Tree swings are a budget-friendly way to get your kids outside as the weather warms up. I grew up swinging on my neighbor’s tree swing, watching the birds and the grasshoppers, and it’s a fond memory that I cherish to this day. Childhood is so fleeting; you may as well make the most of it.
The first thing you need to think about is whether or not you have a tree that can handle a tree swing. According to the experts at Big Yard Fun, all you really need for a good tree swing is a sturdy branch of at least 8 inches in diameter, a solid rope, and a fun seat. Make sure that the tree itself is in solid condition (not on a hill or bluff), and that the ground beneath the tree is free from debris and large, exposed tree roots.
Choosing a good swing will depend greatly upon the person who's going to be swinging. Toddler swings generally have straps or a waist bar, and they're pretty lightweight. On the other hand, swings for older kids can range from anything from a hammock style to a traditional belt swing. And they can get pretty fancy, with the ability to hold more than one child or spin around. The more features and the fancier the swing, the higher the cost. So, while tree swings are generally more affordable than a swing set, they can still get reasonably expensive.
To help find the safest, sturdiest tree swings for kids, I scoured the internet, talked to parents and manufacturers, and even polled my own kids for their favorite picks. These are the best backyard tree swings your kids will be begging for.
This tree swing is everything you need at an extremely low price, and reminiscent of the swings you might see by a pond or lake. Now, while we now know that's not quite as safe for kids, having this over a soft pile of mulch would be an excellent addition to your backyard.
A classic wooden tree swing is in itself a whole aesthetic. It's also super sturdy, super practical, and super fun for your kids.
This is the swing of your childhood, featuring soft ropes, a wood base, and an adjustable height. If there were ever a toy that screamed “timeless,” this one would be it. The kit comes with everything you need, and will last a really long time.
Swinging for hours won't be a problem with this uber comfy swing. The base of this model is a soft but strong knit that cradles the child swinging, making it great for both active play or just hanging out to read a book.
The kit makes it easy to put together. It's surprisingly hearty too, holding up to 660 pounds of weight.
This is part tree swing, part hideaway. I love that this could be a place to read as easily as it could be a place for fun, active play. It’s a tree swing, yes, but it's elevated to be so much more. Plus, you get the whole kit — which means you don’t need to worry about sourcing rope or hooks.
You can get a whole crew of kids on this beast of a swing, making fights about who gets a turn that much less of an issue.
This tree swing can hold up to 750 pounds if installed properly. The frame itself is a whopping 45 inches across, with 10 feet of UV-resistant rope. The package comes with everything you need, including explicit hanging instructions.
This kit is cheap, cheerful, and best of all — portable. If you're going to your parents’ or a friend's house, and they have a sturdy branch, you have a place to hang this lightweight swing.
This tree swing holds up to 700 pounds of weight at once. It is a monster tree swing at 5 feet long and 3 feet across, and comes with everything you need to hang it from your tree.
The best part? The instructions on this kit could not be simpler. It has both written instructions and pictures to guide you while setting it up, making you feel much more secure in your abilities. This swing is a bit bouncier than the others on this list, making it particularly good for excitable little ones.
This tree swing is just really neat. It's a stand-on surfer-style tree swing with a handle on either side. It's self-powered (so you know it will exhaust your child, thank heavens), and easier to assemble than you might think. When I showed my kids this swing, they immediately begged me to buy it for their grandparents' house.
I love the way this swing is more like a basket than a disc. It comes with a soft cushion to fill the interior, and is comfortable for both children and adults alike. The entire setup takes under half an hour, so kids won't have to wait long to play.
If you have a toddler and want a park-style swing, this is it. It's not only gorgeous, but extremely sturdy and easy to install.
It has a seatbelt for added safety and ball toys on the ropes by the handles, along with rattling rings on the chest bar. The cushion will keep your baby comfy and happy as they glide through the air with glee.
Cat BowenParenting EditorCat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
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