Is It Possible to Have a Swing Set in a Small Backyard?

This Q&A is the latest in a blog series featuring questions submitted by some of the parents (and even grandparents) who reach out to us on a daily basis. We've started documenting our answers and the subsequent conversations for the sake of you and other parents out there who might be asking the same questions about choosing, buying, setting up, maintaining, and enjoying a wooden swing set for their family.

For today's Q&A, Dana is wondering if a swing set will fit in a small yard.

Question: Is it possible to have a swing set in a small backyard?

- Dana Barnes, Mom of Amanda 3 and Jordan 8 months.

Answer:Yes! The Swingset Co. has a wide range of wooden swing sets, from compact designs for limited areas to expansive models that just keep going. One of the nicest things about our playground equipment is that it is modular. This means you can add or subtract pieces as you go, so your swing set can grow with your family or shrink to fit your current spatial requirements.

Additionally, our manufacturers are super accommodating. We can customize any of our swing sets to fit your exact dimensions, requirements, and penchants. So give us a call, and we’ll start drawing up some plans immediately.

Now that you know you can fit a swing set into a small backyard, there are a few questions that you should ask yourself about your backyard to figure out the best swing set placement for you. These include:

Is my yard flat enough to ensure a smooth and level surface for the wooden swing set to rest on?

Uneven yards will prove difficult for the anchors to properly secure the playset in place. If your yard is not level, then you can even things out by displacing the earth from the higher areas to the lower ones until the entire surface is smooth. It doesn’t have to be perfectly level of course, just flat enough to keep things on the same plain.

Are there obstructions that will get in the way of my outdoor playset?

Obstructions can come in many and varied forms and they often appear in all directions. From above, you have to worry about tree branches, low-hanging electric or telephone wires, or anything else that could hang over your playset.

The reason you need to look out for these things is because children have the tendency to view hanging branches, beams, or wires as an invitation to climb, swing, and try out new (and dangerous) things! Don’t give your kids these opportunities to see what the ER looks like from the inside by removing any of these temptations.

On the ground, obstructions come in the form of tree roots that have broken through the earth, large boulders, fences, shrubs, and underground piping. Moving or eliminating these obstacles will make for a much smoother playground equipment installation.

Can I see the swing set from a window or door of a room that I am frequently occupying?

Supervision is one of the first and most important safety rules when using any type of playground equipment. Some kids are old enough to play on their outdoor playsets without constant supervision. While they may be competent enough to play unsupervised, it is highly recommended to check up on these kids periodically as well.

For this reason, we suggest you place your wooden swing set in an area that is clearly visible from the room in the house where you spend most of your time. If you work in an office all morning for example, have the swing set placed outside this window so you can easily glance outside and see what your little ones are up to. If you find yourself in the kitchen more often than not, then the perfect spot for your playset would be outside that window. Always keep a watchful eye on playset play to keep things safe and under control.

Now, you have your answer, but you might have more questions. That’s why we’re here! Browse our other questions, and be in touch with us if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

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