Swing sets are super fun and have always been a popular backyard staple for children of all ages. They provide hours of outdoor fun and entertainment, and can help kids develop their gross motor skills and social skills. However, as kids grow older, their needs and preferences change, and they may need to graduate from a baby swing to a swing set that is designed specifically for their age group. In this article, we will discuss swing sets for older kids and what to look for when choosing one.
LAEGENDARY Saucer Swing for Kids and Adults
If you have multiple kids or enjoy swing yourself, this is perfect for you. This 40-inch round saucer swing is spacious enough for both kids and adults to enjoy! It also has a high weight capacity of up to 450 lbs. The swing comes with a durable frame, two tree straps, two carabiners, and one swivel, making it easy to install and use. You will have a lot of fun with this durable and high-quality swing for outdoor use when you put in on a tree for example.
Swing-N-Slide PB 8360 Ranger Wooden Swing Set
This classic and affordable swing set is perfect for outdoor play. You get 2 belt swings and a ring/trapeze bar with rings. The set is made with high-quality materials and has a sturdy construction that can support up to 115 pounds per swing. It’s a great choice if you have multiple kids and not as much space as you would need for a fort with climbing walls and swings.
KidKraft Appleton Wooden Swing Set/Playset
This playset is smaller than most of the others you see but it is also a great playset for the more affordable price. It is made for kids aged 3 to 10 years. The swing set comes with 2 swings, a wave slide, a rock wall, a chalkwall, the clubhouse and sandbox you can create underneath. There are many fun features for your younger and older kids to have a great time!
Backyard Discovery Mount McKinley All Cedar Wood Swing Set
The Backyard Discovery is one of the best playsets on the market for the price! This backyard set is made of high-quality cedar wood, which is known for its durability and resistance to weather. In addition to the swing, wave slide, rock wall, fort, double rock climber and rope, monkey bars, kids get to play with a steering wheel and telescope, a whole playground for your backyard and for kids all ages!
Hapfan 440lbs Metal Swing Sets for Backyard with Heavy Duty Swing Frame
The set comes with a saucer swing, a belt swing, a climbing rope, a climbing ladder, and a basketball hoop. This provides a range of fun and challenging activities for kids of all ages and abilities. Since it is not super big you don’t need a massive backyard for this playset and kids, their friends, and maybe yourself can have a great time outdoors!
Gym 1 Deluxe Doorway Swing Set
This all-in-one playground set is great for indoors when you have little space. All you need is a door! Kids get a doorway swing, plastic rings, a climbing ladder, and a pull-up bar that you can change anytime. Big kids will have lots of fun even with the pull up bar and adults can make use of it, too.
Age-Appropriate Features
When selecting swing sets for older kids, it’s important to look for age-appropriate features that will keep them engaged and entertained. Younger kids might still enjoy features, too. Some of the key features to consider include:
Height and weight capacity: Older kids are often bigger and heavier than younger children, so it’s important to choose between swing sets that can accommodate their size and weight. Look for swing sets that has a higher weight capacity and taller swing beam to ensure that the set is safe and comfortable for bigger kids.
Types of swings: Big kids may prefer swings that are designed for their age group, such as a glider swing, tire swing, or a disc swing. These types of swings offer a different kind of movement and challenge than traditional swings, which can help keep older kids engaged.
Climbing features: As kids get older, they tend to enjoy more challenging climbing features. Look for a swing set that has a rock climbing wall, cargo net, or other climbing elements that will keep older kids active and engaged.
Playhouse or fort: Older kids may enjoy having a playhouse or fort on their swing set where they can hang out and relax with their friends. Look for a swing set that has a spacious playhouse or fort with features like a ladder, slide, or even a zip line for added excitement.
Accessories: Accessories like a basketball hoop, monkey bars, or a rope ladder can add extra fun and challenge to a playground set for older kids. Look for a playground set that offers a variety of accessories that can be added or removed depending on your child’s interests.
Durability and Safety
Keeping older kids in mind, it’s important to consider durability and safety. Look for a swing set that is made of sturdy materials like metal or wood, and that is designed to withstand the weight and activity level of older children. The play set should also be anchored securely to the ground to prevent tipping or rocking.
In addition to durability, safety is also a top priority. Look for a playground set that meets safety standards set by organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The swing set should also have safety features like safety harnesses, non-slip surfaces, and padded areas to prevent injuries.
Installation and Maintenance
Finally, when choosing swing sets for big kids, consider installation and maintenance. Swing sets that require professional installation can be more expensive, but they may also be more sturdy and durable. On the other hand, swing sets that can be installed by the homeowner may be more affordable, but they may not be as secure.
In terms of maintenance, look for something that is easy to clean and maintain. Wooden swing sets may require more upkeep, such as regular staining or sealing, while metal swing sets may be easier to clean and maintain.
Swing sets can provide hours of outdoor fun and entertainment for kids of all ages, but it’s important to choose one that is designed specifically for your child’s age group. When selecting between swing sets for big kids, look for fun features, durability and safety, and ease of installation and maintenance. With the right choice of swing sets, your older kids can continue to enjoy outdoor play and develop their gross motor skills and social skills for years to come. We also love our outdoor sensory tables where you can use sensory bins to entertain your kids in the fresh air. Another fun addition to a backyard is a kids trampoline!
