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Transform your backyard into a playground with one of these swing sets. Indoor Basketball
Better Homes & Gardens / David Hattan
Swing sets allow you to bring your children’s favorite playground activities—like swings, slides, and monkey bars—to your own backyard. There are so many swing sets to choose from, so it can be difficult to determine which options are functional, sturdy, and age-appropriate.
To help us find the best swing sets, we spoke to Ken Stanley of Playground Safety Consultants. According to Stanley, you should ensure there’s a decent amount of unobstructed space around the swing set to ensure safety.
“Placement in a backyard is very important,” Stanley says. “Use zones should be factored in for swings and other play equipment.” This refers to areas free of obstacles or other equipment with an impact attenuating surface material. The size of use zones is dependent on the type of structure but is typically 6 feet in all directions around the equipment.
It has quality cedar wood construction and a variety of play options including a rock climbing wall.
The manufacturer recommends using a sealant within the first 90 days of use to keep this swing set in the best shape possible.
Earning a spot on the top of our list, the Gorilla Playsets Nantucket II Wood Swing Set has a variety of features to keep your kids entertained—including two belt swings, a trapeze swing, an alpine wave slide, a rock wall, and a sandbox area with seats. It also comes with a steering wheel, tic-tac-toe spinner panel, a play telescope, and a flag kit to encourage pretend play.
Although this swing set is designed for children, it has intricate details you might see in an actual home like a wood roof, chimney, and working shutters. The roof is made of grooved wood to protect children from the sun and to prevent the swing set from getting damaged in inclement weather.
This swing set also comes with safety features like protective coating on the swing chains so you don’t have to worry about tiny fingers getting pinched.
The frame is made of high quality cedar wood and it’s pre-cut, drilled, and sanded for quick and easy assembly. This redwood stained cedar swing set is built to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. However, the manufacturer recommends using a sealant to maintain the quality look and function of this swing set for several years.
Product Details: Age Range: Three to 11 years | Dimensions: 192 x 156 x 126 inches | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Materials: Wood, plastic, metal | Warranty: Limited 10-year warranty on lumber, one-year on accessories
This budget-friendly steel swing set comes with five different play stations.
This bargain swing set has a more basic design and build than the other options on our list.
Swing sets are available in a variety of price ranges, and the XDP Recreation Free N' Swing Swing Set is a great value if you’re on a budget. For just a couple hundred dollars, this steel swing set features five different play stations, which is a feature you might typically see in a more expensive option.
The stations include a 5-foot-long wave slide (with handrails and a safe landing bumper), a see-saw, and three different types of swings: traditional, padded super disc, and a stand-or-sit option. The swings have protective PVC covers to prevent pinched fingers and adjustable chains so you can change the height as your children grow.
This A-frame swing set is made of galvanized steel with welded corner brackets, which means it’s sturdy, rust-resistant, and easy to assemble. This swing set also comes with foam leg padding so you don’t have to worry about children bumping their legs on the steel frame. It can accommodate seven kids at the same time (and up to 100 pounds per station) which makes it a great choice for play dates or large families.
Keep in mind that, compared to other options on the market, this budget-friendly swing set has a more basic design. It’s recommended for children ages three to eight years, so it won’t be age-appropriate for your kids quite as long as some of the other options on our list.
Product Details: Age Range: Three to eight years | Dimensions: 172 x 96 x 74 inches | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds | Materials: Steel | Warranty: Five-year warranty on frame
Made of rot-resistant cedar wood, this splurge-worthy swing set has fun accessories including a sandbox, clubhouse, and monkey bars.
This large swing set comes with a lot of parts to assemble and will take significant set-up time.
If you’re looking for a premium wood swing set with a variety of play options, consider the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playground. Accessories include two belt swings, a trapeze, a rock climbing wall, monkey bars, a 10-foot slide, and a sandbox. There’s also a clubhouse play fort with a wooden roof, a covered entryway, bay windows, and a lookout area with a play telescope. Another feature we love is the picnic table that can be used for snack or lunch time.
The durable cedar wood structure is resistant to rot, mold, and natural decay (like most wooden swing sets on our list), and the plastic slide and swings are UV-resistant, which means it can be enjoyed for several years without fading. It’s built with durable Safe-T-Fuse nuts to prevent parts from loosening and powder-coated steel brackets for extra protection against inclement weather.
This swing set has several parts to assemble, but luckily the lumber is pre-stained, pre-cut, and marked with the correct part numbers. You can also download an app for set-up instructions that include helpful videos and illustrations. Even with these helpful instructions, however, plan to dedicate significant time to putting the playground together. It’s a complex process that will take several hours and many hands to complete.
Product Details: Age Range: Three to 10 years | Dimensions: 264 x 201 x 150 inches | Weight Capacity: 1,080 pounds | Materials: Cedar wood | Warranty: Five-year limited warranty
You won’t have to worry about kids fighting for a turn on the slide because this one comes with two–an alpine wave slide and tunnel twister slide.
You’ll need to apply a sealant within 90 days to maintain its quality.
Slides are a key swing set feature that many kids enjoy. The Gorilla Playsets Outing Wood Swing Set has two slides — an alpine wave slide and a tunnel twister slide.
This action-packed swing set also has a lot of other fun activities to keep your children entertained including a rock wall with a climbing rope, two belt swings, a trapeze swing, a sandbox, a steering wheel, and a telescope with a real compass so your children can learn while playing.
The four-foot tall play deck offers plenty of room for children to play underneath. There’s also a green vinyl tarp to provide shade and protect the swing set from poor weather conditions. Even with two slides, this swing set has a compact build at 186 x 180 x 126 inches, which makes it accommodating for even small yards.
Assembly is another important factor to consider when shopping for swing sets, and this one scores high marks in this area. 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.
Although the amber stained cedar can naturally resist rot, decay, and insect damage, Gorilla Playsets recommends using a sealant within the first 90 days to help maintain the quality of this swing set.
Product Details: Age Range: Three to 11 years | Dimensions: 186 x 180 x 126 inches | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Materials: Vinyl, wood, plastic, metal | Warranty: Limited 10-year warranty on lumber, one-year warranty on accessories
This durable swing set has a heavy duty weather-resistant alloy steel frame.
For added stability, you’ll need to purchase an anchoring set.
The Sportspower Arcadia Swing Set made our list because it’s built out of heavy-duty weather-resistant alloy steel with powder-coated paint that’s designed to last.
It’s an ideal size for medium or large backyards, and it can accommodate up to six children at a time. Activities include two swings, a metal trapeze bar, a two-person glider, and a 5-foot slide, so there are plenty of play options.
The swings are extra-wide with a textured surface for added comfort. They also come with vinyl covering on the swing chains to prevent fingers from getting pinched and adjustable chains so they can grow with your children.
We like that the swings are separated by the trapeze bar to help prevent any mid-air collisions. The wave slide has a gentle slope that’s suitable for kids as young as five, and the metal trapeze bar is an ideal size for small hands.
It's worth noting that the unit also requires an anchoring set (sold separately) for added stability.
Product Details: Age Range: Five to 10 years | Dimensions: 134 x 100 x 74 inches | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Materials: Steel, vinyl, metal | Warranty: One-year from date of purchase
This BPA-free plastic swing set is built to withstand bad weather, prevent fading, and avoid chips.
Since it’s made of plastic, it can’t accommodate as much weight as wooden or steel options.
The Step2 Adventure Lodge is a great option for toddlers and young children. It has a similar look as wooden swing sets, but it’s much more lightweight and easier to clean. Some of our favorite features include the two-story clubhouse perfect for playing hide-and-seek, the hanging rope ladder, and a two-person glider. It also has two swings and a 6-foot slide for hours of creativity.
The clubhouse has working doors and a steering wheel so kids can play make-believe, transforming this swing set into a race car, boat, or even a spaceship—wherever their imagination takes them. There’s also a mini basketball hoop (just note that you’ll have to supply your own ball).
The durable plastic structure is built to prevent fading or chips, and it can withstand bad weather conditions which makes it a good option for different climates. There’s also a fabric roof over the clubhouse to keep children out of the sun while playing.
Unlike wooden swing sets, this plastic one does not need to be stained, which means less upkeep and maintenance. You also won’t have to worry about splinters. It’s made of BPA-free plastic with double-wall construction for extra support, but keep in mind it cannot support as much weight as wood or steel swing sets. The manufacturer recommends using the ground anchors that come with this swing set to keep it in place.
Product Details: Age Range: Three to eight years | Dimensions: 201 x 103 x 89 inches | Weight Capacity: 350 pounds, 300 pounds on clubhouse | Materials: Plastic | Warranty: Three-year limited warranty
This toddler-friendly plastic swing set is suitable for indoor or outdoor use, and doesn’t take up much space.
Since it’s designed for toddlers, you may only get a couple years out of it before your children outgrow it.
The Little Tikes Hide And Seek Climber and Swing is a perfect choice for families with toddlers. It’s lightweight, simple to assemble, and easy to keep clean.
Features include a toddler/baby swing (complete with a safety belt), a mini rock climbing wall, and gently sloping slide to prevent crash landings. There’s also a crawl tunnel for hide-and-seek and windows for playing peek-a-boo, so there are plenty of activities to keep toddlers busy while allowing them to practice their balance. The bright red slide, blue swing, and pretend tree give this set a welcoming presence for toddlers.
This swing set has a small footprint, allowing it to be used outside or inside including the backyard, playroom, basement, or even your family room. Although it’s small, this swing set can still accommodate three toddlers at once.
The plastic structure can withstand weather and UV rays, and you’ll be able to wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Some of the swing sets on our list can grow with your children, but this one is designed specifically for toddlers, so you might not get as much use out of it. However, it costs a lot less than most of the other options, which makes it a great value for short-term use.
Product Details: Age Range: 1 to 4 years | Dimensions: 54 x 52 x 41 inches | Weight Capacity: 135 pounds | Materials: Plastic | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects
The two-person glider and saucer swing make this swing set a great choice for families with multiple children.
Anchors or stakes are required to secure it to the ground, but they must be purchased separately.
The Sportspower Rosemead Swing Set made our list because it has a glider and saucer swing that two children can play on together. There’s also a 6-foot wave slide and two traditional belt swings, so siblings can both swing at the same time.
Built out of heavy duty steel tubes, this metal A-frame set is resistant to rust and UV rays so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged after long-term use. The plastic swings and slide have double-walled construction for added durability compared to single-walled alternatives.
This swing set has a variety of safety features to help protect your children. This includes vinyl covered swing chains to protect tiny fingers from getting pinched and four-point chain hangers on the saucer and glider to prevent tipping.
This metal swing set can accommodate up to seven kids at once, which makes it a great option for families with multiple children—and their friends.
While this is one of the most budget-friendly options on our list, you’ll need to purchase anchors or stakes separately to secure this swing set to the ground. Be sure to factor these added costs into consideration before buying this model.
Product Details: Age Range: Three to eight years | Dimensions: 177 X 104 x 72 inches | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds | Materials: Metal | Warranty: One-year limited warranty on steel frame, parts, and hardware
This cedar wood swing set has multiple climbing activities including a wide rock wall with climbing rope and nine rocks, a rope ladder, and traditional step ladder.
If you want to use the lower section as a sandbox, you’ll need to purchase sand separately.
The Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley All Cedar Wood Swing Set made our list because of its solid build, high weight capacity, and variety of activities.
It’s also pre-cut, pre-drilled, and pre-stained for simpler assembly. There are fun activities for kids from age three to 10, including a sandbox for little ones, two belt swings, a trapeze bar, rock wall, rope ladder, and an 8-foot speedy slide. The rock wall is wide enough to accommodate two kids at the same time, and it also comes with a climbing rope for convenience.
There’s 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. The cedar wood is rot-resistant, which means this swing set can be used in damp climates without worrying about decay.
Unlike some wooden swing sets that are difficult to assemble, this one comes with a helpful app that walks you through the set-up process. However, if you plan to use the sandbox part of this set, you’ll need to purchase sand separately, which adds to your overall costs.
Product Details: Age Range: Three to 10 years | Dimensions: 150 x 186 x 119 inches | Weight Capacity: 1,080 pounds | Materials: Cedar wood | Warranty: Full one-year warranty as well as a five-year pro-rated warranty on wood
Our "best overall" pick is the Gorilla Playsets Nantucket II Wood Swing Set because it has several play features, including a trapeze swing, an alpine wave slide, and a play telescope. This quality cedar wood swing set also has a grooved wooden roof and a stylish exterior that won’t be an eyesore in your yard.
When shopping for swing sets, pay attention to the recommended age range to ensure its features are suitable for your child. If you have toddlers, you may want to look for a smaller swing set that has a toddler swing like the Little Tikes Hide And Seek Climber and Swing.
Alternatively, if you have older kids, you may want to choose a swing set with more advanced features like a rock climbing wall or monkey bars. Some swing sets have adjustable swing chains so you can alter the height as your children grow or even swap out a toddler swing for a regular swing. We’ve included options for toddlers and kids ages one through 11.
There are plenty of small, medium, and large swing sets to accommodate different sized backyards, but we recommend measuring your space before purchasing one to ensure it will fit. You’ll also want to take into consideration how many children will be playing on the swing set and make sure you choose one that is large enough to accommodate your children and their friends.
The Sportspower Rosemead Swing Set is a good choice for families with multiple children. No matter what size your swing set is, most manufacturers recommend leaving six feet of space around all edges for safety.
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.
Our list includes options with weight capacities ranging from 135 pounds (for a plastic toddler swing set) to 1,080 pounds (for a large wooden swing set like the Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley All Cedar Wood Swing Set).
The majority of options we included can hold around 700 to 800 pounds. When shopping for the best swing sets, it’s important to pay attention to the overall weight capacity as well as how much weight each individual item can hold.
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 don’t require as much upkeep. Steel swing sets, like the Sportspower Arcadia Swing Set, are sturdy but don’t offer as many design choices, and some can be susceptible to rust.
Wooden swing sets are perhaps the most popular type as they are durable and well-designed with a lot of play features; however, they tend to be the most expensive.
“Wood intended for outdoor use should be naturally rot-resistant and insect-resistant (such as cedar or redwood) or treated to prevent such deterioration,” says Patty Davis of The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Metal should be painted, galvanized, or otherwise treated to prevent rust, corrosion and deterioration.”
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.
Since each warranty covers different things such as the frame, accessories, parts, and lumber (for wooden swing sets), we recommend reading the fine print so you know exactly what’s included.
For example, the Gorilla Playsets Outing Wood Swing Set with Twisted Tube Slide offers a limited 10-year warranty on lumber, but only a one-year warranty on accessories.
It’s important to have a safe, level area underneath a swing set. To level your yard for a swing set, first make sure the ground is level by smoothing out any uneven areas. Next, use ground anchors or stakes to secure your swing set to the ground and prevent it from tipping.
According to Davis, choosing a level location for the equipment can reduce the likelihood of the swing set tipping over and prevent loose-fill surfacing materials from washing away during heavy rains.
“Some sites may need regrading to improve drainage or to reduce the slope,” Davis says. You should also make sure anchors are buried or otherwise covered with protective surfacing to prevent injuries.
Regarding materials, rubber mulch is a great choice to put under a swing set because it has great shock absorption (which is important in case of falls) and can last a long time with very little maintenance. Other good options include sand, artificial turf, or a play mat.
No matter what type of material you choose, look for one with high shock absorbency and slip-resistance.
Most swing sets can last for about 15 to 20 years. The typical lifespan of a swing set depends on various factors including the material, weather conditions in your area, and how well you maintain it.
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.
“Children ages two to five have significantly different skills and abilities than children ages five to 12,” says Stanley. “The idea of play is to challenge and learn; some activities that were challenging and fun when a child is three will not be challenging or fun when they are 10, so depending on your children an update may be needed.”
However, some swing sets are designed to grow with your family and have special features like adjustable swing chains so you can change the height as your children grow or replace a toddler swing with a regular swing.
Swing sets range in price from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on factors like material and size. Wooden swing sets tend to cost more than those made of plastic or steel. Swing sets with more features, such as rock climbing walls, are also typically more expensive than simpler swing sets that only contain a slide and swings.
If you want a budget-friendly option, consider the XDP Recreation Free N' Swing Swing Set. Alternatively, if you want a swing set that has more bells and whistles (and don’t mind splurging), check out the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playground.
Game Darts Erica Reagle is a freelance writer focusing on interior design and the home. To write this story, she spent several hours researching what features to look for in the best swing sets including age range, materials, and warranty. She also gathered insights from Ken Stanley of Playground Safety Consultants and Patty Davis of The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.