The Best Backyard Swing Sets Engage Kids Without Sacrificing Safety

KidKraft’s swing set has a lot of impressive features, despite being smaller and less expensive than other similar sets. Made from 100% cedar lumber, this sturdy swing set accommodates two belt swings which can easily be replaced with bucket seats for younger children. It also has a wave slide, rock wall ladder, sandbox, and a vinyl chalkboard. So even if your child gets bored swinging, there’s still plenty to keep them occupied. 

This swing set can accommodate up to 660 pounds, and parents report that it has kept toddlers busy for hours. Just note that the recommended age range for the product is 3 to 7 years, so it will need to be replaced if you want something for older kids down the road.

 If all you’re looking for is a basic swing set, the Trekassy Swing Set is a fantastic value for parents. It comes with a belt swing and saucer swing, both of which can be easily lengthened or shortened to accommodate kids of different heights. The saucer swing is 32-inches wide, meaning one or two kids could easily sit in one together, making it a hit for siblings or playdates. 

Either swing can also easily be removed and replaced with a bucket seat or trapeze bars, making this set versatile enough for a wide variety of ages. The small footprint makes it a great pick for small yards, or even for a grandparent’s house. One of the best parts about this swing set? Many parents say they set it up in under an hour from start to finish.

Talk about having something for everyone. For those with a large yard — and large budget — the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset will make your backyard the go-to for neighborhood play. In addition to two belt swings and a trapeze bar, this solid cedar playset also has a full monkey bar set, climbing wall, raised fort/clubhouse with telescope, a 10-foot speedy slide, and a built-in picnic table. 

One thing to note for parents of young kids is that the monkey bars are pretty high, so adult supervision will definitely be needed. As one would expect from a massive playset this size, assembly isn’t easy (some holes need to be drilled) and will definitely require at least two people, and a whole weekend. But once it’s up, you’ll never have to take it down. 

This swing set offers a happy medium in terms of features — not so basic that your kids will get bored, but not so complex that it’s hard to set up or exorbitantly expensive. There’s room for three swings: one belt swing, one sit-or-stand swing and one saucer swing that can seat two. Attached to either side of the frame are a mini see-saw and a 5-foot long wave slide, so kids can get more play opportunities out of the set. The whole thing is made out of very durable, rust-resistant steel, and the five-year frame warranty helps keep your investment safe. Several parents do mention that the included slide is on the narrow side, and probably best suited for younger children.

This simple swing set is made from cedar lumber, making it both durable and easy on the eyes. The two included swing seats and trapeze have pinch-free plastic-coated chains to prevent kids from getting injured while playing. The swings can support up to 115 pounds each, and the chains are adjustable depending on height, meaning that as the kids grow, the swing set can grow with them. Plus, the seats can be swapped for bucket seats (not included) to accommodate smaller toddlers, then changed back to the standard seats once they are a bit older, extending the longevity of your purchase.

What to Expect parents frequently recommend Step2 play structures because of their quality and versatility. The brand’s plastic swing set is no exception. The two-story playhouse has a wave slide, a sturdy ladder for climbing, a nautical steering wheel for pretend adventures and a plastic roof. The two belt swings add even more opportunities for playful fun. It’s great for multiple kids to enjoy, and the plastic makes it easy to clean. However, the lower weight limit makes it only suitable for younger kids, which might not make the price worth it for some parents. 

Maximizing fun while minimizing space is essential for small yards, and the Dolphin Playground Wooden Swing Set hits all those marks. This swing set is made of weather-resistant cedar and comes with two belt swings and a trapeze bar, which are easily interchangeable with other types of swings. 

It also has a number of safety features parents will appreciate: Pinch-free chains so little fingers (and strands of hair) don’t get stuck, crack-resistant bolds to ensure the structure remains durable and double ground anchors. Numerous parents mentioned how easy it was to assemble the swing set since the pieces that are separately packaged for each step of the building process (i.e. no digging around to find the correct screw).

Saucer swings are great for many sensory-sensitive kids for various reasons. For some, the round shape helps them feel cocooned and safe and gives them the option to lay down if sitting up on a traditional swing and holding onto chain link straps aren’t too their liking, while for others the swinging and spinning motion may be soothing or stimulating, depending on their needs. The Trekassy saucer swing has a heavy-duty metal frame and spring stakes to keep it stable, unlike some other ones which only come with the saucer swing itself. Parents can also buy a swivel accessory which allow the saucer swing to spin round and round, providing another level of fun for young (and old) kids. 

I’ve owned this swing set for five years, and it’s still entertaining my kids. . I initially swapped one of the belt swings out for a plastic bucket seat when my youngest was not yet a toddler, allowing all three of my kids to safely play on it at the same time. Not to mention there were plenty of additional elements to keep them occupied, like a “treehouse” structure that doubles as a fort. I also love the built-in table, which ensures snack time doesn’t interrupt playtime. 

Assembly is a bit of a beast, but there is an accompanying app that gives step-by-step 3D instructions, which were very helpful, and my partner was able to build it themselves. There is some visible wear and tear, and the vinyl canopy has definitely seen better days. But considering the affordable price point and that it’s still being regularly used many years later, I would say it was well worth the money.