So many backyard swing sets are avoided by kids or have been abandoned altogether…but why?  Standard variety swing sets come with swings, of course, and a slide — perhaps some monkey bars.  But kids don’t ever come in a standard variety.  Each child has a need to move his or her body in particular ways, and backyard swing sets don’t always meet those needs.

Some kids, for example, simply do not like the feeling of swinging back and forth.  They may prefer to spin instead.  Others may find spinning nauseating and seek out ways to hang from their hands or legs.  Knowing the ways in which your children prefer to move their bodies will give you insight into what kind of swingset accessories to add to backyard swing sets, thus saving that expensive equipment from neglect and providing kids with a safe and satisfying place to play.

For the swingers — Kids who like to swing may become easily bored with the basic belt swing that usually comes with backyard swing sets.  Glider swings are a fun and different way to swing solo or with a friend.  Disc swings are another option, providing kids with a bit of an upper body challenge.   Little kids who want to swing don’t have to be left out of the fun; bucket swings and half bucket swings make for excellent beginner and transition swings.  Both are safe and fun.

For the spinners — While nauseating to some, spinning can feel fantastic to others.  Kids who thrive on spinning will love a tire swing attachment.  Tire swings are fun to share with friends, too.

For the climbers — Swing sets can easily be outfitted with a rock wall or rope ladder feature so that our climbing kids can easily meet their needs for whole body movement and motor planning.

For the danglers — Hanging around, whether by the hands or legs, is fun for lots of kids, so providing a trapeze bar or monkey bars is an easy solution.

For the diggers — Backyard swing sets, especially wooden swing sets, can be easily equipped with a sandbox feature.  Sandboxes can be attached to existing swing sets, or they can simply be placed nearby so that our little excavators can dig to their hearts’ content.  Keep in mind that sandboxes should always be covered when not in use.  Sandbox covers prevent neighborhood critters from soiling the sand at night or during other quiet times.

For the explorers and pretenders — Our most creative kids make the best use of accessories like telescopes, periscopes, binoculars, and steering wheels which are attached to swing sets.  Other accessories to spark the imagination include talk tubes, play houses, and club houses.  Kids can imagine their way into amazing situations as long as their swing sets provide the necessary ingredients.

So, if your kids are no longer interested in your backyard swing set, and instead it has become a hot spot for the spiders to practice web building skills, take a moment to think about the way your kids like to move their bodies.  Does the backyard swing set meet those needs for movement?  If not, try adding a few swing set accessories that complement your kids’ preferences.  You may be surprised to find the spiders moving out because the swing set is back in full swing!