The 12 Best Swing Sets To Up Your Backyard Game

How We Selected the Best Swing Sets

To create our list of the best swing sets that fit different age groups, spaces, and budgets, we reviewed each set’s material, weight limits, age recommendations, ratings, and even parent comments. Then, we spoke with experts about swing set safety and things to consider when buying a swing set. We consulted Cherilyn Cecchini, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician and medical writer for GoodRx; David C. Schwebel, Ph.D., who is a professor of psychology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, the director of the UAB Youth Safety Lab, and author of Raising Kids Who Choose Safety; and Abe Gitler, the CEO of Avenlur.

Factors to Consider

Age

Dr. Schwebel says that the number one factor to look at before buying is the recommended age range for the swing set and the age of your kids. “Putting a young child on a swing set designed for children who are older creates risk and should be avoided,” he says. “This is hard because we know the child is going to grow older and we want to purchase something they can use for several years.” 

Though this can be challenging in households where multiple children of different ages will want a swing set, “parents need to know that swing sets are designed for children of certain ages, and putting younger children on sets designed for older ones can create injury risks,” Dr. Schwebel says. Thankfully, there are many models with a wide recommended age range, like the Gorilla Playsets DIY Outings III, that are great picks in this situation.

Swing set use is usually appropriate once your baby can sit up and support their head—typically around six or seven months—as long as the set is designed for that age range, according to Dr. Cecchini. “A bucket seat is a great choice for babies and toddlers [because it] supports their back and torso as they swing,” she says. Most kids can transition to a “back baby seat” by the age of two, she adds, since these seats still offer the security of a buckle while also giving little ones a bit more freedom with their legs. 

“A regular swing can be used once a child turns 4 years old,” she says, adding that kids in preschool and younger should never go down a slide higher than 5 feet and should always go down feet first. “Also, avoid sliding down with your child to avoid injuries to either of you.” 

Durability and Materials

Wood and metal are both acceptable swing set materials, Dr. Cecchini says, and there are many sturdy, durable options made from both. However, wooden swing sets tend to be better for holding the weight of older children: “Always take into consideration the weight of your child, siblings, and friends who may be playing on the swing set before purchasing,” she says. On the other hand, wood is more likely to splinter and may need to be resealed each year. While metal sets won’t splinter, they do get hotter in the sun and can be prone to rust.

For those shopping for sets for young kids and toddlers, Dr. Cecchini says to skip the wood or metal altogether and instead opt for a softer material, like plastic. (We recommend the Costzon Toddler Swing and Slide Set.) Plastic may not last as long, but this isn’t necessarily an issue, since a small toddler swing set will only be used for a couple of years until they outgrow it.

Similarly, Dr. Schwebel advises thinking about what material will go under the set as well. “There are a lot of good choices—mulch, sand, rubber, and more—but it’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and have sufficient soft surfaces under the swing set,” he says, adding that falls are among the biggest injury risks with swing sets.

Size

It’s important to measure the area where you want to install the swing set before you start shopping. Dr. Cecchini says you should have a six-foot perimeter of open space around each side of the swing set for safety reasons; if other objects are too close, there is a risk of kids crashing into them and getting hurt while they’re swinging. Our list includes large and small options, from the spacious Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Swingset to the compact Funlio 3-in-1 Swing Set.

How to Use Swing Sets Safely

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: 

• If using cement to dig a swing set’s posts into the ground, don’t forget to check for utility lines before you start to dig.
• When cement is not preferable, you can purchase playground anchors to stabilize your swing set.
• Sets can be assembled on slight inclines as opposed to level ground, but you want to make sure the set itself is level, and some posts will need to be dug deeper into the ground than others to ensure that it is leveled.
• Natural wood needs to be treated regularly. Depending on weather, use, and climate, this may be yearly or every other year.

As long as you’re using the appropriate swing set for the age of the child, 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.” 

Your Questions, Answered

Are swing sets good for kids?

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 to leave the screens behind and play outside.

What is the best material for a swing set?

There are plenty of 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 picking 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. 

How much should I spend on a swing set?

Swing set prices can vary—our list alone contains swings priced from under $100 to more than $2,000—which is why Gitler says the more important factor is looking to buy from a “reputable company.” There are many types of swing sets, so the cost of each varies on material, size, and intended use.

For instance, our top pick for toddlers, the Costzon Toddler Swing and Slide Set, costs $246 and is smaller and made from plastic for age-appropriate play. Plus, swing sets without many bells and whistles tend to be more budget-friendly, like the Swing-N-Slide Ranger Wooden Swing Set, which retails for $300. Feature-packed options tend to cost more: The Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Swingset costs $2,299, which is to be expected since it’s large, accommodates 1080 pounds, and is made from cedar wood.

Who We Are

Lauren Wellbank is a freelance writer who covers personal finance, parenting, and lifestyle. She has three very active children ranging from three to eight 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. For this story, she discussed what to look for when buying a sturdy, safe swing set with Cherilyn Cecchini, M.D., a board-certified pediatrician and medical writer for GoodRx; David C. Schwebel, Ph.D., who is a professor of psychology at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, the director of the UAB Youth Safety Lab, and author of Raising Kids Who Choose Safety; and Abe Gitler, the CEO of Avenlur.