How to Make a Backyard Zip Line for Kids

A zip line allows you to slide from a high spot to a low spot, soaring rapidly across a cable and ending on or close to the ground. While very enjoyable, zip lines are also very dangerous and heavy supervision is required for children. If you want to build a zip line in your backyard for the kids, several steps must be followed, including installing a harness. A harness allows the children to not have to worry about holding on, keeping them strapped in and relatively safe the whole way down.

Things You'll Need

  • Nylon cord
  • 4 Metal stakes
  • Pulley
  • Harness
  • Mallet

Instructions

    • 1

      Scope out your zip line spot. The spot should be at least slightly downhill to allow gravity to pull the rider down the rope without ground interference, according to Dangerously Fun.

    • 2

      Drive two metal stakes into both the starting point and ending point (assuming they are trees). One stake should be on the front of the tree, one on the back. These will serve to keep the zip line in the same spot and prevent it from falling.

    • 3

      Loop the nylon cord around each tree and tie them off, making sure the cord is tight and firm.

    • 4

      Assemble the pulley and harness before putting them on the zip line. Once the riding mechanism is assembled, attach it to the zip line.

    • 5

      Make sure the zip line is safe and secure. Find an item that weighs about as much as your child, strap it in and send it down the zip line. Do this several times to make sure the cord will hold.

    • 6

      Check the line before your child rides the zip line every time. Make sure the knots are secure, the pulley and harness are working, and your child is wearing a helmet. Be close by when your child rides the zip line.

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