Summertime is here, and as every parent knows, kids will be around the backyard, playing frisbee with their friends, jumping rope, and climbing trees. If you can’t afford to take them out every day, you have to provide entertainment at home. To make sure they stay busy, you need something to keep them occupied, like the swing set for your garden.
There are several swing set ideas that you can introduce in your garden for the kids to enjoy. Some of the common ones include dual swings, tree swings, pergola swings, among others.
Below is a list of some swing set ideas that can be used for entertaining kids in your backyard:
1. Dual Swing Sets
If you have two children who are close together in age, it’s better to have swing sets that both of them can use at the same time. In this way, you don’t have to spend a lot of money because kids will spend even more time in your backyard, and it will give you some extra time for yourself.
2. A Little Higher Swing Set
Some people prefer having a higher swing set, not to leave their kids unattended but to give them some extra fun. This is also pretty much the same as having two swings in your backyard because it’s perfect for parents with two kids. You can find swing sets taller than you, so they won’t be able to climb using them on their own.
3. A Lower Swing Set
The lower swing set is perfect for babies, toddlers, or even preschoolers. This way, you’ll never have to worry about your kid getting too much fun and having some extra time for yourself. They can play on their own safely.
4. A Swing On Top of the Slide
It’s very common that parents want to have the slide higher because they are afraid that their kid will fall down. But if you have a swing on top of the slide, it will help them go down easily without hurting themselves.
5. A Swing Set That Faces Your House
This is an idea for people who have enough money to spend or have time to build this type of swing set. This way, you can relax on the swing set while keeping an eye on your kid. It will make it easier for you to keep them from doing anything dangerous; at the same time, it gives you some extra time for yourself and your spouse.
6. A Swing Set That Is Fenced In
If you have a large yard that is fenced in, this is a perfect way to keep your kids safe. It will also help them be more active, and it gives you some time to do things around the house or get yourself some fresh air.
7. Pergola Swing Set
As the pergola swing set is all made of wood, you’ll have to stain it from time to time. If you buy a swing set that is already built and all you have to do is attach the swings, it will be much easier for you. You don’t have to have many skills to do this.
8. Tire Swing Sets
It’s a great idea for those who have a lot of tires lying around. If you also have enough rope, it’s easy to build this swing set and cost you almost nothing at all.
9. Tree Swing Sets
If your kids are in love with trees, then you can build a small platform in your backyard with chains or ropes attached to the tree branches so they can swing in the air. This will not cost you a lot of money, and your kids will be in love with it.
10. Clubhouse Swing Set
If you don’t have a backyard but still want your kids to be able to enjoy their swing set in the corner of your living room or even bedroom, then this is perfect for you. You can build it inside your house and give them some extra fun time.
11. A Swing Set That Floats on Water
Although it sounds pretty scary, it’s worth trying if your kids are already older. You can have a river or pool in your backyard and build your own swing set that floats on top of the water.
12. A Swing Set That Is Loaded with Extras
You don’t need to spend extra money for this kind of swing set because if you’re building it yourself, you can do it yourself. This will save you some money, and all the extras are made of wood so that they won’t cost much. You can use your imagination to install them on certain spots or even hang old tires so your kids will be able to play with something extra.
13. A Swinging Bed
This is another type of swing that can be built inside or outside your house. This will help you get a good night’s sleep while knowing that your kids are safe and sound sleeping in their own bed.
14. A Waterfall Swing Set
You can buy a swing set and add things like water, tires, and other accessories so it won’t look empty. If you have a waterfall in your backyard, then you’ll have enough space to build it there.
15. Frame Swing Set
This is a perfect idea for those who have little kids. They can play on it without you worrying that they will fall or get hurt. You can have a lot of fun with your friends and all the other families in the neighborhood because this kind of swing set looks cool and very attractive.
16. A Swinging Tunnel
It’s a good idea for kids that are between one to three years old. They will have a lot of fun playing with their toys on this swing set. But with all the other types of swings, you should make sure that your kid will not go out of it by themselves.
17. A Round Swing Set
This is another type of swing set where your kids will be safe because it’s made of round bars. All you have to do is make sure that the swing set itself won’t fall and hurt your kid, but all the other things that come with this kind of swing should not be a problem at all.
18. A Canopy Swing Set
This can also be a good idea if you’re planning to have a picnic with your kids and their friends. It’s easy to build, and if it gets really hot, take down the canopies and let them enjoy playing under the sky.
19. A Tree Swing Set With Slide
If you have two trees in your backyard, then you can use one of them to build your kids their own swing set. You can do it yourself or hire people to help you build it.
20. Skate Board Swing Set
If your kids are in love with skateboards, then this is perfect for them. You can have a lot of fun building it by yourself or asking for help from other people.
21. A Balance Swing Set
It’s almost the same as the skateboard swing set, but you should make sure that your kids are already mature enough to play on this kind of swing.
22. A Pirate Ship Swing Set
If your kids like pirates and everything that has to do with the ocean, then you should build them a pirate ship swing set in your backyard. It’s perfect for their imagination, and it will give them hours of fun time while they’re playing on it.
23. A Car Swing Set
If your kids like to play with cars, then this is perfect for them. You can buy a low-priced or cheap swing set and add other things like beds, ladders, and other accessories that will make it look better. It doesn’t have to be expensive since it’s just wood you’ll have to use to build it.
24. A Cave Swing Set
You should build this inside your home or in your backyard if you have enough space for it. Kids will feel like they’re playing in a cave, and they’ll certainly enjoy having their own swing set at home without going outside to play with other kids.
25. A Bridge Swing Set
This is another type of swing set that you can build in your backyard. Your kids will have a lot of fun playing on it, and it’ll be much safer than the other types of swings out there. It’s easy to build, but if you want to ensure it won’t fall, you should hire an expert who knows how to make bridges.
Factors to Consider Before Installing a Garden Swing Set
Swing sets are fun for kids, especially during the times when they spend a lot of time at home. But building a fun swing set needs you to consider the safety of your kids as well as your pocket. That’s why you should read the following tips below before building a swing set in your backyard.
Location
The first thing that you need to think about is where would be the perfect location for your kids’ swing set. One of the most common mistakes that people make when installing their wooden garden swing sets is giving them space in an area where they can fall down.
If the space for your kids’ swing set is somewhere near the stairs, then it means that you have to change its location because there are too many risks involved.
Make Sure That It’s Strong Enough
Garden wooden swing sets are very strong, but not all of them are made with the same materials. That’s why you need to make sure that your kids’ swing set is made of strong enough wood that it won’t break when your kids are playing on it.
Choose a Safe Surface
When installing your wooden garden swing sets, make sure it’s over a hard surface. That hard surface will help the swing set to last longer and won’t easily fall apart even if you have kids who are playing on them every day.
Don’t Forget the Safety Bar
Safety is very important when installing your kids’ playground. On their swing set, make sure that you’ll install a safety bar so it will be safer for your kids. It’s also recommended to put a fence around the whole area where the garden swing set is installed because children might run away and can get hurt if they’re not supervised properly.
Don’t Forget Your Neighbors
Your wooden garden swing set might be strong and safe, but it doesn’t mean that everyone will agree with you when installing it in your backyard. You need to make sure that your neighbors will like the idea of having a swing set installed in their neighborhood, too, because not all people enjoy seeing swings everywhere they look.
It’s for this why you should always ask them first if they have any issues about having one installed in your backyard. If they don’t, you can install it without worries, but if they do, you’ll have to change the location or build a new swing set that will be safer and won’t bother your neighbors.
Supervise Your Kids
You can’t always be on the swing set while your kids are playing on it. That’s why it’s important that you’re able to supervise them from a distance so they will enjoy their new wooden garden swing sets safely.
Regularly Inspect It
Whether you have installed a metal or wooden garden swing set, it’s very important that you inspect it regularly. You need to visually inspect the whole swing set so you can detect any damages or problems before they get worse.
It’s also recommended to occasionally use a meter to check any electric cables hidden inside the wooden garden swing set. Some people forget about them, and they might cause trouble once your kids start playing on the swing set.
Choose the Right Paint
The paint won’t only make your wooden garden swing set look good, but it’ll also protect the wood from getting damaged. There are a lot of different styles and colors available in the market that you can choose from to match your backyard’s design. Just make sure that they’re made for outdoor use because some paints can’t handle direct sunlight.
Ask For Expert Help When Needed
Hiring an expert for this type of project needs you to spend more money, but it’s worth it because you won’t be building an unsafe swing set. Always ask for help when you need it from other people or professionals who know how to make garden swing sets because their knowledge will certainly save your money and time if ever something goes wrong while installing the swingset.
FAQs about Garden Swing Sets
Should you make DIY swing sets?
It’s up to you if you want to buy a ready-made swing set or build your own. A lot of people prefer the first option because they’re cheaper and easier, but if they’ll break after a few months that will be very annoying.
Where should you put a garden swing set?
It’s up to you whether you want to place the swings in your backyard or near a tree. It’s important that they’re placed away from any power lines and be at least 10 feet away from the house, trees, and fences. This way, you’ll avoid accidents and injuries.
Is it possible to build a wooden swing set?
Yes, it’s possible to build your own wooden garden swing set, but it could be very hard if you’re a beginner without any experience. That’s why it’s not recommended for first-time DIY builders.
What kind of swing set is the best?
It’s up to you if you want a metal, wooden, or plastic swing set. All three materials are very durable, and they’re built to last for years. There are some differences between them like special features that might be useful for one person but not for another, price and available accessories.
What are the best swing sets for kids?
It depends on what kind of swing sets your kids like, but you need to consider their age and the amount of time they’ll be spending in it. If there are other kids who will use it with them, then make sure that it’ll hold more than one person at a time.
Bottom Line
Garden swing sets are a fun and easy way to keep your kids entertained at home without spending much money on expensive toys. It’s important to make sure that the materials are made from high-quality components, and they’ll last for years without any problems whatsoever.
Also, it’s not recommended to buy a cheap swing set because accidents happen all of a sudden, and you don’t want your kids getting hurt or, worse, buying a faulty product. With the right care and maintenance, your children can have a lot of fun for years to come. In other words, everything will be great!
