You've probably got plenty of outdoor toys for your little one, but having somewhere to rest after a day of fun garden activities and adventures is equally as important, so it's worth investing in some kids' garden furniture.
From chairs and tables to picnic benches, sun loungers, outdoor beanbags and even Wendy or playhouses, there are plenty of options to choose from to help you to create the ultimate relaxing space for your child. Just think of how cute everything will look once it's all out!
Editor's choice:
•Best for style: KidKraft Double Garden Sun Lounger - Buy now from Amazon
•Best for mealtimes: vidaXL Kids Picnic Table & Bench with Parasol - Buy now from Amazon
•Best for lounging: rucomfy Beanbags outdoor Refillable Bean Bag - Buy now Wayfair
•Best for movement: Freeport Park Amya Swing Seat - Buy now from Wayfair
Now you've probably got a few ideas in mind, so it's time to check out our top picks of the best garden furniture for kids to help you to find the perfect pieces for your outdoor space. Many of these products are suitable for indoor use too, making them ideal for the winter months as well.
The best kids' garden furniture 2023
Best for style
This sun lounger is perfect for putting their feet up after a long day at school or nursery. It seats two kids, which is perfect if you've got siblings or another friend coming over to play. We love the canopy as it will protect them from the sun's rays.
One reviewer said: "For the price I snagged it at, worth it. It did take me like two hours to put together but that's only because I had two small children running crazy. My 2 and 4 year old fit in it great, my 6.5 year old is a little big for it but she still can fit. Also, I sat in it so the thing is sturdy. Overall, it'll be a fun addition to have for the summertime!"
Pros
- Tie-back curtains
- Cushions are included
Cons
- Can't seperate them
Best for mealtimes
If you're planning on eating outside, why not brighten up your garden with this lovely rainbow picnic bench? It can comfortably seat four small children or two older ones with ease and the big parasol will provide plenty of shade for them.
One reviewer said: My kids really love this! It's very pretty with lots of nice colours. I found it to be quick and easy to assemble and the plan is very well explained. The table and benches are very sturdy. What's more, the great umbrella is very pretty and very practical if it is sunny."
Pros
- Vivid colours
- Umbrella is removable
Cons
- Some users say it was tricky to put together
Best for lounging
www.wayfair.co.uk
What's brilliant about these beanbags is that they're highly portable, so you can move them around the garden until you find the perfect spot. They're super comfy too, but most importantly, they're childproof so they can't make a mess with the beans!
One reviewer said: "These are totally brilliant and so practical to have for picnics and garden celebrations. The kids loved them as they are easy for them to sit on or lay down and use as a pillow. We loved the bright colours and the darker ones for contrast."
Pros
- Broad range of colour options
- Machine washable covers
Cons
- Only one per pack
Best for movement
www.wayfair.co.uk
There's no need to the park every day when you have a swing in your garden! A fun place to hang out, this swing can be used as a play tool for younger kids and a quiet place to go for older ones who may want to curl up with a good book or listen to music.
One reviewer said: "Easy to assemble and erect. Ours is on a pergola. All three of our children love it - it is used regularly by a 3-year-old, 7-year-old and 10-year-old. What a good place for older children to get a bit of space to read and chill when they need their own time."
Pros
- Durable design
- Helps to develop coordination and balance
Cons
- Doesn't come with pillows
Best for messy play
www.tptoys.com
We love this multipurpose table from TP toys as it comes with not one but two trays which are perfect for filling with water or sand for sensory play. Once the fun is over, you can simply pop the lid on and they can sit there and enjoy some lunch or snacks.
One reviewer said: "This is very easy to put together, as long as you read instructions right! It truly is a great table. Perfect for my 4 year old; my 1.5 year old needs a little help to sit on it but will get there. The trays slide easily in and out and the parasol is a nice touch."
Pros
- Durable design
- Removable parasol provides plenty of shade
Cons
- Younger children may struggle to sit unaided
Best foldable option
www.argos.co.uk
Something with their favourites characters on is always going to be a success! Each piece in this kit is foldable, helping to make storage much easier, plus the chairs have a double safety lock.
One reviewer said: "This set is super cute and the children love it (age nearly 3 and nearly 6)! It will be fabulous for the summer. I bought it on a lower offer price and I couldn't resist!"
Pros
- Sturdy metal
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre
Cons
- Colours may vary
Best multipurpose option
Whether they come in here to rest or play, this playhouse will be sure to provide a safe space for your little on to visit. There are plenty of interactive features. You could pop a mini play kitchen in here or leave it empty to encourage imaginative play.
One reviewer said: "This is very popular with our granddaughter, she loves it and plays with it a lot. Easy to assemble and most important to us, sturdy and safe. It's indoors at the moment but no doubt will be durable enough to go outside again when the weather is right."
Pros
- Plastic so easy to hose down
- Doors, windows and shutters are movable
Cons
- Tools not included for assembly
Best for two children
Safety comes first with this Hollywood swing. Covered with a cute ladybird design and a huge canopy to block out the sun, the swing can be used by up to two kids at a time.
One reviewer said: "I bought this for my 22-month-old twins and it is to be kept on the terrace. It's stable even if it's not anchorable to the ground and my children play in it but with supervision. I like how it's resistant to the rain."
Pros
- Waterproof material
- Robust metal frame
Cons
- Some users say the instructions are confusing
Best for a budget
Available in a broad range of colours, this seat is an excellent choice for the garden and can be taken with you if you're heading to the beach or a festival, or going camping as a family. It folds away compactly and there are two carry handles for maximum portability.
One reviewer said: "The chairs arrived faster than expected - ordered 2 - exactly what I wanted and they are lovely to use on beach sand, on the lawn as the legs do not break easily as other fold away chairs do and they don't sink into the sand either or badly damage lawn. Very comfy and well worth the money!"
Pros
- Wipe-clean material
- Close to the ground for easy access
Cons
- Doesn't recline very far
Best for a budget
www.debenhams.com
Made from solid iron and wood, this durable bench will remain sturdy come rain or shine. What makes it stand out is the glorious animal detailing, which is sure to capture their imaginations (they can pretend they're on a safari or in the middle of the jungle).
One reviewer said: What a beautiful child’s bench this is; it is very attractive and sturdy, plus it arrived very quickly too which was an added bonus."
Another reviewer said: "What excellent service. The assembly was very easy and it was put together by me in no time at all. I highly recommend it!"
Pros
- Affordable
- Sturdy back
Cons
- Quite small
What to consider when buying kids' garden furniture
Age rating - Check the specifications to see what age the product is suitable for. Obviously, you can go off of your own judgement too - if your child is tall for their age, for example, they may grow out of certain pieces (like toddler chairs) quite quickly.
Size - You'll need to consider whether or not the furniture is big enough for your child and whether it will fit into your outdoor space. If you've got multiple children or you often have nieces, nephews, neighbours or your kid's friends over, you may want to double-check that they'll all fit around it or even purchase more than one.
Material - Whether it's wooden, plastic, metal or fabric, you will need furniture that is robust and durable. Keep an eye out for products which are unlikely to rot or rust during wet and damp weather.
Weight - If you're not wanting the furniture to be a permanent fixture in your garden, it's worth seeing how heavy it is. Opt for pieces which are easy to manoeuvre, as you could use them inside too.
Accessibility - Will your child be able to use the product safely and responsibly? Will they be able to get in and out without assistance? Some items can be adjusted as they age.
Budget - How much are you willing to spend? If you purchase an adjustable piece, it could save you a lot of money in the long run as it will grow with your child.
Design - You not only need to consider the practical side but the stylistic side too. Sure, a set of tv character-themed plastic chairs may be cheap and cheerful, but are they really the aesthetic you're aiming for? Bear in mind what colour garden furniture you already have and even take inspiration from the plants and flowers around you.
Purpose: If they're going to use the furniture to relax, it should be made out of comfy material or you can add cushions and blankets to it. If they're going to do activities such as drawing or messy play, opt for something that's robust and washable. We love a multipurpose purchase, such as a bench or table that opens up as a sandpit or water table for example.
Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.