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Swing set showdown: A definitive guide to the best sets for old-fashioned outdoor fun

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There are fewer activities embodying the feeling of freedom quite like swinging on a swing set. Powered by one’s own might, momentum and will to get themselves as high in the sky as possible, it’s a special space of possibility. So, why not bring the ultimate playground equipment to the backyard? For the kids, of course…

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So that you can foster tactile, explorative and outdoor play in your little learners, we’ve curated a guide to some of the best swing sets and playsets on the Aussie market. Read on for our top picks of wooden swing sets, metal swing sets, cubby swing sets and more for every budget and backyard. Ready, get set, soar!

The best swing sets to shop in 2024

Best wooden swing sets

lifespan kids forde 2 double swing

Lifespan Kids Forde 2 double swing and glider set, from $439 at Temple & Webster

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Made from environmentally-friendly New Zealand pine, this double swing and glide set is an ideal pick of longevity for the sustainably-minded household. Plus, it’s timber and green colourways fit seamlessly into any backyard.

“Looks so good and was easy to assemble. It’s strong and sturdy too,” wrote a five-star reviewer.

Key features:

    • 2 swings and a 2-seat glide rider
    • Premium ACQ finish on timber for Australian climate
    • For ages 3 to 11
    • 10-year warranty against wood rot or insect damage and 2-year structure warranty

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    plum double wooden swing

    Plum double wooden swing set, from $369.95 (usually $379.95) at Temple & Webster

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    Swinging beside a friend is one of life’s most simple pleasures as a kid. This double swing set from Plum features a timeless wooden design that facilitates this act of pure joy and elevates the playful energy within the garden.

    “Sturdy little swing set. Did swap one seat for a baby seat,” wrote a reviewer who left five-stars. “Been up for six months and so far so good. Easy to assemble.”

    Key features:

      • Recommended for age 3+
      • 50kg maximum weight per swing suit
      • Made from FSC-certified timber
      • Anchor kit to secure to ground
      • 5-year warranty for wood
      • 1-year warranty for hardware

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      Best cubby house swing sets

      backyard discovery buckley hill play
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      Backyard Discovery Buckley Hill play centre, from $799 at Amazon

      With over 1000 five-star reviews on Amazon, you’d be amiss not to consider this swing set play centre from Backyard Discovery. Featuring a double swing set connected to a cubby that has a rock-climbing ladder and slide, it’s a primo setting for the afternoons playing make believe. With mesh panels on the upper fort and a UV-protecting cubby roof, this play set has thoughtful safety precautions built in.

      “I couldn’t be more pleased with the purchase of this swing set! As long as you have people to help with assembly, I say BUY IT NOW while it’s still in stock! It was by far the best quality one for the money and I spent hours and hours searching online,” wrote a five-star reviewer.

      Key features:

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      • Great for small yards
      • Chalkboard included on upper fort
      • Rope swings to avoid pinched fingers
      • Designed for ages 3 to 6

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        lifespan-kids-coburg-lake-play-centre
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        Lifespan kids Coburg Lake play centre with yellow slide, from $1599 at Temple & Webster

        Fit with a telescope to keep watch of potential enemies approaching the fort, this swing set and play centre is the budding king or queen of the castle’s dream. With a slew of choices for active play, and the option for green or yellow accents, it’s a colourful addition to the imaginary kingdom.

        “Kids absolutely love this playground. So much to do and spend hours and hours on it,” wrote a reviewer who left five stars.

        Key features:

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          • 110cm-high raised playhouse with observation window
          • Lower kids fort with snack stand and bench and chalkboard
          • Step ladder
          • 2 belt swings and trapeze bar
          • Monkey bars
          • Wavy slide
          • Recommended maximum weight of 54kg per person (with maximum of 8 kids at a time)

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            Best swing and slide set

            plum 5 unit swing and slide set
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            Plum 5 unit swing and slide set, from $679 (usually $699.95) at Temple & Webster

            Really take a trip down memory lane with this five-unit swing and slide set from Plum that might just look like the set you had as a kid. Weekends and afternoons after school will be teeming with laughter when playing on these swings perfect for friends and cousins.

            “Great swing set, beautiful colours, and easy to put together. My daughter loves it. Many hours of play outside,” wrote a five-star reviewer.

            Key features:

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              • Made from galvanised steel for longevity
              • 12-month warranty
              • Slide, glider, climbing ladder, double swing set and basketball hoop
              • Adjustable swing height
              • Recommended for ages 3 to 10
              • 50kg maximum user weight

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              Best toddler swing set

              funlio toddler swing

              Funlio 3-in-1 swing set for toddler, from $149.99 at Amazon

               

              While at first glance, this top-rated swing set may look like it’s for a toddler, its seat can actually transform in three ways to suit kids up to 10 years old. So, you can get them soaring early and all through childhood. Plus, with over 1200 five-star reviews on Amazon, you know this swing set is a winner.

              “I brought this for my eight-month-old grandson he loves it, and my seven-year-old granddaughter also uses it,” wrote a five-star reviewer, “Best swing ever, and it can be used indoors as well as outdoors, I love the why it folds up to store away”.
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              Key features:

              • Adjustable rope height
              • Transformable seat
              • Comes with 4 sandbags for safety
              • Foldable storage

               

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              What age is appropriate for swing sets?

              It really depends on when your child shows an interest towards swings. Between two and five years old is a pretty standard age range for play to begin on swing sets and play sets – usually until later primary school years. It’s appropriate at any age to have a swing set – just as long as they’re within the maximum weight capacity to swing.

              How much does an average swing set cost?

              There’s quite a range in price when it comes to the average swing set cost in Australia. A very basic swing set can start around the $200 mark, while a larger and more complex playset with swings, slides, climbing towers (such as the aforementioned Lifespan Play centre) can cost somewhere around the $1500-$2000 mark. Though, as you can see in the swing sets and playsets featured above, you can nab a quality and complex mid-range model for around $400 or $600.


              Looking to save money on swing sets? Check out our coupon codes for MyDealMyer and more.

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