Outdoor Musical Instruments: Enhancing Playgrounds with Music
Outdoor musical instruments are a great way to bring music into the open air and provide an interactive experience for people of all ages. These instruments are designed to withstand the elements and provide a unique opportunity for individuals to create their own music in an outdoor setting. From playgrounds to parks, outdoor musical instruments are becoming increasingly popular and can be found in a variety of locations.
When considering purchasing outdoor musical instruments, it's important to pay attention to the type of material used in the construction. The instruments should be made from durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent use. Additionally, the size and weight of the instruments should be considered to ensure they are appropriate for the intended location and audience.
We spent hours researching and testing a variety of outdoor musical instruments to identify the ones that offer the best quality and durability. Our top picks provide a range of sounds and are suitable for all ages and skill levels.
Best Outdoor Musical Instruments
We've scoured the internet and tested various outdoor musical instruments to bring you the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just looking for a fun way to make music outdoors, we've got you covered. From drums to xylophones, here are our top picks for the best outdoor musical instruments.
Swing-N-Slide Outdoor Rhythm Band Swing Set Music Play Kit
We highly recommend the Swing-N-Slide Outdoor Rhythm Band Swing Set Music Play Kit for parents looking to encourage their kids' musical inclinations while boosting their coordination and creativity.
Pros
- The kit includes a blue babaloo drum, red bongos, and a spinning yellow rain wheel that emulate maracas, providing a range of sounds to experiment with.
- The instruments are made of durable plastic, ensuring that they can withstand rough play and exposure to the elements.
- The kit comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and fully illustrated plans, making it easy to install on most wood play sets or wooden structures.
Cons
- The kit may not provide the most authentic sound quality, but it is suitable for children's play and experimentation.
- The mounting hardware may not fit all play sets or structures, so it's important to double-check compatibility before purchasing.
- The kit may not be ideal for older children or more experienced musicians who require more advanced instruments.
The Swing-N-Slide Outdoor Rhythm Band Swing Set Music Play Kit is a great addition to any backyard play area. It's easy to install and provides hours of interactive imaginative fun while boosting confidence and creativity. The blue babaloo drum provides a deep drumming sound, while the red bongos offer rhythmic percussion. The unique spinning yellow rain wheel provides rainforest sounds that emulate maracas. We were impressed with the quality of the instruments, which are made of durable plastic that can withstand rough play and exposure to the elements.
We found the kit easy to install, thanks to the included mounting hardware and fully illustrated plans. However, it's important to note that the hardware may not fit all play sets or structures, so it's essential to double-check compatibility before purchasing. While the kit may not provide the most authentic sound quality, it's suitable for children's play and experimentation.
Overall, the Swing-N-Slide Outdoor Rhythm Band Swing Set Music Play Kit is an excellent investment for parents looking to encourage their kids' musical inclinations while boosting their coordination and creativity.
Woodstock Wind Chimes Xylophone Chimalong (13.5")
We highly recommend the Woodstock Wind Chimes Xylophone Chimalong for parents who want to introduce their kids to music. This award-winning educational toy offers a fun and interactive way for children to learn traditional music notation.
Pros
- The Chimalong is a high-quality musical instrument made with world-famous Woodstock Wind Chimes tubes, which produce soft resonant sounds.
- It is tuned to a diatonic scale in the key of C, making it easy for kids to learn and play by number, color, or notes. The extra tube tuned to B♭ allows for greater musical flexibility.
- The Chimalong comes with an innovative songbook that uses a color, number, and letter-based music learning system. This makes it easy for kids to learn traditional music notation and play popular songs.
Cons
- The Chimalong is a bit expensive compared to other musical toys on the market, but the quality and educational value make it worth the price.
- The toy can be very loud, so parents may need to set some ground rules on when and where it can be played.
- Some kids may find the Chimalong difficult to play at first, but with practice and patience, they will develop the necessary skills.
The Woodstock Wind Chimes Xylophone Chimalong is a perfect gift for kids ages 3 and up. It comes in a four-color gift box, making it an ideal birthday or Christmas gift. The Chimalong is an excellent tool for parents who want to encourage their children's interest in music. It's also a great educational toy for schools and music teachers.
In conclusion, we highly recommend the Woodstock Wind Chimes Xylophone Chimalong for parents who want to introduce their kids to music. The Chimalong is a high-quality musical instrument with an innovative songbook that makes learning traditional music notation fun and easy.
TDOCK 6 Inch Musical Steel Triangle Percussion Instrument With Striker
If you're looking for a budget-friendly and high-quality music triangle, then TDOCK 6 Inch Musical Steel Triangle Percussion Instrument With Striker could be a great option for you.
Pros
- The music triangle is made of durable steel with a yellow rubber hanger that ensures superior sound quality.
- The instrument produces a clear and bright sound that can be heard even in a large group.
- The striker that comes with the triangle is of good quality and produces a nice sound.
Cons
- The plastic handle of the striker may crack or come off after a few uses.
- The sound quality may not be as good as some of the higher-priced triangles.
- The unilateral length of the triangle may be too small for some users.
We recently purchased the TDOCK 6 Inch Musical Steel Triangle Percussion Instrument With Striker and were impressed with its quality and sound. The steel construction and yellow rubber hanger make this instrument durable and long-lasting. The sound quality of the triangle is also impressive, and it produces a clear and bright sound that can be heard even in a large group.
The striker that comes with the triangle is of good quality and produces a nice sound. However, the plastic handle of the striker may crack or come off after a few uses, which could be a minor issue for some users. Additionally, the sound quality may not be as good as some of the higher-priced triangles, but it is still a great option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the TDOCK 6 Inch Musical Steel Triangle Percussion Instrument With Striker to anyone looking for a budget-friendly and high-quality music triangle. It's a great rhythm education instrument for kids and can also be used in classrooms or for music toy purposes.
HearthSong Jumbo Wooden Xylophone
If you're looking for a fun and colorful musical instrument for your child, the HearthSong Jumbo Wooden Xylophone is a great choice. With its beautiful chime and vibrant colors, this xylophone is sure to inspire creativity and open-ended play in children of all ages.
Pros
- The eight wooden bars produce a beautiful, soothing chime when struck with the included mallets.
- The xylophone can be played on the floor or tabletop, or hung on a wall as a bright and cheerful decoration.
- The xylophone encourages open-ended creative play, allowing children to make their own music and express their personality and musical style.
Cons
- Adult installation is required, and hanging hardware is not included.
- The xylophone is fairly large and heavy, so it may be difficult for young children to move around.
- The xylophone is relatively expensive compared to other musical toys.
We recently purchased the HearthSong Jumbo Wooden Xylophone for our 4-year-old daughter, and she absolutely loves it. The xylophone is beautifully crafted, with bright colors and a sturdy wooden frame. The eight wooden bars produce a lovely chime when struck with the included mallets, and our daughter loves experimenting with different rhythms and melodies.
One of the great things about this xylophone is its versatility. It can be played on the floor or tabletop, or hung on a wall as a colorful decoration. We chose to hang it on our daughter's bedroom wall, and it adds a cheerful touch to her play space.
The HearthSong Jumbo Wooden Xylophone also encourages open-ended creative play, which is something we value as parents. Our daughter loves making up her own songs and experimenting with different sounds and rhythms. It's a great way for her to express herself and explore her musical interests.
Overall, we highly recommend the HearthSong Jumbo Wooden Xylophone to anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile, and fun musical instrument for their child. It's a bit pricey, but we think it's worth the investment for the quality and enjoyment it provides.
Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum
We highly recommend the Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum for those looking for a unique and high-quality outdoor musical instrument.
Pros
- The steel drum is made of high-alloy, which provides better corrosion and heat resistance. The drum is hand-modulated and accurately cut by hand, resulting in a stable tone and crisp, beautiful sound. The drum surface sound tongue is shaped by lotus petals, making it a high-end percussion instrument with a perfect tone.
- The tongue drum produces a clean, ethereal, Buddha-like sound that can purify your mind and soul and help you achieve inner peace. It is perfect for relieving stress for both children and adults.
- The steel tongue drum is suitable for various fields, including music education, yoga, meditation, zen tone, spiritual rehabilitation, dream and prayer, concert accompaniment, and child's enlightenment. It is an ideal gift for both kids and adults.
Cons
- Some of the gold numbers on the drum may peel off after some use.
- The drum is smaller than expected.
- The balls on the end of the drumsticks may detach and pose a choking hazard for small children.
The Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum is an easy-to-play instrument with a total of 8 tones, allowing for a wider range of sound and more music options. Beginners can use the included note to learn and play the drum more easily. The drum comes with a carry-on bag for easy carrying, making it the perfect choice for outdoor activities.
Overall, the Lronbird Alloy Steel Tongue Drum is a wonderful parent-child gift that can train toddlers' hearing and visual development. It helps with child development, brain power, memory, confidence, patience, social skills, and fosters creativity. With its stylish design and perfect sound, it is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
LOMUTY Steel Tongue Drum
If you're looking for a unique and relaxing musical instrument, the LOMUTY Steel Tongue Drum might be a good option.
Pros
- The 8-tone G Major steel tongue drum produces soft and melodious music that can bring relaxation and joy to the heart.
- The drum can be used in various fields, including music enlightenment education, yoga meditation, performances, and more. Beginners can learn how to play in just ten minutes using the included textbook and scale stickers.
- Made of high-quality Steel-Titanium alloy, the drum shows good sound quality and anti-corrosion performance.
Cons
- Adjusting the pitch might be challenging for some users. You need to press the tongue for overtone or use a file to file it down at the root of the tongue to pitch it down. If it is low tone, you need to top up the tongue from its bottom.
- The sustain might not be as good as more expensive models.
- The included mallets might not be the best quality.
We recently tried the LOMUTY Steel Tongue Drum and were impressed with its sound quality and ease of use. The drum comes with everything you need to get started, including a music book, drumsticks, and a portable bag. The scale stickers make it easy to learn how to play, even if you have no musical background.
The drum is made of high-quality Steel-Titanium alloy, which makes it durable and anti-corrosive. We also appreciated the included alternate scale sticker, which allows you to experiment with different scales and create your own music.
Overall, we think the LOMUTY Steel Tongue Drum is a great option for anyone looking for a relaxing and unique musical instrument. It's also a great gift for friends, children, and music lovers.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying outdoor musical instruments, there are a few key factors to consider. We want to make sure you choose the best product for your needs, so here are some features to look at before making your purchase:
Material
Outdoor musical instruments are exposed to the elements, so it's important to choose materials that can withstand the weather. Look for instruments made from durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or UV-resistant plastic.
Sound Quality
Of course, the most important feature of any musical instrument is the sound it produces. Consider the pitch, tone, and volume of the instrument to ensure it meets your expectations. Some instruments may have adjustable settings to fine-tune the sound.
Safety
Safety is a top priority, especially when it comes to outdoor musical instruments that will be used by children. Look for instruments that are designed with safety in mind, such as rounded edges and non-slip surfaces.
Installation
Consider the installation process before making your purchase. Some instruments may require professional installation, while others can be easily installed by a DIY enthusiast. Make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment to install the instrument properly.
Maintenance
Outdoor musical instruments require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. Look for instruments that are easy to clean and maintain, and consider the cost of replacement parts if needed.
In summary, when buying outdoor musical instruments, consider the material, sound quality, safety, installation, and maintenance. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best instrument for your needs and ensure it will provide years of enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some examples of large outdoor musical instruments?
Some examples of large outdoor musical instruments include chimes, xylophones, and drums. These instruments are designed to withstand the elements and produce high-quality sound in outdoor settings.
What are some popular outdoor musical instruments made of wood?
Wood is a popular material for outdoor musical instruments because of its durability and natural sound quality. Some popular examples include wooden xylophones, marimbas, and drums.
What is the Rhapsody Outdoor Musical Instrument?
The Rhapsody Outdoor Musical Instrument is a set of large, colorful instruments designed for outdoor use. It includes a variety of percussion and melodic instruments, such as drums, chimes, and xylophones.
What are some percussion instruments that are suitable for outdoor use?
Percussion instruments that are suitable for outdoor use include drums, cymbals, and shakers. These instruments are often made of durable materials, such as metal or plastic, to withstand the elements.
Where can I find a musical playground near me?
Musical playgrounds can be found in many parks and public spaces. Check with your local parks and recreation department or search online for musical playgrounds in your area.
What is the most unique or unusual outdoor musical instrument?
One of the most unique outdoor musical instruments is the Earth Harp, which is a giant harp that can be played outdoors. It uses the surrounding environment as part of its sound production, creating a truly unique musical experience.