Children can become interested in playset activities as young as two years old, and many start to lose interest between ages nine and 12. Backyard playsets can grow and adapt as the children age and playtime interests change.

Whether an in-ground or a portable basketball hoop is better depends on the available space and its usage. For hoops that will experience frequent play, an in-ground basketball goal will be a more durable option. On the other hand, a portable basketball hoop can be the better option for smaller spaces that can’t have a permanent hoop installed.

It’s usually possible to install a playground yourself, but we don’t recommend it. Playground construction can be complicated and involves moving large, heavy, and bulky components into place while you affix them to other pieces. Not only is the work physically demanding, but any mistakes could reduce the lifespan of your playground and potentially put any children who use the equipment at risk of injury. It’s relatively inexpensive to hire a professional playground installer, and it’s usually worth the investment, if only for the peace of mind it provides.

Generally speaking, building a swing set is cheaper than buying a prefabricated one, but this assumes you have all the tools and knowledge to complete the project. The average cost to build a swing set is $514, but you should also factor in the time and effort it will require—if you don’t want to give up your weekend, it’s worth considering buying instead of building.