The Best Climbing Domes for Kids’ Outdoor Adventures

Children can find endless ways to entertain themselves, but their activities may not always be the safest or healthiest option. Give kids a chance to be outdoors in a way that is adventurous for them and worry-free for parents. With a climbing dome, kids can explore your backyard in a whole new way. The dome can easily become a castle, fort, or mountain in a child’s imagination. They can literally climb to new heights, encouraging their creativity and expanding their endless energy. Here are some great climbing domes we recommend.

Choosing a Climbing Dome That’s Right for You

Keep these things in mind when looking for a climbing dome:

• Height: Consider climbing domes 4 feet tall at most for young children, as many are free-standing and are more likely to tip over as the height increases. Taller climbing domes should also have wide bases to create stability. Growing children will enjoy adjustable climbing domes that can be changed to appropriately match their height and maturity.
• Weight Capacity: Most climbing domes will list a maximum weight capacity, but parents should also consider the number of children that will be utilizing the backyard toy. If you expect three or more children to use the climbing toy at once, look for a climbing dome that can handle at least 150 pounds. Remember that this may change as children age and that kids will want to continue using the climbing as they grow older and heavier. For an extra-sturdy dome, invest in anchors that can attach to the base and can be placed into dirt.
• Material: Steel bars provide durability, while the extra weight of the material can help keep the dome in place during use. However, it can make it difficult to move if the climbing dome needs to be transferred to a new area. If you do choose a steel climbing dome, ensure that it is powder-coated to resist weathering or sun damage. Plastic is usually inexpensive, sturdy, and lightweight, making it ideal for quick assembly. Bright colors may become dull over time, but UV-protected plastic will keep the hues vivid.

Best Basic: Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber Play Center

Your backyard will quickly turn into a playground for your kids with this colorful dome climber. The base is freestanding, so you can place this dome wherever you see fit and move it with ease. The bars are constructed of heavy-duty powder-coated steel that is strong enough to support children up to 10 years old. Each of the four color options will remain vibrant over time due to the UV-resistant coating. Standing at 4.5-feet high, this climbing dome is safe for children as young as 3 years old when accompanied by a parent.

Best with Slide: HearthSong Indoor/Outdoor Climbing Dome

The slide and dome combination is perfect for children with lots of energy that are looking to explore new heights safely. The 4-foot long slide gives kids an adrenaline rush as they slide down and encourages them to climb the dome over and over again. The metal bars and wooden seating area are weather-resistant to last for the many seasons to come. Tell your children to invite their friends over as this climbing dome can handle up to 175 pounds, allowing kids ages 3 to 6 to play without worry.

Best with Tent: TP Toys Explorer 2 Climbing Set Jungle Gym

Create a home in the stars with this climbing dome that features a platform tent for adventures and sleepovers. The adjustable frame is made from premium galvanized steel to support the mesh vinyl platform and polyester canopy. The tent features a round window and two roll-up doors to create the perfect fort for children’s games. The tent can be removed from the platform to give kids a 360-degree view from the almost 4-foot high platform. Plenty of friends can join in on the fun with an 82-inch diameter base that can hold up to 220 pounds.

Best Budget: Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower

Your children will be able to climb to new heights with the extended tower of the climbing dome. Kids are able to climb the 47 inches of this green and blue climbing dome, allowing them to see the world from a whole new perspective. The bars are made from UV-protected plastic and feature double self-locking springs to create a durable and stable construction. The locking system makes this climbing dome a breeze for parents to assemble, while the lightweight plastic material allows the dome to be moved easily if needed.