It's always challenging to get kids outside for some active fun, but a garden swing set can make that challenge so much easier. Garden swing sets are equipped with a wide range of features that will put your child's creativity and physical strength to the test. In this guide, we detail how to choose the best outdoor swing set for your child's age range, weight and interests. A good swing set is an opportunity to give your kids something they'll use for years to come.

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Outdoor Swing Set: Age Ranges

Infants & Toddlers

Though many swing sets are designed to be used as children age, infants and toddlers have their own safety and comfort requirements that can't be met by large, all-inclusive swing sets. Outdoor swing sets that are safe for infants and toddlers are short, plastic structures that minimise the likelihood of strain and injury. The swings are typically super secure, with straps, harnesses or other safety features that would prevent a child from falling out. These garden swing sets often come with other enriching features and games, including slides, mini basketball hoops and small football nets.

Younger Kids

Though still shorter and generally safer than full-size swing sets, swing sets designed for younger children are very similar to those designed for older kids. Instead of plastic, many child-friendly swing sets are made of wood. These structures typically lack more complex features that would put their strength to the test, including monkey bars.

School-Age Kids

As you begin to shop for swing sets for older, school-age children, you might notice that the sizes and features of the swing sets you're browsing are becoming more and more similar. This is because many outdoor swing sets are designed to last; they're meant to be used by children from when they're just starting school until they outgrow swings altogether. Swing sets for school-age children are full-size swing sets with enough height and challenging features to still be exciting as they grow. They can have monkey bars, rock walls, trapeze bars and more. If you're shopping for kids between 5 and 8 years old, you can get away with installing a metal structure instead of a wooden one; however, if you want your child to be able to safely use their swing set until adolescence, opt for wood.

Adolescents

Some adolescent swing sets aren't swing sets at all; instead, they're rope-and-swing structures designed to be hung from and between trees to put your child's ninja skills to the test. They can have features such as climbing ropes, hanging ladders and ring monkey bars, all of which will challenge their upper body strength.

Outdoor Swing Set Weight Capacity

Weight capacity is a chief concern when it comes to buying a new swing set, as you'll want to choose a swing set that can safely accommodate all of your children and their friends. If you have very young children, you can safely go with a swing set with a weight capacity of under half a kg, as such swing sets are specifically designed to be outgrown. But if you anticipate keeping a swing set around as your children age, you might want to consider a larger set with a higher weight capacity, just to be safe.

In this section, we will be using the average weights (rounded up) of the average 3-year-old, 7-year-old, and 12-year-old to describe how many children can safely occupy a swing set at a time. Of course, these are averages, so these numbers might not be completely accurate for your children or their friends. Be sure to check a swing set's 'Product Description' on-site to be absolutely sure of the age and weight capacity of any given swing set.

Under 45kg As these are swing sets designed for only infants and toddlers to use, we won't include counts of how many older children can safely use them at a time. Most infant and toddler swing sets can hold two to three infants or toddlers at once.

45kg - 79kg Most swing sets in this category are still designed for toddlers-only use; they can hold two to three toddlers at once. Other swing sets in this category can safely hold three to five smaller children or one to two 7 year olds.

80kg - 124kg Built to safely hold one to two 12 year olds or three to four 7 year olds, the wooden swing sets in this category begin to resemble full-size wooden swing sets designed for much older children.

125kg - 159kg: Swing sets in this category tend to be metal swing sets without any additional structures; they're basic metal frames with two or more swings attached. These swings are designed to safely hold two to three 12 year olds or six to seven 7 year olds, however the number of swings they have will limit the amount of people who can hang onto these swing sets at one time.

160kg +: If you want a swing set that will withstand the test of time and age, a swing set in this category is your best bet. These swing sets can safely hold at least four 12 year olds or at least eight 7 year olds at a time, sometimes more. Most swing sets in this category are made of sturdy wood that can handle a lot of wear.

Garden Swing Set Frame Material

Wood:

Sturdy, smart and classic, wooden swing sets are some of the best swing sets available. You won't need to worry about splinters, rot or breakdown for many years, as high-quality wooden swing sets are treated to last. If you have young children and want to invest in an outdoor play structure that they can rely on as they age, a wooden swing set is an incredibly solid choice. The only downsides are that installation of these swing sets can be long and expensive and they're not bug-proof.

Metal:

Metal swing sets are a reliable choice for younger children, especially if you're looking for a more affordable option than wood. They're easier to assemble and install than wooden swing sets and won't rust thanks to their protective finish. That said, metal swing sets aren't as sturdy as wooden swing sets and might not hold the weight of several older children. If you have older kids who are very physical, a metal swing set isn't the best choice.

Plastic:

Plastic swing sets are temporary structures built only for very young children. These short, smooth plastic structures are made from a material that should not be irritating to babies' skin, making them perfect for babies and toddlers. Plastic swing sets don't install into the ground; they can be moved around and can even be used both indoors and outdoors. They typically have one secure, baby-safe swing and one short, toddler-friendly slide. They do not have the sturdiness or durability to withstand the activity of any children above toddler age.

Outdoor Swing Set Features

Number of Swing Positions

One:

Have only one child? A one-swing swing set might be all you need.

Two:

Swing sets with two swings can encourage your children and their friends to compete in swinging games or collaborate in synchronized swinging activities.

Three:

While two-swing swing sets are perfect for your child and their best friend, three-swing swing sets can provide social fun for your kids and their friends, no matter how old. You can install swings for different ages so that everyone can have fun together.

Four or More:

Cut down on the chance that anyone gets left out by installing a swing set with four or more swings. Swing sets like these can encourage your kids and their friends to spend hours playing together. Plus, you can make things more interesting by switching some standard swings out for specialized swings while still keeping a few standard swings in place.

Garden Swing Set Swing Types

Larger metal and wood swing sets typically have interchangeable swings. Read about some swing types below.

Glider:

A glider swing is a two-person swing that looks somewhat like a horse. To use a glider swing, the riders straddle the seat and hold tight to the handles on either side. They also rest their feet in the footholds in front of them. The two riders face away from each other and must simultaneously pull or push their hands and feet so that the swing rocks forward and back. The swing will only swing smoothly if both riders are working together, kind of like rowing a boat; glider swings are amazing for encouraging teamwork and communication. All that said, a glider swing can be used without a hitch by a lone rider as well.

Trapeze Bar:

Encourage your child's inner acrobat by giving them a swing set with a trapeze bar. These swings don't have designated seats; instead, they are trapeze bars that may or may not have handles. These swings hang higher than traditional swing seats because kids are meant to hang from them by their arms. While these bars might be endless physical fun for older kids, we don't recommend them for children younger than 6 or 7 years old, as they require a certain level of spatial awareness and upper body strength that young kids might lack. We also recommend paying close attention to your kids as they explore a trapeze swing as there is a possibility that they could fall and be injured.

Web Saucer:

Web saucer swings are like the updated version of tire swings; instead of a round tire, these swings have round, webbed seats. They also allow your child to swing in a full circle rather than just forward and back.

Swing Set Slide Types

Large swing sets can have many different types of slides.

Spiral Tube / Tunnel:

Spiral tube slides are childhood staples, renowned for their one-of-a-kind look and slide experience. Your kids will love having a spiral slide in their very own backyard. Tunnel slides are some of the most exciting slides, capable of transporting their riders into a new world. Plus, kids can get creative with how they use a tunnel slide's secret cavern in their games of pretend.

Wave:

With a gradual hill at its center, a wave slide is a bit more of a roller-coaster ride than a straight slide. Wave slides can also be a bit safer than straight slides, as sliding down one is slower and more controlled than a straight ride down.

Straight:

A classic straight slide will be the best swing set feature for any child who loves to go fast. On their own or with friends, they'll spend hours and hours trying to set new speed records.

Curved:

Like wave slides, curved slides are a bit slower and safer than straight slides. Though a bit slower, the experience of riding a curved slide is a bit more enthralling than the experience of sliding down a straight chute.

Additional Swing Set Features

Large swing sets can also have a whole host of other engaging features.

Slide:

A slide can add a whole new level of versatility to a swing set. Give your children the tools to have hours of creative outdoor fun by getting them a swing set with a slide.

Monkey Bars:

Monkey bars can put your child's arm strength to the test – they can be a great way for kids to wear themselves out. As with the other swing set features on this list, you'll be surprised by how many creative activities your kids will think of to challenge themselves on monkey bars. Just be sure to keep a watchful eye on them as they play – they might feel compelled to climb atop the monkey bars, which can be dangerous.

Climbing Frame:

Another way to get your child active using a swing set is to install a climbing frame set with a short rock wall. These rock walls aren't high enough to be super dangerous, but they can still provide your children with an exciting physical challenge that they can enjoy for hours at a time.

Playhouse:

Want to give your kids a protected space to use their imaginations? A playhouse swing set comes with a mostly enclosed room-like space in which they can take on imaginary roles, concoct imaginary confections, or relax and enjoy each other's company.

Tower:

A tower swing set is similar to a playhouse swing set except that the enclosed room is located off the ground and accessible by steps, ladders, or even a rock wall. Tower swing sets may also have an additional deck outside of the tower room on which children can hang out and play. A grounded playhouse might be safer fun for younger children, while a tower swing set might be more exciting to older children who prefer a more secluded hideout.

Sand Pit:

Want to engage your child's inner sculptor? Opt for a swing set with a sand pit. On tower swing sets, the sandbox is typically located directly under the tower house so that it is protected from the rain.

Picnic Bench:

A swing set with a picnic bench can not only give your children a sweet spot to enjoy their lunch under the sun, but it can also engage their imaginations in a unique way. With a picnic table in their back garden, your kids will spend hours perfecting their roles as professional chefs, bakers or food critics.

Bridge / Tunnel:

A bridge or enclosed tunnel structure on a swing set can add an edge of adventure to a basic swing set. With more structures to play on, your kids can spend more time being creative and active outdoors.

Steering Wheel:

Younger kids will absolutely love the opportunity to be the captain of their own ship or the driver of the vehicle of their choice, and a toy steering wheel can offer them just that. This classic swing set feature is as simple as a rotating wheel affixed to a wall panel or support beam, but it can offer your children endless fun.

Telescope:

Similarly, a toy telescope can transform your child into a navigator or astronomer. When used in conjunction with a steering wheel, your children can be pirates for the day. If you want to give your child as many opportunities to be creative as possible, a toy telescope can be a valuable swing set addition.