When considering purchasing a swing set, make sure you’re keeping your child’s safety in mind. “As parents, acting through supervision is critical, especially with young children. Keep a close eye on children as they play,” says David C. Schwebel, PhD, the author of “Raising Kids Who Choose Safety” and the Director of the Youth Safety Lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “As children grow older, supervision can be less intense and less continuous, but even older children should be watched periodically for safety.” If you have the space for a swing set (always make sure to measure your yard before buying one!), your kids can enjoy it for years to come. Since it is an investment, you’ll want to make sure you are choosing one that will meet the needs of your family right now and in the future. While reviewing products, we carefully considered design, value, assembly instructions, safety, product weight, and other features. What do buyers say? 1,000+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. The Gorilla Playsets Outing Wood Swing Set isn’t just large and in charge, it earned our top pick because it’s made for years of fun and can hold lots of kids. Swing, climb, slide, and play on this big set that includes two swings, a trapeze, a built-in sandbox, a rope ladder and climbing wall, a wavy plastic slide, and so much more. While the swing set is an investment, it’s highly rated. The set is big and with the 6 feet of clearance space needed, check that your yard can fit something this size. It’s delivered ready to assemble and will require an estimated 5 to 7 hours of construction time. The website includes a list of all of the tools needed for assembly. Price at time of publication: $1,401 Price at time of publication: $250 While the swing set requires assembly, there’s a special app to download that features 3D interactive step-by-step instructions. Price at time of publication: $2,299 A big DIY project, this swing set comes ready to be assembled with all the required hardware, lumber, and a detailed step-by-step instruction manual. Price at time of publication: $1,463 Especially great for kids that prefer swinging to climbing, this affordable set is a great addition to a backyard, especially one with limited space. Price at time of publication: $339 Even though there are only two swings and no monkey bars, kids will have a blast on this set. The set ships with a step-by-step PDF instruction booklet that should be followed exactly. Price at time of publication: $399 While this may not be the best option for a house full of kids, this is great for an only child or for an inexpensive backyard addition if you already have lots of other outdoor play options. Plus, the swing set folds up, so it’s easy to move it between the house and the yard or store it when not in use. Price at time of publication: $69 To clean it, simply hose off and wipe down the durable plastic. Assembly is required and the set needs to be securely anchored down with the included pieces. Price at time of publication: $720 Soft rubber grips on the swings’ chains prevent pinching, while plastic caps and rounded edges make the whole unit safe for play. Assembly and additional tools are required. Price at time of publication: $1,500 Assembly is required, but all necessary tools are included. Price at time of publication: $130 At approximately 5.6 x 7.5 feet, this swing set isn’t small, but it does have a smaller footprint than other options with multiple swings. Price at time of publication: $210
What to Look for in a Swing Set
Safety
Swing sets can be loads of fun, but they also need to be safe. They can be dangerous if they aren’t installed correctly, and it’s important to follow all safety guidelines. Most swing sets have a weight limit and some may need to be installed by a professional. Along with overall weight capacity, you’ll also want to take note of the number of children that can be on it at a time. By staying within these limits, your swing set will last longer and your kiddos will be safe while they play. Additionally, swing sets should be placed in locations free of overhead obstacles like power lines, tree limbs, or roof overhangs. Six feet of open space on all sides is recommended for plenty of room to play.
Age-Appropriateness
Before purchasing, consider the age of the children that will be playing on the swing set to determine if the set is safe and entertaining for them, both now and as they age. “If a child can’t reach a bar, they might fall. If they are too heavy for a swing set feature, it could collapse,” Schwebel says. “Parents should make arrangements to be sure the equipment is age-appropriate for all children, or that children use different parts of the equipment that match their age.” Helpfully, most swing sets have age recommendations that will help guide you when purchasing. Plus, many swing sets let you swap out certain swings and attachments once your kids get bigger and are able to do more things.
Durability
Since a swing set is an investment, make sure the one you choose is built to last. You’ll want one made from a material that will stand the test of time and weather. In general, swing sets can last from 10 to 15 years, especially if they are maintained well and made of durable materials. Proper swing set maintenance includes painting metal or staining wood, tightening bolts, and inspecting chairs and ropes, Schwebel tells Verywell Family. Whether they are made from wood, metal, or plastic, most sets are designed to hold up to the elements. However, depending on the climate where you live, you may want to do a little research to determine the kind of material that would be best.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 8-year-old son, and 4-year-old daughter. When Maya made the move from Brooklyn, NY, to New Jersey, her house already had a swing set from the previous owners. On the first day living there, her city-kid son asked where all the kids were and was not impressed that he had to play by himself. Now her three kids use their swing set almost every day, all year long. There’s no specific age that a child should stop playing on a swing set as long as they don’t exceed its weight limit. “Many children continue to use swing sets well into the elementary school years,” Schwebel tells Verywell Family. “It is healthy for them to keep playing on swing sets as long as they want to.”
