Swing Sets for Kids
Finding the best swing sets for kids is easy if you know where to look. So many of the big box stores display these monster swing sets but how do you really know how well they will hold up against the kids, the weather, and the years. Spending a lot of money on something like swing sets for kids shouldn’t be a decision taken lightly.
There are a couple considerations one must taken before making this purchase. Each are graded on strength, quality, and beauty. Choosing the perfect wood material for the best swing sets for kids is the foundation of your decision making.
Best Wood For Swing Sets
The 3 main wooden materials are pine, cedar, and redwood. Each has their own unique characteristics.
Pine
This material is going to be the best for weathering and strength. This is will be the one to hold up well through the years while also not being the most expensive option. It’s not known for it’s beauty but if you are looking for quality swing sets for kids on a budget this would be a great option.
Redwood
This one is going to be the most expensive option and with its beauty it’s no secret as to why. It’s beauty rich coloring will only enhance your backward for years to come. It’s probably not going to be the best to as far strength and weathering, but the sheer beauty of it is a great option and should be considered.
Cedar
Cedar wood is going to be the most cost effective material available for swing sets. It is perfect for those on a budget. Although, it doesn’t have the quality standards most wood materials have. If you aren’t looking to have the swing set for years to come but are rather just looking for something used 5-8 years, or perhaps something for the grandkids this would be a good material option. That way you aren’t spending a lot of money on something that would be used often or long.
Best Style for Swing Sets
There are primarily 2 different styles for the best wooden swing sets– angle and box. Some of the bigger swing set for kids styles involve both base styles for maximum play time.
Angle Swing Set Base
These kind of swing sets for kids have an angle base which gives a way for more activity swings underneath. Most of the time a tire swing in under the deck for more awesome times. There may be a rope ladder or a climbing wall to get up to the deck versus having a wooden ladder.
Square Swing Set Base
These bases are square based to allow for playhouses, sandbox, or a picnic table underneath the deck. Square style bases work best primarily on flat surfaces. If you have any sort of slope in your yard it’s better to go with the angle base if you want to avoid leveling.
Best Space for Swing Sets
Finally, you need to decide the size you are looking to go with and for starters that means evaluating your yard. You need to make sure you have enough room for adequate movement around the entire play set. 6 ft extending out around the whole perimeter is ideal. This gives the best space for swinging, running, playing, and sliding.
You want to make sure you have a pretty flat area, as well. This will keep your swing set from tripping over, which could be devastating. If you do find your find on a bit of an incline, it would be better to get an angle base swing set vs. a square base for added stability.
Swing Set Features
Kids these days have it so awesome. There are so many different features available on swing sets these days that even adults ma find themselves exploring some of these awesome features.
We can usually always except a slide and swings when almost any swing set. Monkey bars have been added shortly after that. Although, you will never see monkey bars and swing along the same wood beam like they used to be. It didn’t take long for parents and manufacturers to realize that was a bad idea, especially if you have more than one child playing on the best swing set for kids.
Some of the newer features include a rock climbing wall, rope ladder, saucer swing, clubhouse, gliders, and much more. We have gone over each swing set for kids below and made sure you understand the quality and features of these best swing set reviews.
Backyard Discovery Prairie Ridge All Cedar Wood Playset
If you are looking for the best swing set for kids that isn’t going to cost you thousands you definitely need to check this one out!
Quality Company, Quality Product
Made by Backyard Discovery which is a while known quality company that has produced many different styles of swing sets. They take pride in their products and you will not be disappointed in quality of their swing sets.
Features
This particular swing sets for kids basically has it all. In its covered 2 level design your kids will greatly enjoy everything that comes with this set. Made with a beautiful cedar wood it comes with the following:
- 1 swings
- 1 glider
- Monkey Bars
- Slide
- Sun shaded canopy second level
- Easy up ladder
- Lower snack stand and build in bench
Set Up
The dimensions of this swing set is 240 x 129 x 106 inches. Be sure that you have an area large enough to handle this set.
Set up for this project takes about 8-10 hours depending on how many people are helping you. It’s standard for swing sets to take a couple days to build if you are doing it yourself. It may be wise to watch the weather to make sure you aren’t getting yourself into bad or overly warm weather.
Click Here to View Backyard Discovery Prarie Ridge All Cedar Wood Playset
Swing-N-Slide Grandview Twist Wood Complete Play Set
If you are looking for something a little bigger for your group of kids, check this one out!
Swing- N- Slide company has been around a long time and have been a long time favorite in the swing set industry. They were one of the first to create a do-it-yourself wooden residential home swing set.
Features
Also made with beautiful cedar wood, this high quality, fun swing set for kids may be just what you are needing. With numerous things to do you can get a lot of play time hours on this beautiful set.
Here is what is included in this swing set:
- 2 slides. One tube, one open.
- 2 UV plastic dipped belt swings
- 1 glider for 2 kids
- monkey bars
- rock climbing wall
- multi-level playhouse. 5 foot and 4 foot.
This swing set for kids is great for kids ages 3-10 and is able to support 10 kids at a time. If you are the house that always has kids over, consider this for lots of playtime and fun. Because of it’s larger form, it is recommended to have a space of 30L x 28W for adequate play.
Set Up
All the wood comes pre-cut and pre-stained for long term quality use. You will need a power drill, phillips bit, square, tape measure, and socket set in order to build this set. Keep in mind that if you are building this swing set yourself you will need to set aside a couple good weather days to complete it. Depending on how many people are willing to help, it could take anywhere from 1 to 3 days for completion.
Overall, this is a great swing set for kids that will give many hours of play time with how much there is to do on it. Start your summer out right with this beautiful backyard swing set.
Click Here to Purchase Swing-N-Slide Grandview Twist Wood Complete Play Set
Suncast Vista Outdoor Play Set
Wow! Check out this beautiful swing sets for kids! The colors are gorgeous and the resin and wood just compliment each other in a beautiful way.
Although this may not be the biggest swing set, it sure does offer a lot for a kids swing set. This would be perfect if you have smaller sized backyard but still wanted to enjoy a beautiful, and perhaps even a little unique, swing set.
Features
The resin and wood produce a beautiful set that will be admired for years to come. The compliment of the 2 will also hold up and give you years of play time without breaking down. Along with that are some of the following features:
- Multi-position climbing wall, ladder and 7-foot slide (the rock climbing wall and slide can be switched, just remember to also move the top wood piece for the rope)
- Swing beam for two swings and trapeze/rings with rubber-coated chains
- Bi-level platform provides play and enclosure
Set Up
All the wood is pre-cut and pre-drilled so you don’t have to worry about splitting the wood and therefore compromising the integrity of the wood. The instructions have been said to be “immaculate” in their directions, making the set up a little more endurable. If you have ever put together a swing sets for kids you know that easy to follow instructions are invaluable.
The elegance that this swing set for kids will give your backyard a enhanced look that is often shown in magazines. But more importantly, this will be enjoyable by kids for many years to come. It will be the thing they remember growing up in those warm, fun summers.
Click Here to Purchase Suncast Vista Outdoor Play Set