Playgrounds are more than a place for children to have fun. Figuring out how to use various equipment also lets them hone their creativity, problem-solving skills and self-confidence. It’s why kids love places that have unique and challenging setups. Whether you’re building a play space with a castle theme, a tree house or water features, these commercial playground equipment manufacturers can help you turn your plans into reality.
1. Little Tikes Commercial
Little Tikes Commercial is one of the top commercial playground equipment manufacturers in the U.S. It’s known for creating inclusive, sensory-rich play spaces for all ages and abilities, thanks to its wide selection of equipment, which includes:
- Slides
- Swings
- Climbers
- Outdoor fitness equipment
- Interactive panels
- Crawl tubes
- Bridges
- Ramps and decks
- Transfer points and steps
- Sensory-rich equipment
- Play shade structures
- Site amenities
Little Tikes Commercial has ADA-compliant solutions that go beyond standard play equipment. It offers sensory-friendly equipment, like the Quiet Grove, which features five activities and provides a quiet retreat for kids who might feel overwhelmed by noise and sights. The company also has learning and communication tools with ASL and visual cues.
The manufacturer designs and installs equipment for various markets, including schools, parks, recreation facilities, day care facilities, places of worship and early childhood centers. It has several certifications, including ISO 9001, 18001 and 14001, which attest to its sustainable production processes.
Key features:
- Inclusive, accessible and sensory-rich play equipment and solutions
- Custom playground design and installation services
- Partners with highly respected nonprofits, government agencies and industry experts
- Meets or exceeds ASTM, CPSC, CSA and IPEMA standards
- ISO 9001, 18001 and 14001 certified
2. Landscape Structures
Landscape Structures is known for its innovative and inclusive playground designs. It offers equipment and solutions for kids of all ages in a wide variety of styles, such as inclusive, preconfigured, traditional, geometric, water and splash, themed and nature-inspired play. Its catalog includes both custom and freestanding equipment, such as:
- Slides
- Swings
- Climbers
- Overhead play equipment
- Inclusive equipment
- Sensory-rich equipment
- Learning walls
- Bridges and ramps
- Panels and enclosures
- Tunnels
- Preconfigured play structures and towers
- Site amenities
In 1996, Landscape Structures became the first commercial playground manufacturer to receive ISO 9001 certification. It has since also become ISO 14001 certified. The company also complies with the safety standards set by CPSC, IPEMA, ASTM, CSA, CEN and AISC.
Landscape Structures was founded in 1971 and has been an employee-owned company since 2004. It creates and installs custom setups for parks, recreation spaces, schools, early childhood centers, faith-based groups and federal organizations.
Key features:
- Durable, inclusive and custom play equipment
- Artistic, nature-inspired playgrounds with community-driven designs
- Custom design and installation services
- Meets or exceeds CPSC, IPEMA, ASTM, CSA, CEN and AISC standards
- ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified
3. Playworld
Playworld has come a long way since it was established in 1972, offering everything from sturdy wooden play structures to ultradurable equipment. Its extensive catalog of play items for preschool, day care and school-age groups includes:
- Slides
- Climbers
- Seesaws
- Swings
- Spring riders
- Playground spinners
- Upper-body activities
- Panels
- Adventure tubes
- Bridges
- Track rides
- Music play
- Sandbox equipment
- Sensory-rich equipment
- Site amenities
Playworld is a multigenerational, family-run business committed to using eco-friendly materials and sustainable processes. It complies with the quality requirements set by the EN, CPSIA, IPEMA, Singapore Standard and RoHS. It’s also ISO-certified, ensuring that everything from its equipment’s materials to its manufacturing processes meets safety standards.
To ensure its play equipment is built to last, Playworld conducts rigorous tests to ensure it can withstand harsh weather, extensive use, rust, heavy loads and high impact. Its long-lasting play solutions have given kids in schools, parks, residences, places of worship and child care centers exciting and inclusive playground experiences.
Key features:
- Durable and inclusive play equipment
- Play solutions with eco-friendly materials and sustainable processes
- Custom playground design and installation services
- Meets or exceeds EN, CPSIA, IPEMA, Singapore Standard and RoHS standards
- ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified
4. GameTime
GameTime was established in 1929 and is another one of the top commercial playground equipment manufacturers in the US. It combines sensory-rich experiences with universal accessibility to create inclusive play zones. A great example is its PlayLab hybrid playground solutions, which provide custom, blended play environments. Here are more of its American-made quality equipment options:
- Slides
- Swings
- Spinning and rocking equipment
- Zip tracks and zip lines
- Climbers
- Decks
- Panels and enclosures
- Entries and archways
- Links
- Site amenities
GameTime collaborates with various nonprofits and organizations, such as Make-A-Wish, BCBS and Creative Discovery Museum, to create custom playgrounds and recreation areas. It also partners with child development experts and researchers to innovate its hybrid play solutions.
Many schools, parks and recreation, early childhood facilities, faith centers, and housing and HOAs nationwide have equipment from GameTime. This manufacturer complies with the standards set by ADA, ASTM, CPSC, IPEMA and TÜV SÜD America. It’s also PCI 4000, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified.
Key features:
- ADA-compliant, multisensory and intergenerational play spaces
- Research-based and hybrid design approach
- Custom playground design and installation services
- Meets or exceeds ADA, ASTM, CPSC, IPEMA and TÜV SÜD America standards
- PCI 4000, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified
5. KOMPAN
KOMPAN is known for its health-focused, cutting-edge outdoor play and fitness solutions. It designs, manufactures and installs innovative play equipment, such as:
- Slides
- Swings
- Seesaws
- Springers
- Carousels and spinners
- Rope play equipment
- Parkour setups
- Sensory-rich equipment
- Site amenities
KOMPAN offers four categories of play zone solutions, including proprietary COROCORD rope playgrounds and wooden playground equipment for natural environments. It also provides freestanding play equipment and traditional playground structures.
The manufacturer also customizes products and setups. Some of its popular themes include castles, ships, climbing trails and water play. It creates equipment from a range of durable materials, including wood, galvanized aluminum, high-pressure laminate and stainless steel.
KOMPAN offers warranties with two, five, 10, 15 and lifetime coverages, depending on the equipment or structure’s materials. Its solutions meet ISO 14001 requirements and pass the standards set by IPEMA, ASTM and CSA.
Key features:
- Cutting-edge, research-backed solutions
- Premium-quality and long-lasting equipment
- Custom playground design and installation services
- Meets or exceeds IPEMA, ASTM and CSA standards
- ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified
6. BCI Burke
BCI Burke started as a family-owned steel radiator business in the 1920s. It started selling swings in 1935 and has continued to create and innovate play equipment for children of all ages. Its freestanding and structure solutions include:
- Slides
- Climbers
- Swings
- Balance beams
- Step pods
- Play panels
- Sensory-rich equipment
- Overhead play items
- Motion play equipment
- Sand and water features
- Bridges, ramps and tunnels
- Site amenities
The manufacturer offers products for early childhood, preschool and school-aged play, as well as inclusive and themed solutions. For over a century, it has created custom designs for various markets, including residences, schools, parks, apartments and HOAs, churches and child care facilities.
The manufacturer has ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and meets the standards set by IPEMA, TUV America, EN and BABAA. BCI Burke products come with the company’s generations warranty, which covers up to 100 years, depending on the equipment material.
Key features:
- Durable and innovative play equipment
- Inclusive and research-based designs
- Custom playground design and installation services
- Meets or exceeds IPEMA, TUV America, EN and BABAA standards
- ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified
Comparing the Best Playground Equipment Manufacturers
Playground equipment manufacturers can dictate how safe and engaging your play zone will be. Here are several criteria to help you evaluate their offerings and services.
| Safety standards | Do they follow industry safety standards and requirements from organizations like CPSC, ASTM and IPEMA? |
| Certifications | Do they have industry-specific accreditations, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, that prove the quality of their equipment? |
| Equipment options | Do they offer the equipment you need? Consider companies with a wide selection of structures, from interactive play panels and climbers to bridges and slides. |
| Equipment materials | Do they use safe, durable and long-lasting materials to manufacture their equipment? |
| Services | Do they offer installation services or have recommendations for professional installers? How about maintenance solutions and equipment customization? |
Frequently Asked Questions About Playground Equipment
Here are the answers to common playground equipment questions:
What Is the Most Common Playground Equipment?
Here are the play structures that almost every recreation area for kids has:
- Slides
- Swings
- Seesaws
- Monkey bars
- Climbing structures
- Merry-go-rounds
- Sandboxes
What Playground Equipment Is Most Dangerous?
Falls cause almost 80% of playground injuries, which can happen when the area has improper ground surfaces and unsecured elevated areas. Children often fall from swings, monkey bars and other climbing structures.
Emergency departments treat over 200,000 children every year for playground-related injuries. Partnering with one of the top commercial playground equipment manufacturers in the U.S. can reduce these dangers because their structures comply with safety standards.
How Does Playground Equipment Help Children?
Playgrounds give kids a safe space for active outdoor play, which is essential for their physical, mental and social development. Here are some of the ways children benefit from play areas:
- Improves dexterity, motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Builds stronger bones and muscles
- Increases endurance
- Enhances body awareness
- Promotes lung and heart health
- Prevents childhood obesity
- Hones instincts
- Improves mood and social skills
- Builds self-confidence
- Strengthens problem-solving skills
In recent decades, children have spent less time playing outside, to the point that only around 30% meet the recommended physical activity for their age. Away from home, kids play the most in playgrounds and green spaces.
What’s the First Consideration When Evaluating Playground Equipment?
Measure the playground space first. Then, determine your setup. Will it have different areas for specific age groups, sensory zones or themes? Once you know your planned size and layout, you can determine the best equipment solutions and how to arrange them.
How Do You Ensure the Equipment Is Safe?
Look for equipment that complies with industry safety standards and requirements set by organizations like the following:
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
- Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA)
- Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA)
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN)
- European Standard (EN)
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
- American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
- Singapore Standard
- TUV America
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
Choose equipment appropriate for the age group your playground will serve. If you prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, consider items that comply with the ADA and ASTM.
What Type of Playground Surfacing Is Best?
It depends on your needs. The best options are those that absorb impact, such as wood mulch, rubber tiles and poured-in-place rubber. These reduce the risk of serious injuries from falls.
Encourage Kids to Grow and Explore With Quality Playgrounds
Gone are the days when slides, swings and seesaws made up the full playground experience. Equipment manufacturers are continuously pushing the boundaries with fun and innovative structures for kids. Most also accept custom projects. With the right playground partner, you can build a play zone that children will love and remember fondly decades after using it.
