Swing sets - I need some help!

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DH and I would LOVE to get the kids a swing set for the backyard.  Well we'd love a playscape but our backyard is small and sort of spread evenly between back and side yards (cul de sac) so there isn't a large area to put something.  It's also slightly sloped.  But I think we could fit a swing set in.  We've even kicked around the idea of having monkey bars on it so there was some climbing elements.  I love the wood ones but is it worth it if its just a swing set?  Any thoughts?  Sites to look at to research?  My dad is going to be in town for a week in Feb for Megan's birthday and he's very handy so we could potentially build something.  I have never looked into this at all so I'd love any advice, ideas, links... that you have!  Thanks!

rssnlvr

We have this one and have been super pleased with it. The wood isn't as thick and sturdy as some of the $1k+ ones, but for what we paid and the use we'll get out of it, it's perfect. DD loves playing in her clubhouse and going down the slide. She's not big into the swings right now, but she feels like she's too much of a big girl for our infant swing and she's not comfortable on a grownup swing right now.

It was a bitchandahalf to put together. It took my DH and dad one full day. 

mrs.wildman

I was also going to recommend that Wal mart one! I saw it on display in the parking lot and went to check it out as we'll be on the market for one soon. I was surprised with the price. Seemed pretty solid for what it is.

JayandJack

I second the Walmart one. I looked and thought it would be great for our back yard too.

I've also seen them at Sams club so they might have them at Costco too. 

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Thanks guys, that walmart one looks awesome but its probably too big for our backyard.  I'll check more on the walmart site and see if they have anything smaller.

kiarox2002

Santa brought the walmart one for Christmas (same one Rssn linked) and it's awesome.  It took the elves a couple of days to put it together, but they were having to do it after work.  

Emer

What about a basic metal two swing set?  It seems like it would fit well and then you could do a climbing dome or stand alone monkey bar set.

And if you decide to make one, I'm sure D would be happy to help. 

Duckie07

Santa brought this one for the girls this Christmas.  It's really not that big.  DH was able to put it together in our garage and set it up outside solo, to give you an idea of its scale.  So far, we really like it and most importantly, DD has a blast on it.

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Emer:

What about a basic metal two swing set?  It seems like it would fit well and then you could do a climbing dome or stand alone monkey bar set.

And if you decide to make one, I'm sure D would be happy to help. 

Thanks for volunteering D ;-)

Yeah the small metal swing set is what I'm thinking too! Seems like the basic metal ones are around $100 - 150 and the small wooden ones are $500-900.  But reviews on the metal ones say kids outgrow them around 8 (and some even say at 50lbs which I'm guessing is before 8?).  I remember using our metal one growing up though not sure how long though. 

I've checked walmart and academy, anyone know anywhere else I should look for a metal swing set or cheap basic wooden one?

That walmart one is a good deal for $399!  The small basic wooden ones on the walmart site start at $500, so they are more expensive than the bigger one, doh!