It’s that season again: the time when countless parents prepare to invest significant sums of money on backyard playsets for their little ones. For years, I managed to dodge this suburban rite of passage. But one day, I reached my breaking point.
I can’t even pin the blame on my kids; they never pestered me about it. In fact, I’m not even sure if they truly desired a playset. No, the urge came from within me. Whenever we stepped outside, my kids would meander aimlessly, often retreating back to the couch. I found myself yearning to shout, “Get outside and play!” But with what? We lacked a pool, swings, or even a paved driveway to play on. For my own peace of mind and their entertainment, I concluded we needed a playset.
I envisioned idyllic summer afternoons spent on the swings, with the sounds of children’s laughter wafting through the warm air. However, I was adamant about one thing: if I was going to splurge on a playset, my children better get full use out of it—living in it if necessary.
The playset I had my heart set on featured a house-like structure and a picnic table, nearly the size of my home. It seemed like the perfect paradise for two small kids. I even daydreamed about adding electrical wiring and plumbing to the fort so I could enjoy some peace and quiet.
But, as often happens, reality didn’t quite match my fantasy. I began my research long before spring, hoping that buying off-season would yield a decent price. I was wrong. There are no bargains in the world of playsets. Whether it’s gold-plated hardware or rare wood, I couldn’t find any good deals. A friend suggested looking into used playsets, which could be half the cost. That sounded ideal!
Unfortunately, my husband wasn’t on board with the used playset idea—he worried it would ruin his pristine lawn. However, if I insisted on acknowledging that our kids needed toys, he demanded a premium model befitting his well-kept yard.
Despite his objections, I persisted in my search for a second-hand playset. Eventually, I found one in good condition that would accommodate two school-age children and even had a rock wall. Best of all, it was priced at just $1,000. I thought I had struck gold.
Then my husband reminded me that the playset was located outside our state, and we didn’t have a vehicle large enough to transport it even if we wanted to make the trek. With a heavy heart, I abandoned my quest for a used playset.
For those unfamiliar with playset shopping, it can feel overwhelming. There are numerous models, heights, and configurations, and all the fun additions cost extra. You could buy a budget wooden frame, but your kids would likely only end up gazing at it longingly.
I spent weeks comparing options online until one day I finally spotted my dream swing set. It had everything I wanted, but, unfortunately, it was out of my budget. I visited the playset multiple times, hoping for a sale. Mid-summer, my luck changed: the company was hosting what they called a “storewide sale”—free installation weekend. I was thrilled!
However, my excitement faded when the sales representative presented the total cost: just under $2,000, even with the “free installation” offer.
Now, nearly a year later, the playset sits in our yard, largely untouched. The kids still wander around aimlessly, ignoring the very structure we spent so much to acquire. The fort, which was supposed to be a hub of activity, remains empty—except for the occasional bird or squirrel. Maybe if we installed a TV in there, the situation would change…
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Summary
In conclusion, purchasing a backyard playset can be a hefty financial commitment, often leading to unmet expectations in terms of usage. Many parents find themselves drawn into the allure of playsets, only to discover that their children may not use them as anticipated.