adventurers. If I could even run some electric wiring and plumbing to it, I might never have to see them again!
But as is often the case, reality didn’t quite match my grand vision. My research on playsets began well before spring, as I hoped to snag a good deal. Spoiler alert: there are no true bargains in the playset market. I considered purchasing a used one, which my friend assured me could save me a significant chunk of cash. But my husband, Larry, was firmly against the idea, fearing it would ruin his pristine lawn. He insisted that if I was going to push for a playset, it had to be a top-tier model.
Undeterred, I pressed on in my search for a pre-owned playset that would satisfy both of our concerns. I eventually found one that was in decent shape, large enough for two school-age kids, and even had a rock wall—all for just about a thousand bucks. Victory was within reach!
However, Larry pointed out that it was located well outside our area, and we didn’t have a vehicle large enough to haul it back home, even if we were willing to make the trek. With a heavy heart, I reluctantly abandoned my quest for a used playset.
For anyone who hasn’t shopped for a playset, let me tell you, it’s an overwhelming experience. There are countless models and configurations to consider, and all the fun extras come at an additional cost. You could buy a basic wooden frame, but your kids would merely gaze at it longingly, as it wouldn’t offer any real play value.
After weeks of online comparison shopping, I finally stumbled upon my dream swing set. It had everything I envisioned. Unfortunately, the price tag was a bit steep. But, as luck would have it, one day I learned of a “free assembly weekend” promotion. I was thrilled!
That free assembly weekend felt like a win, and I thought my arduous search was finally over. Then the salesperson presented me with the final cost: just under $2,000. And it was a free assembly weekend!
The playset has been delivered and set up in our yard for nearly a year now, but the kids haven’t played on it as much as I’d hoped—especially for the price we paid. We’ve yet to get our money’s worth out of it, though the swings and trapeze bar have seen some action. That’s really all you need. Trust me, I learned this the hard way.
The kids still roam the backyard, often ignoring the most expensive part of the playset—the fort—which sits empty, aside from the occasional bird or squirrel. Maybe I should just install a TV in there…
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Summary
In this lighthearted piece, the author shares their humorous journey of succumbing to the pressure of purchasing a backyard playset for their children, only to find that the hefty investment hasn’t yielded the expected joy. Despite the playset’s grandeur, the kids still prefer their indoor activities, prompting thoughts on whether a simple swing and bar would have sufficed.