Swingset review???? SAms club????

[grlpwrd]

I really think it is cheaper to go to the park. Kids get bored of things very easily and I prefer them to get bored of something cheap vs. something expensive. Kids can get tired from a game of hop skotch, kick ball or flying a kite...they don't need the swing set.

Case in point, my brother bought a gigantic swing set for my niece. She played with it every day for a month. Then the novelty wore off and she stopped playing outside.And she lives in FL! Kids also outgrow the swingset after 8 or 10 yrs of age and only have about 4 good months out of the year when they can use it. The other months it collects dust...or breaks down. Not a good use of money, even if you can afford it. And I hope there aren't folks thinking of financing this either....that would be an even greater waste of money for something that loses value when you exit the store.

Go to the park and make it a special once a week treat. If you're dead set on a swing set, try craigslist or freecycle.org (but not during the spring /summer months when everyone wants a swing set). Some other person who overspent is dying to get rid of theirs.Even if gas was 7/a gallon it would still be cheaper than the headache of trying to figure out what to do with the thing when your kids no longer want to play with it.

A waste of money?

Hmmm...my kids and I are outside almost every day unless the weather is bad. We have already bought used items from Craigslist. In fact, I just sold our older one and I delivered it over an hour away. I bought a newer one because it is larger and the kids can do more things.

Like you,Toby's Friend, my teens love it. I have daycare kids who enjoy it, my own kids spend hours on it, and neighborhood kids love to come over. They are having fun and staying healthy so it's an investment to me. I even bought a used playhouse and am ready to set up more exercise equipment, like a tetherball and volleyball court. Kids are more inactive these days and I am trying to prevent it.

Some other person who overspent is dying to get rid of theirs? Say what? lol...I've looked in various cities on Craigslist and ebay and it sure looks like they got their money's worth.

Oh well, YMMV.

 

[katerkat]

yes, and actually the two teens like it also.

I was a little concerned with the little guy on it at first. It has 2 sets of ladders, one metal and one wooden. He'd go running through his little splashing pool and get his feet wet and the go running for that metal ladder and I'd be 20 feet behind screaming "Waaiiiiiittttttttt your feet are slippery!!!!!"


He's never fallen though and his Daddy calls me "overprotective."

Last summer, the kids (we're talking 18-months to 2 years at that point) figured out how to put the Little Tikes slide into the wading pool, so they could slide down it. Their wet and muddy little feet were sliding on the measly two plastic steps up and they often ended up going down face first. (And the sound that bellies make on barely-wet-enough plastic.... ) I want something fun for the backyard this year, otherwise he'll be climbing the fence.

 

[kaw1218]

I really think it is cheaper to go to the park. Kids get bored of things very easily and I prefer them to get bored of something cheap vs. something expensive. Kids can get tired from a game of hop skotch, kick ball or flying a kite...they don't need the swing set.

Case in point, my brother bought a gigantic swing set for my niece. She played with it every day for a month. Then the novelty wore off and she stopped playing outside.And she lives in FL! Kids also outgrow the swingset after 8 or 10 yrs of age and only have about 4 good months out of the year when they can use it. The other months it collects dust...or breaks down. Not a good use of money, even if you can afford it. And I hope there aren't folks thinking of financing this either....that would be an even greater waste of money for something that loses value when you exit the store.

Go to the park and make it a special once a week treat. If you're dead set on a swing set, try craigslist or freecycle.org (but not during the spring /summer months when everyone wants a swing set). Some other person who overspent is dying to get rid of theirs.Even if gas was 7/a gallon it would still be cheaper than the headache of trying to figure out what to do with the thing when your kids no longer want to play with it.

Wow, if you think they are a waste of money, I would love to see your reaction if you saw the price of our swingset.
We bought a Rainbow one, one of the larger ones, because I didn't want the kids to outgrow it.
yes we spent a few thousand(and no, we didnt' finance) , but it has gotten used constantly. Even my husband and I can swing on it, and he's a pretty big guy.
my brother who is 23 and his friends have been caught out there on more than one occasion.

To the OP, you know your kids, if YOU think they will enjoy a nice, sturdy swingset, I say buy it. My nextdoor neighbor bought one of the less expensive ones from Toys R US and they had to take it down after 3 years, the normal wear and tear just about killed it. Now they just use ours.

 

[kty1]

We bought our set at Sam's about 7 years ago & paid around $1000 then. Totally NOT a waste of money!! My kids love it still & it is great quality!! I always remember being on the swingset in the backyard as a kid. It's very nice to open the back door & enjoy the afternoon in your own backyard as opposed to going to the park-the park will still be there if you want variety-but from my perspective it a fabulous use of money!! My only complaint was it took my workaholic husband most of the summer to put together, I imagine it should be a weekend or two project. ENjoy!

 

[wdw_girl_18]

I'm 18 and I still use my swing set

we have one of those huge wooden ones, where you buy the parts you want, like the slide, swings etc.

I love going outside and eating a popsicle while swinging.

It's worth the money that it costs

 

[Smydovro]

We bought one about 5 years ago at BJ's, I think it was about $700. It was worth it then and it is worth in now. Actually, I wish I had gone with one of the more expensive brands because the quality just isn't as good. The kid's use it but the design isn't as well laid out as some of those all redwood swing sets, plus my husband had to put it together . Let's just say, at one point swings were flying, and not in a good way! I might add here that my husband is a mechanic and also very, very handy! Great investment for your family but don't skimp!

 

[Gillennj]

Just an FYI (slightly OT), I know you are looking at a different one, But I thought I would throw this out for anyone looking at swing sets. We bought a good sized wooden PlayStar set from Lowes last year (~$1,000 or so). It is a really good set, but I was putting the accessories back on it yesterday (after being stored for the winter) and noticed several parts on the set itself (not stored) were rusting, even though they are galvanized metal. Even some of the painted metal is rusting.

I know some is to be expected, but this is too much, IMO. It won't affect the playability, or be anywhere the kids will touch it and isn't that noticeable, but it still bugs me.

 

[grlpwrd]

That is so true about quality. Like I mentioned above, I sold my older one that I got from our neighbor. It was a basic Toys R Us one that a neighbor gave to us. The family who bought it from me off of Craigslist was happy to get one because the price was right, but he had to do a lot of sanding and sealing. It was a lot of work to get it into good shape.

Looking back I realize I should have bought the better quality one anyway. My 15yo dd, her boyfriend, and I spent hours dissembling the older one and then we had to assemble the new, better one.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I really think it is cheaper to go to the park. Kids get bored of things very easily and I prefer them to get bored of something cheap vs. something expensive. Kids can get tired from a game of hop skotch, kick ball or flying a kite...they don't need the swing set.

Case in point, my brother bought a gigantic swing set for my niece. She played with it every day for a month. Then the novelty wore off and she stopped playing outside.And she lives in FL! Kids also outgrow the swingset after 8 or 10 yrs of age and only have about 4 good months out of the year when they can use it. The other months it collects dust...or breaks down. Not a good use of money, even if you can afford it. And I hope there aren't folks thinking of financing this either....that would be an even greater waste of money for something that loses value when you exit the store.

Go to the park and make it a special once a week treat. If you're dead set on a swing set, try craigslist or freecycle.org (but not during the spring /summer months when everyone wants a swing set). Some other person who overspent is dying to get rid of theirs.Even if gas was 7/a gallon it would still be cheaper than the headache of trying to figure out what to do with the thing when your kids no longer want to play with it.

I also think this is crazy.

Makes me laugh just thinking about it. Wait let me think about it, spend $1200.00 on a swingset or Pack 2 kids up plus all the stuff, drive 10 minutes to the park, watch the kids constantly because the older kids will probably mow them down, since their parents are 50 feet away paying no attention. Oh yea, there's a no brainer!

We bought my DS a swingset from Toys R us 6 years ago. Its OK but we're looking at purchasing the one from Sams and selling the old one. DS is 8 and still plays on it. DD is 3 and loving it also.

Go for it!

 

[Genieklone]

excuse me? Not a good use of my money even if I can afford it?
Darn, I thought that would be for me to decide.

BTW, our set has a little rock climbing section, a raised platform/fort, a place for a sandbox, a tireswing, a slide -- as well as the swingset. I have an extremely high energy boy and it just isn't practical for me to drive him 20 minutes (one way) to the park every evening before bedtime to run off the energy. I bet he was on it 3 hours a day last summer and he has shown no inkling of getting bored with it yet.

The swingset has been MORE than a worthwhile use of my money, and no I didn't finance it.

I answered the OP's question. She needed to be reminded why she should spend 1200 on a swing set. No one else is posting anything to the contrary. Sometimes if we are on the fence about a big purchase we need to hear the other side. There are pros and cons to purchasing a swing set.... not just pros.

Not that I wouldn't like a swing set, but I am doing what I recommended to the OP. On craigslist you can get one for really cheap. I am getting one for 10 dollars! Everything new, just one of the bars is missing. I am going to call the manufacturer to get the replacement bar (17.99 + S&H). The 1200+ swing set is costing me less than 30. Now that's worth it!

 

[grlpwrd]

I answered the OP's question. She needed to be reminded why she should spend 1200 on a swing set. No one else is posting anything to the contrary. Sometimes if we are on the fence about a big purchase we need to hear the other side. There are pros and cons to purchasing a swing set.... not just pros.

Not that I wouldn't like a swing set, but I am doing what I recommended to the OP. On craigslist you can get one for really cheap. I am getting one for 10 dollars! Everything new, just one of the bars is missing. I am going to call the manufacturer to get the replacement bar (17.99 + S&H). The 1200+ swing set is costing me less than 30. Now that's worth it!

You do know that not every city via Craigslist has the best deals or that people even offer such items and that YMMV, right?

There are safety issues, too. Some of the lesser quality playgrounds are not as safe as the quality one's. I have seen protruding nuts and bolts, sharp edges, splintered wood, and other dangers. I really do think you get what you pay for.

I really need to see a picture of this, please, or at least tell me about your swingset. I am genuinely curious about your deal.

I think it is great to save $$$ - wonderful - and I am all about getting a deal, but I am seriously doubting that anyone can get $1200 worth of quality material for less than $30.

Well, I did "inherit" my old playset from my neighbor and got it for free, though, so I think it is very possible, but not everyone can be so lucky.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

On craigslist you can get one for really cheap. I am getting one for 10 dollars! Everything new, just one of the bars is missing. I am going to call the manufacturer to get the replacement bar (17.99 + S&H). The 1200+ swing set is costing me less than 30. Now that's worth it!

I just searched Craigslist for our area because I actually wouldn't mind having a 2nd set for another part of our yard if I could find one for $30. There is one for $300 that looks like the ones that sold through Lowes a couple of years ago for around $750. The listing says that it badly needs stained and weatherproofing There is a 6 year old Rainbow set for $2000. There are 5 or 6 "wanted" listings for good condition Rainbow sets and there are a couple of Contractors with ads to come out to your house and install a new set for a couple of thousand.

oh well, $30 is an awesome deal. I'm glad you found it.

 

[TreslovesWDW]

We got this new swing set last night. We also got the one from 2 or 3 years ago. We had a large metal one but it was rusted and all the plastic was cracked so that is why I got the new one. The kids love the one from Sams I got a few years ago. The oldest is 13 and still plays on it. I think it was worth the money..I also got the teeter toter they had there to it was to cute to pass up. I told my husband the guy at Sams said it took a week to get the sample swing set together, he is so happy I bought this..lol No but really he does enjoy putting things together.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Okay guys - Those of you working on putting this together back at the end of March - how did it end up? AND more importantly at right this moment....has anyone seen them being clearanced at Sams yet? We didn't bite the bullet back then, but if I could find one on clearance it would be a no-brainer.

Thanks!

 

[kate0305]

Okay guys - Those of you working on putting this together back at the end of March - how did it end up? AND more importantly at right this moment....has anyone seen them being clearanced at Sams yet? We didn't bite the bullet back then, but if I could find one on clearance it would be a no-brainer.

Thanks!

We put ours together in early April. The helpful tips PM'ed to me from another DIS person were so helpful. And I had to give the same tip to a random stranger who was loading it in their truck at Sam's. Label the boards. Some look alike, so the guide with all the pictures and dimensions is worth its weight in gold.

My kids play out there daily. They eat lunch in the clubhouse, and play pirates with the add on telescope and steering wheel- which we bought at Lowes, not Sam's. My DH also built 'talking tubes' so you can talk to someone from the second level to the far part of the yard.

I know it is a lot of money, but I would say in naptime alone, from playing all day in the hot weather, has been worth every cent!!!

Oh yeah, treat the set-woodstain or paint. Ours was invaded by carpenter bees- what a headache. We are going to treat the set right before vacation so it can dry while we are gone. I just wish we did it sooner.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Ours came from Sams 4 years ago & we LOVE it. When our kids were 1 & 2 my inlaws couldn't decide what to do for birthdays and decided to get it for them (their bdays are 12 days apart and yes they are spoiled). They purchased and assembled it in our backyard. Assembly definitely took some time but it is soooo worth it! In the last 4 years they have used it not nearly every day but at least 4-5 days a week and yes we still go to the park once in awhile but it is nothing like open the door and let them go. Mom sits in the shade and reads a book and I can sit out there in my pajamas if I don't feel like getting dressed or driving The things we looked at while picking it out was the Sams was the roof was shingled vs. a tarp that would rip/wear over a couple years, multiple swings so all kids could play on the same thing at the same time. Ours has the club house, slide, tree climber on 1 end, monkey bars, swings, and we can buy add on accessories if/when we want them. If you can get them discounted that is great but it was worth the money to us! We would have purchased the same one if we were footing the bill.

 

[dismom24]

We were just sitting in the backyard the other night and saying that we were so glad the kids still love it. They are 6 and we were taking a chance that they would outgrow it soon, but as much as they have played with it already it has been a good investment. It looks great. It is hot here during the day, but they play in all all the time in the evening. It was a lot of money, but we haven't regretted it.

 

[DawnM]

We have the Rainbow 1200 dollar set from Costco.

We just restained it this weekend (had it 2 years). If you restain it every few years it will last forever.

The one we left in CA we had had for 5 years and it still looked new.

Dawn

 

[It's A Happy Day]

We have the Rainbow 1200 dollar set from Costco.

We just restained it this weekend (had it 2 years). If you restain it every few years it will last forever.

The one we left in CA we had had for 5 years and it still looked new.

Dawn

OT: What do you use to stain it with? We need to do it this year.

 

[formernyer]

The quality of the swingsets sold at Sam's Club and Costco is far superior to the ones at TRU and WM.

Another option is to build your own. When my kids were 1 and 2 (which was close to 10 years ago) their dad and I decided what things we wanted on the swingset. I bought the swings, slides, etc. as separates (from of the companies which sells "build-your-own" kits), then we bough good grade lumber and hardware and built it the way we wanted it. It took a full weekend for him to build it, but it only cost about $350 and it's nicer than the one at Sam's Club now. We even have a wooden "wobbly" bridge connecting two parts of it together. After 9+ years and a LOT of abuse, it's still in great condition.