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Apr 25, 2023

Best Swing Sets 2023

No matter how you slice it, a swing set is an investment—financially and in your

No matter how you slice it, a swing set is an investment—financially and in your backyard décor. With that, it makes sense to want to purchase the best swing set your budget allows. Our top pick is the Gorilla Playsets DYI Outing III for its durability and fun features, but there are several others out there worth your time and money.

If you’re on the fence about getting a swing set, consider what you’d gain from having a playground at your home. "It's so convenient," says Dan Alvarez, a swing set installer in New Jersey. "I have one at my own home and, even though there is a park two blocks away, it's just easier to keep everyone at home and entertained."

The best swing sets appeal to kids with plenty of different activities—and to parents with durable, ... [+] safe materials.

A swing set is "a great outlet for kids to spend their time," says Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. "It's an excellent way for them to socialize, and get fresh air and sunshine," he says. "The benefits can be quite numerous."

There are some safety concerns to consider (scroll down for more) when shopping for the perfect set for your family. Beyond that, Alvarez recommends being mindful of the age of your children, their personal interests, how much space you have to work with and, of course, your budget. These are the best swing sets to keep kids entertained and active, now and in the future. (While you’re at it, consider our lists of the best backyard toys, water tables and outdoor toys for toddlers.)

The Home Depot

Alvarez says he "always" recommends Gorilla Playsets to his customers. "They use better quality hardware and the wood is usually thicker than other sets," he says. "They also really take care of the wood—there are no splinters on it." Alvarez says that sets usually cost more than the competition because of these thoughtful elements.

The DYI Outing III is moderately priced as far as quality swing sets go and features a little of everything to keep a range of kids happy (it's specifically recommended for ages 3 to 11). There's an Alpine wave slide, a rock wall with a climbing rope, safe entry ladder, two belt swings and a trapeze swing in the mix. There's also a sandbox, along with a steering wheel and telescope in the playhouse, which conveniently has a vinyl canopy to block out the sun. This set is crafted from 4- by 4-inch wood frames, with a 4- by 6-inch swing beam for an impressive level of sturdiness. You can also select some additions to it like a tunnel slide or a castle-like wooden roof but that brings up the price, too. It comes with a 10-year warranty on the wooden set and a year warranty on the accessories.

Wayfair

While Gorilla Playsets tend to be on the pricier end, the company offers this basic set for under $300. It's admittedly simple—meaning, there's no climbing wall or clubhouse for kids to explore—but it offers three swinging choices to keep kids happy, and anyone who has ever watched kids at a swing set, knows the swings often hold the most appeal. (Each swing supports up to 115 pounds.) This set features two standard swings with plastic coating on the chains to prevent pinches, along with a trapeze for tricks and just hanging out. The wooden set is UV- and rust-resistant, and comes pre-cut and pre-drilled for easy assembly. It has a five-year limited warranty for the just in case.

Amazon

This set is built with plenty of thoughtful features to make a great play experience for the younger set. The Step2 Naturally Playful set features a 5.5-foot slide that's big enough to be exciting, but not so large that toddlers will be intimidated by it. The set is made from plastic, so it has a little more give than wood or metal in case of accidental stumbles. (By the way, that plastic is water-, temperature- and UV-resistant and yet free of BPA, phthalates and VOCs.) A playhouse with a swing door is tucked underneath for added entertainment. The set comes with two strap swings, so multiple kids can play at once. Note that the maximum weight allowed on the swings is 75 pounds, so no big kids allowed.

Sam's Club

At more than $2,000, this swing set is not cheap. But it's packed with features that older kids will love, including a curved ladder, trapeze, roomy two-tiered playhouse, monkey bars and fireman pole to show off all kinds of athletic prowess. The wavy slide is an impressive 9 feet long to accommodate bigger bodies. Kids have the option of getting to the top playhouse by using the ladder or climbing wall. The set is crafted from galvanized, powder-coated steel that won't easily rust or corrode. "I like Lifetime brand play sets—they last longer," Alvarez says.

Costco Wholesale

When the swing set my family inherited in our move started to crumble in 2020, this was the one we eventually settled on. While it's admittedly pricey, it's so well made that it still looks like new three years in. The set features twin slides—perfect for sibling races—along with three swings, a trapeze and propeller swing, allowing for plenty of room for several kids to play at once. My older kids get a lot of use out of the monkey bars and fireman's pole, while my 4-year-old loves the playhouse with its ship's wheel and chalkboard. Even my 10-year-old goes up to use the playhouse on occasion when he needs "me time." The climbing wall is cleverly built—it has a large hole on the bottom, so my 1-year-old can't try to climb it—but is tall enough to keep my older children engaged. The set is UV resistant, so it won't lose its color or fade over time.

Amazon

This metal swing set has an impressive capacity—it can handle up to seven kids of up to 100 pounds at once. It boasts three sling swings and a saucer swing to give children options and minimize squabbles. (The swing chains are rubber-coated to protect fingers.) The set itself is crafted from 2-inch power-coated steel to lower the risk of rust and corrosion over time. Sportspower's set also has a 5-foot molded slide that both smaller and larger kids can use. At around $300, it's a steal that has plenty of room for everyone.

Amazon

Creative Playthings’ Spring Hill set is designed for kids ages 2 to 12, giving you a potentially long life out of your backyard playground. The set is made from a combination of Southern Yellow Pine, plastic and metal for sturdiness and durability. It also gives you plenty of options—two sling swings, a 10-foot wave slide, a ringed trapeze bar, climbing wall and playhouse. There's even a built-in picnic table for alfresco meals. The set includes thoughtful elements, like no-slip ladder rungs and plastic coatings on the swing chains to protect little fingers. Something to keep in mind: The brand also sells attachments that you can add over time, so you can adjust your set as your child—and their interests—change. It includes a 10-year limited warranty.

I’m a mom of four kids ranging in age from 1 to 10 years. I went through the swing set search in 2020 after the one my family inherited when we moved started crumbling. Between my personal experience and friends’ swing sets, I’ve seen firsthand what does (and doesn't) work in a quality swing set. I also consulted with pediatrician Daniel Ganjian for his input on important safety features to consider. I spoke with professional swing set installer Dan Alvarez to find out which swing set types and brands tend to rise above the rest based on his years of experience across many different companies and styles. From there, I looked at the most popular swing set models on the market, analyzing them for quality, durability and fun. Reviews from real owners were factored in, too, to get the best sense of how these swing sets perform for different families over time.