8 Swing Set For Small Yards Review – Buying Guide & FAQs

Swing sets provide young children with hours of fun right at home, allowing them to get a little exercise and sun during the warmest seasons of the year. However, if you have a small yard, you may find it hard to find metal or wood swing sets. Thankfully, there are many options for a swing set for a small yard that you can buy.

The best 10 options are listed below and are rated by their play options, durability, and price. Our favorite option is the Sportspower Arcadia Swing Set. However, there are other options from which you can choose. So make sure to read through our list carefully to get the best results for your child’s imagination. Don’t neglect options like a tube slide or a rock climbing wall, either.

Our Top 4 Swing Set For Small Yards

1. Top Overall Choice: Sportspower Arcadia Swing Set
2. Runner Up: Swing-N-Slide PB 8360 Swing Set
3. Budget Buy: Backyard Round Tree Swing Set
4. Most Decorative Option: Outsunny Kids Swing Set

8 Best Swing Set For Small Yards Reviewed

#1. Sportspower Arcadia Swing Set

Our pick for the most attractive swing set for a small yard comes with two swing seats, a trapeze bar, a two-person glider, and a fun wave slide. Our tests found that up to six children could easily play on this set with minimal difficulty. For the money you pay, this playset is great because it allows your children to have a lot of fun engagingly and unforgettably.

The heavy-duty construction uses weather-resistant steel tubes and a powder-coated finish to keep damage at a minimum. All swing hanger chains are covered by vinyl to keep them as strong as possible, minimizing potential wear and tear problems. In this way, this set is excellent for just about anybody to use.

Pros:

• Very fair price
• Sturdy and durable frame
• Supports up to 600 pounds

Cons:

• It may be a little large
• Requires a separate anchor

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#2. Swing-N-Slide PB 8360 Swing Set

When choosing the top playset for a small yard, we had a hard time between the top two options. We like that this set is a little heavier and more compact. In this way, we find that it is often safer and easier to install and has a much lower risk of tipping. However, we also found that it lacked the number of fun options available on the top pick on our list.

As a result, we ended up going with this as our runner-up. That said, we love its rust-free design, the easy-to-understand instructions, the ring and trapeze swing, and its strong support capabilities. When it comes to picking between the top two here, you can’t go wrong.

Pros:

• Very strong and sturdy
• Supports up to 115 pounds on each swing
• Durable and reliable chains

Cons:

• Cost a bit more than the top model
• Not quite as fun as the top option

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#3. Backyard Round Tree Swing Set

If you don’t have a lot of money but want a playset a for small yard, this option is a great choice. It is something like a tire swing or a belt swing and doesn’t cost a lot of money but provides your children with a round tree swing that is very compact and easy to install. In our tests, we found that this swing could go up in less than an hour if you find a strong tree branch or any other support item for its usage in your yard.

Our quality tests also found that this industrial-strength steel frame was capable of supporting up to 220 pounds, meaning that lighter adults could even enjoy the swing. And with its easy-to-remove design, you could take it with you to parties or when you go camping.

Pros:

• The price is very nice
• It supports a surprising amount of weight
• It is effortless to install

Cons:

• It doesn’t have multiple swing options
• It could flip if you aren’t careful

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#4. Outsunny Kids Swing Set

If you want a design that will stand out in your yard, this choice may be the one for you. This swing set uses a multi-color design that varies depending on each section of the set. For example, green, red, and yellow bars catch the eye and look appealing to a large number of users. Just as significantly, this set will help your yard look more appealing to you and anyone else in your neighborhood.

We love that this playset can hold up to three children: a one-person swing, a two-person teeter totter, and a trapeze bar. That design type is widespread for many designs for a swing sets for small yards, making it a popular choice for many parents. In our tests, we found that young children not only enjoyed each of these play areas but often used much of their body to stay strong and secure when playing.

Pros:

• Very reasonable price considering the design
• The colorful design will appeal to many children
• Simple setup is quite enjoyable and can be done very quickly

Cons:

• Only appropriate for very young children (3-5)
• Use may be limited based on a child’s weight

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#5. ZENY Kids Web Swing Set

As a one-person web-swing set, this playset for small yards is a good choice. The wide and comfortable web swing can support children of many different sizes and weights. It can even support a handful of small children, something that we found many users immensely enjoyed. Our tests found that two or three small children could easily swing on it with proper parental supervision.

And in our tests, the metal material was quite sturdy and capable of handling up to 600 pounds or so. The overall weight and size of this swing are pretty compact, as well. Thankfully, it is quite easy to anchor using a handful of different tools that most parents should have in their home.

Pros:

• Swing net uses high-quality polyethylene
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Very reasonable price

Cons:

• It may be easy to flip if not correctly used
• It could be hard for some to install due to confusing instructions

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#6. Backyard Discovery Little Brutus Swing Set

This more compact model of a later-reviewed set is a better swing sets for small yards. Like that set, it comes with heavy-duty powder-coated steel and an A-frame construction. We find that A-frame construction provides the most support and strength for a high-quality swing set, ensuring that your children are safe and protected from the dangers of tipping.

This set comes with two standard swings and a web-disc swing. This latter option is an excellent choice for placing a few children and expanding this set’s usage. Even better, we found that the molded feet and anchors keep this set from tipping over as quickly as others.

Pros:

• Diverse swing options
• Tough exterior material
• Compact enough for many yards

Cons:

• Quite pricey compared to similarly-sized options
• Web-disc swing can be tricky to assemble

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#7. ORANGUTAN 2 Pack Heavy Duty Swing Set

When seeking out a swing set for a small yard, this option may be a practical choice for those with minimal backyard room. Rather than coming in a bulky and hard-to-assemble bucket swing set, you get two swings that are easy to assemble. Our tests found that these swings attached very quickly to most tree limbs to provide maximum swinging fun.

For those who have a yard that cannot support a set, this option is probably the best choice. We talked to a handful of people in big cities like Chicago or New York and found that these swings were the best choice for these areas. Easy to assemble and hang, they are also compact and easy to take down.

Pros:

• Price is very reasonable for what you get
• Colors are kid-friendly and enjoyable
• Utilizes high-quality EVA plastic and steel

Cons:

• It needs a tree or another similar hanging point
• It should be taken down during the winter

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#8. Backyard Discovery Big Brutus Swing Set

Our last option here is one of the better playhouse options on the market and could be a good swing set for a small yard. Though it is pretty big compared to others on this list, it is compact enough for outdoor play in many yards. We also find that older kid users also enjoy this DIY swing. It comes with molded feet and easy anchors that make this one of the easiest to install options on the market, particularly with its weather-resistant exterior.

Each set comes with two belt swings and a trapeze bar that lets children work their upper-body strength a bit more easily. In our tests, we found that the powder-coated steel resisted wear and tear most times with ease and was also safe enough to withstand the foot of an angry child.

Pros:

• Among the sturdiest and most reliable models on the list
• The large frame is easy to assemble
• Should resist most types of wear and tear

Cons:

• Pretty price for the number of swings
• It may be too large for tiny yards

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Guide To Buying Swing Set For Small Yards

Before installing a playground set for a small backyard, you need to make sure that you find an area that makes sense for your needs. This process shouldn’t take a lot of difficult work but require you to fully understand your yard’s size and playground equipment like a swing beam, plastic swing sets, a rope ladder, a monkey bar design, a toddler swing, any climbing wall elements, and much more.

So make sure that you gather up tools like a tape measure, some paper and pens, and a schematic for your backyard’s gas lines, and more. And make sure that you talk to your city to learn more about any laws dictating placement, such as requiring you to be a specific distance from trees or roads.

Step 1: Find a Grassy and Safe Area

A good wooden playset for small yards needs to be positioned in a grassy area, one that is soft and safe for your children to play on without difficulty. Try to find a place that is close to your home but which also provides room to play. Many parents like having a jungle gym, wavy slide, or outdoor playset near a window to see their children without doing a lot of hard searching and tracking their activity.

Step 2: Pay Attention to Your Underground Schematics

When choosing an area, make sure that you also check with your utility schematic for your yard. If you aren’t sure where to get one, talk to your city officials. They probably have something you can use to figure out where various items are located in your yard. Just a few things that you need to look out for in your yard when installing a swing set include:

• Gas lines – Though your children aren’t likely to cause any real problems with your gas line, installing your swing set near one could be trouble if there is a break in the line or if your utility company needs to get to it. Try to locate your swing set as far as possible from this line to avoid trouble.
• Electrical Wires – Locate any above-ground electrical wires and position your set far away from these areas. Also, make sure that you pay attention to the location of underground electrical lines as well. These lines often need to be accessed by utility companies, and your set shouldn’t be near them.
• Sprinkler Lines – Try to avoid placing your swing set near any sprinklers or other lawn care items you may have installed in your yard. Placing them near these lines may cause them to operate improperly and could also drench your swing set, causing it to rust and decay much sooner.
• Consider Sunlight Access – Put your backyard swing set in a place where it will get some shade. For example, the north side of your yard is less likely to get a large amount of sun and decrease sunstroke risk and keep the swing set from getting too hot to touch. Pay attention to your metal areas to avoid this issue. Also stay away from any rock wall areas in your yard.
• Proper Safety Positioning – Ensure that you create a zone of at least six feet around the wooden swing set to ensure appropriate safety. This should allow your children to play on their set without getting injured and giving you peace of mind are as safe as possible.

Ensure that you take out your tape measure and use it to gauge your set’s overall size. The length, width, and even height need to be found to ensure that you get the best results. Please read the instructions on your swing set to ensure that you get the most accurate reading of its size possible. You may want to create a “pad” that you can use to make this measurement easier to handle.

Step 3: Create a “Pad” for Measuring Your Wooden Swing

Take a piece of cardboard or particle board and measure out a rectangle or square that accurately measures the size of your swing seat. Cut out this piece and place it around your yard to get a good visual of how much room your swing set will take up. Make sure to keep the height in mind, as well. You may want to use a yardstick to make it easier to track the height throughout your yard.

Use a partner to make moving this piece around your yard easier to handle. Make sure that you remove this item and place it in your garage after you are done. If you leave it lying around your yard, you may end up killing much of your beautiful grass! We suggest keeping the particleboard around if you need to build any anchors for your swing set or to use for other small carpentry projects around the house.

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FAQ

What are swing set anchors?

Swing set anchors are heavy items that you place on the swing set legs to keep it from tipping over. These items may come with the set and include cables that tie to spikes in the ground or may be pieces of brick you place on the set to keep it from tipping.

Are multiple-swing sets harder to set up?

You’ll likely have to double or triple your setup time for a swing set with multiple swings. A one-person swing set for a small yard should take no more than a few hours to set up, but those for more people may take longer due to the extra swings.

Where can I find a swing set if not online?

When you cannot find the swing set you want on Amazon or other related online shops, you might be able to find them in brick and mortar shops near you. Call up before you go there to see what they have available.

What do I do when my kids are too old for the play set?

If your kids’ age out of your swing set (usually between the ages of 10-13 or so), you can usually quickly sell it to neighbors with young children, donate it to a charity, or even recycle the metal or plastic materials.

When should I build a swing set?

Try to build your swing set when your children are at least three years old to ensure maximum enjoyment. And make it during the early part of the year, such as in March or April, before summer hits but when it’s comfortable to build outside.

Our Verdict

If our top pick of the Sportspower Arcadia Swing Set doesn’t seem quite right for your needs, don’t hesitate to research a few other playset options that may be perfect for you. Any of the playset choices here will provide hours of fun for your child if they are carefully chosen and properly installed. Whatever option you choose, have fun with your backyard playset and let your children enjoy it for years to come.