Tree Swings

Here’s a classic wooden swing that is sure to make you nostalgic for your own childhood.  It is made of pinewood or hardwood – you choose -- but since it’s made of untreated wood, we strongly recommend sealing it with a coat or two of polyurethane before putting it outside.  Before sealing it, you may want to stain it or paint it a fun color.  (One creative mother had her kids put colorful hand prints on the swing.)

Here’s the essential info:

• the weight limit is 150 pounds
• the wooden seat is 7" wide and 17" long
• the synthetic ropes are smooth and they can be adjusted from 46” to 71” (so the swing can be level even if your tree branch isn’t), and
• the height of the tree branch or swing set should not be less than 59"

This swing is simple, classic, and inexpensive – a good value for the money.

>>Click here to see the Happy Pie Wooden Tree Swing at Amazon.

If you’re looking for a waterproof swing that you can use straight out of the box -- and don’t mind paying more -- check out this handsome one by Aoneky.

Note:  Tree swing straps are NOT included, so purchase them separately.

You’ve probably seen a thousand of these by now.  This is the preferred swing style on school playgrounds and in public parks because it is STRONG, SAFE, and COMFORTABLE.

Unlike hard wooden seats, this one is soft and rubbery.  It’s made of strong and flexible copolymer plastic, so it nicely fits your body’s contours. 

Here’s the essential information:

• it supports up to 300 pounds
• the seat (which is green) is 27" long and 5.5" wide
• it includes a heavy-duty 66" chain (and two snap hooks)
• the bottom 30" of the chain is coated with yellow plastisol (for comfort and safety)

The swing arrives fully assembled, and it easily hooks onto a swing set or can be used as a tree swing.  (Strap kit sold separately.)

This is a good choice if you are looking for a simple, durable, and comfortable swing for one person that supports up to 300 pounds.

>>Click here to see the Flexible Seat Swing by Jungle Gym Kingdom at Amazon.

This swing was designed for residential use.  If you want a similar looking commercial grade swing seat, check out this black one made by Coast Athletic and sold at Amazon.

Here’s a very popular baby swing made by Little Tikes, a great brand name with many happy customers.  It’s called a 2-in-1 swing because it’s both a baby and a toddler swing.

Small babies are kept snug and secure (hence the name!) by an adjustable T-bar that rotates downward and snaps in.  You could add some comfort with a little cushion or blanket under the baby’s head.

The swing is sturdy yet lightweight, and requires very little assembly.  Adjustable wrap-around ropes extend 3 to 3 ½ feet from the top of the seat, and can be hooked onto a swing set or tree swing straps (not included).

Cleaning it is a cinch – just wipe it down with a damp cloth.  It’s made of molded plastic which is nice and smooth and perfectly contoured to hold a baby’s little bum.

This is an excellent first swing for a baby because of the safety features and because it allows for some growing room.

>>Click here to see the Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug 'n' Secure Swing at Amazon.

Check out the pink version of this swing for girls.  Step2 also makes a highly rated infant-to-toddler swing that looks quite similar.

This bucket swing ought to look familiar to you, because this popular style can be found in parks, playgrounds, and schoolyards all across America.  (Although those swings are likely of commercial quality, and this one is specifically designed for residential use.)

It’s made from a heavy duty material (polyethylene) that can bear plenty of weight and stand up to temperature extremes.  Notice that it’s higher in the back (for comfort and extra support).  You’ll appreciate that when the little tike is yelling “HIGHER!  HIGHER!”

If you’re putting a very small child in this swing, you could tuck in a little towel, blanket, or pillow for added comfort and stability.

You’ll notice that this swing comes in a “half bucket” version that has a chain in front.  Avoid that style for very small kids – they’re safer in a full bucket.

The swing arrives pre-assembled and ready to hang, although you’ll need to purchase tree straps separately.  (To attach it to a swing set, you’ll need two heavy-duty S-hooks or spring clips.)  The chains are 66” long, and the bottom 30” of the chain is plastic coated to keep those little fingers from getting pinched.

Squirrel Products makes the same style swing in some bright, fun colors such as BLUE, RED, and PINK.

This extremely popular swing is a great (safe!) choice for toddlers. 

>>Click here to see the Eastern Jungle Gym Bucket Swing at Amazon.

Here’s a good swing for parents who cringe at the sight of molded plastic made of copolypropylethelene—or whatever that stuff is called!

This one – designed for kids 6 months to 3 years -- is made of canvas, wood, and rope, and has an organic and “green” feel to it.  There are two color patterns to choose from, as you can see, and the canvas is removable so that it can be washed now and then.   Little cushions in the back and seat add to the comfort and can be removed as the child gets bigger.  It doesn’t include a seat-belt type of restraint, but it’s deep enough that a child won’t fall out.  (Of course, little ones shouldn’t be swinging unsupervised.)

The rope length is adjustable from 49 inches to 57 inches, and metal hooks up top make it easy to relocate.  That makes this a highly portable indoor/outdoor swing, so you can hang it from a tree on gorgeous summer days, and then bring it in when you’re done.

This is a good choice if you want a soft, portable, nice-looking swing with an organic feel to it.

>>Click here to see the Happy Pie Canvas Swing at Amazon.

Tree swings are all about relaxation, fun in the sun, and creating happy childhood memories.