Tag Archives: Swing Set Accessories

Backyard Fun

BackyardCity is Featured in Popular Mechanics Magazine!

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The Pathfinder Wooden Swing Set from BackyardCity has been featured in the May 2012 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine. In the four page spread, PM explains that they chose BackyardCity because of the quality our hardware package and wave slide. A complete supply list and beautiful pictures detailing the construction process are included. If you have considered building a wooden swing set for your own family, the Pathfinder is a great option. To read more about this feature, you can read our Popular Mechanics Pathfinder Swing Set Article here. Be sure to check out the new issue of Popular Mechanics, as well as BackyardCity.com!

Backyard Fun, Outdoor Entertaining

Swing Set Updates That Keep Kids Interested

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The backyard swing set you bought for your kids when they were small was probably filled with challenging and fun equipment just right for their age and size. Bucket swings for safety, a short ladder leading to a scoop slide, and maybe even a club house for hours of pretend play. As kids grow older, though, their ideas about what’s fun and challenging evolve. Making sure that the backyard swing set doesn’t become an unused eyesore means keeping up with your children’s changing interests and abilities. By updating the swing set periodically with equipment and accessories that meets your kids’ current needs, you can ensure that the swing set continues to appeal to your kids over the course of many years.

Alternative Swings

Swings are an affordable place to start when it comes to updating a swing set’s accessories. If you haven’t done so already, swap out the bucket swing or half-bucket swing with a traditional belt swing or two.  Don’t stop there, though. Swings come in all shapes and styles, and a little variety adds a lot of appeal to a backyard swing set.

Belt Swing  Buoy Ball Swing  Pine Wood Chair Swing

Slides

Swing sets generally come with a standard scoop slide, which is straight, smooth, and adequately thrilling for little ones. As kids get older, though, they tend to prefer a more exhilarating ride. Replacing your original slide for a spiral slide can offer that extra bit of thrill to older kids. Spiral slides are often completely enclosed tubes, too, similar to what you find on commercial or public playgrounds. The enclosed spiral brings an additional measure of excitement to the sliding experience.

Super Wave Slide  Super Tube Spiral Slide

Climbing Accessories

Climbing equipment offers growing kids a fun way to challenge their bodies’ developing abilities. While not usually appropriate for young children, climbing accessories help older kids gain confidence, strengthen muscles, and refine gross motor and motor planning skills. Monkey bars may be the most common type of climbing accessory found on standard swing sets, but they can be added to an existing swing set that doesn’t already have them. Rope ladders and rock wall climbing kits are available, too, and are exceptionally appealing to adventurous kids.

Rock Wall Climbing Kit  Rope Ladder 

Making small but meaningful changes to your backyard swing set over time will not only encourage years of continued interest by your kids, but will also reinforce the value of your initial investment in the swing set.

Backyard Fun

Upgrade Swing Sets for Summer

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Back to Back Glider Swing Trapeze Bar Super Tube Spiral Slide Sandbox Kit
You probably already know that wooden swing sets are a great way to provide fun and exercise to your children without leaving your home. If fact, many of you probably own one of these versatile sets. If you do, summer is the perfect time to consider upgrading and adding new and exciting accessories. Children often get bored easily and look for more challenging or entertaining activities. These swing set accessories will re-engage your children and add fun new elements to your set.

  • Exciting Belt Swing Alternatives: Do regular belt swings seem boring to your kids? Surprise them with a back to back glider swing or trapeze bar to instantly change their swinging dynamic.
  • Super Slides: Is your regular slide worn? Just looking for something more interesting? A tube spiral slide is perfect for sets with a deck height of at least 7 ft. and with a 275 lb. weight limit, parents might even sneak in a slide!
  • Detached Sand Box: Looking for a way to add outdoor fun for younger siblings? With a wooden sand box kit, you can build a sand box to match your swing set, complete with matching canopy top. It will blend beautifully with your set and provide an extra level of fun.
  • Rock Walls, Rope Ladders, and Monkey Bars: Create an interesting way to climb on your set. Rock walls are easy to build and come in sets with 5-20 handles to create a custom climbing experience and varying degrees of difficulty. A rope ladder is perfect for upper arm and leg strength development. It is also perfect for pretend play (think pirates and castle walls). Monkey bars are also a classic, but exciting, way to introduce new skilled play elements.
  • On Set Games: A Tic-Tac-Toe Spinner panel will create park-quality play time for your little ones. They are easy to install and will create hours of game time for kids of all ages.

Add one or more of these exciting accessories to create additional fun and family time for the children in your life!
Rock Wall Kit Rope Ladder Monkey Bar Kits Tic Tac Toe Spinner Kit

Backyard Fun

Swings with Zing: Keeping Swing Sets Updated and Cool

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Tire Swing

 

As kids grow older, their needs and abilities change.  Keeping your backyard swing set updated with accessories that meets your kids’ current needs and interests will ensure that the swing set continues to be used and enjoyed over the course of many years.   There’s no need to completely overhaul your swing set at one time, though.  Start with one improvement and see how that goes before adding or changing anything else.  Swings are a good place to start.

How old were your kids when you first purchased their backyard swing set?  Were they young enough to need a bucket swing or half-bucket swing for safety?  Updating the swings on your swing set is an easy and inexpensive way to keep the kids coming back out to play.  Instead of buying a new standard belt swing, though, choose a swing with somePine Wood Chair Swing zing.

Some popular alternative choices for traditional swings include tire swings and glider swings, both of which can support at least two people at a time.  A disc swing is another fun option that, like the tire swing, is not limited to just a back and forth movement.  For older kids and even adults, a wooden chair swing is an appealing spot for swinging gently while chatting with a friend or reading a book.

Getting the most use out of your backyard swing set means that a little updating of the accessories now and then is necessary.  Keep up with your kids’ interests as they grow and change, and you’ll keep them coming back to play.

Backyard Fun, Healthy Ideas

Wooden Swing Sets Are Great Entertainment

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 Wooden Swing Set

My three year old daughter loves nothing more than being outside on a nice summer day. It is always a struggle finding new and exciting things to keep her entertained. We recently decided to purchase a wooden swing set to try to add some variety to her outdoor activities. It has been such a great addition to our home! It provides endless hours of entertainment and keeps her challenged in a positive way with all the features that it has.

Creating a custom swing set is easy with a purchased kit and some sturdy wood. You simply build the frame, with easy to follow instructions, and attach the accessories of you choice. No swing set would be complete without a slide, and there are many options to choose from. From straight and simple to a spiral tube, you are sure to find the slide that fits your ideal vision. There are also a variety of swings in different colors and designs that can add variety for children of different ages. You can add a bucket swing for your littlest ones. A glider provides great fun for older kids or siblings. A sandbox, monkey bars, rock wall, or rope ladder can also add various degrees of fun for different ages. Finally, add telescope or steering wheel, and the swing set that your kids have always dreamed of will be a reality in your front yard!

We used to spend a lot of time at the park. Now, my daughter has her own park in our front yard. It provides her with entertainment, but also helps keep her active and challenged in outdoor play.