21 Must-Have Kids Swings to Turn Your Backyard Into a Mini Playground

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Since it’s going to be awhile until kids can safely play in a public playground again, it’d behoove you to install one of the best swings in your backyard so you can save your sanity. That way, they won’t drive you crazy running around the house. Now, if you don’t have the space or the budget for a massive jungle gym, no need to panic because a single swing can get the job done on its own. You’ve got enough things to worry about right now, so there’s no reason to go all out if it’s not warranted.

Whether you have a nice shaded tree to place a swing under, a spot on your porch, or you want a more solid free-standing swing, you’ve got options when it comes to the best backyard swings for kids. From more traditional swings in classic colors to flying saucers that’ll make them feel like they’re on a magic carpet ride, these lifesavers are about to give your kids some much-needed fun.

But the fun doesn’t stop there: You can even get a chic linen swing that you won’t be embarrassed to display on your porch or even in their room. And can can we talk about the mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark one we found? Kids are way too cool for us these days.

While some of these creative swings are seriously outdoing themselves, keeping things sweet and simple with kids toys can be the best way to go. Equip your backyard with one of these easy-to-assemble swings and you can create a mini playground paradise right at home. Be warned, your little ones just might not want to head to a crowded playground again once they realize how fun these best swings for the backyard are. Plus, they’ll also love that getting a snack in the kitchen is just a few steps away.

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This isn’t your mother’s rope swing! The TURFEE swing is a combination swing and climber. Four colorful discs help kiddos up to 120 pounds climb toward the treetop. Amazon reviewers

Two tots can blast off to infinity and beyond in this adorable rocketship swing. Each seat has a lap buckle and a front safety bar so your little space explorers can ride safely.

How soothing does this hanging nest look? The indoor-outdoor swing is like a cozy cocoon for your little one. Amazon reviewers called it a “godsend” for kids with sensory sensitivities, and one grandparent who gifted the swing said they have heard nothing but fun stories about how much the grandkids love this playful yet relaxing swing.

One night, a hoola hoop walked into a bar and met a swing. They really hit it off, and nine months later, the Hoopla Swing was born. Kids can swing and spin on this circular swing, or, according to one Amazon reviewer, it can be hung very low and used for a “preschool circus.” “Worked great, the children did beautiful tricks on it.”

If you really want to show your kids how cool you are, bring this glowing swing for the backyard home, and they just might never want to come inside the house again. Made with vibrant LED lights, this next-level swing has seven strobe modes and eight colors that will keep the backyard party going until it’s bedtime.

Okay, this dreamy swing is seriously giving standard playground equipment a run for its money. The tropical print is too cute for words, and it’s handcrafted in small batches so it’s made with extra TLC. It’ll also coordinate with your stylish backyard furniture so you don’t have to worry about it clashing. Note that you’ll need to secure this swing to a stud in the ceiling for maximum safety.

This innovative indoor-outdoor swing features an erogonomic shell that keeps baby comfy, while the three-point harness keeps them locked in tight. It’s suitable for kids 6 months to 4-years-old and comes in three colors that will look just as good outside as they would in their room.

This classic swing may be old-school, but sometimes you don’t need all the bells and whistles to have a good time. Plus, it takes up little space, so it’s a great swing set for a small backyard. Hang this flexible swing onto a tree or connect it to a jungle gym. To prevent pinching, the chain is coated with plastic so little fingers stay out of harm’s way.

Amusement park meets playground fun with this dual-seat swing that catches some air. While it’s great for solo riding, it can help two kids learn the value of teamwork. It also includes the necessary components to properly mount it onto a wooden swing beam.

You can never go wrong with this classic baby swing that has your kid’s safety top of mind. The T-bar and shoulder straps will keep them locked in tight so you can swing them around without worry. As your kiddo grows up, you can remove the shoulder straps so they can still get plenty of use out of it.

For a more traditional swingset, this playground-worthy option is reliable pick. The frame is extra durable, the weather-resistant rope will hold up over time, and the anti-slip seat is adjustable so you can get the perfect fit for your little one. While this one may require a bit more assembly than others without a frame, it’s one of the sturdier ones you can find.

Add some whimsy to your baby’s nursery or favorite nook on the patio with this charming horse swing. Made with wood, it’ll add an elevated touch to any spot you put it in. The bucket seat gives them full support so they stay inside the swing, and the edges are rounded and sanded down for their safety.

This saucer-style swing is a must for multiple kids. The roomy design is also spacious enough so your little one can sprawl out and use it as a reading nook. Made with water-resistant material, it’ll last outside for years to come.

Swings just got a modern, Swedish upgrade with this seriously sleek option. To make things even more elevated, it’s made with a breathable linen fabric that’s equal parts practical and stylish. Bonus: The pillow covers are machine washable and they’re stuffed with hypoallergenic filling.

If you have a smaller child or toddler, they may need some more safety barriers to prevent any accidents. This secure bucket-style seat provides all-around support until they have the core strength to move on up to the big-kid swing. It comes in four colors (even bright pink!) and has plastic-coated chains to protect little hands.

You can now play along with your child thanks to this spacious and durable saucer-style tree swing. Made with multiple-strand braided ropes, this swing can hold up to 660 pounds. Thanks to the larger size, it’s even one of the best swings for adults since you can even hop on solo to enjoy some fresh air or read your favorite book without the kids.

If you’ve got a nice shady spot open under a tree, it’s the perfect place to add a swing so the kiddos can enjoy some fun out of the sun (but they still need to layer on that sunscreen). And if any old swing won’t do, this two-seater boat is sure to keep their imaginations going long enough for you to get some to-dos done.