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These sets will get kids outside for hours of enriching fun. water park with swimming pool
When I was a kid, there was nothing I loved more than a half hour to myself on the swings on a sunny afternoon, flying high into the air and imagining I could launch myself up to the clouds. While we often think that swing sets are just for backyard fun, they’re also important tools that help kids develop skills and healthy habits. In addition to keeping kiddos entertained during group or independent outdoor play, the best swing sets also help them reach milestones and improve strength, balance, coordination, and agility, our experts say. And that’s not all they do: Access to a swing set is an opportunity to develop social skills, like sharing and taking turns, as they interact with friends, siblings, or caregivers.
With so many swing sets available on the market, ranging from under $100 to over $2,000, it can be hard to know which one is right for your yard, budget, and needs. Taking space, durability, safety, and cost into account, we’ve rounded up the 15 best swing sets for a range of needs, spaces, and prices.
To make our list, we thoroughly researched dozens of products, assessing their quality, design, ease of assembly, materials, safety, and value. We also spoke to pediatricians and child safety experts to find out what you need to know before picking out the right set for your family.
Our top pick is an editor favorite—one of our writers has used it with her three kids for the past five years—and it holds up to lots of energetic playing. It comes with two yellow belt swings, but you can easily swap them out for a baby or toddler swing, allowing the set to grow right along with your family. (You’ll have to purchase those other swings separately.)
The set also has a wave slide with high walls for safety, as well as a platform, which is accessed via a fun but simple rock wall. The platform is covered to provide some sun protection, and on the side, there is a chalkboard tarp so kids can sit and draw in the shade. There’s room to add a sandbox under the platform, too. With space for up to six kids to play, the swing set is priced reasonably at $400, though assembly is required and we recommend resealing the wood each year.
Cypress wood will need to be resealed every year using a water-based repellent or stain.
This Backyard Discovery swing set features a wave slide, two belt swings, and a covered fort for shaded playtime. Its compact design is ideal for small yards, yet it includes several play options like a climbing wall and a ladder to keep kids active and engaged. Watch your child play in the elevated fort—a great space for imaginative adventures.
The swing set’s material is high-quality cedar wood, so it will last a long time and maintain a natural aesthetic that blends into your outdoor spaces. Durable coated chains on the swings protect little hands. You can assemble it yourself or hire a professional at an additional cost.
Some parents have found that the wood can be prone to splintering if not properly maintained.
The Sportspower Arcadia Swing Set brings outdoor adventures and endless fun right to your backyard. This swing set is built to withstand energetic play and the elements with its weather-resistant finish. Featuring two classic swings, a trapeze bar, and a slide, it offers a variety of activities to keep kids entertained. It includes coated swing chains to prevent pinching and a stable A-frame for reliable support.
This swing set grows with your family and is ideal for children aged 3-8. The assembly process is easy, offering clear instructions and well-designed components. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for yards of all sizes.
Specific colors are only available at certain retailers.
The Little Tikes Snug 'n Secure Baby Swing is ideal for introducing little ones to outdoor fun. Its high back and secure, adjustable T-bar keep babies safely in place. The lightweight, durable design makes it easy to hang from swing sets or sturdy tree branches, providing flexibility in where you set it up. A quick-release harness makes getting babies in and out hassle-free.
Thanks to the weather-resistant materials, you don’t have to worry about how the outdoor elements affect the swing set. It’s suitable for children aged 9 months to 4 years, making it a versatile choice that grows with your little one. And at a budget-friendly price, it’s a great pick for families seeking a safe, classic baby swing that’s easy to install and enjoy.
Keep in mind that the height isn’t adjustable on this swing, so you’ll need to find a place to mount it that is at a convenient height.
This cheery activity center has plenty of things to keep even the most adventurous little ones busy. There’s a slide, a swing, a basketball hoop, and a ring toss game that offer hours of interactive entertainment. The swing is equipped with a spacious seat and a T-shaped safety bar, and the stairs to the top of the slide have non-slip grooves to help prevent your kiddo from taking a tumble.
We love that the elephant ring toss game aids in coordination development and provides a fun bonding opportunity for siblings. Plus, since it’s made entirely of plastic, the surfaces are smooth and won’t splinter, so it’s a safe choice for toddlers. And thanks to its smaller size, this set can be used indoors or outdoors for fun throughout the seasons.
Since it’s designed for toddlers and younger kids, they’ll grow out of this set pretty quickly.
If you’re looking for a feature-packed swing set to provide your kids with countless hours of entertainment, we recommend the Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley Swing Set. The set comes with lots of fun options: two swings, a trapeze bar, a slide, an adventure platform, a rock climbing wall, and a climbing rope. And with the telescope and driving wheel up on the platform, there are opportunities for creative pretend play that will appeal to younger and older kids alike.
With a 16-foot footprint, this spacious swing set allows several kids to get in on the fun. It can hold up to six kiddos at once, with a total weight limit of 308 pounds. Parents and caregivers will appreciate that there’s a compatible app with 3D interactive assembly instructions, though assembly is an involved process. At $999, the 100% cedar wood set is an investment, but it’s less pricey than many other top models. Plus, you can rest easy since the set is coated with a chemical-free stain, so it’s safe for kiddos of all ages.
Some parents have struggled with assembling the set and had trouble with the hardware.
A simple wooden swing set is a backyard classic. The Swing-N-Slide Ranger Wooden Swing Set has a small footprint—it’s under 9 feet in length—which helps you find the ideal spot in your yard without taking up too much space. This Amazon exclusive comes with three swinging options: two backless swings and a ring/trapeze combination swing that sits in the middle.
Each swing chain is coated in a soft pinch-free cover which will keep little fingers safe and the chains free of rust. Though this set doesn’t come with as many features as some others, this makes it easy to assemble so your kiddos can get right to playing. Plus, it comes with all of the wood, hardware, and instructions you’ll need, and at $300, it’s more affordable than many comparable models.
This starter set includes only two swings and a ring/trapeze bar, which limits imaginative play.
If you’re looking to save some money, the Trekassy Two-Seat Swing Set is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice the fun. This combo swing set comes with a 32-inch saucer swing as well as a traditional belt swing. We love the rainbow print on the saucer, and we appreciate that the metal frame is made from weather-resistant steel to withstand the elements.
The swings are made from durable high EVA plastic and the zinc-plated chains will prevent finger pinches. Plus, the structure can hold up to 440 pounds, so adults can get in on the fun, too. Other pluses for the parents: The swing set comes pre-drilled, so you won’t have to worry about whipping out your power drill, and the entire swing set costs a reasonable $170.
The Trekassy Swing Set is pretty basic and only two children can play on it at a time.
This playset’s galvanized steel frame offers kiddos a sturdy way to swing away in the sunshine. The frame is welded at the joints to make it secure, and there are numerous attachments that kids can play on. The set comes with three different kinds of swings—a disc swing, a standing swing, and a traditional belt swing—but swinging isn’t all this model has to offer: Kids can also use the attached slide or seesaw.
Parents and caregivers will appreciate that the swings’ chains are covered with PVC tubes so there’s no pinching of little fingers. With its five play stations, this set can entertain up to seven kids at a time, but just note: Each seat is only designed to hold up to 100 pounds, so it may not be the best choice for some older kids.
Older kids may not be able to play on this set due to its size and weight limit.
With the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II in your yard, you’re sure to be the talk of the town (and the envy of neighborhood kids everywhere). This sizeable two-story set comes with a clubhouse, two observation decks, a ground-level hideout, a rock wall, a slide, monkey bars, and three swings: two belt swings and one trapeze bar. Plus, one of the observation decks has a telescope for pretend play or peering at a sibling across the yard.
Made from pre-stained cedar, this large set measures approximately 16.75 by 22 feet, so you’ll need ample room in your yard to house it. Since it’s heavy, it’s shipped in multiple boxes, and there’s a handy app with assembly instructions (note: You may need to drill some holes yourself). With its large size and many options for play, this piece will keep kiddos occupied for years to come.
Although the Skyfort II offers lots of opportunities for imaginative play, it is a very large set and requires a large installation area plus enough space around it for safety.
This tower is the swing set we wished we had as a kid. The high-quality piece of equipment comes with two traditional swings and a bar swing attached to a tower structure. The two-story covered tower features a rock climbing wall, a wave slide, an observation deck with a steering wheel, a climbing ladder, and a lower-level space for imaginative play.
The set is made from UV-resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic to protect the color and powder-coated steel for extra strength. Plus, the swings’ chains are coated to protect little fingers. While it is a splurge, we’re sure your children will come up with all kinds of creative ways to play on this fun, well-built swing set.
The spacing between the ladder rungs is larger than expected, so it might take kids some getting used to. It might also be challenging for younger kids. The brand actually describes it as a “climber” instead of a ladder.
If you’re looking to fit a swing set into a smaller space, the Funlio 3-in-1 Swing Set is a compact option that’s still packed with fun. The single swing has three configurations so your kids can use it throughout the years: It functions as a baby and toddler swing with a hard back, an adjustable seat belt, and a T-bar for safety, then you can remove the bar for preschool-aged kids. For kiddos 6 and up, they can swing freely without the back as they focus on pumping and pushing themselves.
The set’s frame is made from metal, while the seat is plastic. It also comes with four sandbags that attach to the feet to anchor the set down, and we appreciate the double-lock carabiners and the $118 price tag. Bonus: To save even more space, you can fold the swing set up for compact storage.
According to the manufacturer, this set can be used by kids up to age 10, but we would not recommend that you buy this basic swing for older kids.
If you’re nostalgic for the tire swings of your childhood, you’ll appreciate this saucer tree swing. With a 660-pound weight limit, the 40-inch seat can hold several kiddos, and it comes with everything you need to set it up. Simply follow the directions, connect the two reinforced swing straps and the heavy-duty galvanized locking carabiner to a tree branch that’s 4 to 5 inches in diameter, and you’re good to go.
The swing’s straps are braided for extra strength, while the saucer itself is made with an iron frame that’s padded with foam to prevent injuries. Best of all, it’s under $100, making it a budget-friendly pick that can be used just about anywhere with a tree or frame—no backyard needed.
This set needs a sturdy tree or structure to hang it from, especially considering its 500-pound weight limit.
Wherever you go, you can take the fun with you with this portable toddler swing. The metal frame folds up so you can pack it for travel, and since it’s lightweight (just 14 pounds) and under 4 feet tall, you can easily move it inside so you have something fun to do on those rainy days.
This set folds flat—yes, even the seat—to make it easy to store when not in use. Constructed with an alloy steel frame, the set can accommodate a little one up to 55 pounds. This does mean that it’ll have a shorter shelf life than a bigger swing set, but anyone with a toddler knows easy entertainment is worth it—plus, it’ll only cost you $100.
When used indoors, this swing requires a larger space because its legs are set far apart (for stability).
You can let Gorilla Playsets' builders do the heavy lifting for you when you buy this swing set. Each set comes with two belt swings, a trapeze swing, a rock climbing wall, a rope climber, a ladder, and a wave slide. If desired, you can put it together yourself, but you can also opt to have professionals come to install this swing set in your backyard so you can focus on the fun. (Assembly does come at an additional cost).
Kiddos can cool off in the shade by climbing onto the covered platform, which features fun windows, a telescope, and a steering wheel for more imaginative play options. There’s also room underneath the structure to add a sandbox, and the swing chains are coated in rubber for kids’ safety. Though the price is a little steep, you’re paying for peace of mind and no assembly frustration.
Professional installation does entail an additional cost and is not available through all retailers. If you want someone else to do all the heavy lifting, The Home Depot might be your best bet.
To make informed selections, we first consulted experts in child safety and development, who provided insights on what to prioritize in a safe, enjoyable swing set for kids. Their expertise helped us select products that are not only fun but also designed with safety as the top priority
With their expert insights in mind, we reviewed dozens of swing sets on the market and made our final selections based on the following criteria:
Ensuring your swing set is properly installed is the first step when it comes to safe usage. Gitler says it’s important to remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep these tips in mind:
As long as you’re using the appropriate swing set for the child's age, Dr. Cecchini says there are only a few things to look out for. “Ensure that children do not twist swings or swing empty seats to avoid injury,” she says, adding that you should also make sure that surfaces aren’t too hot if they’ve been baking under the sun (like metal slides, for instance). And perhaps most importantly, she says you shouldn’t be shy about jumping in and showing kids how to use the equipment correctly if they seem unsure.
Additionally, Dr. Schwebel says it’s important to stay on top of maintenance. “Wood can decay or splinter, for example. Bolts and joints can loosen,” he says. “I recommend parents do a ‘spring check-up’ to inspect and repair swing sets before the busy summer season.”
Swing sets are a wonderful opportunity for skill development and creative play. Specifically, “Swing sets can be a great option to encourage active, unstructured play that helps to develop a child’s motor skills,” says Dr. Cecchini. In addition to helping kids work on those important milestones, swing sets can also encourage healthy habits by helping them leave screens behind and play outside.
There are many good options to choose from, according to Dr. Schwebel. “Wood, plastic, and metal swing sets are all fine,” he says, adding that each has its pros and cons. “Wood can decay or splinter over time, for example. Metal gets hotter on sunny summer days. Plastic often doesn’t last as long.” When it comes to choosing the right material for you, you’ll need to consider other factors like age, weight, and how much space you have to dedicate to the set.
Lauren Wellbank is a writer at Parents. She has three very active children ranging from 3 to 8 years old and a big, goofy dog, which means she and her husband spend a lot of time outside in the yard playing on the swings.
water park with amusement park Jacquelyn Smith is a freelance writer who covers parenting, fashion, and teaching. She is a former art teacher and professional charcoal artist. Jacquelyn is also a mom to 15-year-old and 9-year-old daughters, who loved playing on their wooden swing set as much as possible. In fact, Jacquelyn has owned the same swing set for 12 years, and her 9-year-old still uses it.