Hoping to get the kids outside more during the warmer months? You need to buy the best climbing frame to live in your garden. Climbing frames are guaranteed to keep youngsters entertained in a way that gets them out in the fresh air and away from their screens. Plus, you'll be able to crack on with your to-do list whilst they're having fun and doing exercise. It's a win win.
We've chosen the best climbing frames to accommodate all ages, from toddlers who will need assistance as they manoeuvre the structure in an adorable fashion, to older children who can be left to their own devices as you keep an eye on them from the patio. There is also a range of sizes to choose from, so have a think about where in your garden the climbing frame would sit so you can better visualise the family enjoying it.
Scroll on to see our top picks for a range of ages and budgets. From simple structures to those with climbing walls, turrets and hidey holes, each will help your kids build their confidence, develop coordination and explore their imagination this spring.
Want even more ideas to get the kids outside? Then make sure you check out our best trampolines so you can make your garden feel even more fun and fresh.
Best climbing frames 2022
Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The Plum Climbing Pyramid Wooden Play Centre is our pick of the best climbing frame you can buy.
Age range
Suitable for children who are aged three to 12. It features everything from an eight-foot wave slide to a rock climbing wall, a secret play area, a ladder, a rope climber and a large double play deck.
Design
It's made from premium FSC certified timber and it comes with a five-year warranty. They'll have hours of fun using it. The best part? It's compact so as not to take up too much precious garden space.
The TP Toys Children's Explorer Metal Climbing Frame Set with Slide & Jungle Run is brilliant.
Age range
It can be used by your little one from when they are 18 months to 12 years old and the frame is easily changeable depending on your child's height. It takes just two hours to assemble if two adults are tackling the job.
Design
It's made from galvanised steel for durability purposes. The den at the top features a window and roll-up doors, while it's designed to keep nuts and bolts out of their sight. It has a 2.5m long slide coming off it, as well.
Buy the FATMOOSE Wooden Climbing Frame if you have several children to keep busy, or if your children often have friends back after school or over to play during the holidays.
Age range
Not suitable for children under the age of three, this design is perfect for bigger for kids looking for a more challenging climbing frame experience.
Design
This climbing frame is huge with everything from a long slide to monkey bars, a climbing rope, a climbing wall and much more. In fact, its slide even doubles as a water slide with a handy hose connection. It's made from high-press impregnated solid timber and is supported by 7cm x 7cm beams for safety purposes. It's also easy to care for and it comes with comprehensive assembly instructions to make this process easy. It also comes with a 10-year guarantee.
The LIFETIME Dome Climber is a great pick if you are on a budget. Or, if you want something easy to build and simple to maintain.
Age range
Suitable for kids aged between three and 10, this dome climber can hold up several children at any one time.
Design
This high-quality climbing frame is made from heavy-duty powder-coated steel that's UV-resistant so it can be left outside no matter the weather. Easy to set up and very colourful, this climbing frame will help kids to improve their limb strength, balance and agility.
The WICKEY Climbing Frame MultiFlyer is large but very fun. Made from pressure-treated solid wood, this high-quality climbing frame is great for larger gardens or those with several children. Or, if you're often the parent who has everyone's children round to play.
Age range
Suitable for children aged three and over, adult supervision is required when children are using this intricate climbing frame.
Design
Large yet super fun, this climbing frame comes complete with everything from two swings to a slide – that measures 220cm in length – as well as climbing stones and swinging hooks. It even has a sandpit built-in and it comes with a racing steering wheel as well as a telescope.
Another great buy if you have slightly older kids, this climbing frame offers multiple activities in one package.
Age range
Suitable for children aged three and upwards, this is a climbing frame that offers plenty of challenging activities that kids will love to try as they grow up. Designed for up to five children to be using it at the same time.
Design
With this climbing frame you get a tower with a roof over the top that kids will love to turn into a den, two comfy swings, monkey bars and an extra thick wavy slide. It's made from pressure treated timber and there's a 10 year guarantee on the timber against rot and insect infestation.
The MAMOI climbing frame is great for both indoor and outdoor use, just be sure to bring it back inside if you are using it in the garden – it won't last long if it rains!
Age range
Suitable for children from three years old to bigger kids, this climbing frame is adjustable in height – the spacing of the ladder's arms can be moved to be as tall or low as your child prefers. This means that this climbing frame can grow with your little one – perfect!
Design
This climbing frame gets five stars from us design-wise. Use it on its own or along with other MAMOI climbing frames, as they link together almost like Lego bricks. Also, the slide that comes with it doubles as a ladder (on the other side) to make it multi-functional. It's made from plain wood that has been sanded with no sharp corners to make it safe for play, while this means it could also be painted to match your decor. Eco-friendly, too! As well as non-toxic.
This climbing frame from TP Toys is a fun addition for the kids, but is far from an eyesore. The sanded wood and elegant tower design would look great in your back garden, plus the kids are sure to have fun with it too.
Age range
Any children ages 3 and above can play on this climbing frame, and its different features mean it can be used by beginners, intermediate and experienced users. The fireman's pole is great fun for older kids, while younger ones can enjoy the slide and ladder.
Design
The multifaceted structure is what sold us on this one. As mentioned, there are different aspects for children to play on, and the design imitates a castle turret which can really spark kids' imagination when they're using it. Plus, the roof can act as a great shelter for them if it starts raining!
This is one for active tots and babies, doubling up as a swing for little ones aged 6 months and up, and a climbing ladder for toddlers still finding their feet. It's designed for indoor use, though there's nothing stopping you from taking it outside on a warm day and using it to entertain kids on your patio. Just remember to bring it back indoors afterwards.
Age range
Watch your baby squeal in delight once you put them in the comfortable swing and push them gently to and fro, designed to support them from 6 months onwards. Children up to the age of 3 can use the ladder alongside them too.
Design
We love how TP Toys have built this so it doubles up as a baby's swing and a toddler's climbing frame in one. The ladder section is designed to encourage confidence, strength and stability in small children while enhancing gross motor development. There aren't many climbing frames that accommodate babies as well, so is this a great option if you're looking to up your younger children's playtime. It can be folded away when they're done, and the sandy wood looks great too.
How to buy the best climbing frame
Age
If you are spending a lot of money on a climbing frame, you want to make sure that it will last your child for a few years. Some climbing frames grow as your child grows, while others are suitable for certain ages upwards. Choose the climbing frame based on your child's likes and dislikes, too – there's no point in getting one with a slide if they won't use it, it just adds to the expense and is an extra thing to clean.
Size
Have a size in mind when looking for climbing frames, so that you definitely know it will fit in your outdoor space without dominating it. A huge climbing frame that takes up the bulk of your garden space is probably not the most favourable outlook you want to be faced with every time you look out of the window.
What's it made from?
Consider how easy your new climbing frame is to clean and whether it just needs a wipe down with a cloth or a full on jet wash with a pressure washer. Wooden designs may need a suitable wood treatment after a couple of years for added durability. Bear this in mind when choosing to make sure you're happy with any associated ongoing maintenance.
Where to put a climbing frame
Having a big enough footprint for your chosen climbing frame is the most important consideration, but don't forget to look up before you build. Are there overhanging trees that could create a hazard in your garden play area – or just a plain annoyance if they drop sticky pollen and leaves all over your new buy? Is the climbing frame far enough from neighbouring fences that your kids won't intrude on someone's privacy?
Also, make sure the surface you are building it on is suitable. Grass is fine, but needs to be level and even. Bumps, dints and slopes will make the structure unstable and could impact on its durability. Do not put a climbing frame on a hard surface like a deck or patio, as injury is likely to be worse should anyone take a tumble. Specialist play surfaces like bark chip and recycled rubber tiles are great options if you can factor in some hard landscaping work in your family garden ahead of construction.
See our garden activities for kids for more inspiration for creating a safe outdoor play space.
