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Swing Sets
There’s nothing quite like a backyard swing set to entertain kids for hours. Kids of all ages love to swing, whether it’s a bucket swing, a tire swing or a classic sling swing.
Some kids like to go as high as possible, some swing low and slow and others twist and turn in their swing, but at the end of the day swinging is actually a very important and beneficial activity for kids.
Benefits of Swing Sets
In case you didn’t know, your child is reaping lots of rewards when they are up in that swing.
For starters, the rocking motion from swinging not only has a calming and soothing effect, it also helps stimulate the cerebral cortex, which is the section of the brain that helps us focus.
Swinging helps kids improve their spatial awareness and the movement actually allows them to develop perceptual skills. It also helps them with both gross motor skills, such as pumping their legs, running and jumping onto the swing, and pushing other swingers, and fine motor skills, like hand, arm and finger coordination as well as grip strength.
Swinging also helps kids strengthen their core and develop balance, and swinging plays a role in sensory integration, which refers to the way in which our brains organize and interpret information. Swinging in particular helps with spatial awareness and inner ear balance and it stimulates the senses. This is important as it creates an essential foundation for complex learning and behavior down the road.
If you’re wary about letting your kids twist their swings, don’t be! Spinning has actually been proven to stimulate different parts of a child’s brain, which in turn helps them develop interconnected pathways. Such connections are very important for helping kids learn other skills, including muscle control, balance and rhythm.
In short, from helping develop hand-eye coordination to fine tuning their focus and attention, a swing set is an outstanding addition to any backyard or garden.
Before You Buy a Swing Set
A bit overwhelmed by the choices? Are there too many types of swings to choose from? Wondering which would be best for your kids?
Below are a few things to consider before buying a swing set.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but before you buy your swing set, make sure you have enough space. Consider your child’s movement on the swing and determine exactly how big an area you really have.
Are you looking for a wood or metal swing set? Wood is usually the higher-end option as it tends to be very robust and sturdy. If you can, look for a wood like cedar, which does not rot or decay and is resistant to insects.
If you’re considering a metal model, keep in mind that these are often less expensive, faster to put together and relatively maintenance free.
For safety reasons, you’ll want to find an area in your yard that is flat, to ensure better stability. You’ll also want to consider the surface under the swing set. You might cover the area with rubber mulch, which is very safe, lasts a lifetime and has excellent drainage.
If you buy a baby swing set now, what happens when your child is a toddler? Consider investing in a model that accommodates your kids as they grow, and of course, if you have more than one child you’ll need to think about their individual needs when you make your final decision.
Other tips include looking carefully at your swing set’s safety features and making sure the hardware is heavy duty, ensuring there are no sharp edges where your kids could get hurt, reading the seller’s fine print, and following along with any installation videos you can find online.
Now you’re ready to swing! Keep scrolling for all the best swing sets for kids!
Gibbon Wooden Kids Swing Set
$549.95
Holt 2-Station Double Swing
$279.00
Meerkat Wooden Swing
$799.95
Swing sets are a staple in most backyards in Australia. It is a great way to promote physical development in children, along with many other benefits.
The following are the advantages of having a swing set in your home:
Motor Coordination Development
When kids use the swing set, it allows them to practice perceptual recognition, hand and eye coordination, and balance that are all needed to develop the crucial motor coordination skill.
Focus and Attention
Kids, by nature, have a short attention span, which is usually the concern of the parents and guardians. The reason for this is that the kids need to burn off those extra energies through play.
Swing sets provide a safe play opportunity that would pump the adrenaline of the kids and refresh their minds to refocus on other necessary skills such as learning to read and doing homework.
Stimulate Creativity and Imagination
The kids that use swing sets during play would be able to develop their mental wellness. This kind of activity will stimulate the kids to put their imagination and creativity in action through "little adventures".
Fun and Natural Exercise
At a young age, kids should be able to start their journey to good health through exercise. This is a fun activity not only for the kids but also for the parents to burn off calories and stay healthy and fit.
Different Types of Swing Sets:
- Wooden Swing Sets - Long Life Span (Approximately 20- 40 years)
- Metal Swing Sets - Requires Less Maintenance
- Baby and Toddler Swing Sets - Good and safe starter swings
- Nest Swing Sets - Can be used by two or more kids (depends on the specification)
Encourage the kids to have a healthy and beneficial type of play and recreation with swing sets, the majority of Australian family's go-to.