The best swing sets provide playground-level fun right in your own backyard. Of course, this mega backyard toy is often a significant financial investment, too. We’ve deeply researched the market to put together this list of our favorites, no matter your budget and available space. Our top pick for one of the best swing sets overall is the Gorilla Playsets DYI Outing III, given its durability and fun features, but there are many other great options to consider as well.
However, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect set for your family (see our buying guide after the list for detailed tips). Beyond that, Dan Alvarez, a swing set installer in New Jersey, recommends being mindful of the age of your children, their personal interests, how much space you have to work with and, of course, your budget. These are the best swing sets to keep kids entertained and active, now and in the future.
Best Swing Set Overall: Gorilla Playsets DYI Outing III Outdoor Playset
Best Value Swing Set: Gorilla Playsets Basic Swing Set
Best Swing Set For Toddlers: Step2 Play Up Gym Set For Kids
Best Swing Set For Big Kids: Lifetime Double Adventure Tower With Monkey Bars
Best Swing Set With A Climbing Wall: Lifetime Big Stuff Deluxe Swing Set
Best Metal Swing Set: Sportspower Triple Swing And Saucer Metal Swing Set
Best Swing Set For Multiple Age Groups: Creative Playthings Spring Hill Swing Set
Best Swing Set With A Clubhouse: Kidkraft Ridgeview Deluxe Clubhouse Wooden Swing Set
Best Long-Lasting Swing Set: Congo Monkey Playsystem #1 Swing Set
Best Swing Set With Enclosed Slide: Gorilla Playsets Treasure Trove I Swing Set
Best Swing Set Overall
A Sturdy Set With A Little Of Everything
Gorilla Playsets DYI Outing III Outdoor Playset
Dimensions: 156 x 162 x 126 inches |Materials: Wood, plastic, vinyl |Features: Clubhouse, rock wall, sand box, wave slide
Pros:
- Packed with play features
- High quality materials
- 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Assembly can be time-consuming
- May be too small for older kids
Alvarez “always” recommends Gorilla Playsets swing sets to his customers. “They use better quality hardware and the wood is usually thicker than other sets,” he says. “They also really take care of the wood—there are no splinters on it.” Alvarez says that sets usually cost more than the competition because of these thoughtful elements.
The DYI Outing III is moderately priced as far as quality swing sets go and features a little of everything to keep a range of kids happy (it’s specifically recommended for ages 3 to 11). This set has an Alpine wave slide, a rock wall with a climbing rope, safe entry ladder, two belt swings and a trapeze swing. There’s also a sandbox, along with a steering wheel and telescope in the playhouse, which conveniently has a vinyl canopy to block out the sun. This set is crafted from 4-by-4-inch wood frames, with a 4-by-6-inch swing beam for an impressive level of sturdiness. You can also select some additions to it like a tunnel slide or a castle-like wooden roof, but this does increase the cost. We like that it comes with a 10-year warranty on the wooden set and a 1-year warranty on the accessories.
What the parents say:Reviewers repeatedly use words like “quality” and “sturdy” to describe the DIY Outing III. “This is a quality set,” shared one owner. “It took my husband and I three days to put it all together, but, man, is it solid. My kids—2 and 6—love it.”
Best Value Swing Set
All The Basics For Under $300
Gorilla Playsets Basic Swing Set
Dimensions: 104 x 92 x 82 inches |Materials: Wood, plastic |Features: Two swings, trapeze
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- UV- and rust-resistant wood
- Relatively fast assembly
Cons:
- Design may be too simple for some kids
- Smaller set
While Gorilla Playsets tend to be on the pricier end, the company sells this basic swing set for under $300. It’s admittedly simple—meaning, there’s no climbing wall or clubhouse for kids to explore. But it provides three swinging choices to keep kids happy, and anyone who has ever watched kids at a swing set knows the swings often hold the most appeal.
Each swing supports up to 115 pounds, and it’s ideal for smaller yards or famlies who don’t want the swing set to take up all their green space. This set has two standard swings with plastic coating on the chains to prevent pinches, along with a trapeze for tricks and just hanging around. The wooden set is UV- and rust-resistant, and comes pre-cut and pre-drilled for easy assembly.
What the parents say:Several owners give this set the thumbs-up for being easy to assemble. “Easier to put together than expected,” says one. “Nice swing set enjoyed by my two daughters.” Another fan called this the “perfect starter swing set.”
Best Swing Set For Toddlers
A Sweet Set That's Just Right For Little Ones
Step2 Play Up Gym Set For Kids
Dimensions: 111.5 x 84 x 75 inches |Materials: Plastic |Features: Curved slide, playhouse
Pros:
- Just-right height for younger children
- Won’t fade or rush with time
- Good for small spaces
Cons:
- Not ideal for older kids
- Assembly may require two people
This set is built with plenty of thoughtful features to make a great play experience for smaller kids. The Step2 Play Up Gym Set has a 4-foot slide that’s big enough to be exciting, but not so large that toddlers are intimidated by it. The set is made from plastic, so it has a little more give than wood or metal in case of accidental stumbles. (By the way, that plastic is water-, temperature- and UV-resistant and yet free of BPA, phthalates and VOCs.) A playhouse with a wheel is tucked above the slide for added entertainment, with a crawl space below that’s perfect for hide-and-seek. The set comes with two strap swings, so multiple kids can play at once.
What the parents say: Owners say this swing set is easy to set up, and durable once it’s assembled. “Unboxing and assembly were pretty straightforward,” shares one reviewer. Another calls the swing set “sturdy,” adding that it “feels very safe.”
Best Swing Set For Big Kids
A Swanky Set With Tons Of Options
Lifetime Double Adventure Tower With Monkey Bars
Dimensions: 206 x 358 x 130 inches |Materials: Metal, plastic |Features: Clubhouses, monkey bars, rock walls, bridge, wave slides
Pros:
- Athletic features
- Plenty of entertainment options
- Materials won’t rust or splinter with time
Cons:
- Takes up a lot of yard space
- Pricey
At over $4,000 without discounts, this swing set is not cheap. But it’s packed with features that older kids love, including a curved ladder, trapeze, two roomy two-tiered playhouses, monkey bars and a connecting bridge to show off all kinds of athletic prowess. The wavy slides are long enough to accommodate bigger bodies. Kids have the option of getting to the top playhouse by using the ladder or climbing wall. The set is crafted from galvanized, powder-coated steel that doesn’t easily rust or corrode, along with high-density polythylene for added durability. “I like Lifetime brand play sets—they last longer,” Alvarez says.
What the parents say:One owner calls this set “the best for the money,” noting that their kids love it. “They have spent all summer long, almost every day, playing on it,” they say. A fellow reviewer notes that the playground is “great for a variety of ages, as there’s so much to do.”
Best Swing Set With A Climbing Wall
A Roomy Set With A Tall Wall
Lifetime Big Stuff Deluxe Swing Set
Dimensions: 243 x 223 x 132 inches |Materials: Metal, plastic |Features: Clubhouse, rock wall, monkey bars, fireman’s pole, two wave slides
Pros:
- Multiple climbing spots
- Good for larger families
- Holds up beautifully over time
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some spots aren’t safe for younger toddlers
When the swing set my family inherited in our move started to crumble in 2020, this was the one we eventually settled on. While it’s admittedly pricey, it’s so well made that it still looks like new four years in. The set features twin slides—perfect for sibling races—along with three swings, a trapeze and propeller swing, allowing for plenty of room for several kids to play at once. My older kids get a lot of use out of the monkey bars and fireman’s pole, while my 4-year-old loves the playhouse with its ship’s wheel and chalkboard. Even my 10-year-old goes up to use the playhouse on occasion when he needs “me time.”
The climbing wall is cleverly built—it has a large hole on the bottom, so my 1-year-old can’t try to climb it, but is tall enough to keep my older children engaged. (Keep in mind that there are plenty of ladders that adventurous toddlers can climb, making it difficult to stand back when they’re engaged.) The set is UV-resistant, so it won’t lose its color or fade over time.
What the parents say:“My wife and I finally broke down and bought this after a lot of research and, let me tell you, we couldn’t be happier,” shares another reviewer. “My girls simply cannot get enough.” Another reviewer notes that “the climbingwall is very sturdy, as is the entire set.”
Best Metal Swing Set
This Set Can Support Up To Seven Kids At Once
Sportspower Triple Swing And Saucer Metal Swing Set
Dimensions: 186.5 x 93 x 73 inches |Materials: Metal |Features: Four swings, wave slide
Pros:
- Plenty of swinging spots
- Multiple hanging features
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Anchors need to be purchased separately
This metal swing set has an impressive capacity—it can handle up to seven kids weighing up to 100 pounds each at once. It boasts three sling swings and a saucer swing to give children options and minimize squabbles. The swing chains are rubber-coated to protect fingers, and the frame is made from 2-inch powder-coated steel to lower the risk of rust and corrosion over time. Sportspower’s set also has a 5-foot molded slide that both smaller and larger kids can use. At under $300 on sale, it’s a steal that has plenty of room for everyone.
What the parents say:The reviews are packed with comments from parents who say this set is easy to assemble. “Product was easy to assemble and the kids are having a great time using it,” shared one. “Quality is good as well.”
Best Swing Set For Multiple Age Groups
Made For Kids Ages 2 To 12
Creative Playthings Spring Hill Swing Set
Dimensions: 132 x 168 x 180 inches |Materials: Wood, plastic, metal |Features: Clubhouse, climbing wall, wave slide, picnic table
Pros:
- Suited for toddlers to preteens
- Large range of features
- Additional attachments can be added over time
Cons:
- Assembly takes time
- Swings are positioned somewhat close together
Creative Playthings’ Spring Hill Swing Set is designed for kids ages 2 to 12, providing an option that might serve your kids for many years. The set is made from a combination of southern yellow pine, plastic and metal for sturdiness and durability. It gives you plenty of options—two sling swings, a 10-foot wave slide, a ringed trapeze bar, climbing wall and playhouse. There’s also a built-in picnic table for alfresco meals. The set includes thoughtful elements, like no-slip ladder rungs and plastic coatings on the swing chains to protect little fingers.
Something to keep in mind: The brand also sells attachments that you can add over time, so you can adjust your set as your child—and their interests—change. It includes a 10-year limited warranty.
What the parents say:Many parents comment on the quality of this set. “After assembly, we were impressed with (a) how sturdy this product was and (b) the quality of every part of the product, from the screws and bolts, to the wood they sent, to the slide and swings,” shars one. “The manufacturer did not do this on the cheap. This thing is made to last. Our kids and our extended family and friends are already having a great time with this play set.”
Best Swing Set With A Clubhouse
Your Two-Story Dwelling Awaits
Kidkraft Ridgeview Deluxe Clubhouse Wooden Swing Set
Dimensions: 162 x 173 x 115 inches |Materials: Wood, plastic |Features: Clubhouse, rock wall, monkey bars, wave slide
Pros:
- Two-story clubhouse
- Room for up to nine kids at once
- Whimsical touches, like chalkboard and pretend café
Cons:
- Slide can get hot in the sun
- Not ideal for older kids
Kids with big imaginations will flip for the Kidkraft Ridgeview Deluxe Clubhouse Wooden Swing Set. This set features a two-story clubhouse with themes on each floor. Down below, kids can operate their own cafe, with an order window, serving counter and stools for “customers.” Up top, they can draw on the built-in chalkboard, which is protected from the sun by a roof complete with dormers. This set also has sweet details, like a built-in flower box and awning. When kids want a break from clubhouse living, they can sail down the wave slide, climb the rock wall, work their way across the monkey bars, hit the swings or enjoy the glider. “Kidkraft is great and has quality materials,” Alvarez says.
What the parents say:Reviewers praise the sturdiness of the set, along with its cute features. “Great quality product and sturdy structure,” one says. “The playhouse is wonderful and adored, but what should really be called out is the customer service at KidKraft. They are exceptional,” another shares.
Best Long-Lasting Swing Set
This Set Can To Stand Up To The Elements
Congo Monkey Playsystem #1 Swing Set
Dimensions: 192 x 168 x 126 inches |Materials: Polymer-coated wood |Features: Climbing wall, wave slide, fireman’s pole, sand box
Pros:
- Made with extra-durable materials
- Lumbar is pre-drilled
- No annual maintenance needed
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Taller kids may have to duck to get on the slide
The Congo Monkey Playsystem #1 is crafted from polymer-coated wood to help it stand up to whatever Mother Nature can dish out. The polymer coating is maintenance-free, doesn’t splinter and is UV-resistant, so you don’t need to stress about it fading over time. “I like the Congo Monkey sets when I build them,” Alvarez says. This set features a fort, rock wall, wave slide, fireman’s pole, sand box and three swings to give kids plenty of options for fun. The lumber also comes pre-drilled and ready for assembly.
What the parents say:“Quality and appearance is great—beyond expectations,” says one customer, noting that they had “no problems with instructions.” Another owner gives the low-maintenance element the thumbs up. “Staining a play set every year is not something we wanted to deal with,” they write. “Avoiding slivers and sharp edges are also nice...My kids love it, and the slide is super fast.”
Best Swing Set With Enclosed Slide
So Many Elements To Explore
Gorilla Playsets Treasure Trove I Swing Set
Dimensions: 234 x 228 x 156 inches |Materials: Cedar, plastic |Features: Enclosed slide, wavy slide, climbing wall, rope ladder, picnic table and more.
Pros:
- Two slide options
- Packed with fun features
- Built-in solar wall lights
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Assembly can be time-consuming
An enclosed slide adds a little extra element of adventure, allowing kids their own private experience as they whoosh around. The Gorilla Playsets Treasure Trove I has a huge 7-foot tube slide, along with a wavy slide that kids can race down. This swing set is packed with things for kids to play on, including two swings, a rock wall with climbing rope, two built-in sandbox areas with corner seats and a tic-tac-toe panel.
Two solar wall lights help brighten the space for sunset swinging. There’s even a built-in picnic table for when they take a break.
What the parents say:Owners caution that the setup for this swing set takes time. “Butintheendwe’reextremelyhappywithit,” says one. Another reviewer says the set “has provided a fun place for all ages to play, swing, relax and enjoy their time together.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted parenting team cares deeply about finding, testing and reviewing quality toys and gear for kids families of all shapes and sizes.
- The author of this story, Korin Miller, specializes in covering home, wellness and parenting topics. She is the mother of four kids ranging in age from 1 to 10 years old. She has covered the best outdoor toys for toddlers and the best beach toys for Forbes Vetted, along with many other product guides.
- This is overseen by Margaret Badore, the baby and kids gear editor at Forbes Vetted. She is a mom of one, a professional product tester and has over 15 years of journalism experience.
- We interview experts to help guide our product selection. For this story, we spoke to Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, about on important safety features to consider. We also consulted Dan Alvarez, a professional swing set installer in New Jersey, for his firsthand feedback on the brands he loves the most and which are easiest to install, based on his years of experience across many different companies and styles.
- At Forbes Vetted, we pride ourselves on always bringing you current and accurate information. This story was last reviewed and updated in September 2024 to answer additional frequently asked questions about swing sets, as well as highlight the pros and cons of each of our recommendations.
How We Chose The Best Swing Sets
To narrow down a list of the best swing sets, we considered offerings from major and respected brands, incorporated expert advice, relied on our own experience and consulted real user reviews.
- Miller and her four kids have tested out a number of swing sets over the years, at friends’ houses and at home. She also did a personal deep-dive into swing set research as her kids grew, and keeps a close eye on the marketplace ever since.
- We incorporated expert insights from both a pediatrician and professional swing set installer, and reviewed guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. We put safety first, considering if there are any recalls or issues in the category as a whole, and we always look for quality pieces over the trendy.
- We researched and compared the most popular swing set models on the market, analyzing them for quality, durability and fun.
- We pored over reviews from real buyers to get the best sense of how these swing sets perform for different families during setup and over time.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Swing Set
A swing set is “a great outlet for kids to spend their time,” says Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “It’s an excellent way for them to socialize, and get fresh air and sunshine,” he says. Of course, you want to find the right swing set for your family. Consider these factors on your search.
Size
There are two major considerations when it comes to the size of your swing set. One is the actual size of the structure—make sure it actually fits in the space you’ve designated for it.
But beyond that, it’s important to have a safety zone of at least 6 feet around the swing set, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Some swing sets, particularly large ones, may require even more room around the structure itself. Read the manufacturer’s description carefully in advance to make sure you have the room you need to make this work for you.
Materials
Swing sets are made of a range of materials, but generally have a core structure of wood, metal or plastic. Each material has its own pros and cons.
- Wooden swing sets have a certain aesthetic, but they require upkeep that can include using a sealant annually. These sets are also more prone to degrading or splintering with time.
- Metal swing sets are known for their durability, but they don’t always look at chic as their wooden counterparts. If you purchase a metal set, ensure it has a coating on it to prevent rust over time.
- Plastic sets tend to be the least expensive, but they’re typically designed for younger children. However, larger swing sets often feature plastic elements, like slides, climbing walls and playhouses.
Safety Features
Swing sets are typically rated for ages, and it’s important to purchase a set that matches the age of the children who use it. If you have a wide range of ages at home, be on the lookout for potential safety hazards for younger family members, like second-level openings on playhouses.
Plastic coating around swing chains is also important, Ganjian says, adding, “You don’t want kids to get their fingers pinched.” Something else to consider, per Ganjian: “You want to make sure that it doesn’t splinter easily,” he says. (Check the reviews before purchasing and do regular maintenance to make sure this doesn’t happen, per Alvarez.)
Overall, Ganjian says it’s important to go over playground safety and etiquette with your kids—and remind them as needed. “Make sure they don’t go in front of a moving swing or climb up a slide when someone is trying to go down it,” he says. “But swing sets are the same as anything kids play with—they always find ways to play with it in a dangerous way unless you tell them not to.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Swing Sets Last The Longest?
A lot has to do with the brand and materials of the individual set. Alvarez has several brands that he prefers, including Gorilla Playsets, Creative Playthings, Lifetime and KidKraft (for younger kids). If longevity is a big concern for you, Alvarez recommends going with Lifetime. “They’re maintenance-free and last longer,” he says. “Unlike wood swing sets, you don’t have to stain them, paint them or check for splinters.”
Are Expensive Swing Sets Worth It?
Swing sets can get admittedly expensive, with some costing upwards of $4,000 or more. But you tend to get what you pay for. Lesser-priced swing sets may not hold up as well over time as their pricier counterparts, or they may require more upkeep, like staining, sealing or treating it annually. Expensive swing sets also tend to have more features that kids will enjoy. That doesn’t mean you and your child won’t enjoy a low-cost swing set, though. Ultimately, it’s best to find a set that meets the needs of your family—and your budget.
What Is The Best Age To Buy A Swing Set?
There is no magic age to buy a swing set, but it’s generally recommended that your child at least be walking before you invest in one. From there, you’ll want to consider the age of your child, the age rating of the swing set you’re considering and your child’s abilities, now and in the near future.
Younger children with no older siblings may benefit from a toddler swing set, with the understanding that it will only last for a few years before you’ll need an upgrade. (These do tend to be less expensive than swing sets for older kids, though.) But children who are out of the toddler stage can benefit from a larger swing set, giving you years of use ahead.
Is A Vinyl Swing Set Better Than Wood?
Like metal sets, vinyl swing sets are durable and low-maintenance. However, they’re pricey to the point that they’re out of reach for many families. Alvarez is a fan of vinyl swing sets—when families can afford them. “They are very expensive, like, $5,000,” he says. “I do like them when I build them, but I wish they were a little more affordable. They really are out of the budget of many families.”
If you’re interested in a wood option, Alvarez recommends considering one from Gorilla Playsets. Our top choice is the Gorilla Playsets DYI Outing III—it has a little of everything for a wide range of age groups.