What is the appropriate age for getting your children a backyard swing set or playhouse?
Most parents have been guilty of the following at least once in their parenting career. We get so excited about sharing an experience or thing with our children that we introduce it too early for our children to grasp or master it. The perfect example of this was my introducing foam blasters into the house before my son’s fingers and hands had the strength to cock the blaster. This led him to wander about the house, constantly asking for someone to help him. I don’t need to tell you how that all turned out.
So, in our parental urge to introduce our children to wonderful and new experiences, we face the question of when we should get a vinyl swing set, playhouse, or other backyard playground equipment.
This important subject can be explored from various angles, but we are going to cover three important factors and then end with some swing set recommendations for various age groups.
- What is your risk tolerance?
- Your children’s motor skills.
- Age Approiate Challenges
- Swing Set or Playhouse Age Recommendations
Let’s get started!
What is Your Risk Tolerance?
Starting off, I will say that, as their parent, you are ultimately responsible for knowing your children and adjusting the age as necessary. My following thoughts are not medical professionals’ thoughts but rather observatory thoughts of a dad of three kids who has worked for some time in the swing set industry. I also tend towards the more old-school approach of letting kids learn by doing and not over-managing them.
Your acceptance and tolerance of risk is an important factor in how early you introduce a swing set, playhouse, or playground equipment. Yes, we build our swing sets and playhouses as safe as we can but there can always be the slip, the tumble, the bump.
Younger children tend to experience these at a higher rate which, some would argue, actually is an important reason why you should introduce a swing set as early as possible; it teaches kids how to calculate risk in a safe environment where the consequences of a misjudgment are minor and serve as wonderful lessons. You, as the parent, just have to be ok with that idea of a skinned knee or a bonked elbow. If you are not ok with that risk, hold off introducing a swing set till they are a bit older.
Speaking of risk management and playgrounds, Germany is experimenting with more “dangerous” playgrounds for interesting reasons. Read about it in this news article here.
How Developed are your Children’s Motor Skills
I believe the most important factor in when to introduce a swing set is the motor skills of the child. I have seen a wide range of skills on the playset including 2-year-olds who were naturally gifted climb like monkeys up a 7’ rock wall without hesitation or struggle. On the other hand, I have also seen much older children who are still gaining mastery of their movements or are more naturally risk-averse struggle to get up climbers on the swing set. Thus, I don’t believe we can just stamp a generalized age for when kids are ready for a swing set.
As with so much in life, it depends on so many factors. I would suggest that if you have a young child who has a significant struggle with coordination, backyard playground equipment can be extremely beneficial: you just have to manage the risk a bit more. I wouldn’t have that child climb up a 7′ rock wall without a parent guiding him or her up. I would, however, let them practice on the 5′ version because the risk factor is significantly less.
Swing sets, playhouses, and backyard playgrounds can do for a child’s strength, coordination, and confidence. The older children that I referenced who struggled initially will quickly adapt and learn to climb and crawl in just a few days. By no means do you need to wait till children are “ready” to get a swing set. A swing set teaches a child how to use their little bodies in safe, natural ways and will do wonders for the development of their motor skills.
So far, I haven’t given specific ages so let me give you a general rule of thumb: Our Teddy Bear Series of small swing sets and many of our Pirate Ship Series playsets are great for most children as young as two years old.
Why are those swing sets in particularly good for younger children? That question leads us perfectly into our next section.
Age-Appropriate Challenges
A swing set, playhouse, or other playground equipment should contain age-appropriate challenges. The reason our Teddy Bear Series and some of our Pirate Ship Series are perfect for younger children is because:
- The decks are 5′ tall, which is great for younger children.
- They use open slides, which younger children like.
- They feature easy-to-use access points, staircases, and ladders.
- The swing beams are 8′ tall, providing good swinging but not being too scary.
Of course, a conversation must be had about the fear of your children growing out of the swing set. Sets like the Sea King are great for children ages 2-12, but their unique blend of 5′ deck heights, easy access points, and other features helps little ones enjoy the swing set at a younger age.
Swing Set Recommendations for Ages 2-12: The Sea King
The Sea King is one of our best swing sets for smaller children ages two and up. Two-year-olds will find the staircase easy to climb and the tower spacious for their movements. The rock wall provides a more advanced challenge to test their strength and coordination, but it is only at a 5’ deck height. This means it is not intimidating or dangerous for them to learn. The Sea King is the perfect swing set for the little ones to master.
Honorable Mention of Ages 2-12: The Space Walk
The Space Walk didn’t receive the top nomination because not everyone will have the space or budget for this wonderful swing set. With a ramp, two different slides, and a wobbly bridge for stomping and jumping on, the Space Walk is perfect for younger children. The Lemonade stand is a great place to color and snack, and there are plenty of swing positions for the whole family!
Swing Set Recommendation for Ages 4 and Up: The Wave Rider
The impressively tall 7′ tower packs more fun into it than a barrel of monkeys! With two slides, a ladder, and a rock wall, this swing set is ready for any and all adventures. The high beam with four swing positions could not be a better addition to this swing set: it even has a hammock swing for you, the parents, to relax in while the kids play. The height of the Wave Rider makes it a nice match for families with older children or who want a swing set that will “grow” with their children.
Playhouse Honorable Mention for Ages 4 and Up: The Chateau Playhouse
The Chateau, on the other hand, is geared toward older children, ages four and up. All the swing set’s towers are 7’ tall. The two climbers are a rock wall and a ladder, which take more coordination than a staircase or ramp. Although fun, the wobbly bridge can be scary for smaller children when it is far off the ground. An advanced 3-year-old would be fine on the Chateau, but I would not recommend children younger than that.
Conclusion
When thinking about when to get a swing set for your backyard, considering your risk tolerance and your children’s current motor skills are important steps. Whether you decide that purchasing a swing set will be the step that will help improve those skills or if you decide to hold off for a bit, you know your children the best and should trust your instincts.
King Swings crafts made-to-order vinyl swing sets and modern playhouses that help your family get the most out of that cherished time spent together in the backyard. And because all of our swing sets and playhouses are made to order, you can customize any of our standard designs to make it age-appropriate for your children. Add slides and climbers, and shrink or expand the tower size, or even make the tower taller or short!. And it is easy when you work with our sales team.
Start by browsing our website, measuring your space, and watching our YouTube videos. When you are ready, call us, and we will help you bring the playground home!
Dad to three kids, Justin knows how important it is for children to get lots of physical exercise. His time as a school teacher reinforced that idea. He is passionate about creating fun, enjoyable playgrounds that are safe but full of learning opportunities.
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