If your kids have outgrown your current swing set, and you want to trade it in for a bigger, sturdier model, one they can enjoy for the next several years, you’ve come to the right place: here are showcases of 10 of the best heavy duty swing sets for older kids available online.

Having the right swing set can help your big kids want to stay active and spend many hours outdoors.  I’ll show you what you need to consider when making your choice, after you’ll see my top picks for the year ahead.

I’m sure by the time you’re done reading you’ll see a heavy duty swing set that you and your big kids will love.

Ready?

Heavy Duty Swing Sets For Older Kids: What To Look For

If your kids are no longer toddlers, if they are between the ages of, say 5-12, you want to get a swing set that basically answers “yes” to the following two questions:

1. Will they will be safe using it?
2. Will they will still find it entertaining?

Safety: Will my big kids be safe using it?

Compared to toddlers, bigger kids weigh more when they swing, slide, and hang, and have more impact when they jump and land. This is pretty much just common sense. But it does mean you need to have a swing set designed to handle such weight. Thick beams (especially the swing bar), bases that can be anchored properly (where applicable), heavy duty brackets, extra sturdy plastic… if you look at a swing set and right away think to yourself “that sorta looks flimsy”, you’re probably right. A solid swing set must LOOK solid to start.

There are 2 main types of swing sets you can look at if you’re aiming to buy a heavy duty playset for your kids: Metal and Wooden.  Below you’ll find the top 5 recommendations of high weight capacity swing sets in each category, so go with your preference.

Metal: Metal swing sets are constructed from steel and are extremely long lasting, heavy duty and normally have a much higher weight capacity than wood (so you moms and dads can also swing, for example). Often you can get steel swing sets in a variety of colors as well. The steel is usually finished with a powder coating to prevent rusting and heat retention, so they are safe for play even in the hot summer, and they’ll stay looking nice for years to come. Maintaining a metal swing set usually just means touching up scratches with paint on occasion to prevent rusting… that’s it.

Wood: Wooden swing sets today are usually made from pressurized lumber, treated to prevent rot and insect damage.  While wood looks beautiful and natural in your backyard, and often the wood swing sets are a lower price than the metal, wooden sets do require more maintenance than steel sets. To keep them from fading, splitting, and warping, which will make them wobbly and unstable, you’ll need to spend time annually doing some staining and special wood preservative treatments. There is a larger variety of wooden sets on the market, but you may not find as many that both look and ARE are extremely models for big kids.

Check out further discussion on Metal vs Wood for older kids swingsets below the reviews in this article!

2. Entertainment Value: Will my big kids ENJOY playing on it?

You know your kids best, so you’ll know best what they in particular would like. However, watch any group of older kids at a playground, and what do they gravitate towards?

• Monkey bars, especially ones they can get up on top of.
• Rock climbing walls, or interesting ways to get up to the top of the fort (angled ladder, rope wall…)
• A fast/decently steep slide, or fun ways to get down from the top of the fort (fireman’s pole, 2 different slides)
• GOOD swings, with the swing beam at a nice height (a small/low set of swings and a small, slow slide are often what makes kids outgrow their first swing sets.
• A “fortress” or “clubhouse” area where they can sit and chat between games of tag, especially ones that have interesting features such as a captain’s wheel or spy glass, crow’s nest, chalkboard, sandbox, picnic table, or other things that inspire creative play.

Now let’s take a look at my top picks for 2024. First, the top 5 METAL Swing Sets For Older Kids options, then the top 5 WOODEN ones.

(As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Full Disclosure.)

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Top 5 Metal Heavy Duty Swing Sets for Older Kids in 2024

1. Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure Play Set

• Company: Lifetime Products
• Rating: 4.6 / 5 stars
• Price: $$$
• Colors: Earthtones (as pictured) or Primary Colors

This heavy duty swing and slide set by Lifetime is my top recommendation for older kids. It’s has a seriously high fun factor with all of the activities they have packed on this unit, it’s solid, and is built to last, well, a lifetime!

If you aren’t sold just by the picture alone, here are some finer details on why it’s well worth the investment:

• It’s heavy duty steel construction, sized for and aimed at kids aged 3-12, and is FREE STANDING. Yes, that means it does not need to be cemented into the ground, but it’ll handle all sorts of wild play without moving around. Reviewers claim that even adults can swing on it without it budging!
• It comes with a 9 foot wavy slide, 2 swings, 1 rubberized trapeze bar with rings, a 3D climbing wall (climb either side), a cargo net, propeller/standing swing (underneath), a captain’s wheel, a ladder, and an activity board… plenty to keep your kids busy for hours!
• It’s built from high quality materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and rust-resistant, and that are designed not to warp, rot, crack, or splinter (like all wooden ones will, eventually). What that means for you is that you have ZERO maintenance that you’ll need to do on this set over the years!
• Even though it’s metal, it’s still designed with safety in mind: there are plastic caps on the hard edges and soft rubber grips on swing chains
• There’s a 5 year limited warranty from the manufacturer, so you can trust that your purchase will be able to be enjoyed for a long time!

This is a really great quality heavy duty swing set that older kids will really enjoy. Although it’s not a budget favorite, I think it’s one purchase that you won’t regret. If you aren’t sure, check out the hundreds of glowing reviews on Amazon by clicking below:

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2.  Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set

• Company: Lifetime Products
• Rating: 4.8 / 5 stars
• Price: $$
• Colors: Available in Earthtones (pictured) or Primary Colors

Here we have another metal swing set from Lifetime Products that is great for older kids. It’s somewhat simpler than the above model, but if you’re looking for a basic swing set with a few fun twists, this one is well worth a look!

Here’s what it features:

• It includes 3 swings (with adjustable heights), 1 trapeze bar with rings, monkey bars, and a 9′ wavy slide… enough to entertain even older kids!
• You can put the swings to the right or the left of the monkey bars, depending your preference
• Even though it’s freestanding (meaning you don’t have to cement or anchor it down), it’s extremely sturdy, built with an official max capacity of 640lbs!
• Like the “Big Stuff” model featured above, the frame is rust and weather resistant, built to last for years!
• Lifetime Products is known for its quality customer service, even sending out touch-up paint by request… their manufacturers 5 year warranty ensures you’ll be happy with your swing set for years to come.

I wouldn’t consider the Lifetime Monkey Bar Adventure Swing Set cheap, but you don’t want a cheap swing set if you’re truly looking for something heavy duty, something your older kids will be safe playing on. Cheap is just going to lead to issues and a miserable time. You want to make sure you’re getting quality and that’s exactly what you’ll get here. It’s a great metal swing set for older children.

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3. Lifetime Adventure Tower Deluxe Playset

• Company: Lifetime Products
• Rating: 4.6 / 5 stars
• Price: $$$$
• Colors available: As shown

What customers love about this swing set is the seriously huge range of activities for kids – it’s a swing set whose attraction will remain for kids well into their teenaged years!

CLICK HERE to read my full extended review of this swing set.

For a quick review, however, here are some of its features you’ll appreciate:

• It includes: a fireman pole, a monkey bar set, a swing bar with 2 swings and 1 trapeze bar, a curved ladder, 2 sturdy 3-D climbing walls, a 9′ wavy slide, and a clubhouse
• The clubhouse (5′ off the ground) comes complete with a rigid hardtop roof with an impact resistant skylight, a sandbox area, 4 storefronts for make believe play, 2 doors, chalkboards, a captain’s wheel, and a car map.
• With all of these features, it is designed to hold up to 10 players (ages 3-12) at a time!
• The materials for this swing set are top quality: UV resistant, and will not crack, warp, rot, splinter, or require ANY maintenance on your part over the years!
• Like the other swing sets, the Adventure Tower Deluxe also has a 5 year limited warranty.
• You can also purchase this model without the monkey bar section for a lower price (it’s simply called the Adventure Tower).

This is one large and serious playground/swing set for older kids. It’ll take up a lot of space in your yard (the unit is approx. 16′ x 16′, and then you need a safety zone), but if you have the room, and can fit the hefty price tag for this fabulous swing set into your budget, your kids are going to be pretty excited!

Check it out in the video here!

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4. Backyard Discovery Castle Grey Metal Swing Set and Outdoor Playground

• Company: Backyard Discovery
• Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
• Price: $$$

This swing set by Backyard Discovery is their entry into the metal swing sets world – they generally do wooden ones (and they do them well). This swing set aimed at kids aged 3-10 has plenty of activities that will keep your big kids busy playing!

Here’s what you’ll love about this heavy duty swing set:

• It comes with 2 swings plus a web swing, a slide, climbing ladder, steering wheel, a built in playhouse underneath, a rock wall/climbing wall, tic-tac-toe game table, overhead shade canopy, a metal climbing tree, and more!
• Backyard Discovery has been making swing sets for over 30 years, so they know what they are doing… and when they say this one is made from heavy duty components, you can bet it’s solid! It’s also made from weather-resistant and rust-resistant materials, so you can trust it’ll look great for many years (even with pretty much ZERO maintenance on your part)!
• It has a modern and fun look that both attracts kids AND looks great in your backyard

This is a great swing set to consider especially if you’re a bit tighter on space – it doesn’t have a huge footprint compared to some of the Lifetime metal swing sets. It’s well priced, well built, and a great option for a heavy duty swing set for older kids… worth a closer look.

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5. Lifetime Heavy Duty A-Frame Metal Swing Set  *Best Swing Sets For Older Kids – Swings Only

• Company: Lifetime
• Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
• Price: $
• Colors: Primary (as shown) or Earthtones

Here’s a bit of a different option for those of you looking for a heavy duty swing set… this one is just the swings part (and a trapeze bar with gym rings).

It’s pretty much the best option you can get for some heavy duty swings apart from buying a commercial set like they have at the public parks, and the reviews on it are incredibly positive! Honestly, you can even consider this an ADULT SWING SET option!

Here are some of the top selling points:

• It’s BIG (the frame height is 112″). Big kids and even adults can swing safely and comfortably on these belt swings as the suggested weight capacity is 150lbs per swing (reviewers claim it’s fine for over 200lb adults too!)
• It’s WELL BUILT, made of all-weather high strength low alloy steel that won’t crack, chip, fade, rot, warp, or peel (meaning you’ve got something that will really last)!
• It’s FREE STANDING, so you won’t have to cement or anchor it in (unless you chose to, but reviewers say it is just fine anchor-free).
• It’s backed by a 5 year limited warranty, so your investment is definitely well protected.

Check out this video to see just how big and awesome these swings ARE compared to your average small backyard set:

This is a fairly priced swing set too. I wouldn’t say it’s ultra affordable or anything like that but for what you’re getting it’s definitely not overly expensive. Also, it has hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon and if you want to see what other customers are saying about the Lifetime Heavy Duty A-Frame Swing Set, click below:

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Best Wooden Swing Sets for Older Kids

The above 5 options were all heavy duty metal swing sets – the next ones featured are built from wood. If a wooden swing set appeals to you and your family, here are 4 of my top recommendations for best outdoor playsets for older kids made from wood – all heavy duty high weight capacity swing set options.

1. Chateau Cedar Gorilla Playset

• Company: Gorilla Playsets via Swing-N-Slide
• Rating: 4.3 / 5 stars
• Price: $$$

Gorilla Playsets is one of the “big names” in “big play sets”. They sell the big monster ones that look like they belong in a public park or school playground, but also great backyard options like this one!

The Chateau Cedar playset is a good one for bigger kids if you have a yard that requires a smaller swing set – it doesn’t have a huge footprint.

If that appeals to you, here are more features you’ll like:

• It comes with all sorts of activities that kids will like, including 2 belt swings, a trapeze bar, climbing wall, rope ladder, vertical ladder, picnic table, playhouse, and of course the wave slide.
• It’s designed for kids aged 3-11, with a total weight capacity of 800lbs! he heavy-duty solid 4 x 4 wood framing and 4 x 6 swing beam allow the swing set to have a total weight capacity of 800 lbs.
• Gorilla Playsets’ cedar is naturally resists rot, decay, and insect damage… and is built from heavy duty, solid 4×4 frames (swing beam is 4×6).

This is a great option for a smaller, yet still heavy duty wooden swing set. Why not show it to your kids and see what they think?

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2. Sun Palace Cedar II Swing and Play Set

• Company: Gorilla Playsets via Swing-N-Slide
• Rating: 4.4 / 5 stars
• Price: $$$$

If you’re looking for a wooden playset that has some fun features that older kids like, this “Sun Palace Cedar II” is one to consider for sure!

Older kids love monkey bars, rock walls, ladders, a tire swing, and of course, slide, swings & trapeze bar. Add a “tic-tac-toe” game, a telescope and a captain’s wheel in the 4×6′ playhouse, and there’s enough here to entertain them for quite some time!

If the many activities aren’t a big enough draw, here’s more about this one:

• It’s pre-cut, pre-sanded, pre-stained, pre-sealed, and ready to assemble once it arrives at your house. Yes, still quite a bit of work, but those big parts are already done for you.u
• You won’t have the same swing set as everyone else you know… very few wooden swing sets come in this beautiful redwood stain!
• It’s a decent size, so you’ll need a fairly large yard for it. Assembled dimensions are 21 ft. W x 12 ft. D x 12 ft. H. The recommended safety zone adds a 6ft. perimeter around it, which brings the total recommended footprint to 33’W x 24’D.

This is not a cheap set; it’s one of the priciest on this list. But you don’t necessarily want to go cheap if you’re looking for something solid that will put up with the busy and excited play of a group of bigger kids. Gorilla Playsets (sold by Swing-N-Slide) are known for excellent quality and for fun… it is worth a closer look, I think.

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3. Backyard Discovery Skyfort II All Cedar Wood Swing Set

• Company: Backyard Discovery
• Rating: 4.0 / 5 stars
• Price: $$$

Backyard Discovery made it onto this list already with a great metal swing set or older kids… this one here is one of their many offerings in the wooden swing set line – and I think this one is a great option if you’re looking for older kids as it has all sorts of attractive features they’ll love.

Older kids (as opposed to toddlers) are always drawn to monkey bars, rock climbing walls, a tall upper fort (that even adults can fit inside, apparently!), a crow’s nest, and a variety of swings – which is just a start of what this one offers! It also has a 10′ speedy wavy slide, and a sandbox area with a picnic table… it’s seriously perfect for making the most of your backyard space. (Click through to see a bunch of customer pics – this thing is fabulous!)

The Skyfort II is one of Backyard Discovery’s best-selling swing sets – and as it’s made with beautiful 100% cedar that’s lab-tested and proven to be rot-resistant and durable, those who pick this one up won’t be disappointed and find they need another swing set in just a few years time. It’s solid too – and the brackets are heavy duty.

Reviewers say this swing set is relatively easy to put together once you get the “thousands of pieces” in order – thankfully the wood is pre-cut and stamped with the part number, but like all big swing sets, putting it together is a big job – although worth it in the end.

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4. Swing-N-Slide Ranger Complete Wooden Swing Set

• Company: Swing-N-Slide
• Rating: 4.1 / 5 stars
• Price: $

If you liked the metal “just swings” swing set idea above but weren’t too excited about the price tag on the “Lifetime” one, you WILL like this one!

At just close to $300, you’ll be ready to go with a decent, big-kid-sized, sturdy set of swings and a trapeze bar with rings that your kids will definitely enjoy. It’s perfect to go alongside with your trampoline! (Check out “Best Trampolines for Teenagers“.)

Here’s some of the features you’ll love:

• The swing bar comes in at 8′ tall, so it’s a good height for a backyard swing set.
• The trapeze bar and swings have a max weight capacity of 115lbs each.
• Although it’s not made for the same durable steel as the Lifetime swings above, the wood posts are surprisingly guaranteed, maintenance free, for 5 years!
• It goes up nice and quickly – no fussing around with hundreds of parts! Less fuss, less stress!
• Yes, it does come with anchors to attach it to the ground.

The Ranger Swing Set is a great option if your kids need a swing set but you don’t have a big space (see more top quality small swing sets). It’s simple, but will do the trick.

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5. Mountaineer Swing Set with Wood Roof Canopy

• Company: Gorilla Playsets, sold by Swing-N-Slide
• Rating: 4.0/ 5 stars
• Price: $$$$

Another entry here by Gorilla Playsets; this one here is the Mountaineer , and it’s great for bigger kids, with an age suggestion of 3-11, and a weight capacity of 800lbs! That means a big troupe of kids can enjoy this swing set all together, and safely!

Reviewers claim this swing set is very sturdy, which makes sense as it’s make with heavy-duty solid 4 x 4 wood framing and has a 4 x 6 swing beam.

If that’s not enough to love, it also:

• Has TONS of activities packed into a fairly small footprint, including 2 slides, 2 swings plus a trapeze bar with rings, a rock wall with climbing rope, a rope net, a picnic table area, fortress/clubhouse with steering wheel, telescope, and tic-tac-toe game, and more!
• Is made from premium cedar, pre-cut, pre-sanded, pre-stained, and ready to assemble & impress!
• A solid roof, which gives it that “real fort” feel/look, and also lasts a LOT longer than a tarp or canvas roof.

It’s available from a variety of places, but the deal on Amazon is pretty great at time of writing, including free shipping. Your children would be pretty excited about this one… don’t believe me? Show them the pic and see what they think!

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Metal vs Wood for Older Kids Swing Sets:  The Pros and Cons

Choosing between metal and wood for a swing set intended for older kids involves considering various factors. Here’s a comprehensive list of pros and cons for each option:

Metal Swing Set:

Pros:

1. Durability: Metal swing sets are sturdy and can withstand rough play and energetic use by older kids without warping or breaking.
2. Low Maintenance: They require minimal upkeep, allowing more time for kids to enjoy swinging and playing rather than maintenance tasks.
3. Safety: Many metal sets feature smooth edges, non-slip surfaces, and strong frames that enhance safety during active play.
4. Longevity: Built to last, metal swing sets can endure years of use by older children without significant wear and tear.
5. Variety: Metal sets often come with multiple swings, slides, and other attachments, providing diverse activities for older kids to enjoy.

Cons:

1. Aesthetics: Some kids might find metal swing sets less visually appealing compared to natural wood structures.
2. Temperature: Metal can heat up in the sun or feel cold in cooler weather, affecting comfort during play.
3. Noise: Improperly assembled or maintained metal swing sets can sometimes produce more noise during use.
4. Initial Cost: They may have a higher initial cost compared to basic wooden sets, which could impact budget considerations.
5. Weight: Metal swing sets are typically heavy, making them harder to move or adjust once installed.

Wooden Swing Set:

Pros:

1. Aesthetics: Wooden swing sets blend naturally with outdoor environments, creating a visually appealing play area that kids enjoy.
2. Customization: Easier to customize with add-ons like climbing walls or monkey bars, catering to older kids’ evolving interests.
3. Comfort: Wood remains cooler in hot weather and feels warmer in cool weather, enhancing comfort during playtime.
4. Sturdiness: Well-constructed wooden sets made from hardwoods like cedar or redwood are robust and provide a stable platform for older kids.
5. Environmental Impact: Sourced sustainably, wood is a renewable resource, aligning with eco-conscious values.

Cons:

1. Maintenance: Requires regular upkeep such as staining or sealing to prevent weathering, which can be time-consuming.
2. Cost: Higher initial investment, especially for premium hardwood sets, though this can vary based on materials and features.
3. Assembly: More complex assembly compared to metal sets, requiring additional time and skill.
4. Longevity: Without proper maintenance, wooden sets can deteriorate over time, potentially requiring repairs or replacement parts.
5. Safety: Wood can splinter or crack if not maintained, posing safety risks for older kids during play.

When choosing between metal and wood for older kids’ swing sets, consider their preferences, safety, durability, and the long-term enjoyment they will get from the set. Each material has its unique attributes that can enhance or detract from the play experience, so selecting the right one involves balancing these factors according to your specific needs and circumstances.

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Enjoy Watching Your Older Kids Play This Summer On Your New High Weight Capacity Swing Set!

Excited to see your big kids having a blast in your back yard this summer? A heavy duty swing set for older kids is exactly what you need to get your toddlers-no-longer outside and active. Any of these metal swing sets or wooden swing sets will be great choices, so check out the ones that catch your eye, and get ready to have some “fun” assembling them!

Actually, the real fun will be watching your children enjoy it!

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