Every kid loves to play, and a heavy duty, quality playset is perfect! With so many options out there, every parent can find something that is within their budget and exactly what they are looking for. We have compiled a list of our top picks in different categories, one of which is going to be exactly what you are looking for!
Best Heavy Duty Playsets
1. Best Overall – Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset
Purchase the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset Here
Why is it the best overall?
After looking at our best overall pick, it is easy to see why! With many different play features.
The Specs:
- Dimensions – 21’ 11 ¼ ” W x 16’ 9″ D x 12’ 4″ H (Footprint)
- Color – Green/Tan
- Age Range – 3-12
- Play Features – Slide, swings, monkey bars, clubhouse, crow’s nest
- Weight Limit – 600 pounds for platform, 150 pounds for swings
- Price Range – $2,300
What is included?
With a 10’ Wavy Slide, Monkey Bars, 1 Trapeze Bar, 2 swings, climbing wall and Clubhouse with wood roof, telescope, and sandbox
How big is it?
This is a fairly large playset, with the overall footprint being about twenty-one feet wide and seventeen feet long. The recommended safety area is about 33 x 32 feet. This being said, for those with a small yard, or possibly even a medium sized yard, this playset is probably not going to be the size you are looking for. For those who have the space, this is an excellent choice!
Who can use it?
The age recommendation for this set is kids roughly 3-12 years old, but really anyone can use it. Since the weight capacity of the swings is 150 pounds, and the platform capacity is 600 pounds, the average adult or bigger kid should have no issue playing on the set!
How much assembly is required?
Assembly is going to be a little bit tricky, but with some patience, it can go up easily. Most reviews say that installation with two people takes about 12 hours. Before you get discouraged, instructions are included and are easy to follow! Most of the set is built in sections, with parts being grouped together. With some time and perseverance, this playset can be assembled within a day. There are also options to hire professionals to assemble the set.
The Good:
- Many features Durable
- No lead-based materials
The Bad:
- Price
- Size
Purchase the Backyard Discovery Skyfort II Playset Here
2. Best Value – Sportspower Super 8 Fun Metal Swing Set
Purchase the Sportspower Super 8 Fun Metal Swing Set Here
Why is it the best value?
The Sportspower Super 8 set is going to be the best option for those looking for a budget friendly, but quality swing set! With several different play options for kids, it is a great choice for most cases!
The Specs:
- Dimensions – 221″L x 102.25″W x 72.225″H
- Color – Blue/Green
- Age Range – 3-13
- Play Features – Swings, flying saucer, glider, slide, and rocking horse
- Weight Limit – 800 lbs total
- Price Range – $449.99
What is included?
2 swing seats, 1 flying saucer, 1 glider, 1 slide, and 1 rocking horse for up to 8 children at once
How big is it?
This set is best used in medium to large sized yards, since it is about 20 feet long and 9 feet wide. One problem that you may run into since this set is so wide is finding a flat surface for it if your yard is uneven or hilly. If you have the space and can accommodate the set, however, this is definitely the best bang for your buck!
Who can use it?
Kids ages 3-13 are recommended for this set, and with a weight limit of 800 pounds overall this includes kids of all sizes. Since each swing or other section of the swing set is only rated for 100 pounds, adults are not going to be able to play on the set. When applied to kids, however, up to 8 kids can comfortably use the set all at once.
How much assembly is required?
Fortunately, very little assembly is required. With only a couple people, this metal swing set can be up within a couple hours! Instructions are included, but some reviews say they can be a little confusing.
The Good:
- Best bang for your buck
- Many play options/featuresBudget-friendly
- Budget-friendly
The Bad:
- Width
Purchase the Sportspower Super 8 Fun Metal Swing Set Here
3. Best Metal – Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set
Purchase the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set Here
Why is it the best metal swing set?
This heavy duty metal playset is a classic example of the backyard playset. Perfect for kids of all ages, and made of quality material,
The Specs:
- Dimensions – 169″D x 205″W x 93″H
- Color – Green/Brown
- Age Range – Kids of all ages
- Play Features – Swings, slide, trapeze bar, fireman's pole, and monkey bars
- Weight Limit – 150 pounds
- Price Range – $1903.00
What is included?
3 belt swings, 1 trapeze bar with gym rings, 9′ wavy slide, fireman's pole, and monkey bars
How big is it?
With a total area of 13.8′ W x 18.6′ D, this is going to perfect for medium and large yards. The recommended safety area is roughly 26 x 34 feet.
Who can use it?
This set is good for kids of all ages, but is not going to be able to hold many kids at once, or adults. To be safe, we suggest a maximum of 5 or so kids at one time using the swing set. In terms of adults, only one or two is going to fit comfortably on the set but be sure you aren’t overloading the weight limit.
How much assembly is required?
Assembly is relatively straightforward. With a couple people this set can be built in a day or so. Make sure to follow the directions and be patient as some reviews report slight issues with hardware and other items.
What else do I need to know?
Built around safety! All hard edges rounded off.
The Good:
- Sturdy
- Classic
- User friendly
The Bad:
- Costly for only a features
Purchase the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set Here
4. Best Wood – Backyard Discovery Woodridge Elite
Purchase the Backyard Discovery Woodridge Elite Here
Why is it the best wood swing set?
Wood playsets are able to last much longer and are normally sturdier than most metal sets. With so many different options for your kids to choose from when it comes to play, and the amount of kids that can play at once, this set can’t be beat when it comes to wooden playsets!
The Specs:
- Dimensions – 188.19″D x 231″W x 141″H
- Color – Natural Wood
- Age Range – 3-10
- Play Features – Clubhouse, lower deck, elevated tunnel, swings, slide, and rock wall
- Weight Limit – 1080 pounds
- Price Range – $2299.00
What is included?
With so many features such as a 10 foot slide, swings, a rock wall, a lower fort/deck area that can also be used as a sandbox, an upper clubhouse, and a raised vented tunnel, no kid is going to get bored with this set!
How big is it?
This is a very large set, so only large backyards are going to be able to comfortably house this fortress! Not everyone has a backyard that is able to hold bigger play sets, and if this is the case then this may not be a great pick for you.
Who can use it?
Kids ages 3-10 are suggested to be the main users, however this set can accommodate almost anybody! This includes adults and kids. Bigger adults and kids may have some trouble moving in some of the tighter spaces, but can still have fun nonetheless.
How much assembly is required?
The assembly for this set is going to require a bit of time and a lot of patience. Most reviews say it took a few days to get the set built and set up completely with only a couple people. There are a bunch of pieces that all fit together in a certain way, so some dedicated hard work is required.
The Good:
- Made for everyone
- Will last a long time
- Sturdy
- Many features
The Bad:
- Slightly difficult assembly
- Not good for small or medium yards
Purchase the Backyard Discovery Woodridge Elite Here
5. Best for Small Kids – Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Playset
Purchase the Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Playset Here
Why is it the best for small kids?
This playset is made for smaller kids so they can also play and have fun outside in their yard along with other kids! The small size of everything on the set is tailored just for them, and it is sure to withstand some wear and tear!
The Specs:
- Dimensions – 200.98 x 102.52 x 88.5 inches
- Color – Brown
- Age Range – 3-8
- Play Features – Swings, glider, rock wall, slide, two-story clubhouse, rope ladder, ships wheel
- Weight Limit – 352 pounds for clubhouse, 75 pounds for swings
- Price Range – $1927.17
What is included?
6 foot slide, hanging rope ladder, ladder steps, two swings, two-person glider, two stories of clubhouse
How big is it?
This playset is a good medium sized option for smaller kids, with dimensions that are roughly 16.5’ long, 8.5’ wide, and 7’ tall. Any size yard that is medium or large can accommodate this set with no issue. Smaller yards may have a bit of trouble but it still may be able to work!
Who can use it?
This set is designed primarily to be used by smaller kids from mages 3-8, so any kids older/bigger than this or adults will not be able to use this playset without hurting themselves or the playset.
How much assembly is required?
The manufacturer says with two or three people, the set will be completed within a couple hours! It is delivered in two separate boxes with pieces that go together easily. Comes with easy to read instructions.
The Good:
- Great for most yards
- Sturdy and low maintenance
The Bad:
- Expensive
- Only good for small kids
Purchase the Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Playset Here
6. Best for Big Kids – Gorilla Playsets Treasure Trove II
Purchase the Gorilla Playsets Treasure Trove II Here
Why is it the best for big kids?
With more open spaces, an extremely well built and sturdy design, and a large weight capacity, this set is going to be perfect for kids who are a little bit bigger, but still love to have fun! Of course, it is perfect for kids of all sizes as well! There are a ton of features for them to play with, and the fun is endless!
The Specs:
- Dimensions – 324″D x 330″W x 156″H
- Color – Green/Brown
- Age Range – 3-11
- Play Features – Bridge, slides, rope ladder, rock wall with rope, three different platforms, picnic table, wooden ladder, ships wheel, telescope, tic tac toe rollers
- Weight Limit – 800 pounds
- Price Range – $3876.92
What is included?
This huge swing set includes a clatter bridge & tower, two decks, and THREE slides And we can’t forget all of the fun accessories like the telescope that will ensure your kids are always entertained. Also included is a ships wheel and telescope, as well as a picnic table where the kids can enjoy lunch or a snack, and a set of tic tac toe rollers. The green vinyl canopies protect the play decks from the weather elements and provide shade.
How big is it?
Of course, a set built specifically for bigger kids is going to be a bigger set, and so a larger yard is going to be the best option if you want to make this playset a part of your backyard.
Who can use it?
In reality, any sized kid, and most adults, are going to be able to have fun on this solid heavy duty playset!
How much assembly is required?
A big set is going to require a lot of assembly, and this set is no exception. With a couple people, expect some hard assembly work to be done over about 20 hours. A manual does come with the set along with the required hardware, but some tools such as an impact driver are required.
The Good:
- Great for everybody
- So many activities!
The Bad:
- Expensive
- Only good for large yards
Purchase the Gorilla Playsets Treasure Trove II Here
7. Best for Climbing – Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset
Purchase the Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset Here
Why is it the best for climbing?
With a ton of areas for climbing, it is no wonder that our top pick for the best climbing playset is going to be this amazing set from Lifetime. A large set of monkey bars is perfect for your little acrobats!
The Specs:
- Dimensions – 15’ 3″ W x 10’ 9″ D x 8’ 10″ H
- Color – Green/Brown
- Age Range – 3-12
- Play Features – Slide, rock walls, chalk boards, fireman pole, swings, monkey bars, car map, etc
- Weight Limit – Swings/slide limit is 150 pounds, the platform is rated for 600 pounds
- Price Range – $2840.44
What is included?
Features 5′ tall decking with hard top clubhouse, sandbox, (2) doors, (4) storefronts, (2) rock climbing walls, (1) 9′ wavy slide, (1) steering wheel, (1) trapeze, (2) chalk boards, (1) arched climber, car map, (2) swings, monkey bars, and (1) fireman pole.
How big is it?
Most medium or larger size yards are going to be the best options for this particular set, since you will need an area of roughly 150 feet. This is going to be a good general option for a lot of people!
Who can use it?
The recommended age for kids is 3-12, but kids older than this and adults should have no problems climbing around this set as well!
How much assembly is required?
With a couple people, assembly should take about 12 hours. The set can be a little tricky to put together, but be sure to follow to instruction manual provided.
The Good:
- Great for everyoneBest for climbing
- Best for climbing
- A good overall set in terms of size
The Bad:
- Expensive
Purchase the Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset Here
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Heavy Duty Swing Set?
Durability
It is important to ensure the heavy duty swing set or play set you plan on buying is actually going to be heavy duty and durable. A good swing set should last for at least fifteen years if made of metal, and even longer if made from wood. Durability also includes stability, so being sure you are on level ground, making sure all the pieces are in contact with the ground, and that they are put together correctly, is all going to help make your swing set last!
Size
Not everyone has the same size yard, and a good majority of people have a small or medium size yard. Swing sets, and play sets especially, can get very big, so it is important to know how large of an area you have and how much of that area you are willing to dedicate to a play set. It is also important to remember that most if not all manufacturers have a recommended safety area, which is just an area that surrounds the play set that is meant to be empty just for safety's sake. Knowing what you want and knowing the size of the set and safety area is going to save you from a lot of headaches further down the road.
Play Elements
Each play set is going to come with different features, and sometimes you can end up with a swing set that has aspects your child never uses. Think of what you want when it comes to your ideal playset such as the amount of features, the number of certain features, such as swings, and what features you want. This can include slides, swings, gliders, bridges, clubhouses, and so much more!
Price
Anything of quality is going to be worth a little bit more money, and there is no exception when it comes to play sets or swing sets. Think about how much you want to spend on a set and then go from there. They can range from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. Be sure to do your research on different sets in your price range and compare them to find exactly what you want!
FAQ’s
Where can I find heavy-duty swing sets for sale?
We recommend looking over some of our articles, but you can also look on Amazon or other sites!
Why should I be choosing a heavy-duty swing set?
Not only will a heavy duty swing set last longer than others, but it can also stand up to normal wear and tear, as well as the elements of nature, such as rain, snow, wind, ice, heat, and more.
How much space is needed to install a playset?
This is largely dependent on the footprint of the playset and the recommended safety area. A good rule of thumb is to take the overall dimensions and add about three feet or so on the length and width. It is also important to know how big of an area you have and are willing to use for a playset.
What do I need to put under my swing set?
Most swing sets can be put over grass, but some manufacturers recommend putting down the soft rubber material that is found at most modern playgrounds. Other than that, most swing sets do not have to be cemented or staked down, so if you just have the swing set in the yard, then you don’t have much to worry about!
How much time is needed for installing a heavy-duty swing set?
After getting the set, expect at least a day or two of assembly and getting it set up where you want it. This can vary due to size and the amount of people that area helping, but the average time for installing a heavy duty swing set is about 8 hours or so.
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