The Best Swing Accessories

Buying Guide

Swing sets have been a part of the family backyard for decades. This one backyard staple gives you a play area for your children and all their friends. Installing a good playground for your kids can also improve the value of your house, especially if you invest in high-quality equipment. Future homebuyers will love the family-friendliness of your outdoor space.

But over time, even the most patient child can get bored with the same backyard play area. That’s where swing accessories can come in. You can attach these to your existing swing set or hook them onto a tree or support beam. This allows you to turn any area into a play space.

One of the most classic examples of this is the tire swing. At one time, enterprising adults would take an old tire and attach it to a tree using chains. This simple solution was surprisingly effective. The tire was both comfortable and sturdy, giving children — and adults — hours of swinging fun.

There was one weakness with the tire swing concept, though. The chains could be hard on the skin, especially if they weren’t coated for comfort. Over the years, manufacturers have found ways to create “hang anywhere” swings that combine durability and comfort while also prioritizing safety.

Swing accessories come in a variety of options. You can find attachments for your swing that add rope climbing, hanging, games and even slides. But you can also upgrade your existing swing seat and chains with a more durable and comfortable option. If you’re concerned about the chains pinching your little one’s hands, this could be a great way to give yourself some peace of mind.

Lastly, there are swing set accessories that will let multiple children play together. This could be a horse glider that lets two children join in on the fun or a swing saucer you can hang from a tree that seats two or three kids. If you have more than one child or you routinely have friends or neighbors over, this might be a way to keep things fun for everyone.

• Weight capacity is an important consideration for any swing set. This is especially true if older children or adults join in on the fun or if you have a multi-child swing option.
• You can get a mix of durability and safety by choosing a swing with metal chains that are coated in comfortable material. Typically, this is a type of plastic, so you get the tactile experience from less durable swing sets with the reliability of old-fashioned steel chains.
• The swing seat is an important feature as well. You’ll want to look for a seat that’s wide enough to keep kids comfortable while also being sturdy enough to withstand hours of swinging.
• Look for the installation tools that come with your swing set accessories. You’ll need something to help you attach your accessories to your swing set or tree, and this typically comes in the form of hooks. If you plan to attach it to a tree or beam, this will likely require more than a hook or two. You’ll need a strap long enough to wrap around the surface. Even with all that, though, you’ll also need a ladder and tools to secure the accessory in place.
• Look closely at the length of the chains that come with your swing set. This will tell you where it will land in height from the ground. Your little ones will need to be able to climb on, but kids with longer legs will need plenty of room to comfortably swing without dragging their feet on the ground.
• Swinging isn’t the only activity kids love. Climbing can also be fun, and it helps with balance and strength. You can find climbing ropes that will attach to your existing swing set or a tree to add to the fun.