There are a lot of swing sets out there. Swing sets with slides, climbing ropes, monkey bars, slides, forts — and there are many different setups. Do you want a wooden playset? Or maybe a plastic one?

There’s something pretty magical about a backyard swing set. It’s not just a bunch of swings and a slide—it’s a spaceship, a castle, and a pirate ship, all rolled into one. Investing in a place where ...

We talked to child-development experts, landscapers, and parents to find the best swing sets for your backyard and budget.