A few years ago we decided that it would be a lot of fun to have a zipline in our backyard for the kids to use during our DIY summer camp! We certainly have plenty of large, solid, tall trees, and we spotted a potential “run” of around 150 feet in length with no obstructions blocking our path. Kits can be ordered online and easily installed! Here's how to build a backyard zipline!
Building a Backyard Zipline:
You'll need to start by buying a zipline kit. Here's the one we love:
This Night Riderz Kit comes with a 100′ zipline and all of the tools and detailed directions This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. you'll need to install the zipline.
Here's what our set up looks like where the zipline attaches to the bottom anchor tree (where you finish the run):
My hubby will tell you that the hardest part of installing your zipline is getting the cable up high enough in the (starting point) tree so as to create a fun ride for the kids.
You'll also need a harness and trolley kit for your zipline! This one This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. is similar to the one we use!
Some people build a ladder to use to climb up the tree and also build a small platform for the rider to stand on and “launch from”, but that would mean that an adult would need to be up on that platform too in order to make sure that the kids are securely in the harness, and the harness is clipped on to the zipline before allowing them to zip down.
Plus another adult would need to be at the bottom to help the rider unclip from the cable. We wanted to be able to play with the kids with only one adult around (as usually I am the only adult home during our summer camp days!).
So we decided to “load” the kids from the bottom of the zip line, and then using a leader rope, we pull them up the line to the top. We can then use the rope to give a running start to their trip or to control their speed (for a less daring rider).
Looking for some fun things to do with the kids?
Check out some of our family's favorites! Here's our list of the best backyard games This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. and for those rainy days- here are our favorite board games This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. !
You can find more great resources for busy Moms over on my Amazon influencer page This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. !
There is a tire is at the bottom of the zipline to stop the rider from hitting the anchor tree! The trolley kind of crashes into the tire, which delights the kids and slows them down before they get near to the anchor tree.
Please check out my DIY Summer Camp page for lots of ideas on how to host your own kids summer camp at home!
Here are some more great summer ideas for you:
- Free Family Summer Bucket List Printable
- Free Printable Summer Schedule
- 50 Fun Summer Activities, Crafts, and Field Trips (From Pre-K to Teens!)
- DIY Roller Coaster Ride
- Teach Your Kids How to Play Crazy 8's!
How much do you think your kids would love a backyard zipline?
Kimberley Jackman says
Great fun!! I want to do this for my backyard Wild Paul for kids and adults!!
Jennifer Michels says
Hello- I like the idea of the tire. Was a hole drilled on either side for the zip line wire?
Sharon Rowley says
Yes- it was!
jon says
It looks like you use a harness (not included in the kit) to attach to the pulley. Where did you get your harness and how to you connect it to the pulley? Also, any information about requirements for anchor trees? Do they need to be of a particular diameter? What about sinking a post? Do you have more information?
Sharon Rowley says
Hi Jon- I updated the post above to include the harness and trolley kit that we use. I really can’t give you much instruction in the way of tree size. We are fortunate that we have some large trees in our yard that we were able to use.
Rivers says
Did you guys put the starting point higher or lower than the ending point? Does it matter?
Sharon says
The starting point is MUCH higher than the ending point… You want to put it as high as possible up on the tree!
Sharon says
The starting point is much higher than the anchor point.
Melissa {momcomm} says
OMG- this is GREAT! I bet the kids have a blast doing that!
Sharon says
They do! It has definitely become a family favorite- right up there with the slip ‘n slide (another post coming soon!)…. Thank you so much for stopping by! Can’t wait to see your blog critique tomorrow!
Amy says
That is awesome! Could you come by and help put one up over the pond? Now, that would be a blast! You guys are amazing!!!!