Outdoor toys for ages 3 to 5
For a three, four or five year old we start with two things: the Buddy pedal go-kart, from €299, and swings on a PlayBase climbing frame, from €999 for the frame.
The ages on this page are BERG's own. Its go-kart guide puts the Buddy at 3 to 8 years, and it rates the PlayBase for ages 3 and up. BERG's trampoline manual does not recommend its garden trampolines for children under 6, so you will find no trampolines listed here. More on that below.
Buddy go-karts, ages 3 to 8 (2)Go-karts BERG rates from age 4 or 5 (3)PlayBase climbing frames, ages 3 and up (4)Swings and seats for a PlayBase, ages 3 and up (5)Ready-made swing sets: frame and swings together (2)
Buddy go-karts, ages 3 to 8
The Buddy is the one frame we sell that BERG rates from three. The 2 karts here are the same Buddy in different colours, so the choice between them is down to which one the child likes the look of.
Go-karts BERG rates from age 4 or 5
BERG's guide for the Rally is 4 to 12 years and for the XL it is 5 years to adult. A four or five year old is inside those guides as well, on a bigger frame that has more years left in it. The go-kart buying guide sets the three frames side by side.
PlayBase climbing frames, ages 3 and up
A PlayBase is a steel frame with a run of monkey-bar rungs across the top. Swings and other accessories clip to points on the frame and can be changed as the child grows. The Wall fixes to a load-bearing brick or block wall; the other three stand on their own.
Swings and seats for a PlayBase, ages 3 and up
These are the swing accessories that BERG marks for ages 3 and up, along with the baby seat, which BERG allows from 9 months with an adult pushing. Each tile shows BERG's weight limit. All of them hang from a PlayBase frame, so they are no use without one.
PlayBase accessory
BERG PlayBase Baby seat
- Group
- Swings
- Note
- From 9 months with an adult pushing, up to 30kg. Harness and T-bar.
Ready-made swing sets: frame and swings together
A Swing set is a PlayBase frame sold together with its swings as one product, which saves choosing the parts one at a time.
PlayBase set
BERG PlayBase Wall + Swing set
- Frame
- Wall
- Includes
- Swing seats or a nest swing, depending on the frame.
PlayBase set
BERG PlayBase Medium + Swing set
- Frame
- Medium
- Includes
- Swing seats or a nest swing, depending on the frame.
Other ages
Or shop by budget
What about a trampoline?
If you came here looking for a trampoline for a small child, here is the plain position. BERG's manual says its garden trampolines are not suitable for children under 36 months. The same manual does not recommend them for children under 6. Those are BERG's words about its own products, and we go by them.
That leaves a gap of a few years, and it is the reason this page is built around pedalling and swinging instead. A Buddy kart is within BERG's guide from three. A PlayBase is rated for ages 3 and up, and the swing seat, nest swing, trapeze and gym rings above all carry the same age mark.
If you are buying ahead for a sixth birthday, the first trampoline page shows the models we suggest starting with and the rule we used to pick them. The ages 6 to 8 page picks up from there.
Thinking about the garden
A PlayBase is 1 m deep, and BERG's manual gives the free space each frame needs around it. If you plan to add a trampoline later, measure now so that both will fit: 11 of our trampolines need up to 7 m of clear ground, 32 of our trampolines need 7 to 8 m of clear ground, 46 of our trampolines need more than 8 m of clear ground. The size guide shows how to measure.
Questions people ask
What is the youngest age for a BERG go-kart?+
Three. BERG's age guide for the Buddy is 3 to 8 years, and it is the only frame we sell that starts that young. The Rally guide starts at four and the XL guide at five.
Can a three or four year old go on a BERG trampoline?+
BERG's manual says its garden trampolines are not suitable for children under 36 months, and it does not recommend them for children under 6. We follow the manual, so we do not suggest a trampoline for this age band.
What is the difference between the Buddy B.Orange and the Buddy Lua?+
Colour. The B.Orange is orange and the Lua is pink and green. They are the same Buddy kart with the same BERG age guide. The prices differ slightly and both are on this page.
Should I buy the Buddy or go straight to a Rally?+
For a three year old the Buddy is the only one inside BERG's guide. At four or five both guides apply: the Buddy runs to eight and the Rally to twelve. If your child is tall or small for their age, ring us with their height before you choose.
Can a baby brother or sister use the PlayBase too?+
The baby seat can be used from 9 months with an adult pushing, and BERG's limit for it is 30 kg. The other swing accessories on this page are for ages 3 and up.
Does a go-kart arrive ready to ride?+
No. It comes boxed and you put it together from BERG's manual. Leave yourself time before a birthday or Christmas morning.
How quickly can a go-kart be delivered?+
Our go-karts are held in our own Irish warehouse and delivered within 48 hours. Delivery of a go-kart is free anywhere in Ireland, north and south.
Not sure what suits a three to five year old?
Send us a couple of photos and rough measurements. We will say what fits and give you a delivered price. It is free and there is no obligation.
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm