Table of contents
How much space do you really need in your garden?
A climbing frame quickly becomes the heart of the garden. That’s why it’s important to think carefully about where it will be placed and how much space it will take up.
Where do you want to locate the play structure?
Before choosing a model, take a good look at your garden and the available space.
- Flat surface: A level surface is essential for stability and safe play.
- Type of surface: Grass is common, but sand or certified safety mats can offer additional fall protection, especially under swings or higher climbing areas.
- Safety zone around the climbing frame: Make sure there is enough free space around the structure. A clearance of around 2 metres from walls, fences or other obstacles is generally recommended.
- Good drainage: Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
- Shade: Partial shade is ideal to prevent play equipment from overheating in summer.
- Visibility: Choose a spot where adults can have direct supervision.
- Garden size: Consider how much of your garden you want to dedicate to the play area. In smaller gardens, compact models work best; in larger gardens, you have more freedom. As a guideline, we did a research among parents and around 50% of the people are willing to use maximum a quarter of their garden for their climbing frame.*
How high can the play structure be?
The maximum allowed height of a play structure can differ per country or municipality. In some regions, planning permission may be required for taller climbing frames or playhouses with roofs. Always check with your local regulations before making your final decision.
Determining the required surface area
By combining available garden space and maximum allowed height, you can estimate the ideal surface area (in m²) for your climbing frame. Compact frames may fit within a smaller garden, while larger play towers with swings and slides can require a bigger space to stay safe and enjoyable.
Examples of smaller Wickey products
- Swing Wickey Smart Shake
- Sandpit Flippey
- Swing Wickey Smart One
- Playhouse Wickey's Casita
- Wickey FIT Tumble 302 double horizontal bar
Examples of bigger Wickey products
Which climbing frame suits your child’s age?
Besides checking any local height restrictions, it is equally important to consider the age and abilities of the children who will be using the play equipment. Children develop new physical and cognitive abilities as they grow. A good climbing frame matches these abilities and challenges them in a safe way. So are lower platforms and round surfaces important factors for play equipment at a younger age, while older children enjoy higher platforms and more complex climbing possibilities. For this the fall height and the fall safety are also very important factors to take into account.
To learn more about the different age groups and the corresponding climbing frames, read our blog about it here.
Play elements: from swings to slides
One of the biggest advantages of a climbing frame is the variety of play elements it can include.
Common play elements include:
- Swings
- Slides
- Sandpits
- Climbing walls
- Ladders and bridges
Grow with your child
Wickey climbing frames are designed with extensibility in mind. Thanks to modular options, you can add extra play elements later on as your children grow and their interests change.
Climbing frames with or without a roof
Some climbing frames include a playhouse element. You can choose between:
- Without roof: more open, airy and compact – My First Fort 2, Smart Action or Smart Zone
- With roof: offers shade and encourages imaginative play – MultiFlyer with wooden roof, Smart Seaway or CubicCabin with ladder
Customisation & accessories
Many Wickey products can be customised with different colours and additional elements. From steering wheels and telescopes to a mudkitchen or a picnic table, accessories add more fun and can be chosen to fit your child’s preferences.
Themes for endless imagination
Themed climbing frames bring stories to life. Popular themes include inspiration from Disney, as well as Wickey’s own concepts such as:
Boat theme
Castle theme
Materials: what are climbing frames made of?
Climbing frames can in general be made from three different materials: wood, metal and plastic. Wicky specialises in wooden climbing frames.
Why choose wood?
Wooden play structures are robust and durable and fit in the garden well. To learn about all the advantages of our wooden play structures, we recommend reading our blog on this topic here.
What about HDPE?
Many Wickey climbing frames use HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) for elements such as slides or handles. HDPE is weather-resistant, colourfast and splinter-free, making it ideal for outdoor play components.
Safety first: peace of mind while playing
Safety is a key factor when choosing a climbing frame. From sturdy construction to safe fall heights and materials, there are many aspects to consider. Wickey designs its products with safety in mind and complies with applicable standards. For a deeper dive into safety guidelines and tips, please check out our safety blog here.
Price & value for money
Price and value for money play an important role in the decision-making process. The right climbing frame is an investment in years of outdoor fun, but it also has to fit your budget in a comfortable way.
Options for budget proof
Climbing frame Wickey MultiFlyer Light, Wickey DinkyHouse climbing frame, Wickey SkyFlyer climbing frame or Wooden climbing frame Wickey Smart Camp.
Options for premium
Climbing frame Wickey Prime The Golden Goat, Climbing frame Wickey Smart Dorado or Tower playhouse Wickey Smart GreenHouse.
Higher-priced models often include more play elements, larger dimensions and greater expandability.
Assembly & installation: what can I expect?
Easy assembly is an important consideration for many parents. Wickey ensures a smooth setup process by providing:
- Step-by-step 3D manual in the Wickey app
- Easy assembly manuals with your order
- Helpful assembly videos
- Detailed assembly blogs with tips and tricks
Summary
Choosing a climbing frame is about finding the right fit for your garden, your child’s age, and your budget. Consider the available space, safety requirements, preferred play elements, and materials before making a decision. Wickey offers a wide range of wooden climbing frames, from compact models to large play towers, many of which can be expanded with accessories and additional features as your children grow.
Key points
- Ensure your garden has enough space, including a safety zone of around 2 metres around the frame.
- Choose a flat, well-drained location with good visibility and, ideally, some shade.
- Check local regulations for any height restrictions or planning requirements.
- Select a climbing frame that matches your child’s age and developmental stage.
- Consider popular play elements such as swings, slides, sandpits, climbing walls, and bridges.
- Choose between open climbing frames or models with a roof for shade and imaginative play.
- Personalise the structure with accessories and themed designs.
- Wooden climbing frames offer durability and a natural appearance; HDPE components are weather-resistant and low maintenance.
- Prioritise safety by considering fall heights, protective surfaces, and compliance with safety standards.
- Compare budget-friendly and premium models based on size, features, and expandability.
- Take advantage of Wickey’s assembly support, including manuals, videos, and professional installation options.
Footnote:
* The online survey was conducted on the websites of Wickey and fatmoose between 14.01.2026 and 10.02.2026 among 1,085 parents of which 97% had children aged 0-12. The survey was conducted in 12 European countries. The sample was unweighted.
