Build a Backyard Playset Your Family Will Enjoy for Years
The Apollo DIY Playset Plans were developed from years of designing and building custom backyard playsets for families across Texas. Every page is based on practical construction experience, with detailed diagrams, cut lists, and step-by-step instructions to help you build a quality wooden playset with confidence. Before you dive into the plans, I'd like to share how the Apollo came to be and why it became one of my favorite designs.
|
The Story Behind the
|
With DIY swing set plans, you have the freedom to design a structure that suits your backyard and your children's preferences. Whether it's a classic swing set with swings and a slide or a more elaborate creation with climbing walls, monkey bars, and a fort, the possibilities are endless.
Real builds from real families - here’s what DIYers are saying.
The Apollo — built in three days by Lea Ann and her daughter, a birthday surprise for her grandchildren.
|
Jack,
I just wanted to thank you for selling me a wonderful set of plans!! My daughter and I built this in three days with virtually no trouble. I was able to present it to my two grandchildren at their birthday party and they were (are) thrilled! Many thanks, Lea Ann Robertson Note: I asked her if I could post the pics on this site. This was her response: Of course. Other women need to see that they can do it, too ;-) Thanks again. L. Robertson The Apollo isn't just another backyard playset. It's a project you can build yourself and a place where your family can make memories for years to come.
|
|
|
Watch the Triton Build Series
Follow along as we build the Triton from the ground up using the same methods found throughout nearly all Jack's Backyard DIY playset plans. Although this series features the Triton, the layout techniques, tool selection, measuring methods, drilling, assembly, and many of the construction techniques apply directly to the Apollo and our other fort designs as well.
Whether you're planning your first backyard playset or already have your Apollo plans in hand, these videos are designed to complement the written instructions, answer common questions, and show how the project comes together from the first board to the finished playset. |
If you find the videos helpful, please consider subscribing to the Jack's Backyard YouTube channel, giving the video a thumbs up, and following the series as we continue building the Triton from the first board to the finished playset.
Apollo Fort and Swing Set Specifications
The Apollo DIY Fort and Swing Set Plans guide you from first cut to finish
The Apollo DIY Wood Fort and Swingset Add-on Plans Feature:
The Apollo Wood Fort Design Features:
- Detailed drawings, color pictures, and text information
- Safety information, useful tips, and hardware sizing charts
- Tool list, hardware list, fastener list, wood list, and detailed cut list
- Add-on plans for a swingset will teach you to add 2, 3, or 4 swing positions
- Easy to follow do-it-yourself add-on plans for a picnic table and inclined rock wall
- Now Includes all wood DIY four point glider mount and accessory arm plans!
The Apollo Wood Fort Design Features:
- 5' deck height with the ability to add more climbing features in the future
- 5' x 6' platform deck gives your kids 30 sq ft of elbow room
- Over 5' headroom from deck to peak of canopy
- Top rail is 8' high. Peak of canopy is 10' 6" high. Conforms to most deed restrictions
- Designed for an 10' slide. Ladder instructions are included
- Optional swingset add-on mounts at 7' for lots of swing action in a smaller area
- Solid all wood A-frame design with 4" x 6" swing beam
- Optional sandbox area or add a picnic table
- All recommended hardware is heavy duty 1/2" or 3/8" carriage bolt or hex bolt
- Designed for durability, strength, and peace of mind
- Approximate build time 11-14 hours for a fort with three swing positions
- Easy to move. Breaks down into movable pieces and easy to reassemble
Layouts & Actual Pages from the Apollo Plans:
The pages shown here are straight from the Apollo Fort and Swingset Add-on plans pages — the exact layouts, lists, and charts you’ll receive in your download. You’ll see the lumber list, hardware and fastener charts, swing set layout, and add-on options like the picnic table and rock wall. Each page is designed to help you stay organized, avoid mistakes, and enjoy the build from start to finish.
These plans were written for families who want to build something lasting — not just a weekend project, but a place for memories. I’ve built these forts myself, helped others build theirs, and made sure every step is as simple and reliable as it can be.
These plans were written for families who want to build something lasting — not just a weekend project, but a place for memories. I’ve built these forts myself, helped others build theirs, and made sure every step is as simple and reliable as it can be.
Ready to get started? Order your Apollo Fort and Swing Set Blueprints
today and build a playset that’s safe, strong, and made to last.
Apollo Complete DIY Playset Plans | Fort, Swing Set & Add-On Package – Instant PDF Download $34.95
$34.95
The Apollo Complete DIY Plans include the full Apollo wood fort design, swing set layout, and major add-on projects delivered as a digital PDF download. Build your own backyard playset using detailed plans designed from real-world professional builds.
Buy Apollo Complete Plans – $34.95
Instant Download – DIY Wood Playset Plans (PDF)
After purchase, a download link will be sent directly to your email. Please make sure your email address is entered correctly at checkout.
The Apollo Complete Plan Package includes:
• Apollo wood fort plans
• Universal swing set add-on plans
• Inclined rock climbing wall plans
• Picnic table under deck plans
• Accessory arm plans
• Back-to-back glider assembly plans
The Apollo features a larger backyard fort design with a 5' deck height designed for a 10' wave slide, open play space underneath, and multiple expansion options.
These plans include detailed drawings, measurements, cut information, and step-by-step guidance to help you build without guesswork.
Important Download Information:
• This is a digital PDF plan package only
• Building materials, lumber, hardware, and accessories are not included
• Nothing will be shipped or mailed
• Do not attempt to download from the receipt page or from a mobile/work device
• Check your spam or bulk folder if your download email does not arrive
Download the Apollo Complete DIY Plans and start building your backyard playset.
Apollo DIY Fort Plans – Wood Playset Fort Plans (PDF Download)
$16.95
The Apollo Fort DIY plans include the full fort build only, delivered as a digital PDF download.
Buy Apollo Fort Plans Only – $16.95
Instant Download – DIY Fort Plans (PDF)
After purchase, a download link will be sent directly to your email. Make sure the email address is entered correctly at checkout.
This package includes plans for:
- Fort layout and structure
- Detailed drawings and dimensions
- Material and hardware lists
- Complete cut list
- Builder notes based on real builds
Important:
- Do not attempt to download from the receipt page or on a mobile/work device
- Check your spam or bulk folder if the email does not show up
- Materials are not included. This is a digital plan only and will not be mailed
Download the plans and start building without guesswork.
DIY Monkey Bar Plans – Build Your Own Backyard Playground Addition
$16.95
Build Strong Backyard Monkey Bars Using Real Builder Plans
Adding monkey bars is one of the best ways to turn a backyard swing set or playset into a complete playground. These DIY Monkey Bar Plans from Jack’s Backyard are based on real-world construction methods developed from more than 25 years of designing, building, moving, and rebuilding backyard playsets.
This is not a factory-style kit manual. These plans teach you how to build a sturdy wooden monkey bar structure using common lumber, quality hardware, and proven construction techniques.
Whether you are adding monkey bars to a Jack’s Backyard fort design or creating a stand-alone backyard challenge course, these plans give you the measurements, layouts, and step-by-step guidance to build with confidence.
DIY Inclined Rock Climbing Wall Add-On Plans
$16.95
Add another adventure to your backyard fort with the Jack’s Backyard DIY Inclined Rock Climbing Wall Plans.
These detailed add-on plans are specifically designed to attach to the Jack’s Backyard Triton, Apollo, and Gemini playset designs. The plans include the measurements, materials, fastener details, and step-by-step instructions needed to build an inclined climbing wall that matches these backyard forts.
The inclined rock wall design creates a fun alternative entrance to the play deck while adding another activity area to your backyard playscape.
These plans may also be adapted to many other wooden playsets, forts, and outdoor play structures. Because every design is different, modifications to dimensions, mounting points, and materials may be required when adding this rock climbing wall to other structures.
Perfect for DIY builders looking to upgrade an existing backyard playset, expand their fort design, or create a more adventurous backyard play area.
Plans only. Lumber, climbing rocks, and hardware are sold separately.
DIY Swing Set Plans – Swing Set Add-On
$16.95
Build a backyard swing set the right way with Jack’s Backyard DIY Swing Set Plans.
The Swing Set Add-On (SSAO) was designed as a simple, sturdy way to add swings to compatible Jack’s Backyard playset forts. Using common lumber, straightforward construction methods, and detailed instructions, these plans help DIY builders create a strong wooden swing set without guessing through the process.
Whether you are expanding a backyard playset, replacing an old swingset, or planning a complete DIY play area, these plans provide the measurements and guidance needed from start to finish.
Plans include:
- Detailed color drawings
- Step-by-step building instructions
- Lumber list
- Fastener list
- Measurements and layouts
- Swing beam and support construction details
Designed from more than 25 years of professional backyard playset building experience.
5% Hardware Kit Discount Included: Every eligible Jack's Backyard DIY Playset Plan now
includes a 5% discount code for matching OtterWorksUSA fort and fort & swing set fastener kits.
Simply use the coupon code included with your plan download at checkout.
Hardware kits are optional and include the specialty fasteners and
hardware used in the plans to help simplify your build.
includes a 5% discount code for matching OtterWorksUSA fort and fort & swing set fastener kits.
Simply use the coupon code included with your plan download at checkout.
Hardware kits are optional and include the specialty fasteners and
hardware used in the plans to help simplify your build.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Jack’s Backyard over the years. Your support has helped keep independent DIY plan design, real-world building experience, and hands-on craftsmanship alive for more than 25 years.
See What You Can Build with the Apollo DIY Playset Plans
The photos below show the Apollo as it was built from these plans. From the compact footprint to the roomy play deck, every detail was designed to help families build a backyard playset that looks great, fits comfortably in smaller yards, and provides years of outdoor fun.
Whether you're building your first playset or adding your own personal touches, these images will give you a realistic look at what you can expect when your project is complete. Every backyard is different, but the Apollo was designed to be flexible, easy to customize, and rewarding to build.
Whether you're building your first playset or adding your own personal touches, these images will give you a realistic look at what you can expect when your project is complete. Every backyard is different, but the Apollo was designed to be flexible, easy to customize, and rewarding to build.
Watch how these DIY playset plans came to life
and follow the full build series on YouTube:
|
|
Add-On Parts & A Word of Caution
A homemade playset can be one of the best backyard projects you’ll ever build — but only if it’s built right.
Many “DIY swing set” plans online are either overbuilt or under-built, using mismatched parts or unclear dimensions. That can lead to safety issues like exposed bolts, poor spacing, or weak hardware.
The Apollo DIY Playset Plans are refined for simplicity and strength — and are designed to voluntarily meet or exceed the safety standards published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Unlike generic sketches or commercial-style layouts floating around online, these plans were written specifically for family backyards. They’re practical, clear, and tested by real families who built them and loved the results.
Whether you add a rock wall, monkey bars, or slide, you’ll know every part is designed to fit safely and perform for years.
Many “DIY swing set” plans online are either overbuilt or under-built, using mismatched parts or unclear dimensions. That can lead to safety issues like exposed bolts, poor spacing, or weak hardware.
The Apollo DIY Playset Plans are refined for simplicity and strength — and are designed to voluntarily meet or exceed the safety standards published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Unlike generic sketches or commercial-style layouts floating around online, these plans were written specifically for family backyards. They’re practical, clear, and tested by real families who built them and loved the results.
Whether you add a rock wall, monkey bars, or slide, you’ll know every part is designed to fit safely and perform for years.