We all know the feeling of presenting your child with a brand new toy and then watching him play for hours . . . with the box it came in! It goes to show that children don’t always need the most expensive toys with all of the bells and whistles to enjoy themselves.
Apply this same thinking when choosing a new playset for your backyard. Don’t worry that just because you can’t buy the most expensive model with every accessory and option you’re children won’t enjoy themselves. All it takes is a few swing set essentials to kick-start physical activity and imaginative play that can last for hours.
Start With…
Swinging and sliding are where much of the excitement of a backyard swing set comes from. If the size of your backyard, or the size of your budget, necessitates your choice of a smaller playset, you won’t miss out on any of the fun when you choose these swing set essentials
Swing Options – A three-position swing beam will allow you to include swings that are appropriate for children of all ages and skill levels, including infant swings, belt swings, or trapeze bars.
Climber Swing Beam – One way to incorporate more activities into a small space is to choose a swing beam that has monkey bars built into the design
Add a Slide – A Waterfall or Avalanche slide provides a speedy ride that children will want to take again and again.
A Few Simple Upgrades…
Building from the basic swings and slides, these upgraded swing set essentials will elevate your design without blowing your budget.
Covered Play Tower – Add a covered play tower into your playset design to provide additional play space. Play towers are perfect for creating clubhouses, hideouts, or forts.
More Swing Options – Choosing a four position swing beam allows you to add even more swing options. Maybe try a tire swing, glider, or spring swing.
Adding Accessories – Accessories are a simple upgrade to any playset, no matter how big or small, that can boost your child’s play experience. Add anything from a telescope, megaphone, or bubble panel to a tic-tac-toe board or water cannon.
Expand On The Essentials…
There are even more options you can add to your playset design if you want to go beyond the essentials.
Double Towers – A double tower swing set base give you options for additional access (ladders, cargo nets, climbing walls) to your playset, as well the option to add multiple slides.
Rock Wall / Cargo Nets – Popular with children who are adventure seekers, these playset additions can really challenge their bodies and minds.
Tunnel Slide – Older children will really enjoy the thrilling ride and twists and turns that come from choosing a Turbo Twist or Sidewinder slide.
Choosing Quality Swing Set Essentials
When you’re choosing a playset, you’ll research lots of different models from different manufacturers. It’s important to look for the small details that show that you’ve found a quality product.
- Vinyl-clad construction: vinyl materials are slip resistance and splinter free
- Stainless steel hardware: stainless steel ensures no rusting
- Safety features: these include optional bars and railings for ladders and soft rubber grips for swings
- Product warranty: inquire into the product warranty and make sure it covers both the playset structure and accessories
