10 Best Rated Metal Swing Sets – In-Depth Reviews

W hat can be more fun and exciting for kids than playing outside, enjoying the fresh air, and consuming their energy with activities that train their minds and bodies? In case you are wondering what addition you can make to your backyard so that the kids can enjoy a great playtime, we suggest you consider getting a metallic swing set. Not sure which one to go for? We come to your help with a comparison of the best-rated models out there.

Depending on the backyard space, the number of children that are going to use it, or the budget limit, there are several versions available that come with a complete package of features designed for extended and safe use.

The Benefits of Outdoor Activities

Offering safe and fun outdoor activities for your little ones is a sure way of helping them be healthier and have a higher level of stamina. The CDC recommends you offer them plenty of opportunities in which they can run, walk, climb, or play for at least 60 minutes per day. Swinging is one activity that can help them increase their hand-eye coordination, grip strength, balance, and more. Another activity that is also good for balance is going down a slide, as it helps with the vestibular system.

Regardless of how they choose to spend those 60 minutes, the benefits that your kids will get from moving around are:

• Better blood flow;
• Muscle building;
• Better coordination;
• Improved mental health;
• Lowered risk of disease further in life.

Top 10 Metal Swing Sets Compared

Photo	Product	Construction	Number of Swings	Maximum Occupants	Swing Weight Capacity	Overall Weight Capacity	Age Limit	Warranty	Price
Best Overall	1. Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure	Swings: Rubber-coated Zinc Chains with Polyethylene Seats Frame: Galvanized Steel	3	6	150 lbs.	600 lbs.	3-12 Years Old	5 Years	Check Price
Best for Older Children	2. Backyard Discovery Big Brutus	Swings: Steel Chains with Rubber Seats Frame: Alloy Steel	2	3	150 lbs.	450 lbs.	3-10 Years Old	1 Year	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. Sportspower Super 8	Swings: Rubber-coated Steel Chains with Polyethylene Seats Frame: Alloy Steel	2	8	100 lbs.	800 lbs.	3-13 Years Old	2 Years – Mat, 3 Years – Frame	Check Price
	4. FITNESS REALITY KIDS “The Ultimate” 8	Swings: Rubber-coated Metal Chains with Polyethylene Seat Frame: Steel	1	9	80 lbs.	650 lbs.	3-8 Years Old	2 Years – Frame, 6 Months – Other Components	Check Price
	5. Pure Fun 6-Station Play-Zone Deluxe	Swings: Polypropylene Ropes and Plastic Seat Frame: Galvanized Steel	1	4	75 lbs.	300 lbs.	3-6 Years Old	90 Days	Check Price
	6. XDP Recreation All Star	Swings: Rubber-coated Steel Chains and Polyethylene Seats Frame: Alloy Steel	2	7	140 lbs.	700 lbs.	3-8 Years Old	6 Months	Check Price
Best with Slide	7. Flexible Flyer “World of Fun”	Swings: Vinyl-covered Steel Chains and Polyethylene Seats Frame: Steel	2	10	105 lbs.	1050 lbs.	2-10 Years Old	6 Months	Check Price
	8. Hapfan 600 Lbs Heavy Duty Set	Swings: EVA Material Frame: Steel	3	4	200 lbs.	600 lbs.	3-12 Years Old	18 Months
Best for the Money	9. Movement God Metal A-Frame	Swings: Vinyl-covered Steel Chains with Polyethylene Seats Frame: Alloy Steel	2	2	100 lbs.	400 lbs.	3-8 Years Old	N/A	Check Price
	10. Jump Power Magic Carpet	Swings: Vinyl-covered Steel Chains with Polyethylene Seat Frame: Alloy Steel	1	2	200 lbs.	200 lbs.	3-8 Years Old	1 Year	Check Price

1. Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure

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Kids love outdoor fun and keeping them safe while they play is not difficult if you opt to install a metal swing set in your backyard. The Monkey Bar Adventure model from Lifetime is a set that can offer your children lots of fun, but it can also cater to your teenagers’ needs for swinging, seeing as the individual weight capacity for a seat is 150 pounds. Other than the three swings, the features that can enhance playtime are a long, wavy slide, bars to hang onto, a trapeze, and a pole to slide on. This way, up to 6 children can be entertained at the same time.

Safety Features

Regarding the safety features, which are highly important when it comes to toys and play equipment, you can rest assured because the entire construction is made of heavy-duty steel that can withstand any type of weather and is galvanized to avoid rust. No hard edge accidents can happen, as those are rounded and covered with plastic caps, and the swing handles are covered in rubber to prevent pinching. The frame is freestanding, able to carry up to 600 pounds at full capacity. Furthermore, this model from Lifetime is backed by a 5-year warranty on all the parts, which is the highest available on the market, so far.

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2. Backyard Discovery Big Brutus

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If you are looking for a product that guarantees quality, you will surely notice the Backyard Discovery Big Brutus, as it comes from a brand to stand for it. It’s a model made with durability in mind, thus the sturdy, heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frame that can last throughout time in any type of weather.

The handles of the swings are made of the same resistant steel while the seats are soft and comfortable. It can accommodate children aged 3 to 10 and it has a seat capacity of 150 pounds, meaning you get a 450-pound overall capacity. The Big Brutus includes two rubber seats and a trapeze bar with handles, so you’ll be getting a piece of equipment that can only keep 3 children occupied at the same time.

Safety Zone

For your children’s safety, the steel legs are rounded and the bottoms are capped with rubber. Since the beam to which the chains are connected is 9 feet tall, you’ll need to keep in mind that you’ll have to provide an 18 by 18 feet safety area around it to avoid any accidental kicks to the face when someone is swinging.

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3. Sportspower Super 8

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For a more complex swing set that can offer almost all the fun, you can find at a playground or amusement park, the Sportspower Super 8 is here to shine. This model includes various accessories, besides the two seats: a flying saucer that can be used by two, a 6-foot slide, a rocking horse, and a glider also for two kids to share. This means that 8 little ones can get endless hours of fun when using it. If you’re looking for a cheaper option that is a bit more basic and hosts fewer kids, check out the following comparison matrix where we feature another Sportspower swing set worth looking into.

The overall weight that it can withstand comes at 800 pounds, but if you need one that’s higher, the Flexible Flyer “World of Fun” comes with a 1050-pound holding capacity. If you are usually concerned about their safety at local playgrounds, with this piece you won’t have to, as you are about to purchase a heavy-duty steel construction on a standalone frame, packed with rubber handles, plastic seats, and solid hardware, all made of high-quality materials. While it can stand alone, you can also purchase an anchoring kit separately if you wish to increase its stability. The 2-year warranty on the mat and 3-year on the frame strengthens the idea of a reliable choice.

Alternative Sportspower Swing Set – Models Compared

As aforementioned, the Super 8 isn’t the only Sportspower product that is worth buying. Sure, it’s their best model in terms of features and hosts a lot of kids, but maybe you don’t necessarily need this. If you want a set with a fewer maximum occupants cap or the Super 8 simply exceeds your budget or space, you should consider the Sportspower My First Metal Swing Set. It’s a model that we previously ranked 8th but decided to replace with this more feature-packed model for obvious reasons. But just because it’s simpler doesn’t take away from its quality, not in the slightest. Durability and safety are guaranteed with both models!

Specification	Sportspower Super 8	Sportspower My First Metal Swing Set
Age limit	3-13 years old	3-8 years old
Maximum no. of users	8	4
No. of swings	2	2
Features	Flying saucer, Glider, Slide, Rocking horse	Trapeze bar, Slide
Total weight capacity	800 lbs.	400 lbs.
Materials	Frame: Alloy steel; Seat: Polyethylene; Handles: Rubber-coated steel chains	Frame: Alloy steel; Seat: Polyurethane; Handles: Rubber-covered steel chains
Price	Check Price	Check Price

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4. FITNESS REALITY KIDS “The Ultimate” 8

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Meet versatility at its highest with this amazing set that includes no less than 8 different stations to make playing outside a complete adventure. Aside from the contoured swaying seat, the features included are a 5-foot long wavy slide, a trapeze bar with grab handles, a saucer, and a 2-seat glider. Furthermore, kids can enjoy a game of basketball or a round of soccer thanks to the hoop and net additions that also come with their respective ball types. Last but not least, the 8th station is a 32-inch trampoline that can provide as much jumping fun as possible.

When we turn the page to look at the safety features we’ll find that the assembly meets and exceeds all the mandatory safety regulations. Rounded edges, weatherproof steel, rubber-covered chains, and a weight capacity of 650 pounds can keep up to 9 children with ages between 3 and 8 free of injuries. The highest quality materials were used when building this set, and they guarantee that your kids will be outside of any danger when playing outside and enjoying the fresh air.

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5. Pure Fun 6-Station Play-Zone Deluxe

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Pure Fun offers a multicolored model with six different playing stations that can keep your kids occupied long enough to get them ready for their afternoon nap. The four stations on the inner beam are a swing, a seesaw, trapeze handlebars, and a wide flying saucer. As a bonus, a basketball hoop and a tossing game are included to add even more versatility. The metal parts are made of all-weather resistant galvanized steel, the seats are made of plastic, and the handles are made of polypropylene rope to prevent them from getting too hot to the touch during summer. If you’re looking to get a set solely for the number of swings it provides, the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure remains unbeaten.

At most, the structure can hold four occupants weighing a maximum of 300 pounds in total, but you will have to anchor it to the ground, as it is a wide build and it can get wobbly at full capacity. The individual weight limit for each station is 75 pounds. Children aged 3 to 6 years old can enjoying using this set, seeing as the height of the beam comes at 6 feet. The footprint measures 12 by 4.5 feet, so you’ll be able to fit this set in a medium-sized yard without any problems. One downside about this set is that the warranty window is only 90 days.

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6. XDP Recreation All Star

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When looking at the features that this type of product can have, two aspects come to mind: the range of activities it provides and the safety aspects that can prevent unwanted injuries. The XDP Recreation All Star playground set scores a high rank in both aspects. It’s generous in size but also extremely stable thanks to the A-frame design and the three pairs of legs that ensure it will remain stuck to the ground, all while allowing for 7 children to play on it simultaneously. It combines the fun of swinging with other activities like gliding, sliding, or rotating in the flying saucer. The 6.5-foot long slide is specially designed to ensure a safe landing for your children.

The powder-coated steel frame is rust-resistant so you won’t have to worry about it standing in the rain, while the fabrics are UV-resistant so there won’t be any tears caused by sun damage. Those two combined make for an all-season use equipment. Another feature that assures safety during use is the rubber cover used over the steel chains that prevents pinching. The overall weight limit that you should respect is that of 700 pounds.

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7. Flexible Flyer “World of Fun”

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This six-legged model from Flexible Flyer is designed to entertain a high number of users, namely 10 kids, making it a great asset for parties or big families. Made of powder-coated durable steel, it’s not prone to rust and will ensure increased safety in use no matter the weather conditions. It comes with two plastic-seated swings that attach to the frame with metal chain handles. Said handles are wrapped in vinyl, therefore the kids won’t pinch their fingers while swinging. Other than the classic piece, the “World of Fun” includes a trapeze bar with handles, a glider, a ride-on, a seesaw, and a 6-foot long slide with a two-step ladder for easy on and off access.

The age limit goes from 2 to 10-year old children and it has a matching weight capacity of 1050 pounds to go with it. The height of the upper beam comes at 6 feet, which means that you’ll need to keep a safe space of at least 6 by 6 feet both in front and behind the set.

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8. Hapfan 600 Lbs Heavy Duty Set

Safety is primordial when it comes to what your kids play with. Luckily, this swing exceeds ASTM standards, so safety is guaranteed. There are three swings that the kids can use, each of them with a 200-pound capacity. This amounts to a total weight capacity of 600 pounds for the entire set. Seeing how one of the swings is a platform-style model on which two kids can sit together, the max number of users for the whole set is four. So if your kid has friends over, they can all play together and have tons of fun.

The platform swing is made of wear-resistant textile fabrics, ensuring comfortable sitting. For the two classic-style swings on the set, EVA material is used to make the belt (hence, their large 200-pound capacity). One thing we weren’t fans of was that the black frames get hot to the touch after sitting in the sun for too long. Keep your hands away from them and teach your kids to do the same. On the bright side, we did like that the chains of the swings are coated with plastic since this keeps the hands of your kids safe.

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9. Movement God Metal A-Frame

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We also have an option prepared for those looking for a low-budget entertaining product to keep their kids busy. The Movement God is a small 4-legged model that accommodates two children in two solid polyethylene swing seats. The structure is solid, made of strong steel, and the base of it can be anchored with hooks to increase the stability, providing a safe playtime. Handle-wise it has chains made of the same material as the frame, but these are covered with vinyl to protect those tiny hands from any painful pinches.

The weight limit for this model is 400 pounds overall and it isn’t recommended to exceed it under any circumstance, as the chains could break under heavier users and result in a serious injury. The age limit includes kids as young as 3 to as old as 8 years old. As always, remember that a safe zone is mandatory for the swinging action to not cause any accidents. Make sure that there are at least 6 feet on each side in which there are no obstacles to bump into.

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10. Jump Power Magic Carpet

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For those who have children on the mellower side that only like the gentle lull of a swing, Magic Carpet-type models are a perfect choice. With these, the young ones can either sit, and sway their legs, or they can lay down to watch the sky as they are swung back and forth. The model made by Jump Power has a sturdy steel structure to keep it grounded, vinyl-covered metal chains to connect said structure to the hammock, and polypropylene as the material that creates the seating area. Color-wise it comes in a combination of turquoise and black.

The whole structure is ASTM tested so there’s no need to worry about anything going wrong as long as the full 200-pound limit is respected. Footprint-wise, it measures 5.8 by 5.5 feet, with a 5.8-foot height, meaning that it requires a free area surrounding it of approximately 6 by 6 feet. To go hand in hand with the weight limit, there’s also an age limit that restricts use to any children outside the 3 to 8 years old range. Going by that, this model can freely by used by toddlers as well.

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How to Anchor a Swing Set

Buying a swing set for the youngest family members can be a great experience for you, because you’ll be seeing them playing happily, and for the youngsters, because they will be provided with an outlet for their excess energy. And, hey, it’s fun! Keeping them occupied will allow you to get to your chores in peace, and by the end of the day, you’ll have them ready for bed without too many complaints.

But, as you might know, there are some measures that you need to take in order for the set to be safe to play on. First off, getting an all-weather model will ensure that no rust will make its way on the bars to compromise the structure, then, making sure that the chains are covered will keep the little hands from getting hurt, and the most important aspect, anchoring should be done properly to avoid any tipping.

Swings are at the top of the list when it comes to structures that need to be anchored because kids can create enough momentum to cause an accident on them. If you’re a novice at securing playsets, don’t worry, everyone has been at some point in time. In this part of the article we’ll explain how to anchor your newly acquired product depending on the materials it’s made of, the solidity of the ground you place it on, and whether or not you plan on changing its location in the future.

Stakes
If you plan on using stakes, you can find them made of wood or metal, and usually in a simple and straight line shape. With wooden sets, these can be drilled on the bottoms of the legs and they have to be set at a 45-degree angle to keep them from slipping upwards. If you want a metal set, either get one that can allow for anchoring or know that you’ll have to either weld the stakes on or create secured loops for them to hang onto. Stakes will work best in hard ground. Keep in mind that wooden stakes will have to be replaced at some point, as they will lose their strength as time passes.

Anchors
Auger anchor. This type can be screwed into the soil surface and won’t require much else, but drive in anchors can work as well. Both can be used in hard soil and set at a 45-degree angle. If, however, you’re dealing with a softer ground, concrete stakes are also an option. You can go for a deadman anchor and set it in a small block of concrete that you’ll bury at least 3 feet deep.

Concrete
If the ground is hopeless in terms of holding an anchor and you don’t plan on moving the set in the foreseeable future, concrete setting is the answer. This will only work for metal sets though, as you’ll need to add anchors or steel mesh to the base legs to provide a secure hold. Wood can easily rot or crack if you use this method. To set it this way, as mentioned, you’ll have to add a structure for the concrete to harden around and hold onto like metal stakes or welded steel mesh all around the base to create a sturdy web. Once it will fully set, there will be no more unwanted movement in sight. In this case, only exceeding the overall weight limit can cause damage to the set, as the bars themselves might bend.

After you’re done with the method of your choosing, all of the materials that are sticking out need to be covered to prevent kids from tripping over or falling and hitting themselves on the anchors. Either add a full ground cover made of thick rubber or cover just the risky parts themselves.

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Buying Guide

To help you with the decision-making process, we’ve put together a little handy guide of aspects to consider before buying a new backyard fun product.

Dimensions

As with any playground-type set, you should make sure that you have a proper space before deciding on a model. Get your tapes, rulers, and any other measuring tools out and map out the exact shape and amount of useable space in your backyard, and then you can start comparing prices. And also, don’t forget about the safety zone requirements (the minimum is 6 by 6 feet) that you need to avoid injuries to those who pass by a swinging child.

Number of Users

If you have more than two kids, or if they have plenty of friends that they like to invite over, the number of spots available is probably among the first aspects to consider. Fortunately, many come with more seats and many other features to allow multiple occupants at the same time.

Safety Features

• Testing (some models are ASTM tested for tipping, bending, breaking, and other types of accidents)
• Anchoring (some come with pre-drilled anchoring holes, some come with hooks, and some just allow you drill your own anchor holes without it affecting the structural integrity)
• The edge on the frame (it is preferable that you get one with a rounded frame and rubber caps, or one that is covered with a soft, protective material)
• The covers on the chain handles (rubber, vinyl, foam)
• The weight limit (those with higher capacities won’t break or bend easily)
• The number of stairs (this applies to sets with features that require climbing)

Extra Features

Many of these sets have add-ons to provide more versatility, therefore if you have a kid that is easily bored you should opt for a more complex choice. The possibilities are endless and the only thing keeping you back could be your budget, but luckily, in today’s world, many models are available that combine quality with fair prices, allowing you to turn your backyard into your children’s dream playground.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are metal or wood swing sets better?

Some people say that wood is better because it doesn’t corrode, but a qualitative metallic swing will surely resist in time and won’t cause a splinter injury. Both wood and metal tend to be moisture-sensitive, but proper care and handling should ensure a long lifespan.

Are backyard swing sets worth it?

As most kids will adore having a swing set in the backyard, yes, they are worth it. It will provide endless hours of fun for small and big children alike.

Do metal swing sets rust?

No, highly-qualitative swings are made of powder-coated metal that is weather-proof so it will withstand the challenge of time. They don’t corrode, warp, splinter, or fade over intense use.

How do you keep a metal swing set from rusting?

In case the set you own didn’t come pre-coated, use a metal-polymer paint to apply two coats on the metallic components. This will work as a galvanized layer that will protect against corrosion.

Do swing sets need to be anchored?

It depends on several factors, but ultimately yes, any type of set you buy must be secured to the ground one way or another. So far, concrete anchors have been proven to be the safest choice.

How do you get the rust off a metallic swing set?

You can do so by using any type of chemical rust remover you can find in stores and a wire brush. Spray or apply the rust remover to loosen the rust then scrap it using the tough brush.

How do I keep my swing set from sinking?

You can put a brick at the bottom of each post hole with the widest edge facing up. This way, the weight of the frame won’t push it into the dirt. If needed, you can put gravel under each brick to level the set at the needed height.

Can a swing set go on concrete?

Preferably, you should opt for a softer surface that will not become dangerous in case the little ones fall. The protective surface material around the set, like a rubber mat, should cover at least a 6-feet radius.

How much weight can a metal swing set hold?

This information should be available in the item description of each set. In general, each swing can hold around 150 pounds, while a complex model, with slides or monkey bars can even reach 1,000 pounds, depending on the maximum number of occupants.

What kind of metal are swing sets made of?

Usually, they are made of steel because they are highly resilient and durable. Steel doesn’t normally rust, and for added protection, a coating of powder paint is added.

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Conclusion

Kids love playing outdoors and playground activities are a perfect combination between exercising and entertainment. You can keep them busy all day long if you choose the right model to fit their needs, so, to help you do that, we will do one final recap of the units that stood out the most.

Best Metal Swing Set for Sale: Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure
No doubt about it, the Monkey Bar Adventure is a choice to invest in if you want something long-lasting and reliable. The high-quality materials used to design this model are durable and weatherproof, thus it is very solid and can be used by multiple kids at the same time without any concerns about it being affected by sun damage or rainfall. Thanks to the added accessories, it works as a full playground. What’s also notable is the 5-year warranty that protects your investment so you can be sure that your money is well-spent.

Editor’s Choice: Sportspower Super 8
Highly versatile, our favorite model is the Super 8 from Sportspower that is not only made of quality materials but also comes at a great price that makes it a great deal. The structure is sturdy, it will stand the test of time, and it comes with more than just swings. The variety of features can keep up to 8 children entertained, so you’ll have your hands free to do whatever you want for at least a couple of hours.

Best Metal Swing Set for the Money: Movement God Metal A-Frame
Since not every parent can afford to splurge on a set that offers an infinite number of features, we have also added the Movement God Metal A-Frame, a model equipped with two swings that can add extra enrichment to their everyday lives. The structure is resistant, the chain handles are covered to protect from pinching, and the overall limit of 400 pounds two kids aged between 3 to 8 years old.

Best Metal Swing Set for Older Children: Backyard Discovery Big Brutus
Most sets are designed for younger children, fact which is obvious from the limits that don’t allow for too much overall weight. That, however, isn’t the case with the Big Brutus model, as it has been designed to be used by children starting at the age of 3 and up to 10 years old. The individual seat weight limit goes up to 150 pounds so there is no need to worry that it will collapse under pressure while being used.

Best Metal Swing Set with Slide: Flexible Flyer “World of Fun”
The “World of Fun” from Flexible Flyer is a piece that can offer five other features other than the two swing seats to sway on. Those features are a glider and a ride-on to offer two other swaying options, a trapeze bar to hang from, a seesaw, and the most part is the 6-foot long wavy slide. In total, this unit can entertain 10 children at once, and it can get them ready for bed in no time.