Most children these days do not step out often and remain indoors with their gadgets, which leads to a lack of physical and mental stimulation. Installing playground equipment like slides and swings in the backyard is one way to motivate kids to go outside. However, there are multiple factors that you need to be mindful of when making a purchase, like the types of equipment, their benefits, and how to pick a suitable dealer.

Types of outdoor play equipment
These are the most popular types of backyard equipment you could consider installing for kids:

Swings
Ever noticed how kids sit on swings for hours without even realizing it? Swings are fun and quite calming. They make kids feel like they are flying because of the wind blowing around them and the ground that seems so far below. The equipment comes in various styles, like belt, hammock bucket, rope, canopy, porch, baby, and tire swings.

Slides
If you are designing a playground in a backyard, a slide should definitely be there. It allows kids to climb up a ladder and sit on the slope to slide back down. Slides are available in all shapes and sizes, including those that are short and flat and others that are long and wavy. You could also choose something covered by a roof or options like double, triple, or tunnel slides. Some also come with gates or arches.

Seesaws
You might also call this a teeter-totter. Children enjoy flying up and down on a seesaw, a type of play equipment that requires a partner. It encourages cooperation and could be fun for kids on both sides. You could install a traditional seesaw design or one that is modern. Either way, little ones will have loads of fun with their friends.

Music and game panels
These are some of the most stimulating and interactive activities kids could enjoy at a playground. Music panels enable kids to beat a rhythm with the help of freestanding drums, while game panels, like tic-tac-toe, help them play with a friend. Panels require less physical exertion and are a good choice for children who are tired and need to catch their breath or prefer a quiet playground activity.

Monkey bars
Monkey bars (horizontal ladders) are fun to climb and swing from one end to another. Children who use the equipment could build strength in their upper bodies. You could choose a freestanding monkey bar or one attached to structures like a jungle gym.

Jungle gym
Speaking of jungle gyms, these are also popular outdoor play equipment to add to a backyard. Traditional structures were made of steel, offering longevity and strength. Today, you could get jungle gyms made from plastic, rope, and wood, which might be cheaper and still serve the same purpose.

Tips for finding a dealer
Follow these tips to find a suitable outdoor play equipment dealer:

Check reviews and history
Checking the reviews and history of a business is one of the first steps in narrowing down on a dealer. Read online reviews about what other customers had to say about the company. If possible, ask the equipment dealer to share details about their past work to help you make a more informed decision.

Ask about the materials used
You may find several dealers that offer equipment at a low price. However, they could be using inferior materials to reduce costs and attract customers. So, ask for and inspect the materials used to make the equipment. Also, check how securely and well the equipment is installed in the playground.

Compare prices
While going with the first equipment dealer might help you save time, it could cost you more in the long run. The supplier might not be the best in the business, and you may have to spend on replacing or repairing several parts of the playground equipment sooner than you had imagined. To avoid this problem, make a list of the best playground equipment dealers and compare the prices to identify the ones that offer the most value-for-money options. You could also save money by purchasing good-quality, pre-owned equipment from the dealer.

Account for repairs
You will need to repair playground equipment occasionally. So, when you select a dealer, ensure they offer suitable after-sales services besides a great price. Check if they could send professionals immediately in case of faults or damage to the playground equipment. Also, find out if the equipment is covered by a warranty so that it can be easily replaced in case of manufacturing defects.