Swing sets have evolved over the years to such a point that it makes me wish I was a kid again. No more do swing sets consist of two swings and a slide; today’s swing sets are so much more and should, by rights, be called activity sets, outdoor play stations, or some other name more descriptive of what they provide.

The lucky children who have a modern day swing set are not limited to merely swinging; they can climb, hang, balance, slide, twirl, or hold secret meetings on a shaded platform. Swing sets are designed to enable children to play alone, in pairs, or even groups.

While the other activities are fun, and children do play on the other attachments, swings remain the focal point and the most popular among children. Manufacturers are aware of this and have taken great strides in providing children with what they love most – swinging.

Listed below are some of the swinging attachments that can be added to your set to give your children even more ways to swing.

•Swings, of course. They can be as basic as a molded plastic seat, or U-shaped rubber seat or more elaborate, with extra features such as high backs and sides with safety belts or bars. This allows for even the youngest child to be able to enjoy swinging.

•Tires – We’ve all seen a tire swing hanging from a sturdy tree limb by a piece of old rope. Swing set manufacturers have taken that old favorite and turned it flat, allowing the child to sit ‘on’ the tire instead of in it. Depending on the specifications, some will allow two or even three kids at a time to swing, spin and twirl.

•Gym equipment, kiddy style – Many swing sets come with trapeze bars or rings similar to what you’d find in a gym that allow children to work on toning their muscles without even realizing it! They’ll gain upper body strength and increase their coordination, and all the time they’ll just think they’re having fun. They even make a boxing bag designed just for hanging from your swing set. A great way to let kids blow off steam!

•Gliders – These great additions come in a variety of styles. The most common type has seats for two kids to sit facing each other or sitting back to back with handles for hanging onto as they glide back and forth.

•Disks – Flat disks, usually suspended by nylon rope, give new meaning to swinging as they spin and swing at the same time. Depending on the style, they can use the rope to climb up to another level. Other styles are attached by a large spring, which makes for lots of bouncing while swinging

•Buoy balls – Similar to the disks, but as the name implies, it’s a ball designed to sit on while swinging. These make bright additions to your set and come in many colors and sizes.

•Track lines – Depending on how elaborate your set up is, you can add a track line, that allows children to grab hold with both hands and ‘whoosh’ down to another area of play.

•Babysitter swing – Since supervision is always recommended, why not add a babysitter swing? These swings resemble the old slatted wood porch swings and give the grown-up somewhere ‘adult-sized’ to sit and be close to the action.