Great question Jack Lewitz 

Kids do play outside if you parent them instead of auto-parent them with gadgets & TV; my son loved the park as a child. It's in how you raise them, since they are not born pre-programmed "outdoor adverse".

I think it comes down to what type of parents you are selling to; what matters most to them that reflects their core values and needs.

Ahh..this looks like my son's backyard for his little kids..they love it..maybe not when 100 degrees but when its cooler!!

I don't see them being a thing of the past.

I think they're still viable for families with small children and later replaced as the children grow

Back yards are still important but I don't know for who. Kids don't play in them anymore. 

Swing sets are quickly out grown and backyards are now more a adult entertaining space.

No.. swing sets, trampolines even tree houses are still important for outdoor playing.  Our local parks are usually packed.  

I see children playing outdoors later in the evening, it's too hot during the day.  

I don't have one.  Willie the Labradoodle wouldn't use it.

In my area, they can be found in backyards, public parks, school yards and more.  I still see kids playing outside all the time.

Jack,

\Not a thing of the past at all...A

No, they're very popular for families with young children.

Unfortunately there's a safety factor to contend with that stretches into the teens. There is play and swing sets happening everywhere but in much more confined settings or under more scrutiny by parents. Nothing like the "free range" days of my youth!

Years ago we built one like that for my daughter. It took us three days. 

I see a lot of kids that still play outside in my area. 

Depends on where you live & work Jack Lewitz 

Living in suburbia, I see that back yards are not used at all except to look at.  The trend in my area is to let your kids play in the street and put up signs noting that children are at play.  I so don't get it.

I don't think they are a thing of the past and kids still play outside.

Outdoor play areas and structures have gotten more complex and many planned communities have parks for kids. And here kids can play outside all year round

I do love that swing set and house (not quite a 'tree house'!), and totally think that back yards are still huge for families Jack Lewitz.  Most folks would rather have their children in the fenced in backyard, as opposed to playing in the street.  I realize as the kiddos get older, the backyard may no longer be a playing area, but there are still many years when it would be a fun place!   

You still see some around here in the Dallas area...but when it is 100 degrees out, you don't see any children using them!

No. they are not. I see kids in my neighborhood playing outside. My kids are college age and I only allowed they so much computer or tv time per day. They either played outside or did creative things inside. They have thanked me for it. I think it is important parents don't allow kids (especially young kids) to overuse the computer and tv.

In the 'burbs people still buy swing sets for their kids but back yards are not very useful! 

Times are changing and little one are on electronics at a young age.

Depends on the families - many of our customers are not interested in swing sets for their kids - just getting them video games and phones.

There's going to be a hugely wasted generation when they grow up - wonder what't the term will be for them:

We've had Gen X, Gen Y will they be Gen ATT or SPRINT?

Oh wait, I know - Gen X-BOX!

Insurance companies and lawsuits ruined the classic swing sets from days of yore.   I want a swingset that will throw you 50 feet out if you let go of the chains.

I don't see these very often, especially the big ones like this.  Yards are still important, not just for kids but for entertaining, pets and a lounge chair for the adults.

I do not think swing sets are a thing of the past. I know many kids that love to play on them.  

I still see kids playing on swing sets.  Hopefully they will continue to do so.

Swing sets are not a thing of the past.  Yard space is still an important buying consideration in my market, and not just for kids! Some want lots of space for family gatherings and entertaining, gardening, some just like cutting grass and others do not.  I will say a play-set incorrectly installed or not maintained can be a detraction and many times it is best to have it removed before listing. 

I think playgrounds are great for younger kids since they have to play outside.

I think most parents are keeping phones out of the kids who most likely would be using a swing set. At least i hope they are

Swing sets are still in and backyards are always desirable, for outdoor living if not for swing sets alone.

Today, swings are not the fad they once were with some exceptions. Yards? Whats not to love? However, there are exceptions as we all know...I piddle around 1/3 of an acre perfect for me & my Lucy with always something to do

I still see swing sets.  Not a thing of the past.  

It depends on their life style. 

I think there is a growing sense that the days of video games, tv as a babysitter etc... aren't giving children what they need and that backyard swingsets will become even more popular.

I am so far removed from young children I have no clue.

The backyard is still a big thing to most as well as swing sets!

children DO play outside....and as they get older, they enjoy being outside and active....they then participate in team sports ....

What a shame! 

Our neighbors built a fabulous tree house for their young sons who NEVER use it. 

No, both back yards and playground equipment are still in demand here, and I'm betting that we will cycle back to more children getting more exercise over the next few years/decade. People are realizing no exercise equates to heavier children and eventually exercise will become much more important.

depends on the area

I don't know what an sre back yard is. But I do know that virtually all of my clients with children look for a "child-friendly" yard and preferably fenced. We see lots of swing sets and/or trampolines in our neighborhoods still. 

The swing sets in our community playground are  used every day.

We have a lot of those, different shappes and forms. Sometimes they come with the house, sometimes they are excluded. It is always advised to verify. 

Kids still use them, of course some of those kids are playing video games and texting up there.

Jack Lewitz - not so much of a 'feature' that buyers want it in New England....

These are often left by the seller with no mention of wanting any value for them. Buyers can take or leave them. Kids don't play on them long and always seem to be on the go.