Families are looking for parks with Mommy and Me baby swings, also known as Expression Swing by their manufacturer (GameTime). I like the Expression Swing because it puts the older rider at the same eye level as the baby or toddler.
Another manufacturer has a model called the Generation Swing (by Little Tykes Commercial).
The Generation Swing is also a tandem swinging experience, but the older rider is at a different eye level than the baby/toddler.
It also seems a bit more crowded and more straddling for an adult than the Expression Swing.
Another type of swing is the Friendship Swing (by Landscape Structures) found at only a few parks. These ones are described at "multi-user ADA inclusive."
Finally, there is The Konnection Swing by BCI Burke which is built for a child sitting directly on the lap of a parent, but with back support so as not to fall off. (The ones with yellow bars in the photo below). Here's a video of how the Konnection Swing works!
Now, obviously, these are NOT only for moms or mommies and babies. Obviously!
However, this is the term parents are using when they type their query into search engines. So, as a blogger, this is the best way for me to make sure this information reaches the greatest amount of searchers.
Even if I called them "Parent and Me" swings, then I'd be leaving out caregivers, grandparents, and siblings.
The best description I can think of is face to face tandem baby swings but then I'm also leaving out toddlers who are also able to fit in these swings.
So I think I've settled on my newly made-up name of Swing with Me Swings. It's an invitation to all rather than excluding anyone or getting wrapped up in naming conventions. Let's just get out there and PLAY!
Parks with Mommy and Me Baby Swings
Thanks to those readers who joined in on a crowdsourcing brainstorm about where we've seen these Swing with Me Swings parks in Orange County, CA. We came up with a list. Mission Viejo seems to be the leader in this trend with Aliso Viejo jumping in with one park.
Melinda Park in Mission Viejo
Melinda Park in Mission Viejo has 2 Expression swings. This is actually one of my favorite parks for a number of reasons, so I'd definitely recommend a visit.
El Dorado Park in Mission Viejo
El Dorado Park in Mission Viejo is a new discovery for me! How come you didn't tell me about this one before?
Christopher Park in Mission Viejo
Christopher Park in Mission Viejo is an adorable neighborhood park and the tandem swing is hanging from what looks like a tree branch!
Pavion Park in Mission Viejo
Pavion Park in Mission Viejo is always a favorite because it's a universally accessible playground and they added a restroom.
Cordova Park in Mission Viejo
Cordova Park in Mission Viejo can be busy after school with kids visiting from the nearby K-8, but it's quieter during the day.
Portola Park in Lake Forest
Portola Park in Lake Forest is a relatively new park. It has 2 baby swings, 2 bench swings and this one swing for siblings, caregivers, or parents to swing with baby!
El Dorado Nature Center and Park in Long Beach
El Dorado East Park in Long Beach may be the best parks for swings in all of Southern California! There is this circle of swings, but you need to click over to the post to see the other swings at these playgrounds.
Lions Park in Costa Mesa
Lions Park in Costa Mesa has swings that are different from the rest because they almost act more like armchairs!
Rick Gomez Park in Buena Park
Rick Gomez Park in Buena Park has a tandem swing like the one at Lion's Park, but it's an extremely hard park to find parking! If you live in the area and can walk, this is a great option for you.
Fullerton Sports Complex Playground
Fullerton Sports Complex playground has one of the Generation swings for pairing up with your little.
Central Park in Huntington Beach for Kids and Families
Huntington Beach Central Park West sports a HUGE playground with tons of other stuff going on, but it does have one of the Generation swings like they've installed in Aliso Viejo.
Westridge Park in Aliso Viejo
Westridge Park in Aliso Viejo has one of the Generation swings in case you want to try a different version.
Sheep Hills Park (Laguna Hills/Aliso Viejo)
Sheep HIlls Park also has one of the Generation swings the same as Westridge Park in Aliso Viejo.
Seabridge Park and Beach in Huntington Harbour
Seabridge Park and Beach playground in Huntington Harbour is an awesome pirate playground with all types of swings: 2 bench, 2 baby, and one tandem Generation swing.
Tustin Sports Park
Tustin Sports Park off Jamboree near Tustin Marketplace also has the Generation style swings for babies.
Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley
Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley has these swings in the front playground nearest to the Euclid entrance kiosk.
Riddle Field Park in Laguna Beach (Boat Canyon)
This is the first park where I've seen the green swing (pictured) called The Konnection Swing by BCI Burke. It's set up so YOU (the adult) can sit with the child facing you on your lap and there is space for their legs to hang out.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park: The $5 Park with $10 Worth of Fun
This is another park with the Konnection Swings! There are two at Carbon Canyon near the big red slide playground.
More Parks with Mommy and Me Baby Swings
I still need to get out to these parks to get photos.
Lagos De Moreno Park at Laurel Elementary School in Brea has one, but the park is only open limited hours.
Yorba Regional Park in Anaheim has added a few of these to their swingsets (thanks to Megan for the intel)! I will grab photos soon.
For those who are residents of Great Park Neighborhoods, "The Pools" area has these swings (but it's intended for residents only).
Travel to LA County to see these ones:
Cameron Park and Charter Oak Park in Covina both have them.
Bolivar Park in Lakewood (photos on the city site are old, but new photos if you search Google)
More Parks in Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo
Thanks again for all the input from my readers. This list wouldn't be possible with your help!
Originally published in January 2019.
