I was sent this Play Up Gym Set as a Step2 Ambassador. All opinions are mine alone.
Outdoor play is something that every child should have in abundance, especially when the weather gets warmer. My husband and I have always been outdoorsy people and it’s something that I think is important to instill in our children as well. I spent the better part of my childhood adventuring in the back yard, and I feel like there is just something magical about discovering the world outside your doorstep. Since Spring is finally around the corner and the kids have grown out of their baby/toddler toys my husband and I made the decision that it was time for a swing set. As you know I am a Step2 Ambassador again this year, and have seen first hand how well their products are made and how thoroughly they are tested, so they are my first choice for all large scale toys.
A play set is a pretty big investment for most people, so it is extremely important to do your research and choose one that is not only going to be sturdy enough to stand up to extreme wear, but also one that has engaging activity options that will keep kids occupied for more than a few minutes. For us, we wanted something big enough to grow with them but also something that was good for them now too. We definitely wanted a slide, and maybe even a clubhouse type area for a little extra fun. Step2 offers a number of great gym sets to choose from, but I went with the Play Up Gym Set for its size and function. We have had this set for a little over a month now and the kids absolutely adore it! It is their first choice whenever they go outside, and I love that it is more than a swingset – it’s an all in one activity center!
This multi activity set offers two swings, a slide, a climb up “playhouse” area and a steering wheel that makes clicking sounds when it is turned. The playhouse landing is big enough for both of them to sit in, and the slide is tall enough that I can see Judah being able to use it for more than a few more years.
I love that the ladder is wide and has handles for the kids to hold on to while they climb. The rungs are a few feet wide and have ample space for bigger feet. Both kids can climb up it easily and I don’t have to worry about them falling off.
The swings are made of a high quality rope that is easy for little hands to grab on to and won’t get hot like the metal of the older style sets.
Safety-wise, this set is fabulous. With a solid construction, a wide base and large steel anchors that you drive into the ground it is going to stay put even in the roughest conditions. It is recommended to use a shock absorbing surface such as rubber mulch under the set, so we picked up a few cheap bags at the local hardware store and put down a thin layer around the sides and under the swings. It is also important that this set be placed on level ground, so if your yard is sloped like ours it you will need to dig into it a little bit. The recommended age range is 3-6, so it is just perfect for my kids right now, and with a maximum weight limit of 240 pounds I don’t have to worry about them wearing it out any time soon!
All in all, this set is going to be the highlight of their outdoor fun for years to come! Want to see it in action? Check out our sweet compilation video below. You can purchase the Play Up Gym Set for $464.99 at Step2.com, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post to WIN one for yourself!!
