best backyard swing sets — Image: Flickr

Summer is here at last. This is the season when you can give your kid a strong enough reason to put that tablet down and spend some time in the fresh air. One of those reasons is adding something fun to the yard. Because we know how hard it can get to find something that can even stand a chance to compete with video games for your kids attention, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of the 10 best backyard swing sets on the market right now.

Playing outdoors in the fresh air comes with many health-benefits for your little ones, some of which include:

Being able to have a better sleep at night;
Increasing levels of vitamin D (because of the sun);
Strengthening their immune system (to fight off any illnesses in the coming cold season);
Reducing levels of stress (yes, kids can suffer from stress too);
Stimulating their imagination;

… and many more …

So, giving them the best possible reason to get outside and be active will go a long way towards a healthy growth. And what a better reason than a swing set that includes all kinds of fun features. After doing some research on the best backyard swing sets out right now, we’ve narrowed our list down to the following top 10 swings, that we feel will make a big impact. Some have less features, some have more. So, whatever you’re looking for exactly, chances are that you’ll find it among our top 10 picks:

Flexible Flyer Swing N Glide III Swing Set;
Flexible Flyer “World Of Fun” Swing Set;
Backyard Discovery Somerset All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set;
Flexible Flyer “Triple Fun” Swing Set;
Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Playset;
Swing-N-Slide Cedar Brook Play Set;
Gorillaplay Sets Home Backyard Playground Treasure Trove Swing Set;
Backyard Discovery Saratoga All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set;
Mountaineer Swing Set with Wood Roof Canopy;
Backyard Discovery Capitol Peak All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set.

Table of Contents

What to consider before making your choice

There are several aspects that you need to take into account before buying a swing set. Not all swing sets are created equal, and there are some things that you might have to adjust for each model. These are some things that you want to think about first:

Choosing the right place for installation. Wherever you want to put the new addition for your garden, make sure it’s a flat place. If not, then try to flatten the place out as much as possible. The flatter and more even the ground, the better stability the swing set of your choice will have.
Being able to keep an eye on your kids while they play.Swing sets are designed with safety in mind but you always have to be able to watch over your kids while they play on the swing sets. So, try finding a place that you can easily observe from multiple areas of your house.
Secure the location.Kids have the extraordinary ability to get into the kind of trouble that you haven’t thought about, so make sure there are no obstacles that your children could collide with while playing. This includes, but is not limited to: branches, wires, cables and others. Open up the space where you plan on installing the swing set, so your kids can enjoy it without getting hurt.
Organize the operation step by step.Once you receive the parts, make a clear plan on how to assemble them. Take into account that the more complex the set is the more time and possibly help you will need in order to get it done in time for your kids to enjoy it this season.

Other tips before looking at our top picks

Keep in mind that these swing sets are going to be be tested by weather. The best thing is to always check on how well each individual part is holding up.

Whichever model you’re ultimately going to choose, is likely to be made of multiple materials. These materials react to weather, and need regular maintenance. For example wood needs a certain type of attention, metal needs another type of attention. It’s not complicated, you just have to be aware that you have to regularly check on the state of your swing set and intervene if necessary.

And now, finally, let’s take a closer look at our 10 best backyard swing sets. Please take note that they’re not listed in a particular order of preference. Some models have certain advantages while other models have other advantages. Your choice should ultimately be based on the characteristics you look for in a swing set.

TOP 10 Best Backyard Swing Sets

1. Flexible Flyer Swing N Glide III Swing Set

The Flexible Flyer Swing N Glide III Swing Set is made in the USA, just as they used to. The frame is made of steel tubing that is UV protected and weather resistant. This only means one thing: many years of fun ahead for your youngsters. You can get this swing set as early as the second birthday of your children. They can easily use it until they’re ten. It’s fairly simple and straightforward to install as well as use.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimensions: 9.9 by 8 by 6 feet / 119 by 96 by x 72 inches (LxWxH)
Age range: 2 – 10 yrs.
Weight capacity per seat: 105 lbs.
Maximum total weight limit: 525 lbs.
Tri-lingual assembly manual included
180 day limited warranty

2. Flexible Flyer “World Of Fun” Swing Set

The Flexible Flyer “World Of Fun” Swing Set is everything that the swing above is and then some. It includes a green wave slide, two green injection molded SuperFun swings with vinyl covered adjustable height chains, a green Rocket Rider for 2, a green Trapeze Swing, a 2 passenger green seat SeeSaw, and an air-glider with green seats for up to two kids. Although the product description specifies that kids above 2 years old can use it, some parents said that you would have to buy a baby seat if your kid is under 3.5 years old. It’s very sturdy, weather resistant and has a powder coat painted frame.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimensions: 213 x 120 x 72 inches
Age range: 2 – 10 yrs.
Weight capacity per seat: 105 lbs.
Total maximum weight capacity: 1050 lbs.
Made in the USA
180 day limited warranty

3. Backyard Discovery Somerset All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set

The Backyard Discovery Somerset All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set looks and really is a lot of fun. It’s made mostly of wood but it also has plastic and metal parts. It takes fun outdoors to another level, from so many points of view.

This swing set is made up of areas that offer different ways to have fun, so your kids will not get bored anytime soon once they discover the Backyard Discovery Somerset. Actually, you might notice how getting them inside will slowly start to be more difficult than keeping them playing outdoors.

The 2 belt swings, one trapeze swing, one slide, a play deck with a canopy, the 8-foot slide and a rock climbing wall are the fun offering features that make up this swing set. Installation is straightforward and it might take you around 8 hours, but the actual assembly time will vary a lot from one person to another.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimensions: 129 x 183 x 106 inches;
Age range: 3 – 10 yrs.
Item weight: 225 lbs.
Shipping weight: 280 lbs.

4. Flexible Flyer “Triple Fun” Swing Set

The Flexible Flyer “Triple Fun” Swing Set is one of our favorite swing sets. Yes, there are many swing sets that have more features, and possibly can keep your kids interest alive longer, but as a value for money ratio, this is definitely one of the best backyard swing sets available right now.

The “Triple Fun” includes a 6′ midnight blue wave slide, three midnight blue kid comfort seat swings with vinyl covered adjustable height chains and a two child See-Saw with midnight blue deluxe seats with handles.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimension: 87 x 17 x 10.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 74 pounds
Age range: 3 – 10
180 day limited warranty
Weight per seat: 105 pounds
Total maximum weight: 630 pounds

5. Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Playset

The Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Swing Set is among the most popular swing sets from this manufacturer.

It features both clubhouse and a lower play deck, 2 belt swings, a swing glider, a wavy safe but speedy slide a sandbox and monkey bars.

To make things a bit more challenging the manufacturers added a solid rock climbing wall for kids.

The central feature is actually what got us to include this model among the best backyard swing sets. It’s very complex featuring a wood roof, windows, covered entry way, and bay windows, roomy front porch with sun balcony and even a crow’s nest. Beneath, the picnic table for four is a perfect addition, because if you don’t know, stopping your kids from playing when lunchtime comes around is a chore on its own. But this way, lunch can come to them.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimension: 200 x 272 x 149 inches
Item/Shipping Weight: 720/794 pounds
Age range: 3 – 10 years

6. Swing-N-Slide Cedar Brook Play Set

The Swing-N-Slide Cedar Brook Play Set is loaded with fun features such as: sidewinder slide, rock climbing wall with 8 colorful climbing rocks, swings with UV plastic dipped chain, multi-child glider, picnic table, monkey bars, ladder, soaring wood roof with sunburst gable.

The sidewinder slide comes with a lifetime warranty against cracks and breaks.

All the materials used in this swing set are premium.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimensions: 96 x 42 x 22 inches
Item/Shipping Weight: 497 pounds
Age range: 3 – 10 years
Slide is made in the USA

7. Gorillaplay Sets Home Backyard Playground Treasure Trove Swing Set

Right from the start, when seeing this swing set, you probably imagine it’s not among the cheapest that made it to our best backyard swing sets list. But again, you probably can also see the reasons for this right away.

The Gorillaplay Treasure Trove Backyard Swing Set is far from what most people imagine when thinking about a swing set. Yes, it’s not for everyone, but it might just be what the right swing set for your backyard.

The sheer multitude of ways to have fun and ultimately do outdoor activities on this set are amazing.

We could’ve listed all the features here, but if you’re really interested in something like this for your kids, then you can find all the details that you need, including price, right here.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimensions: 330 x 228 x 156 inches
Item/Shipping Weight: 1,163/1,274 pounds
Age range: 3 – 5 years

8. Backyard Discovery Saratoga All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set

Because we wanted to make sure that every parents will find a viable option among our picks of the best backyard swing sets, we included the Backyard Discovery Saratoga.

Sturdy and complex, this wooden swing set has one of the best value for money ratios.

The manufacturer claims it’s one of their best-selling swing sets, and there are real reasons that support this claim.

The Saratoga swing set gives a fun twist to this type of swings stacking a play deck above a clubhouse.

Below there’s a snack/activity bench covered with a canopy where kids can serve their meals in case you have trouble getting them inside the house when it’s time to eat.

A total of 4 kids can play on this swing set at the same time.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimensions: 152 x 220 x 228 inches
Item/Shipping Weight: 345/430 pounds
Age range: 3 – 10 years

9. Mountaineer Swing Set with Wood Roof Canopy

If price is not your main concern, but rather the fun of your kids, then this might be one of the best backyard swing sets that you can buy this summer.

It doesn’t just look fun but surely is fun.

The effort it will take to get your kids inside the house in the evening will speak a lot about the fun factor of this swing set.

The wood in this swing set is factory stained and sealed being resistant to rot, decay and insect damage.

Some of the features that will keep your kids outdoors this summer are: a wiki wave slide, an extreme tube slide, a rock wall with climbing rope, a safe entry ladder, a deluxe rope ladder, two belt swings, a trapeze swing, a built-in picnic table, a sandbox, a tic-tac-toe panel, a steering wheel, a play telescope, a flag kit and safety handles.

Another very intelligent and useful thing that the manufacturers included is a 3D illustrated instructions and owner’s manual.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimensions: 174 x 240 x 132 inches
Weight: 769 pounds
Age range: 3 and above
Made in the USA

10. Backyard Discovery Capitol Peak All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set

The Capitol Peak is definitely not one of the best sellers but it made it to our favorites list because is has some really nice features.

The manufacturers got the name after a mountain peak in Colorado. It only makes sense because the tower has a 5′ tall deck and is very sturdy due to the wooden roof.

Below there’s a pretty generous area where you can organize a sandbox.

Apart from this central structure, the Capitol Peak Swing Set has several other fun features that your kids will love, such as: a slide, 2 belt swings, and monkey bars that lead to the tower, which will turn out to be as fun as challenging for the little ones. The upper deck also include binoculars, but they don’t magnify, and are only for play.

Click here to buy at Amazon

Specifications:

Dimenisions: 228 x 168 x 132.5 inches
Item weight: 487 pounds
Age range: 3 – 10 years
Warranty: 1 year manufacturers on parts and 5 years pro-rated on wood for rot and decay

Conclusion

So, there you have it: our TOP 10 best backyard swing sets. We hope this was informative and useful and that we made your decision a bit easier. And remember, whichever swing set you’re going to ultimately select, the main reason behind buying one is for your kids to have a fun and engaging way to spend some quality time outdoors this summer.

Best Backyard Swing Sets: Our Top 10 Picks

What to consider before making your choice

Other tips before looking at our top picks

TOP 10 Best Backyard Swing Sets

1. Flexible Flyer Swing N Glide III Swing Set

2. Flexible Flyer “World Of Fun” Swing Set

3. Backyard Discovery Somerset All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set

4. Flexible Flyer “Triple Fun” Swing Set

5. Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Playset

6. Swing-N-Slide Cedar Brook Play Set

7. Gorillaplay Sets Home Backyard Playground Treasure Trove Swing Set

8. Backyard Discovery Saratoga All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set

9. Mountaineer Swing Set with Wood Roof Canopy

10. Backyard Discovery Capitol Peak All Cedar Wood Playset Swing Set

Conclusion

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