The Best Swing Sets For Your Backyard
If you're tired of taking endless trips to the park, why not bring the park to you? Kids of all ages love swing sets, and most adults are up for a swing session when they get the chance. Whether you have a little space or a lot, there are plenty of swing set options to fit your backyard. We've rounded up a few of our favorite swing sets to help you pick one your entire family will love.
What to Look For
After researching swing sets for your backyard, we found that the best ones are durable, safe, affordable, and easy to install. Based on these standards, our top pick is the swing set from Funlio. This stand-alone swing uses heavy sandbags to weigh down the corners and prevent it from blowing away in a storm. And it includes a protective lap belt and back support that are easy to remove once your kids are older. We also love the swing set from Happy Jump because you can attach it directly to a tree, coming together quickly for your entire family to enjoy. Keep reading to discover your new favorite backyard swing set.
Jungle Gym Kingdom Trapeze Swing Bar
Just hanging around
Jungle Gym Kingdom’s swing bar was designed with the whole family in mind, from little kids up to grandparents. The set includes durable steel chains to attach the bar to your porch or an existing playground. And the swing consists of a single metal bar and two plastic handles that won’t burn your hands, even on the hottest days. What’s more, the weather-resistant coating will prevent them from rusting over time.
Pros:
- This swing bar comfortably holds up to 300 pounds, so you can trust in its sturdiness.
- You can adjust the height of the swing using the rope chains.
Cons:
- The chains are long and could get in the way if you hang the swing bar too high.
Funlio 3-in-1 Swing Set for Kids
Rock and relax
After installing this swing set for your little ones, you won’t have to move it for many years. The versatile swing starts as a baby seat with protective gear and eventually becomes a simple seat for older children. This set is easy to assemble and includes sandbags to weigh down the corners of the frame. Plus, the plastic seat and nylon ropes won’t ever be uncomfortable on your kids’ skin while they swing.
Pros:
- There is a seatbelt in addition to the plastic lap belt to keep babies and toddlers from falling out.
- The frame has non-slip rubber feet to prevent it from tipping when placed on a wooden or concrete surface.
Cons:
- The sandbags don’t come prefilled.
Happy Jump Saucer Swing Seat for Kids
Leisure at its best
Whether your kids are interested in letting off some steam or chilling in the evening, they can pile onto this swing from Happy Jump. The saucer seat measures almost 40 inches across and can support up to 330 pounds at once. It comes with installation hardware to hang the swing from an existing playground or a strong tree branch, so you know it won’t fall. And the four supportive ropes attach at one center point above the swing, allowing it to rotate all the way around for a unique swinging experience.
Pros:
- The swing moves smoothly and silently to prevent disruption.
- We found that it can take about 10 minutes or less to get everything assembled.
Cons:
- The hanging straps aren’t adjustable.
XDP Recreation Fun Forever Swing Set
Always active
Planning birthday parties and playdates won’t be a problem when you have this swing set in your backyard. XDP Recreation’s swing set has six play areas, providing space for eight kids to play at once. From the standard swing to the two-person glider, your kids won’t ever want to come back inside. It has a galvanized steel frame that is sturdy and rustproof, so it can stay out all year long. And every swing is adjustable to fit the heights of your growing kids.
Pros:
- There are foam protectors on the steel bars to prevent bumps and bruises.
- The chains are covered to keep little fingers from getting squished or pinched.
Cons:
- This swing set isn’t as affordable as other options, but it is worth it if your kids spend a lot of time outdoors.
KidKraft Appleton Wooden Swing Set
The secret hideout
Every kid wants a special place they can call their own, whether it’s a pillow fort or an entire playroom. This backyard swing set includes a raised playhouse that will keep your kids occupied for hours on end. The sturdy wooden structure also includes two standard swings, a rock wall ladder, a sandbox area, and a durable plastic slide. Plus, you can drape the included tarp over the playhouse to keep that area protected from the weather. Your kids will gain confidence and use their imaginations as they play in their new outdoor oasis.
Pros:
- The wooden pieces are already cut, drilled, and stained to simplify assembly.
- The plastic components are all BPA-free.
Cons:
- You have to purchase sand separately if you choose to use the sandbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to consider when setting up a swing set?
The ground should be level to keep the swing set steady. If your space isn’t level, we recommend digging up the ground or adding mulch to create a defined area for your swing set to sit. You could also pour a concrete pad on top of your grass or dirt to level the ground. But this isn’t as safe for young children who are still learning to walk and run.
Do I need to leave space around the swing set?
Yes, it is important to measure what is known as a safety zone. This simply means you need to leave about a six-foot radius of space around your swing set to prevent injury. It may be challenging if you have a small backyard, but in most cases, you should easily be able to assemble your swing set away from concrete, fences, trees, and other obstacles.
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