What’s the best climbing frames for kids

Designing a garden that works for all of the family isn’t an easy task, especially if you have kids with lots of energy. Regardless of your garden size, one of the garden design basics you should try is to create zones.

 

This allows you to create a seating and dining area for the family, a patch of grass for ball games and space for one of the best climbing frames for kids. You might even have space for an outdoor kitchen!

 

Kids’ climbing frames are a fantastic way to encourage them to exercise and develop problem-solving skills.

 

If your perception of climbing frames is of big, bulky units, then you’ll be relieved to know there’s an excellent range of all sizes and prices.

 

We’ve picked out our top 10 best climbing frames for kids, all will provide hours of fun and learning.

 

 

* Prices correct at time of publishing

 

 

WICKEY Playground for children Smart Cave

 

Description

Providing a range of activities to entertain children for hours, the WICKEY Playground for children Smart Cave offers multiple configurations. It’s designed to provide endless fun. The package comes with comprehensive assembly instructions for easy construction.

 

The Smart Cave set uses a mixture of pressure-treated solid wood and plastic to ensure longevity and safety. Made in Germany, each post is 7 x 7 cm thick, and the swing beam is 9 x 9 cm.

 

You do need to set the post anchors in concrete to ensure maximum safety. While this is crucial, it does increase the price and assembly time.

 

In its basic configuration, it covers an area of 3.5 x 4.5 x 2.6 cm. In this set, your kids will enjoy a 2m slide, 2 swings, playhouse with window, multiple climbing options and an integrated sandpit.

 

Designed for children over 36 months, this playground set is any child’s dream. They’ll be the talk of their class and have endless friends wanting to come over and play!

 

 

Conclusion

Once you’ve assembled and built a suitable concrete foundation, the WICKEY Playground for children Smart Cave will provide your kids with endless entertainment.

 

It will take time and money to get set as it’s not a kit you can put together in an afternoon. So please bear this mind. Also, it’s worth noting that the instructions are in picture form and may take a bit of time to understand.

 

With all of these points considered, it’s a fantastic playground for kids of any age over 36 months as it has multiple activities to keep them busy. While it is expensive, the timber frame will last for years. 9/10.

 

 

 

FATMOOSE Climbing Frame FruityForest Fun XXL

 

Description

FATMOOSE Climbing Frame FruityForest Fun XXL provides 3 layers of different activities that will keep your kids healthy.

 

Made in Germany from pressure-treated solid wood, the frame uses thick posts and beams. These provide a level of quality and safety that’s second to none. Also, the set comes with a 10-year guarantee on all wooden elements.

 

What makes the FruityForest Fun XXL one of the best climbing frames for kids, is its versatility. You can configure the kit in multiple ways depending on your garden and children. Plus the comprehensive assembly instructions using pictures and enable easy construction.

 

So what will entertain your kids? There’s XXL Climbing frame with a 90cm height and a 120cm height platforms. Reaching these is fun as there’s a number of routes including a ladder and climbing wall with 5 GrabOn climbing stones.

 

A large Wave slide MaxiGlider XL and 2 FATMOOSE Classic Rider swing seats will provide hours of entertainment. But that’s not all! The top platform features a StreetPilot Racing wheel and there’s even XXL sandpit under the platforms.

 

With so many activities, your kids will enjoy staying healthy and exploring their imagination.

 

 

Conclusion

The FATMOOSE Climbing Frame FruityForest Fun XXL is fourth in our list of the best climbing frames for kids. There are lots of like about it, even though it measures a massive 2.9 x 5.2 x 2.5 m!

 

It doesn’t require a concrete base. However, you might want to buy 16 SoftSafe safety mats to place under the frame.

 

You will need to take some time to find the right configuration for you and your garden, luckily the instructions provide examples of some of the many options. Assembly is straight forward and you’ll probably want to use a cordless drill to put it together.

 

FATMOOSE have made the set very inventive and it’s sure to spark the imagination of any child. We especially like the climbing wall and steering wheel. Also, the two different height platforms are nice, as is the hidden sandpit.

 

Again, the FATMOOSE Climbing Frame FruityForest Fun XXL offers all you need to keep your kids entertain and active for hours. 9/10

 

 

 

WICKEY Climbing Frame SeaFlyer

 

Description

The WICKEY Climbing Frame SeaFlyer is available in 3 colours: green, red and blue. We’ve picked the more affordable blue version for this review, but other colours are available.

 

Firstly, this WICKEY is built from chunky pressure-treated wood. Not only does this ensure safety but it’ll last for years to come.

 

You’ll need to find your drill as the kit comes flat packed. Luckily, the box includes comprehensive instructions. So assembly is simple.

 

In addition to all the parts, the box includes all the necessary screws along with 2-piece screw safety caps.

 

Designed for children of at least 36 months, there’s plenty of options to play with. The frame has two platforms. The lower is a sandpit, which extends to the ship front!

 

There are many ways to reach the second platform! You could use the ladder, the climbing wall with its 5 grips or the rope ladder!

 

Once you’re at the top, you could slide down the 2.2-metre Slide or imagine you’re steering an F1 car, thanks to the built-in steering wheel. You could survey the surrounding land with the telescope! Land ahoy?!

 

You could, however, enjoy using the swing. There’s plenty of options for all ages.

 

 

Conclusion

With change from £500, the WICKEY Climbing Frame SeaFlyer is ideal for the adventurous child who wants to bring the beach home!

 

You do have to assemble it and it’s not straight forward to do so. Ideally, you would anchor into the ground with concrete. Of course, this increases the time and effort it takes to get it set up.

 

At 4.6 x 3.9 x 2.6 metres, it’s fairly large and while you can minimise the space needed by build just the tower, you’ll still need a good-sized plot.

 

Once you’ve assembled it, your kids with have years of fun exploring the sandpit, flying down the slide or trying to reach the sun on the swing! Or imagining they are at sea!

 

All things considered, the WICKEY Climbing Frame SeaFlyer scores 9/10.

 

 

 

Plum Climbing Pyramid Wooden Play Centre

 

Description

With hours of fun and games for kids, the Plum Climbing Pyramid Wooden Play Centre made from premium FSC certified timber and so is durable and long-lasting. It also comes with 5 year manufacturer’s warranty.

 

Arriving flat packed, the set is pre-drilled for easy assembly. 2 adults should be able to build it in about 5 hours to build. Once assembled, it measures 1.5 x 3.9 x 2.1 metres. Plum recommends creating a 2 metre safety zone around the frame.

 

Designed for children of 3 to 12 years old, the frame can hold a weight of 50 kg or roughly 2 children.

 

Your children will enjoy hours of outdoor play. At the top of the frame are two play decks, with the lower one connecting to the slide.

 

Kids will enjoy climbing one of the several routes up to these platforms. These include a cargo net, ladder, and rock wall with coloured hand and foot grips.

 

Under the decks and hidden by camouflage fabric panels, there’s a secret play den. Just imagine your kids planning secret missions or using it for hide and seek!

 

Encourage your kids to be adventurous with the Plum Climbing Pyramid Wooden Play Centre!

 

 

Conclusion

If swings don’t excite your children or you don’t have the space for them, then the Plum Climbing Pyramid Wooden Play Centre is a fantastic option.

 

As to be expected it requires assembly, just like all the kids climbing frames we’ve covered. And as a result, you’ll need a friend and an afternoon to put it together.

 

The Plum Climbing Pyramid Wooden Play Centre doesn’t require setting in cement or even ground anchors. Of course, you might want to consider either/both to ensure it’s rock solid and completely safe.

 

You’re kids will enjoy climbing, sliding and hiding in the den for hours and hours. With so many activities, your children will develop their strength, sense of adventure and imagination. 9/10

 

 

 

TP Toys Explorer Frame with Platform and Den

 

 

Description

The first of our climbing frames for kids is the TP Toys Explorer Frame with Platform and Den. Arriving flatpack, it’s easy enough for one person to assemble and doesn’t require any specialist tools.

 

Made from galvanised steel, the frame comes with a 5 years guarantee against rust causing failure. Nuts and bolts are hidden by a connector cap system which children safe.

 

The frame can set at two different heights depending on the age of your kids. At the lowest setting, it’s suitable for children as young as 18 months. When at full height and width ( 2 x 2 x 2.1 m), children 3 to 12 can enjoy hours of fun.

 

While your kids can enjoy it as a climbing frame, a green canvas den is included. This den features a round viewing window and 2 entry/exit points with roll-up doors.

 

Holding a maximum combined user weight 100kgs, your children and their friends will enjoy hours of imaginative outdoor play.

 

If you have more room or as the children grow, you can add TP extensions such as the Jugle Run and Crazy Wavy Slide.

 

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking to get your kids out and climbing but don’t have a lot of space, then the TP Toys Explorer Frame with Platform and Den will be a fantastic investment.

 

It’s easy to assemble, can be set up at 2 different heights and even comes with a cool den.

 

The den is ideal for summer picnics, play dates and possibly the odd sleepover too. While not fully waterproof, it’s likely to be fine to sleep under for a night or two.

 

While the TP Toys Explorer Frame with Platform and Den provides a range of options for play, it is limited. However, you can buy add-ons if you have more space, which will make the climbing frame even better. 8/10

 

 

 

Lifetime 90136 Dome Climber

 

Description

The Lifetime 90136 Dome Climber is available in two colour combinations. We’ve gone for the cheaper version in earth tones (green, brown, tan).

 

What makes this climbing frames ideal for home use is that it doesn’t need to be fixed to a cement surface. You can build the frame and place it anywhere within your garden.

 

Made from powder-coated steel, the frame comes complete with polyethene climbing grips. The materials are low maintenance and UV Resistant. And as a result, it remains strong and full of colour, regardless of how often your kids use it.

 

Suitable for children ages 3-10, it’s designed to hold up to 275 kg in total weight.

 

As it comes flat packed, it will take 2 adults a few hours to put together. Once together your children will enjoy hours of play. Finally, it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

 

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a simple climbing frame for your kids, then Lifetime 90136 Dome Climber is worth considering.

 

It is a little difficult to assemble, but once put together can be placed on any ground. This means you can easily move it around your garden.

 

Measuring 305 x 305 x 152 cm, it’s fairly large. That said, as a stand alone activity, children will enjoy hours of fun exploring the different climbing routes.

 

If you don’t like the green and brown colour combination, it’s also available in a red and blue combination, which is more expensive. 8/10

 

 

 

Dunster House The Lil Lodge MKII

 

Description

Bring the beach home with The Lil Lodge MKII from Dunster House, which is ideal for ages 3 to 10 years.

 

Made from pressure treated timber, The Lil Lodge MKII is very low maintenance and comes with a 10-year guarantee.

 

Climb the ladder to reach the balcony and clubhouse. Imagine the number of hours your kids will spend in the clubhouse dreaming up new games and enjoying being with friends.

 

At the other end of the balcony is a single mould plastic slide. This has been designed and manufactured to be stronger and more durable than others on the market.

 

As a flatpack kit, you’ll have to assemble it. Ground anchors are also supplied as part of the package. Nuts and bolts are safely covered with plastic caps for added protection.

 

Children aged 3 to 10 years will love playing on this climbing frame. Plus as it can support up to 50 kg, 3 kids can play together.

 

While others on our list are huge, The Lil Lodge MKII measures a fairly compact 1.8 x 2.9 x 2.3 metres. You should be able to fit it into most gardens with ease.

 

 

Conclusion

While The Lil Lodge MKII by Dunster House may offer limited options when compared to other climbing frames for kids on our list, its compact design and clubhouse make it suitable for most gardens.

 

The clubhouse has real toughened glass and a wooden door (previous versions had a plastic sheet rather than a door). Just imagine all the fun your kids could have inside!

 

The slide is durable and has a good length to it. Plus it’s set a nice height. Enough to make it challenging for kids, but addictive once used. You might have a hard time getting your children off it!

 

It does require assembly and you’ll probably need a cordless drill, but it does come with a 10 years guarantee. 8/10.

 

 

 

Niro Sportgeräte FitTop M9 Outdoor Turn Station

 

Description

The Niro Sportgeräte FitTop M9 Outdoor Turn Station is unlike any of the other kids climbing frames we’ve covered so far.

 

As a fine example of German engineering, Niro Sportgeräte has incredibly high testing standards. It’s one of the reasons that their products are used in school and gyms all over Europe.

 

At only 4.5 square meters, you can set up the device in the garden or on a flat surface outdoors. Simply put the individual elements together, assemble them with the existing connecting elements and cast in the feet.

 

As this is suitable for children from 3 years old and up, you can help your kids stay healthy and enjoy exercising. Whether they use the pull-up bar, the gymnastic rings, the climbing rope or net, there are lots of fun activities to do.

 

While fairly compact at 4.5 square meters, the frame can hold up to 130 kg or roughly 4 children. Even the hanging devices can hold an impressive 80 kg in weight. Your children will enjoy exercising on this colourful unit.

 

 

Conclusion

As the Niro Sportgeräte FitTop M9 Outdoor Turn Station is expensive, it’s worth starting with the issues.

 

As a German manufactured product, the instructions come in German. So you might end up having a few issues that are lost in translation! Luckily, the photos are good enough to meddle through and Niro Sportgeräte is fast to respond with advice and help.

 

At 4.5 square metres, it’s compact and ideally, you’d set this unit in concrete and/or attach it to a wall. Again, this takes times and adds future costs.

 

That said, there are so many exercises and life skills you can teach your children using this climbing frame, whether they become world-class gymnasts or not.

 

Taking all of this into consideration, we score the Niro Sportgeräte FitTop M9 Outdoor Turn Station at 8/10.

 

 

 

Fatmoose CleverClimber Club XXL

 

Description

Introducing the Fatmoose CleverClimber Club XXL, it’s another compact climbing frame that offers several play options.

 

This German-made unit uses high-pressure impregnated solid timber, which is easy to maintain and robust. It comes with a 10-year guarantee on all wooden parts.

 

At 2.5 (w) x 1 (d) x 2.2 (h) metre, it’s compact and so should easily fit into most gardens.

 

What makes the CleverClimber Club XXL climbing frame unique is that multiple configurations are possible. Each of which is covered in the assembly instructions.

 

After assembling, it’s best to set in concrete with Fix-series ground anchors and 20 SoftSafe safety mats covering the area beneath.

 

So what activities are available to your kids?

 

There are multiple climbing options including a LineUp Climbing rope and EasyUp Rope ladder with 4 rungs. An XXL Climbing frame runs up one side and extends along the top.

 

There’s also a straight climbing wall which has 5 GrabOn climbing holds and Gymbar. Several extras are also available including a basketball hoop and GrabOn climbing holds.

 

Simply put, there are hours of fun for kids of all ages. encourage them to stay active and feed their imagination!

 

 

Conclusion

As with most of the kids climbing frames we’ve covered, the Fatmoose CleverClimber Club XXL is fairly complex to assemble. We dislike that it doesn’t come with ground anchors and need to be cemented into the ground.

 

That said, those are it’s only negatives. Other than being unable to get your kids to stop playing on it!

 

As there’s no swing or slide, it’s fairly compact and the timber will blend into your garden. This makes it ideal for most gardens of any size.

 

If your children enjoy climbing and exploring then the Fatmoose CleverClimber Club XXL is for them as it provides several options and challenges. 8/10.

 

 

 

Dunster House Kids Monkey Bars

 

Description

If swings and slides don’t excite your kids, then Dunster House Kids Monkey Bars just might! Built from pressure treated timber to ensure it’s longevity and low maintenance. It comes with 10 years guarantee.

 

Assembly is very simple and the set includes galvanised steel ground anchors. These bury into the ground and secure the frame without the need for concrete. However, you can set these anchors into concrete if you so wish.

 

Designed for children 3 to 14 years, they can swing from the bars, exercise on the ladders and so much more! And as the set can hold 50 kg in weight, 2 kids can play at once.

 

Finally, it’s compact, measuring 3 x 2 x 2 metres. This means that unlike some of our kids climbing frames, you can easily tuck these monkey bars into a corner or at the end of the garden.

 

 

Conclusion

The Dunster House Kids Monkey Bars will provide your kids with hours of fun. Sadly for such a straight forward unit, assembly isn’t that easy. You’ll probably benefit from using a cordless drill.

 

Thankfully, once it’s up, you can easily secure it in place with the included anchors. You don’t need to set them into concrete, which is another bonus.

 

As it’s made from pressure-treated timber and fairly compact, it blends into the greenery already present in the garden. Perfect if you’ve spent a lot of time designing your garden.

 

Kids of all ages will enjoy and be challenged by this Dunster House Kids Monkey Bars. You can even add some extras like a trapeze swing and rope ladder. Both will encourage your children to explore more and invent different games to enjoy. 7/10

 

 

 

Best climbing frames for kids

Before we dive into our picks for the best climbing frames for kids, here’s some general advice. All of our climbing frames for kids require assembly. They all claim to be easy, but most use picture guides rather than step by step written instructions.

 

If you dislike DIY, then consider hiring someone local to help you. Also, it’s worth taking into considerating whether the climbing frame needs anchoring. Some don’t, other only require rods, whereas a few need to be cemented into the ground.

 

With all of this in mind, your choice comes down to functions, space and price. As a climbing frame should last 10 years without need much money spent on it, they are good investments despite the initial price.

 

If you’re looking for basic climbing and a slide, then you can’t go wrong with the Dunster House The Lil Lodge MKII.

 

Looking to keep kids busy for hours then you’ll want to consider purchasing either the FATMOOSE Climbing Frame FruityForest Fun XXL or WICKEY Climbing Frame SeaFlyer.

 

If you’re looking just for climbing and lack space, then the Dunster House Kids Monkey Bars fits the bill.

 

Any of our climbing frames for kids will encourage your little ones to stay active, develop their imagination and encourage them to exercise.