Tag Archives: parents

Step By Step Guide for Swing set “starter”

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Buying a swing set for your child is a wonderful addition to your outdoor play yard. You will find that owning a swing set provides entertaining fun, healthy exercise, and hours of enjoyment for your child. Whether you have one child or several, there are some things to consider before purchasing a swing set to ensure that your new addition will be safe as well as fun.

Wooden or metal swing set?

The first thing to consider is whether you will purchase a wooden or metal swing set. Both are very popular and you will most likely choose your type of swing set based upon personal preference and location. For instance, those who live in hot climates may prefer wooden swing sets due to the fact that they don’t retain as much heat as metal swings.

Child on a swing

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Buying and installing a Swing Set

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Children are not playing outside as much as they did many years ago. Now they are too busy playing video games, watching television, or surfing the internet. Many years ago you could see kids out playing in their front yards or riding their bikes down the street. Now it seems that nothing is available to grab a kid’s attention long enough to keep them outside for very long. The biggest problem with this is that kids are getting more and more obese every day, because they are not getting the exercise that they need. A good way to get your children interested in playing outside is to put a swing set in your backyard when they are young, so they get used to playing outside.

Swingsets

A swing set is a very good way to Continue reading →

A swing set in your backyard without trouble

Today’s parents have so many choices when it comes to finding a safe and fun swing set that it can be overwhelming. I thought I would share a few lessons my family has learned from our own swing set purchase and installation. I call them my “Golden Threes of Swing Set Placement”.

swing and slide ladderladderRule Number 1 of Swing Set Placement:
Before you open the first catalog, visit the first website, or go to the home and garden center – measure your backyard. Don’t forget that swings are meant to swing. Add at least 6 feet in all directions for people to walk and Daddies to push swingers; otherwise you might find yourself dragging a half-assembled swing set across the yard and begging it to not fall apart. The kids and pets will think this is quite exciting, but trust me – your back will hate it.

Rule Number 2 of Swing Set Placement:
Leave the kids out of the actual buying decision. What kid wants the “budget” model swing set when the “deluxe” model also has a cool fort? Remember, extras may increase the space required for safe play. That tall oak tree may become irresistible for climbing once the fort puts the lowest branch within reach.

Rule Number 3 of Swing Set Placement:
That crooked screw will impale itself in someone’s body no matter how hidden you thought it was. Make sure all the screw heads are flush, and routinely check to make sure all screws and bolts remain firmly in place. Swing sets set up on uneven ground will be more apt to rack out of shape and make it harder to properly secure the connecting bolts and screws. Continue reading →