Must Have Face to Face Gliders for Swing Sets
Backyard swing sets evoke memories of carefree childhood fun for many adults. The feeling of pumping your legs to go higher and higher while the wind rushes through your hair is exhilarating. Nowadays, swing sets have advanced to provide even more interactive and social play for kids. One of the latest innovations that brings a new dimension of excitement is the face to face glider.
These unique gliders allow two or more riders to sit facing each other while swinging and sliding gently back and forth. If you're looking to upgrade your swing set, a face to face glider is a must-have addition for maximizing playtime enjoyment.
Thrilling Motion Encourages Interactive Play
Traditional swings move primarily in one direction, either forward and back or side to side. Face to face gliders introduce a new type of motion that is both soothing and energetic. As the name suggests, riders sit facing each other as the glider smoothly slides along a track. This gentle gliding allows for continuous back and forth motion as the riders propel themselves using their legs.
Unlike teeter-totters or regular swings, the face to face positioning enables kids to easily see and interact with each other as they swing. They can chat, laugh together, play hand-clapping games, and create lasting social bonds. This interactive element helps hold kids' attention span longer and takes playground fun to a new level.
Comfortable and Fun for All Ages
Standard swings are usually either a flat plank seat or an enclosed bucket seat. Face to face gliders provide extra seating comfort with padded benches or chairs and back rests. This cushy seat allows for extended swinging periods without discomfort. Some models even have contoured buckets with molded arm rests and adjustable restraints for safety.
The comfortable seats combined with smooth gliding motion make face to face gliders enjoyable for kids and adults alike. They can accommodate two small children, one child and one adult, or two adults. This makes them ideal for siblings, parents looking to bond with their kids, or grandparents wanting to connect with grandkids.
Spark Imaginative and Interactive Play
The unique face-to-face orientation fosters imaginative and interactive play between riders. Kids can pretend they are on a rollercoaster, spaceship, time machine or any fantasy adventure they dream up. The glider becomes a prop in their roleplaying games to act out skits and stories together. This kind of immersive social play strengthens relationships and builds confidence.
The gentle rocking motion also soothes kids, making face to face gliders a perfect spot for heart-to-heart conversations, reading books together, or just relaxing in each other's company. Kids will invent dozens of lively games from tic-tac-toe to patty cake to thumb wars. Laughter and chatter will abound on these special new additions to your swing set.
Key Features Provide Safety and Durability
When investing in a face to face glider, you'll want to ensure it includes key features for both safety and longevity. High quality gliders designed for swing sets should offer:
- Sturdy steel or hard plastic frames
- Smooth chain, belt or bearing-guided gliding
- Padded and contoured seats
- Harnesses and hand grips
- Weather resistant construction
- Capacity for up to 400 lbs
- Easy installation hardware
Safety First With Harnesses and Hand Grips
One major concern with any swinging apparatus is safety. Quality face to face gliders address this with included harness straps and rubber coated hand grips. The harnesses secure kids in place while the hand grips give them stability while mounting, dismounting, and swinging. Handles positioned between riders also provide a spatial barrier minimizing accidental bumps or kicks.
Carefully follow the weight limits and age recommendations for any glider you select. Supervise young kids to ensure proper use. With these precautions, face to face gliders provide safe, interactive fun.
Built to Last from Durable Materials
No one wants their backyard play equipment falling apart after one season. That's why longevity is key when choosing a glider. High density polyethylene plastic or powder coated steel frames withstand weather extremes from blazing sun to freezing rain.
Seats, back rests and gliding mechanisms are also constructed from hardy materials that won't crack, peel or deteriorate after months of use. Stainless steel chains, bearings and fasteners ensure smooth operation year after year. With proper care and maintenance, a quality face to face glider will provide seasons of enjoyment.
Designs Suit Any Backyard or Budget
Face to face gliders come in a range of sizes, color schemes, and price points to coordinate with your existing swing set. Basic models with simple bench seats start under $200 while deluxe versions with buckets, canopies and tables can run over $500. Take time to consider which design options best suit your needs and budget.
Size Options For All Ages
Standard gliders accommodate two average size kids or adults with roughly 40" seats and a weight capacity around 400 lbs. For taller or larger riders, look for extended gliders with wider seats up to 50" wide and 600 lb capacity.
Compact gliders are best for smaller backyards or very young kids under 5 years old. The scaled down size has seats around 24" wide and a weight limit of 100-200 lbs. There are also quad gliders available with a bench spanning 50-60" for 4 riders.
Fun Extras: Canopies, Tables, and More
Basic face to face gliders feature two padded seats and back rests secured to the metal or plastic frame. Upgrades like canopies, cup holders, and snack tables offer expanded functionality.
For shade on sunny days, choose a glider with an adjustable canopy. Plastic or metal roofs block UV rays while allowing for air flow. Some canopies even have curtains you can close for added privacy and coziness.
Other popular options are built-in plastic snack tables or wheeled tables you can roll between riders. These provide a convenient surface for food, toys, books, smartphones and more. Look for gliders with fabric pockets to hold smaller items like phones, keys or glasses.
Complement Your Swing Set Style
Select a glider made by the same manufacturer as your existing swing set for seamless style and installation. Most major brands like Backyard Discovery, Gorilla Playsets and Rainbow Play Systems make matching gliders. You can also mix and match bright colors for a customized backyard play space.
Consider durable powder coated steel in bright hues like green, blue or red. For a natural look, choose wooden gliders made from sturdy cedar or redwood to blend into garden landscapes. Or go bold with rainbow fabrics that lend cheerful pops of color. The options let you personalize your yard.
Installation Takes Just an Afternoon
One advantage of face to face gliders designed for backyard swing sets is their easy assembly. Most require only simple tools like screwdrivers, wrenches and mallets you likely have on hand. Clear instructions walk you through attaching the seats, connecting the moving parts, and securing the glider to your playset frame.
These gliders are made to hook right onto the top crossbar, legs, or swings. All necessary clamps and brackets come included. You'll just need a helper to lift the glider pieces into place during mounting. With two adults working together, expect 1-3 hours to safely install.
For those less inclined to DIY projects, you can often pay an additional fee when ordering for expert assembly. This convenient service ensures your glider is perfectly constructed and attached for smooth and safe operation.
Most residential swing set models have straight rectangular metal top bars perfect for securing a face to face glider. The glider frame has pre-drilled bolt holes that align with the pre-drilled holes on your swing set bar.
Simply insert bolts through both sets of holes and fasten washers and nuts to clamp it all firmly together. Brackets also stabilize the glider and prevent rotation or slipping. Step-by-step instructions walk you through proper positioning.