What to Do With Old Wooden Swing Set (Donate vs Repurpose)
There comes that time when your children have outgrown their swing set. You hate to see it come but it will. When your children have grown up you are stuck with a problem. What to with their old swing set?
Besides keeping it to fondly remember those days when your kids were still young, you do have options. We are going to tell you about those options in this article.
The Many Uses for Old Swing Set Frame
You may think that swing sets only have one purpose. They exist to let children swing safely in a nice arc. But there is more to a swing set than meets the eye. Once your children grow up you can let your creative juices take over and find a new use for your old swing set.
Here are just a few ideas, and they depend on the construction materials used:
- Turn it into a creative homework area. Help your kids think outside the box
- Turn it into a clubhouse
- Use the frame as a gate to your backyard, etc.
- Turn it into a romantic spot for you and your spouse
- Make a hanging garden out of the old frame
- Use it for nap time by removing the swings and adding a hammock
The list is endless in what you can do with an old swing set frame. Just look around your house for more ideas on what you can do with it.
Repurposed Swing Set Frame
All repurposed means is that you have found a new way to use the swing set frame without throwing it out, donating it or selling it to someone else. Again, these suggestions depend on the type of construction material your swing set is made of.
If you live in a rural area - you can always turn your swing set into a chicken coop or cage for other small animals you may own.
Urban life - may influence your decision and lead you to turn it into a playhouse for your older children.
Turn it into a video den - or you can run some power out to it and let your kids play their video games inside the remodeled swing set
Green thumb - it is possible to turn your old swing set into a garden shed that holds all your gardening tools and supplies
Romance isn’t dead - finally, you could use the frame to build you and your spouse a little private area just for the two of you.
How to Get Rid of an Old Swing Set
It is possible that you do not have the money or the time to repurpose your old swing set frame. Or you want to use the space in your backyard for another purpose. That means you need to get rid of your swing set as quickly as possible.
Here are some suggestions you can consider when you need to get rid of your old swing set:
Free always works - a big sign saying it is free should draw a lot of people to your door who will do the work to tear it down and take it to their home
Give it to family - you may have brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews with young families. You can always give it to them
Money talks - if you spent too much for the swing set, you may want to recoup some of your investment and sell it by placing an add in the classifieds
Junk it - you can call a junk metal or wood dealer and have them haul it away
Let the manufacturer help - you can contact the manufacturer to see if they will take it off your hands. They have the ability to refurbish it and resell it or give it to charities
Recycling works - just recycle the metal and wood parts
Can You Donate a Swing Set
The short ad sweet answer is yes you can. But there are some conditions that should be met prior to giving it to charity. The main condition that you need to worry about is how good a shape is it in?
If it is in good to great shape hen you should not have any problems donating it. Unless the charity you picked already has one. If it isn’t, you might want to go the second mile and refurbish it so that it is acceptable and safe to use.
Then if you are one of those people who likes to remain anonymous when they do their good deeds, there are plenty of companies out there who will come to your home, dismantle it and take it away.
After that, they will donate it to a charity that needs one or is need of a replacement.
Where to Donate Wooden Swing Set
The obvious answer to this dilemma is your family or friends. But if they do not have kids, space or even want one you need secondary outlets to give away your old swing set. Here are some places you can consider:
- Orphanages - are a great place to donate your old swing set
- Churches - if they have lots of space, run a day care they may not be able to afford a new swing set
- Daycare Centers - if they have the space and since they work with young toddlers and tots, this may be a great place for your old plastic swing sets
- Schools - maybe private schools but you never know
- Organizations that work with children - they will have more leads and should know what ca be done with your old swing set
Some Final Comments
Once you put your mind to it, there are a lot of great opportunities to dispose of or refurbish your old swing set. Your growing children can learn a valuable lesson about helping those less fortunate and they can learn how to think creativity as you show them the way.
Gather information, make a list of options, talk about what to do with their old swing sets and make a family decision. All it takes is a little thought, a little research and a little discussion. Your old swing set may turn into a great family refurbishing project.
That old swing set of yours can still contribute to your family bonding time and help you work together to solve a little problem.
Looking for a Swing Set? Don't buy something you'll hate
Here is a list of our buying guides to help you find the best swing set for your needs:
