Adding an outdoor play area is a great choice for any family, but you want to make sure that this is a safe space for your kids to play. Whether you choose a metal swing set, a wooden swing set, a plastic swing set, or even a used swing set, here are some tips for making this area as safe as possible: Tip #1: Fence in your swing set area.

Even if you don’t live near a street, surrounding your sing set area with a fence creates a more private, safe place for your children to play. As an added bonus, having a fenced-in yard gives your pets a great place to play.

Tip #2: Every spring, do a maintenance check on your swing set.

Over the winter, screws and nails can loosen, ice can cause cracks, and other problems may arise. Before your children enjoy time outside on the swing set, go over the play equipment carefully and test all moving parts to ensure it’s ready for little ones to play.

Tip #3: Secure the swing set properly.

Some structures require below-ground concrete or tethering in order to be safe. This is especially important as your children grow and begin to weigh more, as their playing could cause an unstable swing set to become unbalanced and tip over. Use the anchors that come with your swing set if provided.

Tip #4: Surround the area with safe surfacing.

Purchase wood chips, rubber chips, or other safe surfacing to surround the swing set.
That way if your children fall or jump from the swings, you can be sure they land safely.
Use surfacing that is specifically made for play areas.

Tip #5: Cover the swing chains with plastic.

Metal chains can get hot in the sun and the loops can pinch small fingers. Invest in some plastic chain covers made for swing sets if your swing set doesn’t come with them. These will also help preserve the chains so you don’t have to worry about them rusting as quickly.

Remember, make sure your homeowners or renters insurance policy includes liability insurance. That way if any of your children’s friends are injured while using your swing set, you’ll be financially covered.

This guest post is from RentersInsurance.org, where you can learn more about renters insurance policies.

So you asked about pictures? Of course you can find many of them in the sites of the companies who sell swing sets. But what if you want to see some extraordinary, well planned, or just funny swing set models that are not on sale in your local store? We’ve made a small selection for you. These 15 swing set pictures show the sets in use, in real life. And most of them are quite impresive. Enjoy!

1. In The Winter Evening

Somehow outdoor play structures often look magical in the evening, and especially when it’s winter time. Nice shot!

2. Laying Face Down

In contrast with the previous one this photo is made in sunny weather. Installing wooden swing on gravel by the way is a neat idea.

3. Jungle Fort

This is actually quite ordinary playset, and a really good one. Notice all the tools and the large play area. This could be a great gift for your kids.

4. Empty Swings

These are school swing sets, empty because the school started. Simple metal swing sets can be very efficient and affordable.

5. Rusty Swings

This is what happens without proper treatment and protection. Very good photo however!

6. In The Snow

Yet another cool winter picture. Nice long shadows, freezing look. The steel swing sustains the snow without problem.

7. Recess

This is a plain metal swing set that’s even missing the seats. Very well looking on the tallgrass!

8. Fun On The Beach

Metal swings are perfect for installing on sand as well. They often put them on the beaches because they are cheap, durable and hard to steal.

9. Drawing

That’s it, just a lovely sketch. The swing itself is not special, but the drawing is lovely.

10. Playset At The Meadow

Lovely one on the green grass, and small kid house next to it. It makes you want to be a child again.

11. Abandoned and Rusty

You don’t want this in your backyard. But the picture is great, well done!

12. Swinging In The Field

Yet another nostalgic photo. The sign says it’s taken in 2009 it looks like one from my childhood.

13. Afgan Children

Don’t think only kids in the Western world enjoy play. These Afgan children are having fun on refubrished playground.

14. In Republic of Korea

Kids in Republic of Korea also enjoy swinging. This photo is taken on community relations project.

15. Swinging Birds

Birds also seem to enjoy swing sets. Lovely beach snap!