How much does a playground cost?
How much does a playground cost?
$150,000 – $500,000 inclusive playground cost
$20,000 – $60,000 daycare center playground cost
$4,000 – $20,000 in-home daycare playground cost
Average playground cost
A playground costs $4,000 to $20,000 for an in-home daycare playground suitable for 2 to 10 children, while a playground for up to 30 children costs $20,000 to $60,000 to install. An inclusive playground suitable for children of all abilities costs $150,000 to $500,000, depending on the size and equipment included.
| Playground type | Average installed cost | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Inclusive playground | $150,000 – $500,000 | 50 – 100 children |
| School playground | $100,000 – $300,000 | 50 – 100 children |
| Daycare center playground | $20,000 – $60,000 | 10 – 30 children |
| In-home daycare playground | $4,000 – $20,000 | 2 – 10 children |
| Backyard playground | $1,000 – $10,000+ | 2 – 10 children |
Inclusive playground cost
Inclusive playgrounds are designed to welcome children of all abilities, including those with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. The cost for these specialized play spaces ranges from $150,000 to $500,000. This higher price tag reflects the need for specialized equipment and thoughtful planning to ensure a truly inclusive environment.
When considering equipment for inclusive playgrounds, here are some essential features to include:
Inclusive swings: Come with high backs and harnesses for added support
Wheelchair-accessible merry-go-rounds: Allow children in wheelchairs to join in the fun
Sensory elements: Interactive features with various textures, sounds, and visuals for all kids
Quiet zones: Secluded areas provide a calm retreat for those needing a break from stimulation
Ramps and wide decks: Ensure wheelchair access to elevated structures
Ground-level play elements: Allow participation for children who cannot climb
Transfer stations: Help children move from mobility devices to play equipment easily
Inclusive seesaws: Designed with back support and handholds for varying abilities
Tactile pathways: Textured surfaces to guide visually impaired children safely
Safe surfacing: Soft materials like rubber or foam reduce injury risks and enhance accessibility.
School playground cost
School playgrounds cost $100,000 to $300,000, though prices can go higher depending on specific needs. The size of the playground and the number of children it serves are key factors in determining the cost. These playgrounds are designed to cater to various age groups, featuring:
Gentle slides and sand areas for younger children
Climbing structures and swings for elementary students
Fitness and sports equipment for older kids
This range of equipment ensures that children of all ages have appropriate and engaging play options during their time at school.
Daycare center playground cost
Daycare center playgrounds range from $20,000 to $60,000, reflecting their smaller size and simpler equipment. These play areas often feature equipment suitable for toddlers and preschoolers, such as low platforms, small slides, and sensory play panels. This thoughtful design ensures that little ones have safe and engaging spaces to explore and develop their motor skills.
In-home daycare playground cost
Playground equipment for an in-home daycare center costs $4,000 to $20,000 depending on the size and quality of the equipment. In-home daycares need more durable equipment than a typical backyard playset due to constant use. A typical in-home daycare playground might include:
A small, commercial-grade playset with slides and climbing features
A few freestanding elements like spring riders or activity panels
Sturdy swings suitable for multiple age groups
Safe, impact-absorbing surfacing
Backyard playground cost
Backyard playgrounds cost anywhere from $100 for a single piece of equipment to $10,000+ for a complete custom playset. A typical backyard playground with a slide, jungle gym, and swing set costs $1,000 to $5,000 installed. On the higher end, a custom wooden playground costs $7,000 to $10,000+, depending on the size and features.
| Playground type | Average equipment price | Average installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Swing set | $150 – $500 | $300 – $1,000 |
| Slide | $100 – $500 | $200 – $1,000 |
| Jungle gym | $200 – $1,000 | $400 – $2,000 |
| Sandbox or water table | $100 – $300 | $150 – $500 |
| Plastic playground kit | $500 – $2,500 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Custom wooden playset | $3,500 – $5,000 | $7,000 – $10,000+ |
Playground equipment cost factors
When budgeting for a playground, a common rule is to allocate about $1,000 per child for equipment costs alone. This helps gauge the scale and cost of playground equipment needed based on the expected number of users. However, equipment is just a fraction of the cost. You'll also need to factor in labor, site preparation, and other expenses.
| Cost category | Percentage of total budget* |
|---|---|
| Equipment | 50% – 55% |
| Labor / installation | 20% – 30% |
| Site preparation | 10% – 15% |
| Safety surfacing | 10% – 15% |
| Shipping | Up to 5% |
| Design & planning | Up to 5% |
*The percentages listed do not total 100% as they represent overlapping ranges that vary by project.
Several factors can influence your playground equipment and installation costs:
Equipment choices: Opting for high-end, commercial gear will cost more than basic options.
Ground cover: Your surfacing choice, from wood chips to rubber mulch, affects both safety and your wallet.
Site readiness: Sites with uneven terrain or drainage issues will lead to extra expenses.
Custom touches: Unique themes or layouts are fun but come with design fees and special materials.
Additional amenities: Benches, shade structures, and landscaping add to the experience but also the budget.
Shipping costs: Distance from the manufacturer can impact fees, especially for bulky items.
Upkeep costs: Different equipment and surfacing choices affect long-term maintenance needs and expenses.
Playground safety standards and regulations
Safety is essential when building any playground, whether it's for your backyard, a preschool, or a community park. While creating a fun space is important, ensuring safety protects children and helps you avoid potential legal issues. Although following safety standards may raise initial costs, it's a vital investment in long-term safety.
Here are some playground regulations and guidelines to keep in mind:
Local building codes: Check your municipality's specific rules for playground construction to ensure compliance.
Fall zone requirements: Maintain proper distances between equipment and use appropriate surfacing to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries.
Age-appropriate design: Create separate and safe play areas for different age groups: 6 to 23 months, 2 to 5 years, and 5 to 12 years.
CPSC Guidelines: Follow the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Public Playground Safety Handbook for best practices on equipment and surfacing.
ASTM Standards: Adhere to the ASTM F1487, which outlines requirements for designing and installing playground equipment for children aged 2 to 12 years.
ADA compliance: Ensure the playground is accessible for children with disabilities as mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
IPEMA certification: Use playground equipment and surfacing that are certified by the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA).
Regular inspections: Conduct routine inspections to maintain safety and compliance with regulations.
Collaborating with certified playground safety inspectors (CPSI) and experienced manufacturers can help ensure compliance with the mandatory safety standards and regulations.
Playground FAQs
Where can you buy playground equipment?
Playground equipment can be purchased from specialty retailers, online stores, and directly from manufacturers. Many local hardware stores and home improvement centers also carry basic playground sets and individual equipment pieces.
What do you put under playground equipment?
The most common materials used under playground equipment to help cushion falls and prevent injuries are:
Rubber mulch or rubber mats
Pea gravel
Engineered wood fiber (EWF)
Poured-in-place rubber surfacing
How long does playground equipment last?
With proper installation and regular maintenance, playground equipment can last 10 to 20 years or more. Factors like climate, usage, and material quality affect lifespan. Wooden structures may need more frequent maintenance compared to metal or plastic. Proper surfacing also extends equipment life.
Getting estimates from playground installers
When getting estimates from playground installers, be sure to follow these suggestions:
Get at least 3 quotes from different installers to compare prices and services.
Provide detailed information about your project, including size and type of equipment.
Ask for an itemized breakdown of costs, including equipment, surfacing, and labor.
Inquire about their experience and certifications, such as CPSI credentials.
Get references from past clients and check online reviews.
Discuss the timeline and availability for the project.
Confirm the payment terms and schedule.
Questions to ask a playground installer
Asking these questions can help you get a safe, well-designed playground that meets your needs and budget:
Are you certified and experienced in playground installation?
Do you handle all aspects of installation, including site preparation and surfacing?
Can you recommend the best location to build the playground?
Is there enough clearance around the equipment to meet safety standards?
What equipment is most appropriate for the age groups that will be using the playground?
What type of safety surfacing do you recommend?
Can you provide an itemized breakdown of costs for equipment, surfacing, installation, and other components?
Do you ensure the playground will meet all relevant safety standards and regulations?
Will you handle the permits and inspections?
What is the expected timeline for the project?
Do you offer any warranties on the equipment or installation work?
How often will the playground require maintenance?
What should I do if something breaks on the playground?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.