A swing set is a great way to get the kids out of the house and into the backyard for some fun and exercise. Without having to go to the park, they can enjoy the fresh air and quality playtime while expelling some of that notorious kid energy all in the comfort of their own backyard.
By looking for the most dependable and well-made swing sets, such as the Lifetime 90952 Kids 7-Foot Swing Set, your kids and their friends can enjoy years of fun. We also looked for the best swing sets for different activities like sliding, climbing, and just hanging out.
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Why You Can Trust Us
In my years of working as a general contractor and builder, I have seen firsthand the joy that a backyard swingset can bring to kids of all ages. There is something about bringing an activity that is usually only reserved for the playground at the park into the backyard that feels magical and incredibly rewarding.
In that time, I have also learned what to look for when it comes to durability and safety. Not all swing sets are built with the kind of longevity that the playground sets are, since they don’t need to accommodate as many kids. However, there are sets that use quality materials and have a safe design and we have used those parameters to put together our list.
Best for Older Kids
The Lifetime 90952 Kids 7-Foot Swing Set is a heavy-duty swing set for older kids and even adults with a high weight rating and durable materials
- Strong construction
- Smooth motion
- Playground-grade quality
- Not good for younger kids
- No slide
- Not as aesthetically pleasing
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Why we like it: The Lifetime 90952 Kids 7-Foot Swing Set is a playground-grade swing set that is built to last. Older kids that might be too big for some of the simpler, less well-made swing sets can still enjoy this one and it has the same look and feel as the swing sets at the park. The all-steel construction can withstand all kinds of weather and will last you for years.
The bracket design on the swing chains themselves promote smooth movement and will provide less resistance for heavy use. On top of this, the molded swings and rubberized steel trapeze bar can be removed should the weather turn sour and you want to bring them inside.
Who should buy it: Parents of kids who might be too big for the younger-leaning plastic or wood swing sets. This one is built to last and geared towards serious swing enthusiasts.
Best for Toddlers
This toddler slide and swing set by Albott is a good option for either indoor or outdoor use and features a slide and small child-safe swing seat.
- Indoor and outdoor
- Kid-safe
- ASTM certified
- Not for older kids
- Not a permanent solution
- Child seat may be grown out of quickly
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Why we like it: For younger kids and toddlers, where safety is a big issue, the Albott Toddler Slide and Swing Set could be a great choice. While it’s meant for smaller children, the slide can take up to 110 pounds and the swing can bear a weight of up to 66 pounds. This makes it a good option for kids who are growing up quickly.
Meant for use either indoors or outdoors, this swing set uses a plastic safety barrier to prevent accidents as well as high-quality rope hangers that can take a lot of use. The whole set uses HDPE material that is non-toxic and safe for kids of all ages.
Who should buy it: Parents who want the option to bring their child’s swing set inside for rainy day activities and don’t want to worry about any sharp or rough edges that kids can get hurt on.
Best Swing and Slide Playset
The Swing-N-Slide Scrambler Playset has a lot packed into a small footprint for the most fun in a small area.
- Small footprint
- Strong construction
- Patented bracket system
- Plastic slide not as durable as metal
- Not good for heavy weather
- Small platform
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Why we like it: For a more involved and versatile swing set experience, the Swing-N-Slide Scrambler Playset has a lot going for it. With two swings, a slide, a climbing wall, and a picnic table, this set has a lot of different uses. If you are looking for an all-in-one solution for getting your kids out of the house and into the backyard, this just might do the trick.
One of the nice things about this model is that it has a relatively small footprint for a swing set with this many different features. Everything is well designed and integrated into the small structure, so you don’t have to have a lot of room in your backyard to get it set up and working. It also uses Swing-N-Slide’s patented bracket system, so it is easy to assemble.
Who should buy it: Parents who don’t have a whole lot of space in the backyard but still want a lot of activities for their kids to have access to.
Best Deluxe Swing Set
This deluxe playset by Backyard Discovery is the ultimate swing set for use by kids of all sizes and ages.
- Tons of activities
- Heavy duty slide
- Three swing seats
- Large footprint
- Wood construction not as durable as steel
- May be too tall for some HOAs
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Why we like it: The Skyfort II by Backyard Discovery is one of the most comprehensive and action-packed swing sets on the market. Complete with everything from monkey bars, rock climbing wall, sandbox area, and sun deck, there is so much to do with this set it is sure to keep the kids busy for hours. The 100% cedar construction is designed to be strong as well as have resistance to mold and other weather-related deterioration.
The design meets ASTM standards and is intended to be as solid as it possibly can be. One of the unique features it has is that it comes with BILT, which is an interactive assembly app. This comes in handy if you want to make sure you are putting it together safely and efficiently.
Who should buy it: Parents who want to make sure that there is no end to the number of activities their kids can do with their backyard swing set.
Best Saucer Swing
The Trekassy saucer swing set mimics the motion and fun of a tire swing in a much more convenient and aesthetically pleasing set up.
- Holds 440 pounds
- Can fit more than one person
- All steel construction
- No options for other swings
- Powder-coat finish may chip
- Motion not as smooth as traditional swing
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Why we like it: The Trekassy 40 Inch Saucer Tree Swing is a unique swing set that is designed to mimic the motion and fun of a tire swing without the obvious safety issues. One of the benefits of this kind of swing is that it can be used by multiple kids at once, so there is no fighting over who gets to ride it next.
The heavy-duty A-frame can hold up to 440 pounds, so this saucer swing is a fun backyard addition for kids of all ages and even parents too. The two-inch weather-resistant tubing can hold up to a lot of abuse and is designed to provide the most stability.
Who should buy it: People who want something different from a backyard swing set that everyone can use.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Swing Set
Image credits: Lifetime via Amazon
Material
The material with which a swing set is made is incredibly important. The safety of everyone who uses the set should be at the forefront of your mind and you should always look for materials that are going to hold up. Swing sets that are certified by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) are your best bet when it comes to safety.
For metal swing sets, steel is always the way to go. If you are looking for wood, cedar with a tight knot structure can help prevent splintering and cracking, even in poor weather. If you are unsure about the materials that a swing set is made of, it is best to look at a different one.
Durability
Along with materials, durability should be a key consideration. In order for a swing set to be safe, it will have to hold up under a lot of heavy use. Kids aren’t always going to be careful when playing on the swing, so you need to be confident that the set can take it.
Look for swing sets that use heavy-duty steel hardware and to connect any pieces of the frame. Not only can this hardware take a lot of abuse, but it will also hold up well outside in the rain and snow. That way, when summer rolls around again, you can be sure that the swing set is still safe.
Weight Capacity
Another important consideration for any swing set is the weight capacity. Not all swing sets are equal when it comes to the amount of weight that they can safely support. Check the capacity for all swing sets and always err on the side of caution when it comes to how much you think the kids weigh.
Something to consider is the fact that kids grow up fast. If you want a swing set to last as long as possible, always get a set that has a higher weight capacity than you think you will need. This ensures that no matter how much they grow, they can still use it. Plus, you could even use it yourself should the mood arise!
Leveling the Ground
In order for a swing set to work properly, it will have to be as level as possible. The ground you are building the set on may not be perfectly level, so it is important that you build the set as level as you can. This way, you can be sure that the swings won’t bump into each other as they go back and forth.
Luckily, many swing sets come with support bases that let you make fine-tuned adjustments. Set a level on the top support beam and move the adjustable bases until you get it perfectly flat. If you can’t adjust the bases, you can always add cement blocks or bury the bases in the ground to get them even.
Image credits: Backyard Discovery via Amazon
Anchoring the Swing Set
To ensure even further safety for your swing set, it will have to be properly anchored to the ground. In some states, it is even against the law to not have a swing set anchored. By securing it to the ground, you can be sure that there is no way it will tip over should the kids try to swing too high or too hard.
There are many ways to anchor a swing set and a lot of them depend on what the ground is like under it. For softer grass or soil, you may want to choose a corkscrew anchor. For harder earth, flat stakes might be your best bet. If you are able, cementing the post frames into the ground is the most secure way to do it and this also allows you to level the set without having to add any blocks or shims.
How We Picked
We looked for swing sets that are certified by the ASTM and live up to the standards of safety and durability that they set forth. By choosing these swing sets, we can be confident that they will be able to withstand a lot of use and abuse over many years. On top of that, they will be safe and secure as well.
We also looked for swing sets that were made of durable materials like steel, cedar, and non-toxic plastic. These materials are great for long-lasting playsets and are easy to clean and maintain as well.
The Final Word on Swing Sets for Years of Fun
By understanding what things to look for in a swing set, you can choose the one that will provide you and your kids with years of outdoor fun. Being able to rely on your swing set and know that your kids will be safe and happy using it is well worth the time and effort it takes to get it all put together.
Overall, our favorite is the Lifetime 90952 Kids 7-Foot Swing Set for its playground-grade quality and simplicity. It is a good, solid swing set for kids of all ages and sizes and is built to last many years and create a lot of fun memories along the way.