What are the Different Types of Swings for Swing Sets?

What comes to mind when you envision a swing set? It’s probably a basic backyard swing set with the classic glider swing. But did you know there are so many other types of swings out there? Whether you're setting up your first swing set or trying to take the fun to new heights, we'll cover all the different kinds of swings you need to know about!

Quick Look at All the Different Types of Swings You Can Add to the Playground

If you haven’t considered adding unique swing types to your playground, let us be the first to tell you - it can totally transform the way your little ones spend time outside! Here’s a quick guide to all the different kinds of swings you have at your fingertips.

Swing Belt Seats

Best for: Solo riders ages 5 and up

This is the standard playground swing that your set probably came with. It’s what everyone associates with swinging. The seat is a flexible rubber or plastic material, and it just gets the job done. It may not be the most exciting, but it’s still a staple!

Glider Swings

Best for: Two riders

This is one of the most unique swing types you’ll see, and perfect for letting multiple kids swing together and practice coordination. Families go with this style when they’re sick of watching their kids fight over taking turns!

Playground Tire Swings

Best for: Multiple kids

Nothing brings a sense of nostalgia quite like the classic tire swing, whether it’s hung from a structure or a tree! It’s unique in that it can swing in every direction rather than just back and forth. It also handles rougher play than a standard seat. You just need a dedicated mounting point with a little more clearance.

Disc Swing

Best for: Kids who want more than back-and-forth swinging

This is like a tire swing with the middle filled in. The circular platform attaches to a single rope/chain as riders sit or spin on it freely. It’s super lightweight and easy to attach to your structure or a tree branch.

Flat Swing Seats

Best for: Commercial and heavy-use settings

Think belt swing, but rigid. These seats are made for high-traffic playgrounds because they’re super durable and tend to have higher swing set weight limits.

Net Swings (AKA Web Swings)

Best for: Groups and younger kids

Of all the different types of swing sets you’ll see, these are the most popular in group-play settings. Multiple kids can sit (or lie down, or stand, whatever) on the large web/mat platform at once. It’s like a tire swing, but bigger, and with the middle filled in to accommodate more kids.

Trapeze Swing Bars

Best for: Older kids and fitness

As the name suggests, these kinds of swings encourage hanging and swinging at the same time. The horizontal bar builds grip strength and upper body coordination. A smash-hit with little monkeys who love climbing.

Baby Swings

Best for: Infants and toddlers

You know your little one wants to enjoy the playground as well like the big kids. Now, they can! These bucket seats have high backs and leg holes to secure even the tiniest riders while they get their first taste of swinging. They fit kids from 6 months up to 3-4 years old until they're ready for a belt seat.

ADA Swings

Best for: Inclusive playgrounds

No accessible or inclusive playground is complete without these swing types. The high-backed seats with harnesses or full bucket designs support adaptive access for all children. They’re actually mandated on most public playgrounds under ADA accessibility standards.

Transform the Play Experience With Different Swing Types!

There is really no better way to turn your backyard playground from boring to unforgettable than adding a few different kinds of swings. While there’s always room for the classic belt swing, you can see just how many other options are out there!

Our advice is to start with an assessment of how old your kids are and how they like to play. You’ll quickly narrow it down to the ideal replacement swing seat by doing that! Younger kids love net swings and tire swings. Older kids prefer trapeze bars and disc swings so they can push the limits.

Whether you’re hanging a swing from a tree or a structure, you’ll find all the different types of swings here in our catalog. The only question now is this - which of these swing types will you try first? Shop the full selection at Swing Set Mall, your trusted choice for swing set accessories since 1989.