Best swing sets for kids to have fun in the garden

Sunny garden days are hard to beat and the right swing set can provide hours of entertainment - getting them away from screens and playing independently.

Swing sets come in all shapes and sizes, from compact single ones, to multi-swing options. So if you’re trying to decide on the best kids swing set for your family, there are a number of things to think about.

Firstly, the size of your garden is important, as you need to consider how much space you are happy for it to take up. Plus as well as taking into account the dimensions of the swing frame itself, don’t forget that you need to position it well away from fences and walls for safety reasons.

The age of your children will also be a factor, because different sets cater for different age groups. It may also be worth looking at a swing set that can grow and expand along with your little one.

Many swing sets include additional entertainment, such as slides, gliders and monkey bars. So if you have children who like to switch up their playing, this might be a good choice to keep them busy.

Something else to bare in mind if you have impatient little ones or you’re not a big fan of DIY, is how easy it is to assemble. Swing sets can take anything from a couple of hours to an entire day to build. So think about how much time you’re willing to commit to that. Plus, make sure you check whether it needs to be secured down with ground anchors or concrete.

To help you decide which option to go for, whether you’re looking for your baby’s first swing or something to keep the whole family entertained, we’ve found the best kids swing sets below.

Everest Squarewood Triple Swing Frame – Builder

If your kids know exactly what they want from a swing set, but you just can’t find it, the Everest Squarewood Triple Swing Frame may be just what you are looking for.

The best thing about this swing set is that it has a ‘Builder’ element to it. This means that it is compatible with all TP swing accessories, so you can customise your own set.

Choose from a rope swing, baby swing or glide ride. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more unusual there’s a pirate boat swing seat or a UFO swing seat.

The opportunity to mix and match your choices means that your little ones won’t get bored.

Made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood, this frame has been built to last and comes with a five year guarantee. It is suitable for ages 3+.

Buy now £279.99, TP Toys

Hedstrom Musical Toddler Swing

The Hedstrom Musical Toddler Swing is a great option for a baby’s first swing. It doesn’t take up too much space in the garden and has been designed with your little one’s comfort in mind.

Our favourite feature on this swing is that it plays music. It comes with 20 different pre-set lullabies or you can connect your phone to the in-built speakers to ensure your toddler can listen to their favourite songs on repeat.

Suitable for ages 6-36 months, this colourful swing has a secure five-point harness and high backed seat to keep your little one supported.

The steel frame can be secured into the ground with ground anchors, although concreting is recommended.

Buy now £59.42, Amazon

The Oak & Rope Company Baby Swing

If you’re looking for a swing with the royal seal of approval, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a swing from The Oak & Rope Company hanging in their garden.

We love the personalised nature of this baby swing - you can request your choice of name or message to be engraved into it and it would make a perfect first birthday present.

Made from Premium European Super Prime Oak, sourced from responsibly managed forests, these swings are built to last, so that they can be handed on to future generations. We also liked that there is the option to have more names engraved into the swing as your family grows.

The swing is suitable for use from eight months and can be installed with a set of Stokke Baby Harnesses if you have a little wriggler. It can also be hung indoors during the colder months.

Buy now £355.00, Not on the High Street

Sol 27 Outdoor Warden Swing Set

The Warden Swing Set is a well-priced option if you’re looking for something with a number of activities.

Children aged 3+ can choose from a single swing, a glider or a two-seat lawn swing. Up to five children at a time can play on it, so there is something to keep everyone busy.

Its colourful metal and plastic frame has been designed to be weather-resistant and will last through the seasons. It must be anchored into the ground.

Buy now £256.99, Wayfair

Dunster House SquirrelFort

If you’re looking for a frame that will keep your little ones entertained for hours, then the Dunster House SquirrelFort will tick all of the boxes.

As well as two swings, this set also includes a slide, a platform area and monkey bars. The lower section of the structure can also be used as a sandpit.

This set is suitable for age 3+ and can be used by up to five children at the same time. It also includes a steering wheel and telescope for plenty of imaginative play.

Made from pressure-treated timber, it comes with a 10-year timber guarantee.

Buy now £529.99, Amazon

Hedstrom Fabric Nest Swing

If space is at a premium but you want to avoid the arguments over a single swing, this nest swing is a good option.

This large fabric swing can seat up to three little ones at the same time and is suitable for those age 3+.

As well as being used as a big swing, it’s also a great place for making dens and playing games in.

Made from powder coated steel, the frame comes with ground pegs for extra stability.

Buy now £123.99, Amazon

TP Wooden Compact Triple Swing Set

For a swing set that will keep older kids happy, without taking over the entire garden, the TP Compact Triple Swing Set is a good option.

Although compact in size, it includes three different swing seats, which will keep kids playing all day long. The rapide swing seat and button seat are for single use and the glide ride can be used by two children at the same time.

It is suitable for those aged 3+ and the layout means that up to four children can play at the same time. So it’s perfect for larger families or play dates.

Made from FSC treated European Pine/Spruce, this set is easy to assemble. It comes with ground anchors which must be concreted in.

Buy now £160.00, Argos

Plum Mandril Wooden Climbing Frame

The Plum Mandril Wooden Climbing Frame is a great option if you want something hard-wearing.

Suitable for ages 3+, it features two swings, a glider and a 6ft slide. The swings include height adjustable ropes, which allows them to be easily changed as little legs get longer.

Made from FSC pressure treated timber, it has been designed to only take up a small space in the garden.

We liked that this swing set has been designed to last, with galvanised steel corner brackets to keep the structure sturdy and protect them from rusting. The metal swing attachments also encircle the pole, so no drilling is required. This also maintains the frame’s strength and makes life easier when assembling.

It should be concreted into the ground using the ground anchors provided.

Buy now £349.99, Amazon

Sitting Spiritually The Trilogy ‘Adaptable’ Swing Seat

If you’re looking for a high-end, once-in-a-lifetime swing set then this beautiful Sitting Spiritually one is worth splashing out on.

The bespoke handmade frame offers four options of seat, so it can be changed and reconfigured as the family changes over time. The choice of rope swings, single swinging seats or a four seater swing seat, means that children can swing alongside parents or grandparents, which is sure to delight all parties.

Handmade in Devon from FSC-certified kiln-dried oak, the frame is actually heavy enough to stand alone. Although it can also be secured with the provided fixing down kit if preferred. It is also delivered and assembled on site for you.

Sitting Spiritually is endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society and for every order placed a new tree is planted.

Buy now £1899.00, Sitting Spiritually

Plum Toddlers Tower

As your little ones start to get bigger, they might want more entertainment on their swing set and the Plum Toddlers Tower offers a number of activities.

The soft rope swing and high back seat are perfect for toddlers aged 12 months and over. Plus it has harness straps for extra safety.

Little explorers who are just starting to climb will love the wooden stairs and 4ft slide. It also includes a cute steering wheel, bell and post box, which are great for make-believe games.

This set has been especially designed for little ones and has lots of chunky handles they can use to balance themselves as they grow in confidence. Plus the wooden ladder also doubles up as a children’s picnic table when they need a break from playing.

Made from pressure treated timber, this set should be anchored into the ground.

Buy now £329.99, Mamas & Papas

Verdict

For a well-priced all-rounder swing set, opt for the Everest Squarewood Triple Swing Frame from TP Toys. The chance to customise this frame means that everyone gets to have a say on what they’re looking for, and accessories can be swapped out and changed to avoid boredom setting in.

However, if you’re looking for a really special present, which can be handed down through the generations, splash out on The Oak & Rope Company Baby Swing.