When it comes to deciding on which swing set to buy, some of the most important factors to consider are location, base material, and ease of assembly.

The location could either be outdoors, indoors or a small yard and it is this that will help you determine what particular size and build you’ll prefer.

The base material is also important thanks to its contribution to sturdiness, safety, and longevity. Base materials are generally either metal or plastic.

Ease of assembly and variety are two other criteria for choosing a swing set that many generally underestimate. The ease of assembly comes in handy if you are looking for a simple installation, while variety is important for those who will have a lot of children around.

Another essential factor to have in mind is the age of the kids who are going to be making use of the swing. To keep your options open, it may be advisable to go for a swing with a flexible recommended age range.

Having taken vigorous steps into researching the best swing steps out there in the market today, we have curated below 10 of the very best swing set for small yards  this year, and provide helpful pointers to make sure you choose the best one for you.

Top 10 Swing Sets Update

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Set

The very first swing set on the list, the Skyfort Cedar Wood Set is made from all cedar and manages to come out strong as the best overall thanks to its completeness in terms of both features and range.

What exactly do we mean by a full feature and range? Well, for example, it is not unusual at all for some swing sets to focus mainly on a particular factor, say, design, while sacrificing other features like ease of assembly and price.

With the Skyfort II, however, there is no such thing. It is easy to build yourself as they come with a 3D-guided assembly app that is both interactive and really simple to follow.

Then there is the beautiful design, incorporating a lower deck, a raised clubhouse, and two belt swings among other features while retaining a high level of elegance and aesthetic appeal at the same time.

Finally, along with its comprehensive feature and physical attractiveness, this product also has the distinction of being as safe as they come.

It is made from 100% strong cedar, has a tight knot structure, and is resistant to rot, decay and mold.

 

Best Metal Swing Set: Backyard Discovery Little Brutus Heavy Metal Swing Set

When it comes to swing sets, there is not any other design quite capable of eliciting a high degree of nostalgia like the metal ones. This is perhaps due to their simplicity and elegance – two areas in which this metal swing set from Backyard Discovery excels significantly.

Another thing absolutely worth mentioning is that despite its elegance and simplicity, this set still remains capable of producing a lot of fun features. It has a multi swing option with not only two heavy-duty belt swings but an additional web disc swing for even more fun and flexibility. It is also compact enough to be placed in a small yard.

In terms of safety, the Little Brutus Heavy Metal swing stays true to its name by being as robust as possible. Its belts and discs are held by fully coated steel chains impossible to snag or rust.

The entire swing itself is also made of heavy-duty powder-coated steel, which is low maintenance, weather-resistant, and pretty much cannot be cracked. It really does not get any safer than this.

Lastly, a review of the Little Brutus Heavy Metal Swing would not be complete without making mention of its impressive solidity and steady feet, which it gets through its molded feet with high-quality anchors.

 

Best Wooden Swing Set: Backyard Discovery Buckley Hill Wooden Swing Set

Wooden swing sets may not have the nostalgia of the metal ones, but there is absolutely no denying that what they lack in nostalgia, they very much make up for with their aesthetic superiority. In short, wooden swing sets are just undeniably more appealing to look at and admire.

So if what you’re on the lookout for is a swing set that is as safe as it is physically striking, then without a doubt the Backyard Discovery Buckley Hill Wooden Set is sure to be a completely satisfying option to consider.

Not only is its design simple and appealing, thanks to its wooden material, it also manages to consolidate on these with its green playhouse and wave slide.

And if all of these do not quite get you to make a decision yet, well without a doubt its amazing combination of features will do the job.

Here you have, as mentioned earlier, a 6-foot speedy wave slide, two heavy metal swing beams with incredibly strong rope chains, and a climb rock wall ladder leading up to a compact and beautiful fort at the top of the swing.

There is absolutely no way a kid is getting bored with the abundance of activities to carry out on this swing.

Lastly, there is no talking about any swing set without examining how safe it is, and thanks to its quality cedar and heavy-duty metal, the Buckley Hill Wooden Swing is as safe as any other entry on the list.

 

Best For Versatility: FITNESS REALITY KIDS ‘The Ultimate’ 8 Station Sports Series Metal Swing Set

Versatility in a swing set ensures that you have a product that not only lasts a long time, but is also capable of performing a host of functions, and, before we proceed, we’d like to mention that this Ultimate 8 Station Sports Swing really, really excels in this area.

Not only is it made from a highly secure, highly durable metal, it also offers eight activities that can be carried out with ease. Firstly, there’s a 36 inches trampoline your kids can bounce on, a 32 inches flying saucer that adds comfortability to swings, a slide, a glider, a monkey bar, a basketball hoop by the side, and even a soccer goal and ball, and of course, a swing belt.

It does not get any more versatile than this. With this simple device, you are pretty much assured that you have all it takes to satisfy your kids’ sports urges for a long time.

Another plus of having such a versatile set, apart from the fact that you have a range of activities to choose from at any given time, is that for those who have a lot of children, or who usually have friends coming over, there is literally enough activities to go around.

This swing set can occupy no less than nine kids all having fun at the same time, removing the need for anyone to remain idle while the others play.

 

Best For Toddlers: Costzon Toddler Climber and Swing Set

No doubt there are a lot of swing sets for toddlers out there – it will not take you a lot to find them with a quick search. It will, however, take an arduous search before you come across any as great as the Costzon Toddler Climber and Swing Set.

The first thing you want to prioritize when getting a swing set for a toddler is extra safety, meaning no sharp edges, no protruding surfaces, and a highly ergonomic design that places convenience above all things. This swing set excels in all of these while managing to be just as fun at the same time.

And when it comes to visual appeal, well, a toddler swing set no doubt must be more colorful than one meant for older kids. This is why this Costzon swing set went all out with its blue, green, and red colors – which are the most appealing and most attractive for children.

Finally, the swing set offers four major functionalities – a slide, a sturdy swing, a hoop for basketball, and an elephant nose.

With this variety, along with its safety, durability, and physical attractiveness, it was not a difficult decision at all to give the Costzon Toddlers Swing Set a deserving spot as the best swing set for toddlers on the list.

 

Best for Variety: XDP Recreation All Star Outdoor Playground Backyard Kids Toddler Play/Swing Set

Versatility in terms of having a lot of activities and functionalities is great, but so also is variety, in terms of having a flexible degree of options regarding the belt swing itself – and that is what this XDP Recreation All Star Outdoor Swing Set offers more than any other entry on the list.

It is capable of occupying seven fun-hungry kids at the same time thanks to its individual swings, a ride-on, a disc swing, and a slide.

Another area where this set thrives is in its safety consciousness. The slide, for example, has a mocked bottom to ensure smooth slides with a very low degree of accidents.

It is also made with a steel frame, powder-coated to ensure it lasts long, and equipped with foam coverings on the legs for sturdiness, safety and longevity.

Lastly, it is worth noting that the XDP recreation swing is suitable for children between the ages of 3 to 8.

 

Best Value For Money: MaxKare Metal Outdoor Play Swing Set

The best deals are usually those that offer the best value at the most reasonable price. And although we all want different things in a swing set, it is hard to say no to the MaxKare Swing Set.

This beautiful heavy-duty metal set offers everything a kid would need in a playground set at a reasonable price. It is not only physically appealing thanks to its brilliant colors, but it is also capable of accommodating two kids at the same time and boasts of a high level of durability and safety.

Also, thanks to its industrial-grade strong metal, the set is as durable and rust-resistant as they come.

Another overlooked point that makes the MaxKare Swing Set stand out is its ease of assembly. Thanks to its simple design and efficient packaging, the entire installation can be completed in under an hour and does not require more than two people for efficient assembly.

 

Best for All Ages: Lifetime Monkey Bar Wavy Slide Adventure Swing Set

In cases where you are going to be having an eclectic group of kids play on a swing set, it is usually advisable to get one that is capable of accommodating all ages. This not only boils down to having a swing set with a host of favorable and flexible features, but also one that is optimized for size.

And that, of course, is where the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Set comes in. It has a comprehensive range of activities such as the belt swings, a trapeze bar with gym rings, a want slide, and monkey bars, that are all capable of training kids of all ages. Its hard edges are well rounded or covered with plastic caps and it boasts rubber grips on its chains to avoid pinching.

Its entire jungle gym set design was also constructed in such a way as to ensure complete safety and convenience regardless of the age of its users.

Best Build: Lifetime A-Frame Adventure Playset

When it comes to stability, this Adventure set from Lifetime is quite unrivaled among the endless lists of swing sets we went through before arriving at our conclusion.

There are two significant factors that go into the construction of a high-quality playset. The first, of course, is the materials from which the set is made, while the second is the final design of the set as a whole.

With regards to the former, this set triumphs thanks to its high-density polyethylene and powder-coated steel. Making use of these materials ensures that you get nothing but optimal results in terms of weather resistance and overall durability.

As for the latter, the A-Frame Adventure Set is one of the most stable designs you will ever see thanks to the clever arrangements of its individual components. It has a clubhouse with a hardtop roof, with a wavy slide attached to its front, and a swing beam to its right.

On the swing beam, you have a trapeze bar, a propeller swing, and two belt swings. And on the left, there is a climbing wall and cargo net.

 

Best Ease of Assembly: Trekassy 40 Inch Saucer Tree Swing Swing Set 

A critical aspect when considering swing sets for purchase is the ease of assembly. It is less fulfilling when you get an elaborate swing set that ends up taking months and a group of experts to install correctly.

If what you are on the lookout for is a great set that is remarkably easy to put together, then this Trekassy Tree Swing Set is very well worth having a look at.

Right from its small footprint to its design and build, it is evident that this swing set was put together with ease of assembly in mind.

Moreover, apart from being remarkably simple and easy to install, it also offers a high level of durability, sturdiness with an all-metal build, and a unique swivel saucer capable of 360° rotation.

 

How to Choose a Swing Set for Your Kids

With a fine-quality swing set, your children can have the utmost fun during their playtime right in your own backyard. Be sure to choose a playground set that is easy to build, has the features that you want, and most importantly of all – has the build quality and safety function to secure enough peace of your mind.

See Also: The Best Tree Swings For Your Backyard

Location Size

The first thing you must consider when deciding which particular swing set to go with is the size of the location where the set will be placed in the first place. Generally, you can either go for an indoor swing set or an outdoor set.

Indoor swing sets generally have their own special, lightweight design that makes them suitable for small spaces. Outdoor sets, on the other hand, tend to be bigger and less conservative with their designs. If you have a smaller house, there are also outdoor swing sets that are made with small backyards in mind.

Some kids’ swing sets are even flexible enough to fit in both outdoor and indoor spaces.

It is only after you have made a decision regarding where your swing set will be placed in the first place that you can then go ahead and consider other criteria.

Base Material

After the location of your swing set, the next thing to consider is the material from which the swing is made. Generally, there are two most popular options – wooden swings and metal swings. The former is known to be quite physically appealing and strong, while the latter has a more vintage and sturdier look to them.

The decision here is dependent on taste, as both materials have a lot to offer.

The importance of base materials does not just end here though. They are also quite valuable to ensure you choose the best possible alternative when it comes to these two factors – longevity and safety.

Longevity – The base material of your swing is one of the key factors that determine how long the entire set is going to last in the first place. A sturdy heavy-duty metal with special treatment is going to last longer than a swing made from cheap materials.

Safety – Another reason why the base material of your swing is important is safety. While it is not the most crucial factor, it does have a little role to play as to how safe a swing set is.

Ease of Assembly

Ease of assembly is another important factor that is relatively easy to underestimate. In fact, it is not uncommon at all to get carried away by the physical appearance of a swing set and totally forget about the difficulty of assembly.

Some sets, thanks to their build and size, can be fully assembled in an hour or less, while some may take no less than 3 hours. Some may also require more manpower to complete, whereas some just require two people at most.

For cheaper sets, usually only a paper manual is included while the more expensive option may even have a mobile app that you can download to follow the step-by-step video installation guide.

Lastly, it is also worth mentioning that, while an important factor, ease of assembly really should not be a deal-breaker, except for those who are extremely particular about it.

For sets like these that are sure to last a significant amount of time, spending a couple of hours to assemble them fully should not be too much of a problem.

Activities Variety and Versatility

Here is another factor that is sure to come in handy. Variety in a swing set is the presence of multiple activities capable of being carried out on the set simultaneously.

While some swing sets offer a single belt swing, some sets provide a host of different activities including trampolines, flying saucers, gliders, monkey bars, and even basketball hoops by the side.

This range is particularly important and will be appreciated by those who either have a lot of kids in the family or who host kids parties a lot.

And should you choose to go with large swings with about nine fun features, including a fort house, you are basically ensuring that all the kids can spend time on the swing simultaneously without anybody being left out.

Age Range

One crucial criteria you no doubt have to consider when making a swing set purchase is the age range of the kids who are going to be making use of it.

While most swing sets are made for older kids – about 6 to 9 years old – there are also a lot of tangible options for younger kids, and even excellent swings made particularly for toddlers alone.

Also, in case you’re not entirely sure as to which of the kids are going to be making use of the swing more, or you just want to keep your options open so that even when the kids grow they’ll still be able to make use of it, all you have to do is go for a one that is not tailored to a particular age group, but made for a wide range of ages.

Swing Set Maintenance

Follow the instruction manual for specific repair and maintenance tips. You can also see the video below for a general sense of the maintenance work involved.