The Matilda Play Set

The Matilda is a proper timber play set – elevated platform, roof, slide, swings, climbing net and a sandpit underneath – built for kids aged five and up who have outgrown a simple cubby and want something to climb on.

What kids get to do on it

• Climb the net or the climbing wall to reach the platform
• Play up top under the timber roof, with a steering wheel for whatever the platform happens to be that week
• Come down the long wavy slide
• Swing on the rope swings
• Dig in the enclosed sandpit underneath

Construction

Timber with metal brackets, finished in a natural water-based stain. Rated to 120kg and designed for ages five and up with adult supervision. Install it at least two metres clear of fences, trees and anything else you'd rather kids didn't swing into.

Painting

The natural stain it arrives in is a starting point, not a finish. We recommend painting or sealing it – it protects the timber properly and it's the single thing that most affects how good the set looks in three years' time. Our painting and maintenance guide covers what to buy and how often to recoat.

Compared with the River Fort

The River Fort Set is the bigger sibling: it adds monkey bars, a picnic bench and a larger overall footprint. If your yard is generous and you have two or more kids, the River Fort earns its extra space. If you want most of the play value in a set that doesn't take over the whole lawn, the Matilda is the one.