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The 10 Best Swing Sets of 2024

Create a playground in your own backyard

Collage of the Naturally Playful™ Playhouse Climber & Swing Extension on patterned background

The Spruce / Marcus Millan

A swing set is a surefire way to bring the fun to your backyard. Many swing sets include multiple play features, such as slides, climbing walls, and sandboxes, to create a DIY playground right in your outdoor space. 

If you’re on a budget or have limited outdoor space, there are plenty of smaller, more affordable options available. The most popular swing set materials are metal and wood, both of which offer weather resistance and durability.   

Of course, a swing set isn’t all fun and games, especially for parents. Before purchasing a swing set, there are some safety features to take into consideration, including weight capacity and other thoughtful design elements that prevent injuries. If you intend to install the swing set yourself, you should research the assembly requirements and make sure clear instructions are provided. Some products provide the option for professional installation at an additional charge. 

We researched the best swing sets on the market, carefully evaluating their size, weight capacity, safety features, play features, and durability. Here are the most suitable options based on your budget, space, and children’s age range.

What We Like
  • Various play features

  • Multiple children can play at once

  • Sturdy and durable construction

  • 10-year warranty on lumber

What We Don't Like
  • Assembly can be challenging

The Gorilla DYI Outing III is well-built, reasonably priced, and has plenty of fun features to keep children occupied for hours. Recommended for ages 3 to 11, it has multiple elements to entertain children of various ages. There is an Alpine wave slide, a rock wall with a climbing rope, two belt swings, a trapeze swing, and even a built-in sandbox. A small ladder leads up to the playhouse, which features a steering wheel and telescope for added entertainment. 

This swing set features a vinyl canopy over the play deck and a wooden platform over the sandbox to protect children from the sun’s harmful rays as they play outdoors, providing additional refuge from the elements. We also appreciate the soft rubber coating on the swing chains, which prevents little fingers from getting pinched. Like any swing set with so many components, assembly can be tedious, depending on your skill level. You also have the option to pay an additional charge for professional installation.  

The Gorilla DYI Outing III has a total weight capacity of 800 pounds, allowing multiple children to play at once. It's crafted from cedar wood, a popular choice for material because it’s extremely durable and attractive. The solid 3 x 3-inch wood frames, along with a 4- by 6-inch swing beam, make this set incredibly sturdy. To further sweeten the deal, all of the lumber is covered by an impressive 10-year warranty to protect your investment. 

Dimensions: 156 x 162 x 126 inches | Material: Cedar wood frame | Age Range: 3-11 | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds

What We Like
  • Ideal for small yards

  • Two types of swings

  • Swings are swappable

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for older children

When it comes to value, you can’t beat the Trekassy Swing Set, which features a belt swing and saucer for fun outdoor play. This swing set is one of the smallest options on this list, making it an ideal choice for smaller yards. However, the sturdy A-Frame can support up to 440 pounds, allowing several children to play at once.

The saucer swing is 32 inches in diameter, which encourages interaction by letting two young children sit together. While the swings will certainly appeal to smaller children, there aren’t any additional features to keep older kids entertained. 

You can adjust the height of both seats to meet children’s growing needs. Plus, either swing can be removed and swapped out with other accessories, such as a hanging chair or baby carrier swing. The seats are made from weather-resistant plastic, and the chains are zinc-plated for added safety. Meanwhile, the frame is constructed from heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated paint finish to enhance durability. 

Dimensions: 90.5 x 67 x 71 inches | Material: Steel | Age Range: 3 and up | Weight Capacity: 440 pounds

What We Like
  • Three types of swings

  • Accommodates up to 7 children

  • Unique seesaw feature

  • Sturdy and durable steel frame

  • Foam and PVC coverings to prevent injuries

What We Didn’t Like
  • Assembly can be time-consuming

  • Not ideal for older children and adults

This swing set from XDP Recreation is incredibly sturdy. Its heavy-duty galvanized steel frame is welded at the joints for added strength, and it’s covered by a five-year warranty. 

This set features three different types of swings–a traditional belt swing, a standing swing, and a disc swing. The chains can be adjusted to accommodate children of various heights, and they are covered with PVC to protect kids’ fingers. This set also has a five-foot wavy slide and a unique seesaw attachment for versatile engagement. 

With five stations, the Free N' Swing Play Set allows up to seven children to play at once. Please note that each seat has a maximum capacity of 100 pounds, so it’s not the best choice for older children and adults. For additional safety, this set includes foam leg guards to prevent injuries. The assembly process can be time-consuming, which is one potential drawback to consider. 

Dimensions: 168 x 91 x 74 inches | Material: Metal | Age Range: 3-8 years | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds

What We Like
  • Attractive wooden design

  • Sturdy construction

  • Adjustable swing height

  • Vinyl canopy roof for weather protection

What We Don't Like
  • Low weight limit

  • Short warranty period

The Swing-N-Slide Ranger Plus is made from premium cedar lumber, combining a classic appearance with extremely sturdy construction. This swing set features two swing seats and a swinging trapeze bar, and all have coated chains to ensure a secure, non-slip grip. 

A ladder on the side leads up to a small play deck with a wavy slide attached. Mesh panels around the play deck help prevent accidental falls. Another notable feature is the vinyl canopy, which protects the play deck from the elements and provides welcome shade on sunny days. 

This swing set is one of the smaller options in our round, making it an ideal choice for smaller yards. Each of the three swings can support up to 115 pounds, and the chains are adjustable to accommodate various heights. Keep in mind that these swings aren’t suitable for most other children and adults due to their low weight limit. The recommended age range for this swing set is 3 to 10 years old, so children can still enjoy this set for years. 

This set includes all of the necessary lumber and hardware, along with fully illustrated instructions, for a relatively easy assembly. However, this product has a short warranty period of just one year.

Dimensions: 144 x 131 x 92 inches | Material: Cedar wood | Age Range: 2-10 years | Weight Capacity: 595 pounds

What We Like
  • Advanced features for older children

  • Multiple children can play at once

  • Sturdy cedar construction

  • Pre-drilled beams for smooth assembly

What We Didn’t Like
  • Canopy and swings have 1-year warranty

The Gorilla Playsets Outing Wood Swing Set has an array of features that will keep older children entertained. It’s also a good choice for larger families because it has more elements, allowing multiple kids to play at once. 

This swing set includes a climbing wall, an alpine wave slide, two belt swings, two trapeze swings, a telescope, and a steering wheel. It also has a 4-foot high play deck, providing ample room for children to play underneath in the built-in sandbox. To top it off, a vinyl canopy protects the play deck and provides shade. 

With so many activities to choose from, it’s no surprise that this is one of the priciest swing sets on our list–as well as one of the most durable. Made from premium cedar lumber, it is incredibly sturdy and can support up to 800 pounds. 

Plus, the frame is covered by a 10-year warranty for added peace of mind. The main beams are pre-drilled to speed up the installation process, and all of the necessary hardware, lumber, and step-by-step instruction manuals are provided.

Dimensions:  156 x 162 x 126 inches | Material: Cedar wood | Age Range: 3-11 years | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds

What We Like
  • Entertaining for smaller children

  • Smooth plastic without sharp edges

  • Sturdy and durable design

  • Weather- and temperature-resistant

What We Didn’t Like
  • Assembly can be tedious

  • Height is not adjustable

This plastic swing set has no sharp edges for little ones to bump into, making it a safer choice than harder materials like metal or wood. The Step2 Naturally Playful set offers plenty of fun features to keep toddlers entertained. It has two swings, a ladder that ascends to the top platform, and a working door that leads to a clubhouse beneath the platform. There is also a 5.5-foot curved slide that’s an ideal height for toddlers without being too intimidating. 

One potential downside to this swing set is that the height is not adjustable, which can make it difficult for smaller children to get on and off of it. Keep in mind that the maximum weight limit on each swing is 75 pounds, so they are not suitable for larger children or adults. 

The double-walled plastic construction resists chips, fades, and cracks, ensuring years of reliable use. The assembly process can be tedious due to some unclear instructions, but we agree the result is worth the effort. 

Dimensions: 75 x 110 x 115 inches | Material: Plastic | Age Range: 3-8 years | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

What We Like
  • Excellent selection of features

  • Entertains children of all ages

  • Durable weather-resistant construction

  • Ideal for larger yards

What We Didn’t Like
  • Might be too bulky for a small yard

For many children, a slide is a coveted feature, making this swing set double the fun. In addition to dual-way slides, it has a variety of to keep children of all ages entertained. There are three belts, a climbing wall, a trapeze bar with gym rings, monkey bars, and more.

A ladder leads to a clubhouse at the top, which has a hardtop roof that provides shade and protection against the elements. The clubhouse also has a ship wheel, binoculars, and a chalkboard for additional entertainment. With an impressive maximum weight capacity of 1200 pounds, multiple children can play at once. 

This swing set is made from weather-resistant materials, so it won’t crack, warp, or lose its color over time. For added safety, all of the edges are either rounded or covered with plastic caps to prevent injuries. It’s important to note that this is one of the biggest swing sets on this list, making it an ideal choice for large yards. On the other hand, it might be too bulky for a small yard. This option is also significantly pricier than many of our other options, but it’s extremely durable and backed by a five-year warranty—plus, it’s loaded with features to keep children active and engaged. 

Dimensions: 210.96 x 243 x 243 x 132 inches | Material: Metal, plastic | Age Range: 3-12 years | Weight Capacity: 1200 pounds

What We Like
  • Loads of fun features

  • Durable and sturdy cedar construction

  • Ideal for large families

What We Don't Like
  • Time-consuming assembly

This impressive two-story set offers an array of features to keep multiple children occupied. One of the most unique elements is the wooden clubhouse, which has a wooden roof, covered entryway, and bay windows—creating the ultimate treehouse experience. 

This swing set also includes a rock climbing wall, a 10-foot slide, monkey bars, a 3-position swing beam, a built-in picnic table, a crow’s nest, and a sturdy sandbox. With all of these entertaining elements, multiple children of various ages can enjoy the swingset together. 

The Backyard Discovery Skyfort II is crafted from durable cedar wood, which is incredibly sturdy and covered by a five-year warranty. Measuring 200 x 149 x 272 inches, this substantial swing set will require a large yard for installation. 

With so many components, it should come as no surprise that the assembly process is very time-consuming. It may require several people and several days to put it all together. The good news is that once it’s up, this swing set will keep kids entertained for years to come.  

Dimensions: 200 x 149 x 272 inches | Material: Cedar wood | Age Range: 3-10 years | Weight Capacity: 1080 pounds

Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Residential Wood Playset

The Spruce / Jenn Salon

Wayfair Gorilla Playsets Basic Swing Set
PHOTO:

Wayfair

What We Like
  • Relatively small footprint

  • Attractive cedar construction

  • Swings are swappable

  • Easy to assemble

What We Didn’t Like
  • Not as entertaining as other options

  • Not ideal for older children and adults

Measuring 104 x 92 x 82 inches, this compact swing set is well suited for smaller yards. It’s much simpler than many of our other options, and it lacks more exciting features like a climbing wall or clubhouse. That said, it does have three swings—two belt swings and a trapeze in the middle–to keep kids happy. 

Each swing can support up to 115 pounds, and there is a plastic coating on the chains to prevent pinches and snagging. Keep in mind that the low weight limit isn’t suitable for many older children and adults. 

Another benefit to this basic swing set is that it’s easy to assemble. It includes all of the pre-cut lumber, required hardware, and a step-by-step assembly manual to ensure a smooth process. Thanks to the A-frame swing beam design, families have the option to switch out swings to accommodate their specific needs. This set is made of cedar wood, which is both attractive and durable. While it makes a starter set, it might not be as entertaining as larger swing sets with more elements, particularly for older kids. 

Dimensions: 104 x 92 x 82 inches | Material: Cedar wood | Age Range: 2-10 years | Weight Capacity: 345 pounds

What We Like
  • Loads of fun features

  • Durable

  • Suitable for various ages

What We Didn’t Like
  • Time-consuming assembly

One of the most unique features of this swing set is the two-story covered tower, which provides ample shade and plenty of entertainment. A climbing ladder leads up to the observation deck, which features a steering wheel and access to a 9-foot wavy slide. There is a rock climbing wall along the side of the tower, and the enclosed lower level can be used for imaginative play. This swing set also comes with two traditional belt swings, a trapeze bar, and monkey bars for added entertainment. 

With such an extensive array of features, the Lifetime Adventure Tower is pricier than many opinions on this list, but we consider it a great investment because it keeps children of all ages entertained. It is made from UV-resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and reinforced with galvanized, powder-coated steel for optimal durability. 

To prevent injuries, this set has no hard edges, and the swing chains have soft rubber grips. Considering all of its components, you can expect the assembly process to be time-consuming. The instructions are clear and precise, which is a big help, though it may take several days to put it together. 

Dimensions: 114 x 48 x 36.75 inches | Material: Powder-coated steel and polyethylene | Age Range: 3-12 years | Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds

Final Verdict

For a weather-resistant swing set to accomodate multiple children and multiple ages, you can’t go wrong with the Gorilla Playsets DYI Outing III. If you’re on a budget, opt for the Trekassy Swing Set. It covers a smaller footprint, so it’s great for small yards, but can still accommodate three children at once.

What to Look for in a Swing Set

Size

To ensure a proper fit in your backyard, it’s important to consider the dimensions of the swing set. For bigger families with larger yards, a large swing set that offers more elements and allows multiple children to play at once is a solid choice. However, if you have a smaller yard, consider a more compact option like the Gorilla Playsets Basic Swing Set, our best for small yards option.

Safety Features

As a parent, you want to ensure that your swing set is safe for children to play on. First and foremost, a swing set should be properly anchored to the ground during installation, so that it remains stable when kids climb onto it. Swing sets also have several safety features to help prevent injuries. Soft rubber grips on the swing chains prevent little fingers from getting pinched.

When choosing a swing set that has a second-story play deck, look for one that has mesh panels or bars around the exterior to prevent accidental falls. A swing set shouldn’t have any sharp edges that little ones can bump into. Our best for toddlers pick, the Naturally Playful Playhouse Climber & Swing Extension, is made entirely of smooth plastic, which is more forgiving than wood or metal.

Durability

Choose a swing set made of sturdy materials that can withstand outdoor elements. Wood and metal are popular swing set materials, and both are reliable choices when it comes to durability. Many of our metal options, including the XDP Recreation Free N' Swing Swing Set (our best metal pick), have a powder-coated finish for better resistance against the elements.

Most of the wooden swing sets on this list are made from cedar, including our best overall option, the Gorilla Playsets DYI Outing III, which is naturally long-lasting and not prone to splinters. (When it comes to maintenance, it is recommended that wooden sets be stained every year or so. Metal swing sets require little to no maintenance, but you should fix any chips to prevent rust.) 

Play Features

Select a swing set with a variety of play features to keep children entertained. In addition to traditional belt swings, many swing sets offer a variety of play features to keep children entertained.

Our best for older kids pick, the Gorilla Playsets Outing Wood Swing Set, offers more intricate elements such as a rock climbing wall, a trapeze bar with rings, and a telescope to keep them engaged. Features such as a sandbox, picnic table, and seesaw will encourage interactive play and likely be more enticing to younger children.

Standout Features

Adjustable swing heights

Some swing sets allow you to adjust the height of the swing seats to accommodate children of different sizes and ages. Adjustability is a convenient feature because it takes growing kids into account, letting you get more use out of a swing set before your children outgrow it.

Our best wooden pick, the Swing-N-Slide Ranger Plus Swing Set, has three swings—two belt swings and a swinging trapeze bar—all of which can be adjusted for various heights. 

UV-resistant canopy

A swing set with a UV-resistant canopy protects children from the sun’s harmful rays as they play doors. A canopy and other types of roofing, such as wood, will also help protect the swing set from the elements. Our best design pick, the Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe, features a castle-like domed roof that adds visual interest and protects the playdeck below it.

Child climbing ladder of the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Residential Wood Playset

The Spruce / Jenn Salon

FAQ
  • How do I level the ground for a swing set?

    The area where you install your swing set needs to be fairly level, which might mean you need to level out an uneven lawn. This entails measuring out the space needed for your swing set, removing grass and dirt, and digging down a few inches, using a level to ensure the surface is even.

    If there’s an area that’s extremely uneven, you may need to use sand to raise it up to the same level as the rest of the ground. Once this is done, you can install your swing set and cover the area with a shock-absorbing material. 

  • How do I anchor a swing set?

    Most swing sets need to be anchored to the ground to prevent them from tipping over, and there are a few ways to do it. Some swing sets come with ground anchors that screw into the soil—similar to the ones you’d use to stake a tent—and these anchors are also available online. 

    However, for larger swing sets, you may want to anchor the unit with concrete. This involves digging a hole for each leg and securing them in place with concrete—be sure to level your swing set carefully if anchoring this way, as you won’t be able to adjust it once the concrete is dry.

  • What do I put under a swing set?

    Children are bound to fall occasionally when playing on a swing set, which is why it’s important to put a shock-absorbing material underneath the play area. Vinyl or rubber mulch is one of the best materials for this purpose, as it absorbs shock extremely well and won’t give your kids splinters. However, other popular choices include sand or wood mulch, both of which will help to cushion falls, and you’ll want to put several inches of material for best results. 

  • How much space do I need around a swing set?

    In addition to making sure your yard can accommodate the dimensions of your swing set, you’ll also want to measure out a “safety zone” or “fall zone” around the set. According to Napier, consumers should allow a 6-feet 'safe play zone around the swing set. This extra room will ensure children don’t hit anything when swinging or playing on the set. 

  • Are metal or wood swing sets better?

    It depends on your personal preferences and needs. Wood swing sets are very durable as long as they're taken care of properly and can withstand the outdoor elements. They also have the advantage of being more customizable and not getting hot to the touch.

    On the other hand, metal swing sets are more affordable and may require less maintenance. While wood sets will need to be stained every year or so, metal swing sets do not require this kind of upkeep. However, you should make sure to note and fix any chipping as this can lead to rust, which will lead to your metal swing set deteriorating.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Sage McHugh, who has been covering home and garden products for The Spruce since 2019. To select the best swing sets for this list, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their size, weight capacity, safety features, play features, and durability.

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