The UK's bestClimbing Frames2022 Review

Not only are climbing frames a lot of fun, they are great for positively enhancing children’s physical and mental health. This is as a result of children being outside, gaining confidence in their abilities, and the endorphins that are released through physical activity.

Climbing frames help children develop spatial and directional awareness, as well as help your child to build muscles in their legs and arms.

They can also help children hones skills such as balance, coordination and agility. Not only are all of these useful benefits for life in general, they’re all skills and developments that can help children grow in confidence as they become more aware of their own independence and capabilities.

Of course, these benefits can all be obtained using climbing frames in local parks; however, public playgrounds can be very busy. This can often result in one of two scenarios: your children have to spend a lot of time waiting for a turn, or smaller children are more reluctant to try things as they lose their confidence in front of older kids.

For this reason, it can really help to have a climbing frame at home. It will also encourage children to spend a lot more time outside in the garden. When you go to the park, there will naturally be a limit on how much time you can stay there, but kids can be out in the garden all day.

Home climbing frames can be enjoyed by siblings, and you can keep an eye on your children from the comfort of the kitchen.

Naturally, climbing frames vary dramatically in their design. Capacity, apparatus, construction and size will all play a part in how suitable a particular climbing frame will be for your kids and your garden.

Climbing Frame Capacity

Whilst some climbing frames are suitable for just one child, others can be used by multiple kids at the same time.

Most climbing frames indicate how many children can use the equipment at one time, and the age range that the equipment is suitable for. Age range is not only relevant for the size and height of the equipment, but also is based on the average weight of children at certain ages.

Climbing frames also state how much weight different parts of the frame can hold. For example, a swing might have a weight capacity of 50 kg, whilst a raised platform may have a capacity of 100 kg,

As a general rule, wooden and steel climbing frames have a higher weight capacity than plastic frames and/or plastic frames tend to be suitable for a smaller age range.

Available Apparatus and Features

Apparatus varies a lot between climbing frames.

Having a good rang of apparatus is ideal. To find a climbing frame that will keep kids entertained for a good while, you’ll at least want the basics of a slide, swings, and maybe a little playhouse as a starter for ten.

If you’re looking for something a bit more comprehensive, that will stay relevant as children grow up, a frame with the above features plus monkey bars would be a great choice. Monkey bars tend to be a bit too challenging for younger kids, but from the age of 5 they may start using them (with plenty of supervision!).

Other common features of climbing frames include a climbing wall, rope ladder, sandpit and fireman’s pole.

A good bit of advice is to take note of what your child is most interested in playing on at the playground in the park, and try to find a climbing frame at home with these features. Fortunately, a lot of children are often most interested in the swings, which are easy to deliver on.

If you have several children, or your kids often have friends round, it goes without saying that the best climbing frames for several children will feature many different play areas and activities. This way the kids won’t all be clamouring into the same space at once (especially useful to avoid bickering amongst siblings!).

With all the above in mind, there’s still no need to completely discount the simpler climbing frames. Even those that only consist of a metal frame can help develop skills, strength and confidence. It will just depend on the personality of your child and whether a simpler model will feed their interest.

When choosing the best climbing frame for yours kids, you should of course be guided by what your children love to do. It’s also a good idea to buy a frame with some features that will  encourage them to expand their horizons and take on new challenges.

Construction Materials

The most hardwearing materials when it comes to climbing frames are either pressure-treated wood or steel.

These are both low-maintenance, long-lasting materials. Steel will fare well for several years when left outside, and pressure-treated wood won’t rot or be invaded by insects. You’ll need to treat pressure-treated wood after a few years, just to make sure it stays weather tight and protected.

Pressure-treated wood can still benefit from a water-repellent sealer because the way the wood has been treated does not stop moisture entering the wood. If water seeps in, it can cause the wood to swell, and then it shrinks as it dries. Over time this can be damaging for the wood.

Some climbing frames are made from plastic which has its advantages and disadvantages. Plastic climbing frames shouldn’t suffer any ill effects from being left out in the rain, and most of them will be made from UV-resistant plastic which won’t fade in the sun.

The disadvantages of a plastic frame are how they look in the garden – the bright colours can be a little loud against the otherwise natural tones – and their durability. Most plastic frames won’t have swings attached as they can’t bear the weight, and they don’t tend to withstand use for as many years as wooden or steel frames.

Climbing frames can take up a lot of space, so measuring out the room you have available in your garden is a priority.

The area will need to be flat, as climbing frames should not be placed on a slope.

It can help to physically mark out the suitable available space in your garden before making a purchase. This way you can visualise exactly where the frame will go.

Some frames (although not all) can be constructed differently depending on what layout would best suit your garden. This is occasionally the case with wooden climbing frames – they can be assembled in a ‘mirror image’, changing the position of certain features, which is worth bearing in mind if this is something that could work better with your garden.

As well as having enough space for the frame itself, you’ll also need to leave a ‘clearance’ area of at least a 2 metres on all sides on the climbing frame. This area should be free of obstacles and will help protect your children if they were to fall from the frame.

Given that each climbing frame is different, with varying maximum height, weight and age limitations, you should check the specification for each individual frame. This will let you know if it’s the right size for the number of children you want to be able to use it, or the age group that you need it to be suitable for.

There are several things to consider to make sure that children are kept as safe as possible when using the climbing frame. General safety considerations include:

• Supervising children at all times whilst they are using the frame.
• Not exceeding the advised total number of children on the frame, or the advised total weight capacity.
• Ensuring that children are dressed appropriately with no loose garments or clothing that could get caught or trapped on any parts of the frame.
• Placing the climbing frame at least 2 m away from any obstacles on all sides.
• Telling children not to twist any of the chains or ropes, or loop them over the bar (particularly relevant with swings) as this can cause damage to the chain or rope.
• Using ground stakes to secure the frame into the ground.
• Using impact surfacing where required, as outlined below.

Using Impact Surfacing

Manufacturers will likely recommend the use of some kind of impact surfacing under their climbing frames. Check with the specific manufacturer’s instructions of your climbing frame and be advised that the following is only general information.

Natural Grass

Many people choose to rest their climbing frame on natural grass. The ground needs to be flat and not on a slope. If there is a slope, it’s not an appropriate place for a climbing frame.

Bark

Bark blends in with the natural colours of the garden. It is generally considered appropriate to use if the potential maximum fall height from the climbing apparatus does not exceed 244 cm. In this case, a bed of bark 23 cm deep might be appropriate. However, you should go by the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific climbing frame.

Sand

Some people may choose to use fine sand as impact surfacing. This should only be considered if the maximum fall height from the apparatus is under 122 cm and therefore is unlikely to be appropriate for the majority of climbing frames.

Shredded Rubber

Shredded rubber absorbs impact well and does not compress in the same way as the other loose-fill materials mentioned here. It is considered one most impact-absorbent materials. Using a bed of 15 cm deep shredded rubber may be appropriate for most climbing frames with a maximum potential fall height of 305 cm. However, as always, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.