If you have a large yard and a child/children, then a swing set can be a fantastic investment and a great way to keep your kids fit, active and entertained.
The most difficult task can be deciding which swing set is best for you yard, but luckily we have done that for you!
Check out our round up of the best heavy duty swing sets for older kids.
Best Heavy Duty Swing Sets for Older Kids:
At A Glance List
Below is a quick view of my favorite heavy duty swing sets for older kids. To find out more about them click on the link to take you to the full review.
Best Metal Heavy Duty Swing Sets
| Name | Age Range | Rating | |
| #1: Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set >>> BEST FOR: ♦ Best Buy ♦ | 3 to 12 | 95% |  Read Review |
| #2: Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset >>> BEST FOR: Age Range | 3 to 12 | 93% | Read Review |
| #3: Fitness Reality ‘The Ultimate’ 8 Station Sports Series Swing Set >>> BEST FOR: Price | 3 to 8 | 92% | Read Review |
| #4: Backyard Discovery Big Brutus >>> BEST FOR: Size | 3 to 10 | 91% | Read Review |
| #5: Lifetime A-Frame Adventure Playset >>> BEST FOR: Build Quality | 3 to 12 | 91% | Read Review |
| #6:Sportspower Super 8 Fun Metal Swing Set >>> BEST FOR: Assembly | 3 to 8 | 88% | Read Review |
Best Wooden Heavy Duty Swing Sets
| Name | Age Range | My Rating | |
| #1 – Gorilla Playsets Nantucket Swing Set >>> BEST FOR: ♦ Best Buy ♦ | 3 to 11 | 93% | Read Review |
| #2 – Backyard Discovery Skyfort II >>> BEST FOR: Size | 3 to 10 | 91% | Read Review |
| #3 – Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center >>> BEST FOR: Fun | 3 to 8 | 90% | Read Review |
| #4 – Backyard Discovery Somerset Wooden Swing Set >>> BEST FOR: Value | 3 to 10 | 89% | Read Review |
| #5 – KidKraft Andorra Cedar Wood Swing Set >>> BEST FOR: Small Yards | 3 to 12 | 88% | Read Review |
| #6 – Creative Playthings Spring Hill Swing Set >>> BEST FOR: Age Ranges | 2 to 15 | 86% | Read Review |
Choosing a Heavy Duty Swing Set
Know about swing sets?
>> Jump to my reviews <<
So I’ve already rounded up the best swing sets for small backyards – but for those of you lucky enough to have more space you might want something a bit bigger…
Buying a heavy duty swing set needn’t be rocket science, there are a few things you need to think about though.
So let’s dive in…
1 – Space
Quite simply you need to make sure you have enough space in your yard for it! Remember most swing sets require a six foot safety zone around them as well.
So take a note of the size of your yard and then take a note of the dimensions of the swing set you like the look of and add six feet to them. Make sure your chosen swing set will fit in your yard!
2 – Materials
Generally swing sets will be made of wood or metal, and each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Wood swing sets often look incredibly classy and are durable and sturdy. Replacing parts that break is easier and you can also add more parts over the years.
But…
They are more expensive, they are often more difficult to put together and they need to be well cared for.
Metal swing sets are stronger and require less maintenance and are less likely to wear. They are also generally cheaper than wood and easier to assemble.
However…
They are prone to rusting in wet conditions and conduct heat in warm climates. Also they are more difficult to customise in the future than wood swing sets.
3 – Assembly
Putting together a swing set could be the bane of your life! If you don’t have patience, aren’t technically minded and don’t want to pay someone to put together a swing set then this is something you will need to seriously think about.
It isn’t a level playing field, not all swing sets are easy to put together – do you research and find out just how tricky assembly of your chosen swing set could be.
4 – Activities
And now the fun bit! What activities do your children want? Just swings? A slide? A cargo net? Monkey bars?
Nowadays swing sets for big kids can include a whole host of activities. Talk to them about what they want, thing about how old they are and what they may enjoy in the future as they grow up.
If you are going to pay out a fair chunk of money you want it to last and you want your children to have fun right?
You are dead right!
Good luck
The video below may help you when it comes to choosing a swing set:
Editor’s Note
I hope you love the products that I recommend here! Just so you know, I work with Amazon and other affiliate partners and may be compensated from the links below.
The Best Metal Swing Sets for Older Kids
#1: Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set
BEST FOR…
Those wanting the best metal swing set.
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 18’10 x 14 x 9’5
- Weight Capacity: 640lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 12
- Activities: 5
- Warranty: Five-year
- Price Guide: $$
The Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set is a high-quality, easy to put together swing set that is a heavy duty swing set for adults as well as kids of all ages!
So what do you get?
You get three belt swings, a nine-foot wavy slide, monkey bars, gym rings and a fireman’s pole. It is made of powder-coated steel.
Who is it for?
Officially this is for 3-to-12-year-olds, but even adults who are young at heart will be able to play on this such is its sturdiness! Although probably the optimum age is in the 6-to-12-years age bracket.
Note the total weight capacity of 640lbs, each swing station has a weight capacity of 140lbs and the slide is rated at a capacity of 150lbs. But, whisper it quietly, it can hold more than this!
How big is it?
This measures just under 19 feet long by 14 feet wide by 9.5 feet high. Lifetime, who manufacturer this, recommend an area of roughly 26 feet by 34 feet for safe use.
What about putting it together?
As far as heavy duty swing sets go, this is actually pretty straightforward to put together! The instructions are really good and easy to follow and with two of you you should get it done in three to four hours.
Also note you don’t need to anchor this either – the footprint and weight of the unit ensure this stays stable and well balanced.
What is so good about it?
This really is of the highest quality – made of galvanized steel and high-density polyethylene it is incredibly sturdy and feels and looks like a professional style swing set you might see in a park. It is tough and as a result it should last for a very long time.
It is the archetypal swing set – strong enough to hold adults, but with a broad enough range of features to keep children of all ages entertained and it actually packs these features into a fairly small space – making great use of space.
To top it all off, as mentioned, it is reasonably straightforward to put together.
What could be better?
The ladder up to the slide could be better designed – it goes straight up, so younger children (say under the age of six) might find it difficult to climb. It also can become very slippery if you have had some rain.
And the swings are a little close together, so if all three are in use you might want to keep a bit more of a watchful eye on them!
To sum up:
Stable and smooth with a great design and layout, made of top-notch materials, a wide variety of play options and incredibly easy to put together this is a really outstanding metal swing set that should keep your kids entertained for years to come.
MY RATING: 95%
Pros
- Straightforward to assemble
- Very high quality materials
- Should last a long time
- Lots of features
- Clever, space saving design
Cons
- Ladder to slide could be better designed
- Swings a little close together.
#2: Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset
BEST FOR…
Those wanting something that is great for kids of all ages
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 19’6 x 16’2 x 10’10
- Weight Capacity: 1600lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 12
- Activities: 9
- Warranty: Five-Year
- Price Guide: $$$
If you are something that is strong, sturdy and great for kids of all ages the Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset is a great choice.
So what do you get?
You get a clubhouse with a hardtop roof, a 9-foot wavy slide, a trapeze bar and two swings, two climbing walls, a steering wheel, a fireman’s pole and monkey bars.
Who is it for?
This is officially for 3-to-12-year-olds, but it is big and strong! The weight capacity for each swing and the slide is 150lbs, the platform has a weight capacity of 600 lbs and the total capacity for this is 1600lbs. If you are careful it should take the weight of you and your kids!
There is such a wide variety of play options, and it is so sturdy kids of all ages (including big kids!) will be able to enjoy it.
How big is it?
It measures 19’6 feet long by 16’2 feet wide by 10’10 feet high. The deck is five feet high and the swing bars are 7’8 feet high.
Lifetime recommend the total area you need, including a safety zone, is 33’3 feet long by 32’5 feet wide.
What about putting it together?
It isn’t the easiest! Lifetime recommend two to three adults should be able to get this up and built in 4 to 6 hours but actual user experience doesn’t echo that!
As an indicator It seems like, with four of you, you should be able to get this up in one day.
What is so good about it?
Pretty much everything!
It is big and sturdy, with a real solid metal construction it should last a long, long time. The quality of the hardware Lifetime send is noticeably good.
And that is good because it has such a wide variety of play options kids of all ages can enjoy it! From the wavy slide to the monkey bars, everything single feature seems well thought out and made.
You also have a lot of flexibility here as you can adjust the height of the swings easily or swap them out completely, likewise you can swap out the ladder.
What could be better?
No doubt where the weak point is here – it is the instructions. They are poorly written and not clear enough.
Also the ladder is probably a little difficult for really small children to use, so you will want to keep an eye on that.
To sum up:
Strong, sturdy, built to last and with plenty to do for children of all ages – this is great and you can even enjoy it with your kids!
MY RATING: 93%
Pros
- Very strong
- Lots of play options
- Well made
- Flexibility on play options
- Will last years
Cons
- Assembly is complicated
- Ladder is not ideal for really small children
#3: Fitness Reality ‘The Ultimate’ 8 Station Sports Series Swing Set
BEST FOR…
Those who want a bargain swing set.
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 13’1 x 8’9 x 6
- Weight Capacity: 640lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 8
- Activities: 8
- Warranty: Two-Year
- Price Guide: $
The Fitness Reality ‘The Ultimate’ 8 Station Sports Series Swing Set is an absolute bargain – offering great value for money.
So what do you get?
If you can guess from the name you get eight activity stations – a 36 inch trampoline, a fitness saucer and ladder, a flying saucer, monkey bars, a swing, a two person glider, a soccer net and a basketball hoop (and backboard).
Who is it for?
This is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 8 and this pretty accurate – it seems to be particularly popular amongst the young bracket of that group, ie around 3-to-5/6-years-old.
How big is it?
In feet it measures 13’1 long by 8’9 wide by 6 high and it weighs 104lbs. It is recommended that it is at least six feet away from any fence in every direction. Each station has an 80lb weight limit, except the glider which has an 80lbs per seat limit (it accommodates two people).
What about putting it together?
Fitness Reality give the assembly time as one to two hours, with two adults. Whilst that is a bit optimistic this certainly won’t take you much longer than that to assemble it.
Note it comes with stabilisers, but not anchors and you will probably want to purchase these to give the swing extra stability.
What is so good about it?
Well the price for starters! As mentioned you get a lot at a tremendous price.
Considering it is at such a reasonable cost it feels nice and strong, thanks to a sturdy two inch frame and as long as you purchase ground anchors for the swing – it is very stable.
There are lots of safety details, the pinch points are well protected and there is padding on the posts of the soccer goal and around the saucer swing.
You get a baseball and soccer ball as well (and pump) so this ends up being a playstation that inspires children to stay fit and have fun.
What could be better?
As mentioned this does come with stabilisers, but they aren’t great, so you will need to purchase a separate grounding kit.
Also it probably isn’t your last forever play set, but for the price you will get a lot of use out of it.
To sum up:
It is great value for money, there is loads to do, it is easy to assemble and younger kids will love it. What more could you ask for?!
MY RATING: 92%
Pros
- Bargain price
- Lots of activities
- Easy to assemble
- Younger kids will love it
- Very safe
Cons
- Need to get ground kid
- Might not last forever
#4: Backyard Discovery Big Brutus
BEST FOR…
Those wanting a REALLY big swing set for big kids (in fact for all kids)!
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 13’2 x 9’7 x 9’6
- Weight Capacity: 450lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 10
- Activities: 2
- Warranty: One-Year
- Price Guide: $
The Backyard Discovery Big Brutus certainly lives up to its name – a mammoth but well-made swing set.
So what do you get?
A straightforward swing set, it has two 26-inch belt swings and a metal trapeze bar.
Who is it for?
This is officially for children aged 3-to-10-years-old, but due to its huge size and reasonably extensive weight limit of 150lbs per swing, it can accommodate older children/teenagers comfortably.
How big is it?
It measures 13.2 feet wide by 9.7 feet deep by 9.6 feet high. Backyard Discovery recommend you have at least six feet of space around all sides of this when it is erected in your yard.
What about putting it together?
This is actually very straightforward to install, probably made slightly easier by the fact this isn’t the most complicated structure ever. In fact you can actually download an app – BILT – that gives you step-by-step instructions, with 3D models that makes it even easier to put together!
With two or three of you it will take around two hours to assemble.
This also comes with steel twist-in ground anchors for each leg.
What is so good about it?
I think maybe the name, Big Brutus, gives it away – this is huge! At nearly ten feet tall this is a swing set that your kids will be able to get some serious air on – they will love it. This actually 40% bigger than a standard metal swing set.
It is certainly robust too – made from thick steel with a durable frame this is heavy duty to the extreme and will last years. The weight, and included ground anchors, really help ensure it feels ultra stable.
Even those this is very tall, the actually footprint is reasonable so it doesn’t take up a huge space and it is very well priced.
What could be better?
Well this is limited on play activities – so you don’t have the options some other swing sets come with like slides and monkey bars etc.
Do to the huge size of this if you have very young children you might want to make sure you are with them when they are swinging on this – it is big and the swings can go very high.
To sum up:
The Big Brutus is big! If you are looking for a straightforward swing set, at a good price, that will last a long time and is well made then get this.
MY RATING: 91%
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Lots of swing space!
- Very robust
- Ultra stable
- Good price
Cons
- Limited play activities
- Need to be careful with very young children on it
#5: Lifetime A-Frame Adventure Playset
BEST FOR…
Those looking for top build quality and play options.
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 15 x 14 x 11
- Weight Capacity: 600lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 12
- Activities: 8
- Warranty: Five-Year
- Price Guide: $$$
Packed full of play options and tremendously well-built the Lifetime A-Frame Adventure Playset also offers great value for money.
So what do you get?
You get: rockwall; a ship’s wheel and binoculars; a trapeze bar and two swings; a 9-feet wavy slide; a propeller swing; a cargo net and a climbing wall.
Who is it for?
Officially it is for 3-to-12-year-olds. Slightly younger children might struggle with some of the play options here, so probably the optimum age is for 6-to-10-year-olds, but certainly it is sturdy enough for young teens and even adults if you want your share of fun!
How big is it?
It measures 15 feet long by 14 feet wide by 11 feet high. Lifetime recommend the area you need to use this safely is 30’10 by 28’3.
What about putting it together?
Compared to some swing sets, it isn’t too bad. Depending on your DIY skills and competence at following instructions, two of you could probably get this done in somewhere between four and six hours.
It is worth noting this is freestanding, with no cement or anchoring required.
What is so good about it?
The whole quality of this is excellent and it feels like it will truly stand the test of time.
It feels very durable and all of the features are exceptionally well made – for instance the cargo net roping is tough and won’t fray, but still comfortable enough to grip and the slide feels stable and smooth – which is often an area where other playsets fail.
It has plenty of play options with something for everyone – older kids for instance might love the rock wall and cargo net, whilst younger kids will be attracted to the ship wheel and binoculars.
It looks good and considering what you get the price is exceptional too.
What could be better?
Be aware this does come in a lot of parts! As I mentioned assembly isn’t too bad, but you will need to separate everything out and work logically through the instructions.
Whilst most of the play options are great there is a small swing under the fort that does seem kind of pointless waste of space, as it doesn’t really do anything other than rock a few inches back and forth.
To sum up:
With enough play options to keep kids happy throughout the summer the Lifetime A-Frame Adventure playset is also well designed, built to last and good value for money.
MY RATING: 91%
Pros
- Variety of play options
- Very high quality
- Built to last
- Good for kids of all ages
- Good value for money
Cons
- Lots of pieces when assembling
- Swing under fort is pointless
#6: Sportspower Super 8 Fun Metal Swing Set
BEST FOR…
Those wanting a budget swing set that is straightforward to install.
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 18’4 x 8’5 x 6
- Weight Capacity: 800lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 8
- Activities: 5
- Warranty: Three-Year
- Price Guide: $
The Sportspower Super 8 Fun Metal is an easy to assemble swing set that won’t hurt your pocket too much – a great combination.
So what do you get?
You get: two swing seats; a flying saucer; a glider; a six-feet slide and a rocking horse.
Who is it for?
Although it is aimed at 3-to-8-year olds, this is a metal swing set older children, up to the age of 10 or 11, will probably still enjoy.
How big is it?
In feet it measures 18’4 long by 8’5 wide by 6 high. In terms of the size of yard you need Sportspower recommend you have an area of at least 38’4 feet by 28’5 feet.
Up to eight children at once can use this and it supports up to 100lbs per user so the total weight limit is 800 lbs.
What about putting it together?
Refreshingly it is quite easy to install. The manufacturers say it is ready to play in 150 minutes and that is quite accurate – directions are well laid out and everything is labeled clearly.
It doesn’t come with an anchor kit, but it is well worth buying one.
What is so good about it?
As mentioned the price makes it really affordable, especially considering the features and the quality. The flying saucer in particular is a nice feature considering the lower price.
It all feels very safe – no sharp edges or screw protruding, and sturdy and well made for the price.
It is also very colorful and won’t have you tearing your hair out in frustration as you try and put it together!
What could be better?
I have a couple of reservations about the slide, especially for much younger children. When you are at the top of the slide area there isn’t really anything to support you – so be careful as young children might fall.
The swing seats are also a little hard and might become uncomfortable after prolonged use.
To sum up:
It is well priced, easy to put together and has a good range of play options – offering something that most younger children should enjoy.
MY RATING: 88%
Pros
- Easy to put together
- Great price
- Very safe
- Eye catching colors
- Flying saucer is a great play feature
Cons
- Slide might not be ideal for younger children
- Swing seats a bit hard
The Best Wooden Swing Sets for Older Kids
#1: Gorilla Playsets Nantucket Wood Swing Set
BEST FOR…
Those after a top-quality wooden swing set for all ages.
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 16 x 10’6 x 13
- Weight Capacity: 800lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 11
- Activities: 10
- Warranty: Ten-Year
- Price Guide: $$$
A wonderfully stout swing set – the Gorilla Playsets Nantucket Swing Set – is a heavy duty swing set suitable for adults as well as kids!
So what do you get?
This has ten activities: two swing belts; a trapeze bar with rings; a tic-tac-toe panel; a sandbox; a rock wall with climbing rope; a wave slide; a ladder; a steering wheel; a telescope, and a clubhouse with two windows and shutters.
Who is it for?
The suggested age range is for 3-to-11 year-olds, but this is quite heavy duty and will probably hold up to slightly older children using it, and even the occasional adult!
How big is it?
It measures, in feet, 16 wide by 10’6 high by 13 deep. Gorilla Playsets recommend you have a safety zone of 28 feet wide by 25 feet deep.
The weight capacity is 800lbs in total.
What about putting it together?
Gorilla Playsets estimate the assembly time as 6 to 8 hours, but as is often the case this is slightly optimistic.
I saw one report of someone hiring two people to construct this and it took them ten hours to do it. So be prepared for it to take longer.
What is so good about it?
The quality and craftsmanship of the playset is absolutely top-notch. The attention to detail is impeccable and it is very sturdy indeed
It has plenty of activities in a reasonably compact space, but it is well-designed so you never feel like space is cramped.
It is built to last and the quality of the product is emphasised by the ten-year warranty.
What could be better?
The assembly instructions could be a lot better and tied in with that the boards and parts could be labelled more clearly to make this easier to put together.
To sum up:
This is a lifetime swing set – it is so well made and sturdy, and has some great options, that it might be the only playset you ever need!
MY RATING: 93%
Pros
- Nice range of activities
- Very well made
- Sturdy
- Ten-year warranty
- Good for a wide range of children
Cons
- Instructions could be better
- Parts could be labelled better
#2: Backyard Discovery Skyfort II
BEST FOR…
Those looking for a wooden playset that can hold a lot of children!
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 22’7 x 16’8 x 12’5
- Weight Capacity: 1,350lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 10
- Activities: 9
- Warranty: Five-Year
- Price Guide: $$$
The Backyard Discovery Skyfort II is a very robust playset that can take a lot of weight if you have a lot of children wanting to have fun on its multiple activities.
So what do you get?
You have a clubhouse, porch, a crow’s nest and telescope, monkey bars, rock wall, a 10-foot wave slide, two belt swings, a glider swing for two people and picnic table.
Who is it for?
It is recommended for children aged 3-to-10 years old. Younger children aged 5-to-7 will absolutely love it, but even slightly older children, up to 12-years-old will have a lot of fun on this.
How big is it?
When it is put together it measures, in feet, 22’7 wide by 16’8 deep by 12’5 high – Backyard Discovery recommend a six foot safety zone around it. You can have up to nine children on it at once.
What about putting it together?
Now this is a big swing set so be prepared to spend a bit of time putting it together! Based on feedback you can expect it to take 24 hours of work between two of you to build it and around 12 hours with three of you.
All wood, hardware, swings and slide is supplied.
What is so good about it?
It has some fantastic activities. The glider swing is really well made, comfortable and young kids will love it.
The lower fort is a great clubhouse for children and roomy enough that even fully grown adults can stand up in it, and the crows nest and telescope is really good fun.
It takes a lot of weight and that is a clear sign it is well made and will last, as it is so sturdy. It looks really good too!
What could be better?
The swings are great, but definitely a little too close together and the slide is the weakest point of the playset. It comes in five pieces, and that makes sliding down it less pleasant than it could be as it bounces around a bit too much.
To sum up:
This is a BIG swing set and very heavy duty! It has so many activities and pretty much all of them are great fun. It looks great and takes a lot of weight.
MY RATING: 91%
Pros
- Takes a lot of weight
- Great with lots of children
- Good variety of activities
- Built to last
- Looks great
Cons
- Swings are too close together
- Slide could be better
#3: Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center
BEST FOR…
Those looking for a fun wooden swing set for younger children.
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 7’3 x 18 x 9’8
- Weight Capacity: 600lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 8
- Activities: 7
- Warranty: Three-Year
- Price Guide: $$
The Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge is an all round fun playset that younger children will love.
So what do you get?
You get: a climbing wall; rope ladder; a six-foot slide and basketball hoop; two swings; a two seated glider and a clubhouse.
Who is it for?
The recommended age is 3-to-8-year olds. Probably after the age of six your children might be getting a little bit too big for it, so I would say 3-to-6 is the ideal age range.
How big is it?
It measures 7’3 feet high by 18 feet wide by 9’8 feet deep. Step2 recommend you have a 6’5 feet safety zone around this when you install it.
What about putting it together?
This is actually pretty straightforward to assemble, with two of you it should take four-to-six hours to assemble.
What is so good about it?
It is really fun! Especially for younger ages.
The play options are all nicely made and feel safe and secure with no sharp edges, the ladder has large flat steps that make it easy to climb and the clubhouse is aesthetically very attractive and nice and robust.
In fact the whole play set is very attractive and will look nice in your yard.
For younger children it is sturdy and I have read lots of compliments about great customer service.
What could be better?
Two things – 1) the swings are a little high for really young children, and 2) the bottom of the slide is directly on the ground – there are no supports to raise it, so children come straight off literally down to earth with a bump.
To sum up:
This is great for younger children, looks nice and has some good play options.
MY RATING: 90%
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Lots of fun activities
- Safe
- Looks great
- Great for younger children
Cons
- Swings are a bit high for young children
- Slide could be better designed
#4: Backyard Discovery Somerset Wooden Swing Set
BEST FOR…
Those looking for value for money.
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 15.3 x 10.9 x 8.10
- Weight Capacity: 1080lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 10
- Activities: 6
- Warranty: 1 year – parts, 5 years – wood
- Price Guide: $
A lot of activities in one compact and affordable package. The Backyard Discovery Somerset Wooden Swing Set by really gives you more than what you can expect.
So what do you get?
First, let’s talk about the slide. It’s a swing set but the slide is a favorite because it is eight feet. That’s quite big especially for small kids. In other words, it’s more fun.
It may be compact but there are actually a number of activities that children can do. We already mentioned the slide and the swing set includes a trapeze swinging bar for the more courageous kids.
How do children go up? It’s actually more adventurous than most as children can go up through the rock wall. Now, this is actually advantageous because it allows children to develop strength and improve their coordination and motor skills.
The upper part is an observation deck while the bottom has a snack bench. It has everything a kid could ask for.
Who is it for?
This is a swing set for smaller areas, so don’t expect a whole class of students playing there at the same time. Although, it can accommodate a maximum of nine children aged three to 10 years old.
Just make sure the children are less than 120 pounds.
How big is it?
When you buy it, the weight is around 225 pounds. When you assemble it, these are the dimensions: 15’3” x 10’9” x 8’10”.
What about putting it together?
It’s quite easy to assemble. You have to remember to put “easy” in the appropriate context. In general, a playhouse is always hard to assemble because it’s a whole structure with different components.
In this case, though, you will be assisted by the BILT app. This is an interactive app that provides a step-by-step process on how to assemble this thing.
What is so good about it?
The price is something that we should really tackle. This playhouse is cheaper than its counterparts. However, it still provides a really great deal of fun with multiple activities to choose from.
Aesthetically, the structure also looks good. The lumber is pre-stained, so it is smooth and sophisticated to look at.
What could be better?
The boards are really thin and lightweight. While it is supposed to carry over 1,000 pounds, I can’t help but worry whenever multiple children are already on deck.
To sum up:
It’s great to find a compact set because not all people can have large yards. It is small in size as well as in price.
If you don’t expect a deluge of children, this is a suitable-enough swing set.
MY RATING: 89%
Pros
- Affordable
- At least 6 activities
- Easy to assemble
- Neat
- 100% cedar
Cons
- Wood isn’t as sturdy as it should be
#5: KidKraft Andorra Cedar Wood Swing Set
BEST FOR…
Those with a small yard
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 9 x 7.9 x 10.25
- Weight Capacity: 770lbs
- Age Range: 3 to 12
- Activities: 4
- Warranty: One-Year
- Price Guide: $
Just because you have a small yard doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a swing set. If you have kids, it’s important that they stay active.
The KidKraft Andorra Cedar Wood Swing Set is the kind of play set you should get when you don’t have a lot of space at home.
So what do you get?
This is quite a simple playhouse–basic, if you may. It has a couple of swings, of course. It also has a slide.
You know what’s different? It has a vinyl chalk wall. This is not something that is very common with playhouses. This way, the child will also have a cognitive experience.
Who is it for?
This is appropriate for children aged three to 12 years old. But since it’s quite small, the older kids might not enjoy it too much.
How big is it?
While this may be a compact swing set, it can accommodate seven children, each with a maximum weight of 110 pounds.
The dimensions of the structure are 108 x 95 x 123 inches. The entire thing weighs 130 pounds.
What about putting it together?
You know, it’s relatively easy. It can usually be done in two to four hours. With two people, it’s mostly completed within two hours.
What is so good about it?
This is a great first swing set for toddlers. Not only are they going to enjoy the usual slide and swing, there is also the chalk wall. Perhaps they would enjoy learning better if they are taught at the playhouse.
The fact that it’s compact is also ideal for smaller areas. You have to remember that there should be a safety zone surrounding a playhouse.
What could be better?
There are a couple of things that could be better. Let’s start with some pieces of wood that are splintered. It’s going to be a pain for kids. You need to check everything before you build it up.
The advantage of being compact is also its negative. Because it’s compact, the bigger kids, those who are in their pre-teens, may not thoroughly enjoy this.
To sum up:
If you plan on introducing your toddler to their very first, then this is the one you want. You just need to polish everything so they will be safe from splinters.
It’s quite affordable, too. That’s a piece of very important information.
MY RATING: 88%
Pros
- Very affordable
- Contains chalk wall
- Compact
- Assembly was okay
Cons
- Some parts are splintered
- Better for toddlers
#6: Creative Playthings Spring Hill Swing Set
BEST FOR…
Those a wider age range of children and even teens
Product Spec
- Dimensions (feet): 15 x 12 x 7
- Weight Capacity: 900lbs
- Age Range: 2 to 15
- Activities: 10
- Warranty: 10 years on wood
- Price Guide: $$$
The Creative Playthings Spring Hill Swing Set is a perfect set to have when you are expecting a lot of kids at home. Not just kids, teens would enjoy it too, it is a swing for big kids as well as small.
So what do you get?
This is a quintessential playhouse where children can do so many things in it. There is the swing, of course. There are two swings flanked by a ring trapeze.
The slide is 10 feet. Even teens would enjoy this, maybe even adults. There are three ways to go up the viewing deck with a porch: via stairs, rock wall or via rope.
There is a porch and a picnic table, too.
Who is it for?
It’s for children up to 15 years old. Yep, teenagers will have fun here. Even if they don’t play anymore, they can just hang out on the large porch. Or perhaps they will feel like children again going down the 10-foot slide.
How big is it?
It’s quite large. The dimensions are 180 x 144 x 84 inches. The observation deck is quite substantial, too. It is 42 x 60 inches and five feet high.
What about putting it together?
It’s large so you really have your work cut out for you. It’s going to be really meticulous. In other words, it’s going to be quite a nightmare.
What is so good about it?
There are actually a lot of good things about it. You could say that this is a playhouse for everybody. It can accommodate a lot of children. Young ones can enjoy it with their guardians and the older ones like the preteens and teens can hang out in this large swing set.
What could be better?
If there is a way to make the assembly better, that would be great. People buying a set this pricey wouldn’t want to spend additional money on handymen to put up the playhouse.
To sum up:
If you have a large yard to spare, you should put this large play area for the children. Even teenagers and adults will have fun in this swing set.
MY RATING: 86%
Pros
- Great for large areas
- Teens could also enjoy it
- Made of strong material
- 10-year warranty for wooden components
- 10-feet slide
- 10 activities
- Spacious playdeck
Cons
- Assembly could be easier
In Summary
I hope you have found this rundown of some of the best heavy duty swing sets for older kids of use. If you have a smaller yard check out my list of the best swing sets for small yards.
If you do have any questions, are uncertain about anything or just want to find out more about swing sets please feel free to drop me an email and I will do my best to help you.
Don’t forget you can also check out my Reviews Section for individual product reviews. Or you can visit my Site Index for everything on my site on one page.
Useful Links
- 5 Health Benefits of Owning a Swing Set – The Swing Set Co.
- Benefits of Wood Swing Sets – Hot Swing Sets
- Benefits to Metal Swing Sets – Sportspower Ltd
