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    How To Make a Tightrope for Your Kids

    June 22, 2016 by Ashley Mayes 14 Comments

    I don't know about you guys but we are four weeks in on Summer break and Greyson is already bored. The first week of break, we chilled at home and did a few playdates. The second week, he went to Florida and did the whole Disney thing. The third week, he did superhero gymnastics camp from 9-12, Monday-Friday. The fourth week (this week) we've been to two swimming pools (on two different days), the lake with my family, the library (twice), regular errands (grocery shopping, etc. ), and have another lake day planned with friends on Friday. All of that is to say... we've been going places and he tells me he's bored. Are you serious? Yep, he's totally serious. So, to combat boredom, I looked for new toys. Then, I thought... I'll make a new toy and make it an outside one. That's where this tutorial - How to Make a Tightrope for Your Kids comes in.

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    Guys, it was so simple! Like I bet you have everything you need in your garage and, guess what?! You only need THREE things!

    You will need:

    Carpet scraps (enough to go around two tree trunks) or (2) old towels

    (1) Ratchet Strap

    (2) Trees (anywhere from 5ft-10ft from each other)

    That's it! Seriously, the setup on this takes 5 min!

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    First thing you need to do is wrap the tree trunks with padding (carpet scrap or towel) to make sure you don't damage the bark.

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    I started wrapping about 12 inches from the ground.

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    Once you finish wrapping the trunk, grab the ratchet strap end with the hook and run the cord through the hook (see below).

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    Pull tight. Wrap the other tree trunk and make a loop with the ratchet strap so that you can ratchet it tight. Ratchet the strap until it's tight.

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    That's it. If you want to add a support rope for your hands you can, but we thought it was good without it.

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    Greyson thought it was pretty difficult.

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    He wanted a support hand for the first few times.

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    He finally seemed to get it after awhile but would definitely need to keep practicing to really be able to walk it.

    Outdoor Play - Make a Tightrope for Your Kids with Items out of the Garage!

    Oh, and in case you were wondering if it would hold an adult - yep! Luke and I both tried it. I have to say that I was better. I made it across a few times. It was actually kinda fun. I could totally see busting this out when we have friends over for a BBQ. The kids will try it first, then the adults will give it a go after a few drinks... a trip to the ER and a broken bone later... just kidding. =)

    After looking into this, I found out that slacklining is actually a big deal and is pretty similar to this idea. So, if that's your thing or if you think your kiddos will love this and want more than a DIY version...

    *Affiliate links below. Thanks for supporting this blog. Click to read my disclosure policy.

    You can find tree protection sets as well as a slackline set.

    Tell me the truth, would you ever try it or would you try to make one for the kiddos?

    DIY outdoor play idea - Make a tightrope with things out of the garage!

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    1. Julia@Cuckoo4Design

      June 22, 2016 at 7:23 am

      What a great idea! That looks like fun! I know I would stink at it though

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        June 23, 2016 at 5:11 pm

        It was pretty fun!

        Reply
    2. cassie @ primitive & proper

      June 22, 2016 at 12:33 pm

      this looks like so much fun! how high do you think i can safely put it in the trees without CPS coming? 😉

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        June 23, 2016 at 5:12 pm

        lol!!

        Reply
    3. Stephanie @ Casa Watkins Living

      June 28, 2016 at 11:12 pm

      How FUN!!!! I'd do it myself. I love obstacle courses hahaha.

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        July 03, 2016 at 5:22 pm

        I have to admit, I did enjoy it.

        Reply
    4. Vineta @ The Handyman's Daughter

      June 29, 2016 at 12:30 pm

      I thought about doing this between the posts of our deck (it's 8 feet high, so there's plenty of room underneath!) You can buy kits online, but this is way easier! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        July 03, 2016 at 5:23 pm

        Thanks Vineta! Yes, it was so simple and FREE!

        Reply
    5. Kim Jorgensen

      January 21, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      I want to try this for my grandkids. Do you think I can put it up higher and attach swings to it?

      Reply
      • Ashley Mayes

        February 03, 2020 at 9:46 am

        Hi Kim,

        I think it would be dangerous to move it up high enough to add swings.

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. The Creative Gallery :: 186 - Bigger Than the Three of Us says:
      June 26, 2016 at 8:00 pm

      […] How To Make A Tightrope for Your Kids […]

      Reply
    2. 17 DIY backyard ideas for kids - DIYs says:
      February 26, 2019 at 6:54 am

      […] DIY backyard idea for kids details. […]

      Reply
    3. 10 Activities to Improve Your Child’s Balance – The Weekly Boost says:
      August 13, 2019 at 4:43 pm

      […] better their balance will become and eventually they may not even need the added top rope.  Here’s a more detailed guide on how to create a tight rope for your […]

      Reply
    4. 25+ Fun DIY Backyard Play Areas The Kids Will Love - Kunst says:
      August 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm

      […] Bigger Than the Three of Us shows how to use a simple ratchet strap to create a challenging tightrope for kids. […]

      Reply

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