DIY backyard for Kids
DIY Play structure
I just recently did this for my child. The best thing that I found was at the local store. They sell kits that come with the lumber sheet (amount of lumber to buy and how to cut it), plans, brackets, carriage bolts, canopy, hangers for swings and even a couple of simple swings and rings. There are several styles to choose from, from simple to extravagant. You can also combine different kits together to make larger setups. These can be done in sections if wanted.
Besides the kit, you have to purchase the lumber, screws, basic tools (drill, hammer, saw, etc.) and accessories wanted (slide, merry-go-round, child swings, rope walls, etc.). The kit instructions are pretty precise, with very little waste on lumber cuts. You can do all the cuts ahead of time. It took my brother-in-law and me about 10-12 hours from the first cut to completion. There is even a video that can be purchased to help with the installation. It is a good investment, even if you are very engineering and mechanically inclined.