Swing Set Accessories & Playset Add-Ons

Which swing is best for kids depends mostly on their age. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends full bucket swing seats for toddlers and young children, and belt-style seats once kids can sit up, hold on and keep their balance on their own. The CPSC also advises lightweight seats, such as rubber or plastic, rather than wood or metal. You'll also often see coated swing chains recommended, since they help protect small fingers from pinching. Start with your child's age, then think about what kind of ride they enjoy.

Toddler and Little-Kid Swings

For the youngest swingers, the Full Bucket Swing is the natural first step. It surrounds a toddler on all sides, so they can enjoy the motion while you push, which makes it one of the most popular swing set accessories for toddlers. When your child is ready to grip the chains and sit up on their own, the classic Belt Swing takes over. The DayDreamer Swing – 24 in adds a different kind of seat for kids who want something besides the usual belt.

Tire, Disc and Specialty Swings

Once the basics are covered, unique swing set accessories are where a set gets its personality. The 3-Chain Tire Swing is a backyard classic, and the DayDreamer 360° Tire Swing – 40 in spins in every direction on its swivel. The DayDreamer Tree Swing – 40 in brings that same oversized, easygoing ride to the set. For kids who like a challenge, the Knotted Rope Swing with Disc and the Trapeze Bar build grip strength and coordination. The Glider Swing with Hangers lets two riders sit face to face, and the Pirate's Boat Swing, in green or blue, turns the swing beam into a ship. Swing hangers and anchors are what keep a set steady, so before you add a specialty swing, check your swing beam spacing and swing hangers with our team; tire and glider swings need more room than a belt swing.

Playset Accessories for Pretend Play and Climbing

The right backyard playset accessories turn a swing set into a ship, a lookout tower or a clubhouse.

Steering Wheels, Telescopes and Activity Panels

Imaginative accessories encourage role-play and storytelling, especially on a ship or fort-themed set. The Ship's Wheel – 12 in and the Deluxe Ship's Wheel – 19 in put kids in the captain's seat, while the Playset Telescope and Playset Binoculars keep a lookout from the deck. Playset Safety Handles – 10 in (pair) give little hands extra grip as they climb onto the deck, and the Playset Launch Bar gives them something to push off from. Activity panels add play at ground level: the Playset Tic-Tac-Toe Panel with Wood Frame, the Playset Bubble Panel and the Playset Bubble Panel – Extended. The Backyard Adventure Playset Kitchenette turns the space under the deck into a play kitchen. Not sure what a piece is called? Our guide to playground equipment names can help.

Monkey Bars and Ninja Gear

When children start to outgrow the toys and the slides on their set, monkey bars and climbing gear keep them coming back to the yard. Monkey bars are one of the most popular swing set add ons, and Playground One offers them in Original, Deluxe and Extreme versions. Each has its own design, and the right choice depends on your set's model and how much yard you have. For older, more active climbers, the Ninja Readiness Kit for Playsets adds obstacle-course style climbing and hanging challenges to the set. Climbing and hanging help kids build motor skills, grip strength and balance, so these add-ons keep big kids outside longer.

Upgrades for Playground One Swing Sets

Some swing set accessories are made for specific Playground One models rather than for any set. The Sky Loft Playset Add-On adds a raised loft to compatible sets, the Sky Loft Step Add-On makes it easier to reach, and the Sky Loft Wood Roof Upgrade swaps in a wood roof. Lower enclosures close in the area under the deck to make a clubhouse: the Original Playset Lower Enclosure, the Extreme Playset Lower Enclosure and the Deluxe/Supreme Playset Lower Enclosure are each made to match their Playground One line. Because these upgrades are model-specific, ask our team which ones fit your set before you order. If you're starting fresh, browse our wooden swing sets and plan the upgrades in from day one; a customizable cedar set is easier to build out when you know where it's headed.

Adding Accessories to Your Swing Set

Adding to a swing set is usually simpler than replacing it. Worn swings are among the most common swing set parts families replace, and a fresh seat or a new activity panel can make an older set feel new again. The CPSC also recommends inspecting home playground equipment regularly, so it's a good time to look over swing seats, chains, swing hangers and handles for wear. Before you order, send us your set's brand and model, or a few photos, so we can check fit and help you find the right pieces. Better yet, visit our Northbrook showroom to find swing set accessories on our display playsets and try them in person. Plenty of families round out the space with a picnic table or a few outdoor toys nearby, so the whole yard works together. If your set needs more than new swing set replacement parts, our swing set assembly and repair team can take a look.