Yard Swing Ideas

Be Unique

• Deep pockets can get you a unique yard swing like that of Malia and Sasha Obama from Rainbow Play Systems. Purchase your yard swing like they did instead of making it yourself. This gives you more variety in swing styles and options, as well forgoes the do-it-yourself work. Swings don't have to be as costly as the Obama's $3,500 White House one, but your children may want a swing with a fort atop it, too. (See resources for Rainbow Play System styles.)

A-Frame Swings

• Build your own redwood or cedar A-frame yard swing with a canopy. Place the swing on the ground or a patio so you don't have to worry about falling from it. The swing's four legs keep it securely on the ground. The canopy shields you from strong sunlight or even unexpected rain downpours. A-frame swings in the landscape are the most flexible of all yard swings, as they can be moved about as the need arises and make an excellent addition to a flower garden.

Tree Swing

• Create your own tree swing with a long piece of rope, some wood and a few other tools. Individualize it with a seat decorated with your favorite colors and designs. Choose rope in a color to match the landscape and the seat. Run the rope through a hole drilled in the middle of a sturdy limb on the tree, rather than throwing it over the tree branch. This helps prevent the rope from killing your tree and causing your child to fall if the limb breaks. (See This Old House link in resources for exact directions.)

Porch Swing

• For those who want a swing that isn't sitting on the ground or swinging from a tree, opt for a porch swing. Build your own or buy one. Make sure your porch ceiling can hold such a swing and that the chain or rope used to adhere the swing is sturdy enough to hold the weight you expect your swing to support. Porch swings can be made from wood, metal or even plastic materials and decorated to match your home exterior.