A good swing set will last a long time. Your child’s interest in swing sets? Maybe not as long.
Fortunately, there are some simple ways to upgrade your backyard swing set so that your kids can have more fun, and you can get more out of your investment.
1. Add some new swings
You may have purchased your backyard playset when your kids were toddlers. Now that they’re a little older, it’s time to replace infant/toddler swings with the more standard sling swings, which allow for more exercise and independent play.
Another option: alternative swings, such as tire swings and gliders, which can hold more than one kid at a time. For even older children – and adults – there’s the chair swing, for times when you just want to relax and maybe read a book.
2. Adjust your rock wall
There was a time when climbing the rock wall on your outdoor playset presented your kids with a serious challenge. Then they grew a few more inches, and the rock wall wasn’t as difficult. But you can make the climb demanding – and fun – again by removing some of the hand holds on the wall, which will help them build their agility and upper body strength.
3. Put in a new ladder
Many starter swing sets come with a step ladder, which is much easier for smaller children to navigate. Now that they’re older, consider putting in a ladder with metal rungs, a swing set rope ladder, or a gangplank ramp.
4. Monkeying around
Monkey bars aren’t just for playgrounds. Adding a set to your backyard play system gives your kids a chance to build coordination skills and upper body strength, while making old swing sets seem new again.
And when your kids are ready for a new physical challenge, install a gym ring or a trapeze bar – or both – either in place of your swings, or on a new accessory arm.
5. Down the slide
If you got your kids a sliding board as part of their original playset, chances are it was a standard slide. Now that they’re older, you may want to give them something that offers a more exciting ride, such as a spiral slide, or an enclosed tube.
If you’re ready to make any of these upgrades to your backyard playset, Swingset & Toy Warehouse can help. Our collection includes cedar and redwood playgrounds, vinyl swing sets and a host of different playground accessories to make your kids see their old swing sets through new eyes.
