The Best Swing Sets, According to Experts
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Even in these days of goblin-mode brain rot, when screen time seems to beallthe time, a great swing set is more important than ever. The best swing set gets kids outdoors and active, creates opportunities for exercise and shared play, and provides a respite from the phone, tablet, or TV. And if your family wants more than just swings, today’s swing sets are more than simple A-frame structures with swings: You’ll find modular units that can serve as outdoor fitness centers that can be enjoyed by kids from their toddler years right up to and through middle school — and even into adulthood.
I know all this firsthand as I have a middle-schooler and a grade-schooler (who were, of course, once toddlers) and a play set in my backyard. I’ve also spent a good amount of time testing swing sets and play sets (or doing so vicariously through the kids) and talking to people with expertise ranging from child development to building and construction.
As you look for the best swing set for your kids, note that swinging is about more than physical fun. Jordyn Koveleski Gorman, mom of three, child-development expert, and the founder ofEat Play Say, says: “Swing sets are one of the most valuable developmental tools you can put in your yard. Swinging gives little ones vestibular input, which is just the sensory system that controls balance, coordination, and where our bodies are in space. That input is doing so much behind the scenes: It builds the core strength and motor planning that later support everything from sitting at a table to holding a pencil, and it’s incredibly organizing for a child who’s feeling dysregulated. The rhythmic, predictable back-and-forth of a swing can calm an overwhelmed nervous system in a way that’s hard to re-create.”
From simple (and affordable) swing sets that are indeed simply swings and frames to mixed-use climbing structures to multitiered playhouses with swings attached to sets so robust teens and adults can use them, you’re sure to find a swing set below that your family will love.
Whatwe’relookingfor
Size, weight capacity, and overall footprint
“For most families, I recommend a medium-size play set with two or three swings, a slide, and a climbing feature,” says Rich Lauer, owner ofPremier Building Solutions. “This allows the kids to grow into the play set as they get older and get the most use out of it.” If you have a single child, a smaller set works, and if you have more kids or frequent guests, a larger set is needed. As for weight capacity, make sure to consider both the weight limit of each swing and other play structure and of the set as a whole.
When it comes to the footprint of the set, meaning its length and width, think not just of the space you have in your yard but of the space needed for proper and safe use of the swing set. The kids need ample space in front of and behind the swings while they are swinging, and there needs to be space for people to pass the set safely while it’s in use. Also make sure to consider swing set height, as overhanging trees or nearby structures may be a factor.
Age range
Finding an age-appropriate swing set is not always quite so simple as it seems, as every child’s capacities in terms of balance, strength, and motor control develop differently. “I’d watch [stated] age range closely,” says Theresa Bertuzzi, chief program-development officer, co-owner, and founder atTiny Hoppers. “Some play sets look impressive in photos but are really geared toward younger children.” And that means older kids will be left out and that the little ones will rapidly outgrow your family’s large and pricey acquisition. “The best value usually comes from buying something that can still challenge and interest kids a few years down the road instead of something they’ll outgrow almost immediately,” Bertuzzi adds.
That said, it’s of course critical that you choose a swing set that suits your kids’ ages now. “I’d put age-appropriate, swappable seating way above any bells and whistles,” says Gorman. In other words, consider the core features first.
Features
Keeping age range in mind, a range of activities is important. “Choose a set that offers a variety of movement, like back-and-forth, gentle rocking, even spinning all feed that system a little differently,” says Gorman. “And choose one that grows with your child, because a set they outgrow or get bored with is a set that stops getting used, and then you’ve lost all the good stuff it has to offer.”
But when in doubt, remember the core features of a swing set are the swings, and if it doesn’t get that right, no amount of customization will help. “My biggest piece of advice to parents is not to get distracted by the number of accessories,” says Bertuzzi. “Kids usually care less about having 12 different features. I’d rather have a sturdy, well-built swing set that can survive years of hard use than a giant structure loaded with bells and whistles that starts wobbling after a couple of seasons.”
Materials
“A good-quality swing set should be assesed on its durability and safety,” says Lauer. “My recommendations on the best materials are cedar and redwood. This type of wood naturally resists rot and insects, expanding the lifespan of your play set.” Bertuzzi echoes this, saying: “Cedar and redwood are the gold standard [as] they are naturally rot-resistant, and they don’t overheat in the sun like metal can,” but, she adds, “powder-coated steel is durable but rusts if the coating chips.”
Safety certifications
While not all manufacturers list this information, for peace of mind it’s a good idea to check that any swing set you’re considering for your home carries a safety certification, meaning that the brand has submitted its products forevaluation by an independent third-party lab. Here are the more common certifications you will come across:
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials; this is a globally recognized organization that publishes voluntary technical quality, safety, and consistency standards for thousands of products — includinghome-playground equipment.
CPSIA
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Among other consumer-goods standards,this 2008 law defined new safety standards for toyssold in the United States.
ISO
International Organization for Standardization; it’s a worldwide federation of national-standards bodies that publishes international guidelines on the safety, quality, and efficiency of products and services,including toys. (You may see AS/NZS certification on some products, with the same code numbers; Standards Australia has adopted the ISO’s standards for safety testing of children’s toys and play equipment.)
Our top picks
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An affordable, durable basic swing set that fits most backyards.
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A traditional wooden swing set with modern play features that won’t break the bank.
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The author’s favorite swing-playhouse combo — and the one that’s been in his yard for six years.
The best basic swing set
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Dimensions:11.25 by 8.3 by 6.9 feet| Age range:3 years+| Number of swings:2 (bucket swing, glider)| Maximum user weight:105 pounds| Materials:Powder-coated alloy steel, plastisol| Certifications:ASTM
Lauer likes that this affordable swing set “uses galvanized steel tubes, even in a cheaper option, that will hold up well over time.” He’s also a fan of its relatively small footprint, which makes it easy to add to a yard that already has a playhouse or other play features.
“This is a simple, more straightforward outdoor play set,” says Gorman. “The frame is sturdy and rust-resistant for the price point, and it even has an anchor system for stability and comfort-coated chains.” She also notes the ease of installation: “If you want them swinging this weekend without dropping four figures, this does the job well!” That makes it a good option even for a rental home or for a yard where the landscaping may change over time.
The two-swing version is ideal for families with two kids, especially as the glider swing can be used by two riders at the same time. The two-swing version of this basic swing set is a great deal, and the three-swing set still costs less than $200.
The best classic wooden swing set
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Dimensions:8.7 by 7.7 by 6.8 feet| Age range:2 to 10 years| Number of swings:3 (2 belt swings, 1 ring/trapeze)| Maximum user weight:115 pounds| Materials:Cedar, plastisol-coated metal, plastic| Certifications:ASTM
“Swing-N-Slide is one of those brands that’s been around forever, and there’s a reason for that,” says Bertuzzi. “They’re not always flashy, but the sets tend to focus on the fundamentals. I’d generally trust a simpler, well-built wooden swing set over something trying to cram in every feature imaginable.” That wood is stained cedar, which naturally resists damage from the sun, rain, and insects, while the steel chains are coated in Plastisol (a PVC product) that prevents rust and reduces the chances of pinched fingers.
“This one is a great middle ground,” says Gorman. “The ring and trapeze combo allows for hanging and pulling, which build grip and upper-body strength as well as a kind of motor planning a plain swing doesn’t.” Three kids can use this set at once, and as touched on by several experts, side-by-side swinging is one of the easiest ways for siblings to practice parallel play and turn-taking.
The adults, meanwhile, will appreciate the affordable price tag and the fact that two adults can assemble this thing in as little as a couple hours; I even found reports of a single person assembling this swing set with no issue.
The best swing set and playhouse combo
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Dimensions:16.5 by 11.3 by 10.1 feet| Age range:3 to 10 years| Number of swings:3 (2 belt swings, 1 acrobar)| Maximum user weight:Not specified| Materials:Treated cedar, HDPE| Certifications:ASTM
“KidKraft is probably one of the easier recommendations for the average family because they hit a sweet spot between price and features,” says Bertuzzi. “They’re not necessarily the most premium option, but they usually pack a lot of play value into the footprint. If your kids are younger, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.” The set comes with two standard belt swings and one acrobar, which is a trapeze with large handles. And of course the swing set is only part of the package.
“This is a very popular brand, and accessibility is a big pro,” says Gorman. “The wooden set has a slide, rock walls, and playhouse; you get a ton of play features without the boutique price. Developmentally I like that it’s not just swinging: The rock wall builds core strength and motor planning, and the playhouse piece sparks the imaginative, social play where early language grows.”
I’ve had a set from KidKraft in my own backyard for going on six years now, and it has held up well through winter snow, summer heat, buckets of rain, and of course untold hours of my two kids and many friends and little cousins playing on it.
It is worth budgeting for assembly, however. I’m pretty handy but when I saw the sheer volume of components offloaded from the truck, I hired contractors to assemble the set for us, and I never once second-guessed that choice.
The best swing set with a climbing wall
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Avenlur Sycamore Jumbo Outdoor Sensory Swing Set & Jungle Gym
Dimensions:14.1 by 12.4 by 6.2 feet| Age range:2 years+| Number of swings:3 (belt swing, disc swing, trapeze)| Maximum user weight:220 pounds per swing| Materials:Powder-coated steel, UV-protected plastic, cedar and sycamore wood| Certifications:ASTM and CPSIA
“What I love about a set from Avenlur is that it has more than one way for littles to engage,” says Gorman. “The swings, the climbing wall, and jungle-gym elements mean you’re getting that sensory input from swinging plus the motor planning and core strength that climbing builds, so it’s feeding a few different systems instead of just one. The age range is another selling point for me on this one.”
It doesn’t hurt that this is a set that adds visual appeal to your yard. “Avenlur has done a good job making backyard play sets look less like a giant eyesore,” says Bertuzzi. “Their designs feel more modern than a lot of what has traditionally existed in this space.” Though largely constructed from wood (treated to withstand the elements), the lines of this swing set are clean and contemporary as are the colors of the climbing elements, the slide, and the swings themselves. If you want an option that’s relatively compact in terms of footprint, that looks good, and that’s designed to be fun now and to grow with your child, this brand is well worth a look.
The most versatile swing set
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Dimensions:19.5 by 6.3 by 7.5 feet| Age range:Not specified| Number of swings:3 (variable)| Maximum user weight:176 pounds| Materials:Powder-coated steel, GFRP fabric| Certifications:AS/NZS; ISO 8124.1
“Vuly strikes me as a company that obsesses over engineering,” says Bertuzzi. “That’s a positive thing when you’re talking about equipment that kids are going to climb, swing from, and generally try to destroy. Their products feel thoughtfully designed, and I’d put them among the brands that take safety and durability seriously.” It comes with a standing spinning swing, a large “nest swing” that two kids can use at once, and a “monkey swing” that is essentially a trapeze with curved handles. These unique and engaging swings invite play and motion.
“One thing I like about Vuly is that many of their products naturally encourage different types of sensory-rich movement experiences,” says Shani Tapia, owner ofExtreme Kids Worldand a mom of three.
The Vuly set is also modular. “What jumps out first about Vuly,” says Gorman, “is the ‘customize your own’ approach. This [set] is designed to grow with your family.” You can order a myriad of features and accessories that can keep the set relevant for older kids with not just swings but climbing ropes and soccer goals. You can even add workout-oriented attachments that turn the structure into an outdoor gym that adults can enjoy.
The most stylish swing set
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Dimensions:15.6 by 7.5 feet| Age range:Not specified| Number of swings:Variable| Maximum user weight:250 pounds| Materials:Steel, polyester, pressure-treated wood| Certifications:ASTM
“Bijou is one of the more unique companies in the outdoor play space right now,” says Tapia. “Their products are portable and modular, which makes them a great option for families that don’t have room for a large permanent play set. What I like most about Bijou is that they’re thinking differently than many traditional swing-set manufacturers. Their products offer families more flexibility than a permanent backyard structure.”
Speaking of flexibility, you can choose from a half-dozen swing options, or even order your Bijou Build set “Without Wood” and buy your own lumber from a local hardware store or lumberyard. That can save you a little money, and it also allows you to use whatever wood you think will serve best in terms of looks and function. (Granted, just ordering the wood from Bijou Build saves some legwork and costs only a few hundred bucks more.)
The base set comes with two Sway Swings, which are large fabric swings, built almost like mini-hammocks. They wrap around the sides and back of the user and can safely accommodate toddlers, kids, teens, or adults alike.
With its soft swings and teepee-style playhouse, the Bijou Build is less a traditional “swing set” than the others. “What really sets this one apart,” says Gorman, “are the unstructured aspects, like the teepee, which invites the imaginative and social play where early language and problem-solving develop.”
The last swing set you’ll need to buy
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If you want a swing set that’sreallygoing to last, then the SwingSesh SuperSesh might be worth the investment. It’s built like a piece of institutional equipment and can be configured as everything from a playground-style play set to a full-fledged outdoor fitness center, so it can be used by kids, teens, and grown-ups alike. It features two swings that can each accommodate adults up to 250 pounds, monkey bars, a climbing wall, adjustable-height bars, and a slide.
“One thing I like about SwingSesh is that it’s designed with older kids in mind,” says Tapia. “Many traditional play sets are geared toward younger kids and eventually get outgrown, but tweens and teens still need opportunities to stay active and spend time outdoors. Their products can even accommodate kids and adults, which isn’t always the case. For families looking for something that can continue to be used as kids get older, it’s worth taking a look.”
Granted, the SuperSesh, like other SwingSesh sets, is priced more in range for the average school than the average household, but if you can swing the cost, you’ll get a truly robust structure that will last for years even with heavy use by kids and adults alike.
Something to keep in mind: SwingSeshdoes not submit their products to an independent lab for safety certificationslike most swing-set brands do (they argue that since their “fitness play set” designs incorporate adult-oriented home-gym elements along with children’s play-set features none of the published standards really apply). Rather, they claim to evaluate “play components against residential play-set guidelines.”
Our experts
• Shani Tapia, owner ofExtreme Kids World
• Jordyn Koveleski Gorman, child-development expert and the founder ofEat Play Say
• Theresa Bertuzzi, chief program-development officer, co-owner, and founder atTiny Hoppers
• Rich Lauer, owner ofPremier Building Solutions
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