Swing Sets?

[deerminator]

We're thinking about upgrading from our little metal swing set to a bigger wooden one now that our kids are getting older. I've been looking around at the big retailers like Fleet, Menard's, Home Depot and Sears and have some ideas. Not looking to spend an arm and a leg but don't want to skimp on quality. Just looking for something sturdy, with a decent play platform and slide and swings, etc., that can keep the kids interested for more than a few years (3 and 6 now). Been looking at the Swing-n-Slide sets and thinking about the Chesapeake model. Some of the Playstar ones at Menards look good too. Any opinions or reviews of swing sets bought recently?

[paceman]

I bought the build your own kit from Fleeet Farm and then the lumber fronm menards about 4 years ago. I think I spent around 400 bucks. It was a fun and relatively easy project but I think it took about 8 hours to build. I don't remember the model number but it has a play fort, slide, 3 swings. It gets used by half the neighborhood all summer. Strong and sturdy! No issues what so ever.

[chasineyes]

Have 2 girls 9 and 6 and never used the play set. Too small. All they really want to do is swing. The "forts" are generally too small for more than 1 person and the slides get boring real fast. We tore it down and hung swings from the deck and they get constant use from everyone. I think buying the big playsets are a huge waste of money. Considering you will also be buying scooters, bikes, basketball hoops, baseball mits, sleds, snowboards, skiis, camping equipment, jump ropes, hula hoops etc.etc !!! Just my

[Bigbartguy]

the ones from Toys r Us, Walmart are smaller than you think and really seem to fit young (aka 3-4 yr old) kids. I looked at them hard last year and ended up getting used Rainbow system off Raigs list for 800? - much better for older (aka 5 yr old and up) kids. Took 2 guys with me to break it down and threw it on a snowmobile trailer.

2 hours later it was up in my backyard and neighborhood kids love it.

some of my neighbors bought the other systems mentioned above and they regret not going bigger. The store bought (mentioned above)systems seem to fall apart after a couple of years.

I should add- when the kids are done with it - I'll put in back on Raigs for $600 and someeone will come and take it out of my yard!

[Tom7227]

A long time ago when the kids were of proper age I took 3 12 foot 5X6 landscape timbers and put them up in the back yard with swings. They got a lot of use from the kids, hopefully will get a lot of use by the grandkids, and have provided a place to hang tomato plants from in the interim. Not very expensive and they didn't cover the entire back yard. The frequency of use of those fancy sets is something to consider. Afterall, you buying it for the kids or to make you feel good?

[BoxMN]

The second best swingset to get is one that you find another family getting rid of for free and the best is the same one when it is on a trailer leaving your yard

We have a metal one, with a slide and a rotating thingy and four-kid swing, 2 swings, and a "rocket ship" type little kid swing.... and it gets used EVERY single day by neighbors kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. I keep trying to give it to my neighbor, but he is smarter than I was, ha! He just sends his kids over to my yard! haha!

Hopefully my swingset is going to be the "best" kind soon... but I gotta say, it keeps the kids busy and happy, and that is priceless.

[daylate]

We bought a kit set. After deciding that the play house was way too small a bought some decking and additional lumber and made it basically the same but much larger. was worth spending an extra 100 bucks on lumber.

[jwhjr]

I put together one of the kits from Menards 7 years ago and the set still gets daily use. It will still be a few years before it comes down as my youngest is only 6.

[pureinsanity]

The second best swingset to get is one that you find another family getting rid of for free and the best is the same one when it is on a trailer leaving your yard

That is funny right there

[deerminator]

Thanks for the replies guys. We got one of the ready to assemble kits from Menards. It was much bigger and sturdier than the other ones we were looking at. It cost a little more than where you buy your own lumber but I work 50+ hours a week minimum and this will make it easier to get the project done! As for making myself feel good, yes exactly, so I feel good watching the kids have a great time.

[deerminator]

P.S. Box, we'll be getting a taste of Crosslake locally here this fall. Zorbaz bought out Melvin's on Green Lake and will be making it their own come October.

[BoxMN]

Hey deerminator, the kids will have a blast with it! ...and the kids will love Zorbaz as well. My grown kids love going there (for the pregnant burrito and beers...), and the it's also the grandkids' favorite spot to go, with all the games and fun stuff to do. I kinda avoid it for the most part but it is fun to go watch ball games. As a matter of fact, we got my Mom to go watch a Vikes game there last winter, and she had a Bloody (virgin) Mary too! The thing is, she hates football, bars, and doesn't drink - but she still had a good time and I got some fun pics of the event

[pureinsanity]

I love Zorbaz and I love Green! Sounds like I will need to make a trip! My dad use to work for a company based out of willmar. Growing up I would always go on business trips with him when he had to go to the office in Willmar. We would always bring the boat with and launch after work!

[deerminator]

My plan is to tear it apart when they're done with it many years from now. I'll leave the tower and large playdeck together, make some modifications, and install in the field as a gun stand for deer hunting - and burn the rest!

Yeah, I like the fact that its a bunch of 14 year olds running the place except for the cooks, at least during the summer when we go up to Whitefish. It makes me feel young and feels good to see youth working and having a good time doing it. Love the pizza sauce. Reminds me of the Shot Tower pizza from my home town of Dubuque, Iowa. We met Joe and Angie and Matty there last year for dinner one night last year.

pureinsanity, Melvins is great too. Love the grilled ahi tacos and will miss both when they close but it sounds like it was time for the owners and they got "close to the asking price" according to the local paper. Stop up this summer before they close and head out on Green. A good time for sure.