The Best Backyard Swing Sets Engage Kids Without Sacrificing Safety
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QUICK SUMMARY
The best swing set is the KidKraft Appleton Wooden Swing Set, according to What to Expect parents, because it's affordable, easy to put together and has other fun features.
I’m a mom of three, and can say from experience that outdoor play is the best way to burn off all that endless kid energy. And one thing that always wears out my kids is an hour or two on our backyard swing set.
A bigger investment than other outdoor toys, a swing set offers a number of benefits that can make it well worth the money. “Swing sets are great to get kids engaged and help younger ones learn balance and movement,” shares Steph Lee, M.D., a pediatrician and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spokesperson. “Being outdoors has been shown to help with sleeping better and improving attention and mood.”
Finding the best swing set for your family, however, isn’t as easy as running to your nearest Walmart or clicking “Add to Cart” on Amazon. Parents have to consider various factors including safety precautions, size, logistical factors (i.e. is your yard big enough for the set you want? How many swings do you need?), and, of course, budget. I myself spent months researching and comparing models before deciding on the swing set my family has had (and loved) for the last five years. To save you some time and help you find the backyard swing set of your dreams, I’m sharing what you should consider before buying a swing set, as well as some swing set recommendations from experts and parents like you.
How we chose the best swing sets for kids
In addition to thoroughly researching swing sets five years ago, I’ve also tested around a dozen swing sets at friends’ houses over the years. Based on this, I have a sense of which swing sets are durable and entertaining for a wide age range.
Of course, these things are only second to safety. To learn what makes a swing set safe, I spoke to Dr. Lee and Teresa Hendy, a Certified Playground Safety Inspector, and consulted guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the AAP. Based on these guidelines, the swing sets I’ve recommended:
- Are free from sharp edges or protruding hardware that could cut or seriously injure kids
- Have never been recalled for safety issues
- Come with additional safety features like secure anchors or ground stakes, and pinch-free chains
With the safety guidance in mind, I then turned to the What to Expect community and my personal community of parent friends to learn not only what swing sets they love, but what factors they considered when buying these swing sets. I narrowed down my list based on their feedback, making sure to consider:
- Ease of assembly: Assembling a massive swing set is no small undertaking, so I prioritized swing sets that parents said were easy to assemble and didn’t require bringing in outside help.
- Age range: I prioritized swing sets with larger age ranges, as that extends the lifespan of your swing set.
- Size: Families with larger backyards may want larger swing sets to accommodate more kids, while those with more limited yard space may need a space-saving alternative that still provides hours of outdoor entertainment. I included several swing sets for a variety of yard sizes.
- Versatility: Some sets just include swings (solo or multiple swings), while others are built into larger playsets that also have a slide, climbing wall or other features. The more components of a swing set, the more likely it is to engage your kid in multiple kinds of play, but also the more expensive it gets — and the harder it is to assemble, and the more space you’ll need. I also selected sets with broader weight limits to allow for multiple kids to play on the structure at once.
- Price: Swing sets can get super pricey, so I included swingsets for a range of budgets. I also made sure the more expensive swing sets had features to warrant the higher price tag, such as additional play elements, large age range or durable material.
Keep reading to learn about the nine best swing sets, which have been deemed fun by parents and their kids.
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Best Overall Swing Set
KidKraft Appleton Wooden Swing Set
- Lots of play options
- Good for smaller spaces
- Affordable
- Clear direction
- Smaller age range
Recommended ages: 3 to 7 years
Materials: Cedar wood, plastic, hardware
Weight limits: 110 pounds per child, no more than 6 children at a time
Dimensions: 123 x 108 x 93 inches
KidKraft’s swing set has a lot of impressive features, despite being smaller and less expensive than other similar sets. Made from 100% cedar lumber, this sturdy swing set accommodates two belt swings which can easily be replaced with bucket seats for younger children. It also has a wave slide, rock wall ladder, sandbox, and a vinyl chalkboard. So even if your child gets bored swinging, there’s still plenty to keep them occupied.
This swing set can accommodate up to 660 pounds, and parents report that it has kept toddlers busy for hours. Just note that the recommended age range for the product is 3 to 7 years, so it will need to be replaced if you want something for older kids down the road.
Best Luxe Swing Set
Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Wooden Swing Set
- Tons of ways for kids to play
- Sturdy
- Accommodates a wide range of ages
- Requires a large space
Recommended ages: 3 to 10 years
Materials: Cedar, plastic
Weight limit: 1350 pounds
Dimensions: 200.79 x 263.78 x 149.61 inches
Talk about having something for everyone. For those with a large yard — and large budget — the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset will make your backyard the go-to for neighborhood play. In addition to two belt swings and a trapeze bar, this solid cedar playset also has a full monkey bar set, climbing wall, raised fort/clubhouse with telescope, a 10-foot speedy slide, and a built-in picnic table.
One thing to note for parents of young kids is that the monkey bars are pretty high, so adult supervision will definitely be needed. As one would expect from a massive playset this size, assembly isn’t easy (some holes need to be drilled) and will definitely require at least two people, and a whole weekend. But once it’s up, you’ll never have to take it down.
Best Budget Swing Set
Trekassy 2-Swing Swing Set
- Comes with two types of swings
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Easy to assemble
- Only has swings
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Materials: Steel
Weight limit: 440 pounds
Dimensions: 67 x 90.5 x 71 inches
If all you’re looking for is a basic swing set, the Trekassy Swing Set is a fantastic value for parents. It comes with a belt swing and saucer swing, both of which can be easily lengthened or shortened to accommodate kids of different heights. The saucer swing is 32-inches wide, meaning one or two kids could easily sit in one together, making it a hit for siblings or playdates.
Either swing can also easily be removed and replaced with a bucket seat or trapeze bars, making this set versatile enough for a wide variety of ages. The small footprint makes it a great pick for small yards, or even for a grandparent’s house. One of the best parts about this swing set? Many parents say they set it up in under an hour from start to finish.
Best Metal Swing Set
XDP Recreation Free ‘n’ Swing Set
- Sturdy
- Can accommodate lots of kids
- Multiple swing options
- Affordable
- Ground anchor sold separately
- Slide is narrow
Recommended ages: 3 to 8 years
Materials: Galvanized steel
Weight limit: 700 pounds (100 pounds per child, up to seven kids)
Dimensions: 91 x 168 x 74 inches
This swing set offers a happy medium in terms of features — not so basic that your kids will get bored, but not so complex that it’s hard to set up or exorbitantly expensive. There’s room for three swings: one belt swing, one sit-or-stand swing and one saucer swing that can seat two. Attached to either side of the frame are a mini see-saw and a 5-foot long wave slide, so kids can get more play opportunities out of the set. The whole thing is made out of very durable, rust-resistant steel, and the five-year frame warranty helps keep your investment safe. Several parents do mention that the included slide is on the narrow side, and probably best suited for younger children.
Best Wooden Swing Set
Swing-N-Slide Ranger Wooden Swing Set
- Easy assembly
- Simple design
- Works for wide range of ages
- Small
Recommended ages: 2 to 10 years
Materials: Cedar wood, Plastic
Weight limit: 350 pounds (each swing supports up to 115 pounds)
Dimensions: 92 x 104 x 82 inches
This simple swing set is made from cedar lumber, making it both durable and easy on the eyes. The two included swing seats and trapeze have pinch-free plastic-coated chains to prevent kids from getting injured while playing. The swings can support up to 115 pounds each, and the chains are adjustable depending on height, meaning that as the kids grow, the swing set can grow with them. Plus, the seats can be swapped for bucket seats (not included) to accommodate smaller toddlers, then changed back to the standard seats once they are a bit older, extending the longevity of your purchase.
Best Plastic Swing Set
Step2 Play Up Gym Set
- Sturdy
- Great starter set for younger kids
- Easy assembly
- Small age range
- Low weight capacity
Recommended ages: 3 to 6 years
Materials: Plastic
Weight limit: 240 pounds (60 pounds per swing)
Dimensions: 111.5 x 84 x 75 inches
What to Expect parents frequently recommend Step2 play structures because of their quality and versatility. The brand’s plastic swing set is no exception. The two-story playhouse has a wave slide, a sturdy ladder for climbing, a nautical steering wheel for pretend adventures and a plastic roof. The two belt swings add even more opportunities for playful fun. It’s great for multiple kids to enjoy, and the plastic makes it easy to clean. However, the lower weight limit makes it only suitable for younger kids, which might not make the price worth it for some parents.
Best Swing Set for Small Yards
Dolphin Playground Wooden Swing Set
- Small footprint
- Sturdy
- Easy assembly
- No slide
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Materials: Cedar
Weight limit: 400 pounds (150 pounds per swing)
Dimensions: 73.5 x 113.8 x 81.5 inches
Maximizing fun while minimizing space is essential for small yards, and the Dolphin Playground Wooden Swing Set hits all those marks. This swing set is made of weather-resistant cedar and comes with two belt swings and a trapeze bar, which are easily interchangeable with other types of swings.
It also has a number of safety features parents will appreciate: Pinch-free chains so little fingers (and strands of hair) don’t get stuck, crack-resistant bolds to ensure the structure remains durable and double ground anchors. Numerous parents mentioned how easy it was to assemble the swing set since the pieces that are separately packaged for each step of the building process (i.e. no digging around to find the correct screw).
Best Saucer Swing
Trekassy 40-inch Saucer Swing Set
- Affordable
- Sturdy
- Easy assembly
- Only one swing
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Materials: Alloy steel
Weight limit: 440 pounds
Dimensions: 72 x 67 x 71 inches
Saucer swings are great for many sensory-sensitive kids for various reasons. For some, the round shape helps them feel cocooned and safe and gives them the option to lay down if sitting up on a traditional swing and holding onto chain link straps aren’t too their liking, while for others the swinging and spinning motion may be soothing or stimulating, depending on their needs. The Trekassy saucer swing has a heavy-duty metal frame and spring stakes to keep it stable, unlike some other ones which only come with the saucer swing itself. Parents can also buy a swivel accessory which allow the saucer swing to spin round and round, providing another level of fun for young (and old) kids.
Best Swing Set with Slide
Backyard Discovery Tucson Cedar Wooden Swing Set
- Versatile playing options
- Swings can easily be swapped out for bucket swings
- Long assembly
- Vinyl covering wears down in extreme weather
Recommended ages: 3 to 10 years
Materials: Cedar wood, plastic, hardware
Weight limit: 960 pounds, maximum 7 children at a time
Dimensions: 204 x 87 x 113 inches
I’ve owned this swing set for five years, and it’s still entertaining my kids. . I initially swapped one of the belt swings out for a plastic bucket seat when my youngest was not yet a toddler, allowing all three of my kids to safely play on it at the same time. Not to mention there were plenty of additional elements to keep them occupied, like a “treehouse” structure that doubles as a fort. I also love the built-in table, which ensures snack time doesn’t interrupt playtime.
Assembly is a bit of a beast, but there is an accompanying app that gives step-by-step 3D instructions, which were very helpful, and my partner was able to build it themselves. There is some visible wear and tear, and the vinyl canopy has definitely seen better days. But considering the affordable price point and that it’s still being regularly used many years later, I would say it was well worth the money.
Swing Set Safety
Provided that you’ve set up a safe environment and have set it up properly, your swing set is ready for playtime. But how your kiddos use the swing is critical, too. Here’s some additional swing safety 101:
- Always supervise your kids when they’re playing with swings. No matter how well-constructed your swing set is, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. “The younger the age of your child, the more you should have a parent watching the child on the swing, especially if it's been raining and the swings are wet,” Dr. Lee says. And never let kids on sets until they’re completely built and anchored, Hendy adds.
- Make sure toddler swings fit securely. Restraints should fit snugly so that your little one can’t slide or climb out, and be securely fastened when your child is sitting in a bucket swing.
- Dress kids appropriately. Hendy says kids shouldn’t wear things that are loose around their necks, such as scarves, chains or lanyards, when playing on swings. They can catch on play equipment and pose a strangulation risk. Open-toed shoes like sandals and flip-flops should also be avoided on any play equipment, she says, as they can get caught and don’t provide good support for climbing.
- Encourage safe play. Have kids sit properly inside swing seats rather than swinging on their stomachs or jumping off swings. And never, ever let your child bring a rope — whether it’s a dog leash or a jump rope — onto a play structure or swing set, Hendy says. Finally, always remind children not to run in front of or behind anyone using a swing. “If you have multiple children playing around swings, it's important for an adult to watch to make sure nobody accidentally gets hit by a swinging child,” reminds Dr. Lee.
Now that we’ve covered how to pick a swing and how to keep kids safe near a swing, scroll down to learn more
FAQ
Are backyard swing sets worth it?
Many parents find backyard swing sets to be worth the money they spend on them, especially when there are multiple kids using them over the course of many years. They provide hours of entertainment, outdoor time to keep kids healthy, and are a built-in playdate attraction.
What to put under a backyard swing set?
While it’s not necessary to put anything additional under a backyard swing set if your ground is level, Hendry strongly recommends installing a shock-absorbing surface like engineered wood fiber, wood chips, shredded rubber, or rubber tiles to reduce the risk of serious head injury. Protective surfacing should extend at least six feet on all sides of your play set, and extend in front of and behind the swings by twice the height of the bar that the swing hangs from, as mentioned above. Loose-fill materials, like mulch, should have a minimum depth of six to nine inches, depending on the height of the play equipment.
What do you need to install a swing set?
Depending on the set you purchase, most swing sets will require a basic set of tools like a wrench, screwdriver, and drill, as well as patience and time. Most will come with all of the smaller pieces like bolts and screws included, but many will also require the builder to drill their own holes. Larger swing sets also note that you will need at least two people for assembly.
What should I consider before buying a backyard swing set?
Before purchasing a swing set, it’s worth considering the following questions:
- Is my yard space suitable for a swing? Having enough flat and level yard space is critical, says Hendy. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), any outdoor playset should have at least six feet of clearance around all sides. Swing sets require even more room on the top, front and rear sides to account for the motion of the swings. If you don’t have enough room, have uneven terrain or have lots of trees, fences, poles or other obstacles taking up space, you’ll need to make big changes before you can have a swing set.
- How handy am I with tools? Swings sets require extensive installation and following the directions exactly is key for ensuring the safety of your little ones as they play. Depending on the type of set you buy, you’ll likely need to have a power drill, wrenches and a hammer. If you’re worried about your ability to set up a swing, or don’t have the proper tools to do it, consider hiring someone to ensure the set is properly constructed — and make sure to budget for this as well.
- Am I willing to do regular maintenance? Swing sets require regular upkeep to ensure they’re safe and functioning properly. This includes oiling moving metal parts, checking and tightening bolts and ground anchors a few times a month and replacing worn parts.
- How long do I want this set to be used? Swing sets are costly, so many parents will want to ensure that a set they buy for their toddler now will last for years to come. Consider material quality, size and weight limitations to ensure your set is durable and will safely handle older kid play.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Playground Safety, June 2018.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, The Power of Play - How Fun and Games Help Children Thrive, November 2019.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Safety Tips for Home Playground Equipment, August 2021.
- American Society for Testing and Materials, Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Home Playground Equipment, May 2021.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission, Outdoor Home Playground Safety Handbook, 2005.
- Consumer Product Safety Commission, Public Playground Safety Handbook, December 2015.
- Steph Lee, M.D., a pediatrician and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spokesperson
- Teresa Hendy, Certified Playground Safety Inspector, President, The Hendy Institute, Venice, Florida
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