How Much Does It Cost a Playground or Swing Set Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, expect to pay $514 to build a playground. Exact costs range between $150 and $1,500, depending on factors such as the chosen equipment, the surface, and the cost of yard leveling. Budget for how often the kids will use the space and set aside a portion for a pro—doing so keeps the play area safe and ready for years of fun.

Playground Equipment Cost

On average, the price of playground equipment ranges from $1,000 to $6,500, or more, depending on the design, installation fees, and brand.

Playground equipment is often made of wood, metal, or plastic. You can keep it simple with a single swing or go big with a multi-slide tower. Add-ons, such as playsets, sandboxes, and water tables, increase the total cost but allow you to customize the fun.

Installation

Hiring a professional to assemble and secure your playground costs between $150 and $900. Many retailers offer professional installation as an additional fee, so be sure to ask about it before checking out.

Brand

There are numerous brands of playground equipment, each offering distinct product lines, varying installation costs, and varying overall prices.

Swing Set Cost Factors

Swing sets alone range from $80 to $1,500, before you factor in accessories or assembly. What you pay depends on the style, brand, and whether you hire a professional. If you’re handy, you can do it yourself, but most parents opt for professional installation to ensure a rock-solid, safe build.

Installation

Plan on $150 to $900 for a pro to assemble a new swing set. Prefab kits can be assembled in a few hours; however, custom builds, site leveling, or specialty surfacing can increase the overall price.

Playset Cost Factors

Playsets or jungle gyms cost between $1,000 and $6,500, or more, depending on customization options.

Assembly

Professionals charge between $200 and $600 to assemble a prefab playset kit. The more complex the structure, the higher the assembly cost. Some larger sets may require two assemblers to complete, in which case the price will increase.

Slides

You can buy a playground slide for $100 to $950 at most major retailers and home improvement stores. It's useful if you want to build onto your existing structure or have an area of your yard, such as a deck, where kids can slide down.

Cost Factors of Building a Swing Set or Playset

Materials, kits, and assembly are only part of the total installation cost for a playground or swing set. The surface and paperwork also play a significant role in your budget.

Permits

Depending on where you live, you might need permission to construct a backyard playground. Your budget will likely fall on the lower end of the $400 to $1,100 range for a building permit. Although you might think about installing a simple swing set or small play equipment on your own, the reality is that some cities require a structural work permit first.

Yard Leveling

A sloped or bumpy yard often requires clearing and grading, which costs between $1,200 and $4,200. Site prep tends to take longer and cost more than many homeowners plan for, so build it into your budget early.

Heavy vegetation or steep slopes can increase preparation costs by $500 to $15,000 in excavation fees. Tackling small jobs yourself is possible, but once the terrain becomes tricky, calling in the pros helps keep the project on track.

You might need to dig up the soil, remove rocks, roots, and trees, or replace topsoil. You will need to build the play structure on level ground that won't shift over time. The area where the playground will be located needs to be cleared of all debris and structures, graded to a level surface, and then covered with topsoil if necessary.

Surfaces

Surface choices range from free grass to $3,500 rubber tiles. When choosing the best option for your needs, pick a base that cushions falls, drains well, and fits your budget.

Rubberized surfacing is the premium choice—kid-friendly, slip-resistant, and ideal for rainy climates that require solid drainage. 

Grass is the most cost-effective option, as you may already have a backyard full of it. Just be sure to keep it healthy and free from sharp objects and pet-related items.

Sand is another base material popular in outdoor play areas. It can absorb falls, protect children, and be quite affordable, but you might find it a hassle to contain. Sand costs between $5 and $8 per cubic foot. You will need approximately 100 cubic feet for a small swing set, which is about 10 feet long. Each foot of equipment requires about 10 cubic feet of sand, meaning each foot of equipment costs between $50 and $80 to cover.

Playground mulch is another standard option, a mix of soft wood chips with dull ends. It's certified for child safety, but also expensive and can attract insects, such as ants and termites.

DIY vs. Hiring a Playground Installation Pro

Installing a playground or swing set yourself can save roughly 11% on the total cost, as you’ll skip the $150 to $900 assembly fee. Still, many homeowners decide that the peace of mind that comes with a professional’s tools and know-how is worth the extra cost.

A true DIY playground involves building your own play equipment. This project is a major undertaking, and some larger structures may require an additional permit or safety inspection to ensure they are safe for both children and adults. Due to the heavy nature of timber and metal rods, building the structure from scratch may require a team of two or three people.

For complex projects, consider hiring professional playground installation services in your area or local swing set installers. Going with an expert can also give you peace of mind about the stability of slides, forts, or any other structures.

Ready to get started? Connect with a local pro to build a sturdy, long-lasting play area.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.