Jill A. Chafin
Summer is just around the corner, which means kids are itching to get outside. A swing set is the perfect way to keep them active, entertained, and out of your hair! Our five top picks are below.
We know kids are missing playgrounds right now, thanks to the coronavirus. It might be hard for them to grasp that even the park is closed. That’s why, if you can afford it, now’s an ideal time to invest in a swing set. It will allow your kids to play outdoors and protect everyone’s sanity.
We recommend buying a set that will last your family many years, which usually comes with a heftier price tag. However, if funds are limited, a budget set is totally okay, too. Our top five picks all meet (or exceed) safety guidelines and have excellent reviews. So, “budget” doesn’t mean low-quality. The less expensive sets just tend to lack the fancier add-ons or are geared toward younger kids.
There’s something for everyone’s budget here, though. Keep in mind that availability is highly variable right now, though, due to increased demand.
Sportspower Sierra Vista Swing Set
The Sierra Vista Swing Set is quick and easy to assemble, making it a family favorite. It’s also under $200, so your kids can have plenty of outdoor fun without breaking the bank.
It’s protected from rust and insect invasion with a sturdy base made of galvanized steel. It includes two swings with small, curved seats that are perfect for younger kids, a slide, and a trapeze bar with handles. The total weight capacity is 400 pounds, which is around four kids. One downside is the stakes to secure it to the ground are sold separately.
Kids aged 2- to 5-years-old seem to love it, but it isn’t the best long-term option. However, if you’re looking for something to occupy your highly active toddler or preschooler, you really can’t beat the price. The Sierra Vista Swing Set is available at Wayfair for under $150 at this writing.
Sportspower Palmview Swing Set
The low-budget Sportspower Palmview Swing Set is a popular option for younger kids. It allows multiple kids to play at once, as it has a maximum weight of 600 pounds.
It has two swings with vinyl chain coverings to protect delicate hands during hot summer months. There’s also a standing swing for acrobatic balancing, a five-foot sturdy slide, and a low-to-the-ground teeter-totter. You can even remove one of the swings and add a baby swing, if necessary.
Although the company claims it’s made for ages 3 to 8, it’s better suited for children 5 and under. This is because it sits so low to the ground. It also tends to wobble under the weight of older, heavier kids. If you’re looking for something for the long haul, we recommend passing on this one.
It comes with easy-to-read instructions and all necessary assembly tools. Even though this is a low-cost playset, it definitely meets all ASTM safety standards. At this writing, you can get the Palmview Swing Set at Walmart for around $163.
Lakewood All Cedar Wooden Swing Set
The stunning Lakewood Wooden Swing Set is made of 100 percent cedar and comes completely ready to assemble. It’ll definitely add a modern look to your backyard.
The set includes two swings, a trapeze bar with rings, and an eight-foot, wavy slide. The height on the swings and trapeze bar are adjustable to accommodate children (and adults!) of all sizes. There’s also a sturdy ladder to the upper deck fort, complete with a canvas roof to keep your kids shaded throughout the summer (but don’t forget the sunscreen!).
There’s also a ground-level section of the fort with a shelf and bench, perfect for serving ice cream, snacks, or playing “store.”
Engineered to exceed ASTM standards, the slide has an extra high siding. This set is perfect for risk-taking kiddos!
The Lakewood All Cedar Wooden Swing Set is available from Wayfair for around $730 at this writing, but you might want to check your local Lowe’s, as well.
Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set
The sturdy, all-weather Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set is constructed of high-strength, low-alloy steel. It won’t crack, fade, or peel like wooden playsets. It’s more expensive than most of the other sets on our list, but it’s also a lifetime investment.
This playset includes three swings, a trapeze bar with gym rings, a nine-foot wavy slide, a fireman’s pole, and monkey bars for your wild chimpanzees to swing freely. There’s no need to go to the zoo when you have kids!
The focus here is on complete safety, with rounded edges and plastic caps to protect your children from hard edges. The rubber coverings on the swing chains also prevent small fingers from getting burnt or pinched.
Families of all sizes and ages really love this one. Some adults have even admitted to swinging on it (hey, you’re never too old to embrace your inner child!), which is further proof of how sturdy and durable it is.
This set isn’t recommended for children under 3-years-old unless you add a baby swing. At this writing, the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set is available at Sam’s Club for just under $1,100, but you might also be able to get it at your local Lowe’s.
Chateau Clubhouse Wooden Swing Set
If you’re looking for the Rolls-Royce of playsets, look no further than the Chateau Clubhouse Wooden Playset. It’s time to go big to stay home!
This high-quality set is made of premium cedar that’s been stained to prevent decay, rot, or insect damage. The wood arrives predrilled and ready to go, with easy-to-follow instructions and all necessary tools. If you have the money to splurge, this is an excellent investment that will satisfy your child’s physical and adventurous needs for years to come.
The Chateau has everything: two swings with plastic chain coverings, an alpine wave slide, a rock wall with climbing rope, an adventurous rope ladder, a trapeze bar, a tic-tac-toe board, a steering wheel for those who want to pretend they’re on a boat, and a toy telescope for stargazing youngsters.
Plus, the fort on top and clubhouse below are both fully covered to protect your kids from the sun. This set will entertain your children for hours on end! It’s ideal for all ages and even sturdy enough for adults. Plus, you can add a baby swing, so even your littlest family members can get in on all the fun.
At this writing, you can get the Chateau Clubhouse Wooden Swing Set from Home Depot for around $2,200.
If they can’t go to the playground, you can bring the playground to them! We’ve found some awesome swing sets to fit every budget. So, bring some magical, adventurous family fun to your backyard for years to come!
