Play parachutes are typically made from nylon (including rip-stop nylon), polyester, and polypropylene.

Some play parachutes include a carry bag or a nylon drawstring bag for storage and transport.

Center designs include reinforced mesh or mesh center circles that enhance billowing play, and some parachutes feature colored bullseye targets (blue, green, red, and yellow).

Reported diameters include 6.0 feet, 12.0 feet, 20 feet, 24 feet, 35.25 feet, 51.25 feet, and 117.6 inches.

Handle counts shown across listings include 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 handles.

Labelled suggested ages in listings include: All Ages; 2 years and up; 3 years (and 3 years and up); 4 years and up (including 4–10 years); and 8 years and up.

Durability features include rip-stop fabric, double-stitched panels and handles, reinforced mesh centers, and reinforced perimeter webbing or rope sewn into the outer edge.

Listings describe heavy-duty construction designed to withstand frequent institutional use, rip-stop nylon construction for durability, and in at least one case a heavier unit weight intended to endure frequent use.