The story of how and why the Apollo DIY Swingset was born.
|
Introducing the Apollo Fort & Swing Set Plans – the perfect backyard playset for families with smaller yards who don’t want to compromise on fun. As my third fort design, the Apollo builds on the success of the Triton, featuring a slightly shorter top rail and swing height to free up valuable yard space for swings. If you’re searching for detailed swing set plans or easy-to-follow plans to build a swingset, the Apollo is designed especially for first-time builders.
Transform your backyard into a wonderland your kids will remember forever. The Apollo DIY Swing set isn’t just another playset—it’s a springboard to endless adventures! |
Watch how these DIY playset plans came to life
and follow the full build series on YouTube:
|
|
Why you should build your own playset with my DIY Apollo Fort and Swing Set Plans
- Optimized for Smaller Yards: Designed with a slightly shorter top rail and swing height, freeing up extra space for swings in limited areas.
- Evolution of a Proven Design: As the third fort creation building on the successful Triton, it combines classic appeal with modern functionality.
- Beginner-Friendly DIY: Comes with detailed, easy-to-follow swing set plans, perfect for first-time builders.
- HOA-Compliant: Features a lower canopy peak that fits within even the strictest HOA guidelines.
- Endless Backyard Fun: Transforms your outdoor space into a launchpad for memorable adventures and family play.
- Optimized Design: A compact footprint that maximizes space for swings—a common challenge with typical fort designs.
- HOA-Friendly: A lower canopy peak that meets even the strictest HOA guidelines.
- Versatility: Options for add-ons that appeal to older climbers, ensuring the playset grows with your family’s needs.
Apollo Playset DIY Wood Fort and Swingset Plans
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
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.
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.
Build Your Own Backyard Apollo Playset Gallery
Experience the joy of building a custom backyard playset while creating lasting memories with your children. Designed in Houston, TX—Space City USA, the Apollo DIY Playset Plan fuels imagination, builds confidence, and enhances coordination.
Inspired by our American astronauts and the pioneering spirit of exploration, the Apollo isn’t just a swing set—it’s a launchpad for adventure! Watch your child soar through space, swing through jungle canopies, or dig for buried treasure in the sandbox.
With easy-to-follow DIY plans, you can build a safe, durable, and affordable backyard playset while saving money on expensive pre-built sets.
Inspired by our American astronauts and the pioneering spirit of exploration, the Apollo isn’t just a swing set—it’s a launchpad for adventure! Watch your child soar through space, swing through jungle canopies, or dig for buried treasure in the sandbox.
With easy-to-follow DIY plans, you can build a safe, durable, and affordable backyard playset while saving money on expensive pre-built sets.
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.