There’s something pretty magical about a backyard swing set. It’s not just a bunch of swings and a slide—it’s a spaceship, a castle, and a pirate ship, all rolled into one. Investing in a place where your kids can burn off their endless energy safely always pays off in a big way. Physical play helps kids build strength, coordination, real-life problem-solving skills–all while having plain, old fashioned fun. Plus, it gets your kids outside, away from screens and into the great outdoors… of your backyard.

Swing sets come in many shapes and sizes. There are compact wooden options that fit perfectly in a small backyard. Or, if you have more space, you can get a towering backyard playground with a rock wall and monkey bars. Some are designed for toddlers just learning to swing, while others can entertain a whole crew of older kids at once–and hopefully give you a few minutes of peace. No matter what you pick–how much you have or the ages of your kids–there are budget-friendly and over-the-top swing sets out there for your family.

The Expert (Amanda Mushro): I’ve been writing about toys and gear for kids for over a decade, and my work has been featured in publications like Time, Forbes, The Today Show, and Best Products. More importantly, I’m a mom of three who has spent many hours pushing kids on swings and standing at the bottom of the slides waiting for them to come down. I’ve built and tested swing sets that are perfect for big kids—and little kids who think they are big kids.