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Transform your backyard into a playground with one of these swing sets.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
To help us find the best swing sets, we spoke toKen Stanleyof Playground Safety Consultants.
Placement in a backyard is very important, Stanley says.
Use zones should be factored in for swings and other play equipment.
Credit: Amazon
This refers to areas free of obstacles or other equipment with an impact attenuating surface material.
This redwood stained cedar swing set is built to resist rot, decay, and insect damage.
This bargain swing set has a more basic design and build than the other options on our list.
Credit: Amazon
This large swing set comes with a lot of parts to assemble and will take significant set-up time.
Another feature we love is the picnic table that can be used for snack or lunch time.
it’s possible for you to also download an app for set-up instructions that include helpful videos and illustrations.
Credit: Amazon
Even with these helpful instructions, however, plan to dedicate significant time to putting the playground together.
Its a complex process that will take several hours and many hands to complete.
Youll need to apply a sealant within 90 days to maintain its quality.
Credit: Amazon
Slides are a key swing set feature that many kids enjoy.
TheGorilla Playsets Outing Wood Swing Sethas two slides an alpine wave slide and a tunnel twister slide.
The four-foot tall play deck offers plenty of room for children to play underneath.
Credit: Amazon
Theres also a green vinyl tarp to provide shade and protect the swing set from poor weather conditions.
It includes a step-by-step set-up guide along with all necessary hardware.
Best of all, the premium cedar lumber is pre-cut, pre-sanded, and pre-drilled to reduce assembly time.
Credit: Amazon
For added stability, youll need to purchase an anchoring set.
The swings are extra-wide with a textured surface for added comfort.
We like that the swings are separated by the trapeze bar to help prevent any mid-air collisions.
Credit: Walmart
It’s worth noting that the unit also requires an anchoring set (sold separately) for added stability.
Since its made of plastic, it cant accommodate as much weight as wooden or steel options.
TheStep2 Adventure Lodgeis a great option for toddlers and young children.
Credit: Eastern Jungle Gym
It has a similar look as wooden swing sets, but its much more lightweight and easier to clean.
It also has two swings and a 6-foot slide for hours of creativity.
Theres also a mini basketball hoop (just note that youll have to supply your own ball).
Credit: Amazon
Theres also a fabric roof over the clubhouse to keep children out of the sun while playing.
You also wont have to worry about splinters.
The manufacturer recommends using the ground anchors that come with this swing set to keep it in place.
TheLittle Tikes Hide And Seek Climber and Swingis a perfect choice for families with toddlers.
Its lightweight, simple to assemble, and easy to keep clean.
The bright red slide, blue swing, and pretend tree give this set a welcoming presence for toddlers.
Although its small, this swing set can still accommodate three toddlers at once.
It is only a swing setit doesnt have any other features like a slide or rock wall.
Made with 100% cedar, the predrilled beams are easy to attach to the brackets during assembly.
We also appreciate that the swing set comes with a 10-year warranty on all of its wooden components.
The chains are 66-inches long and can be adjusted for various ages and heights.
With four sling swings, multiple children can swing together at the same time.
If you want to use the lower section as a sandbox, youll need to purchase sand separately.
Its also pre-cut, pre-drilled, and pre-stained for simpler assembly.
Theres also a large clubhouse on the second level with a play telescope and steering wheel for imaginary adventures.
If your kids need a break, they can take shelter under the clubhouse canopy.
This ASTM-certified cedar wood swing set is made out of non-toxic materials.
Weve included options for toddlers and kids ages one through 11.
TheEastern Jungle Gym Classic Mkv Swing Setis a good choice for families with multiple children.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of a swing set measures how much weight it can safely support.
This varies by swing set and can depend on the material, size, and number of features.
The majority of options we included can hold around 700 to 800 pounds.
Materials
Material is an important feature to consider when comparing swing sets.
Wood, steel, and plastic are the most common materials.
There are pros and cons to each material and some may be better suited for different climates.
Plastic swing sets are often the most affordable and dont require as much upkeep.
Metal should be painted, galvanized, or otherwise treated to prevent rust, corrosion, and deterioration.
Warranty
Understanding the warranty that comes with your swing set is important.
All of the swing sets on our list come with limited manufacturer warranties ranging from one to 10 years.
Your Questions, Answered
What should go under a swing set?
Some sites may need regradingto improve drainageor to reduce the slope, Davis says.
You should also ensure anchors are buried or otherwise covered with protective surfacing to prevent injuries.
Other good options include sand, artificial turf, or a play mat.
No matter what punch in of material you choose, look for one with high shock absorbency and slip-resistance.
How is the lifespan of a swing set?
Most swing sets can last for about 15 to 20 years.
Your children may outgrow their existing swing set when it is still in good condition.
This is especially true for swing sets that are made specifically for toddlers.
How much do swing sets cost?
Wooden swing sets tend to cost more than those made of plastic or steel.
If you want a budget-friendly option, consider theXDP Recreation Free N' Swing Swing Set.
Who We Are
Erica Reagleis a writer focusing on interior design and the home.
She also gathered insights fromKen Stanleyof Playground Safety Consultants andPatty Davisof the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
