Little kids, big tree?
July 4, 2012 2:48 PM Subscribe
I need ideas for tree-based fun for my small kids.
I have two sons, age 3 and 5. In our backyard we have a huge avocado tree, which is big enough for a great swing, but unfortunately grows right on the edge of a very steep hillside. The half of the tree that grows over the grass only has one branch that seems appropriate to hang something from, seen here. I don't think a swing is a good idea for that branch sadly, because it is about 20 feet off the ground, and a swing that long would go right into the retaining wall behind. So, I'm wondering what else I could hang on that branch that small boys might enjoy, that would be relatively safe. My 3 year old is pretty fearless, and my 5 year old is very timid with climbing. I'm excited to do something cool with the backyard, but open to the suggestion that they are too young and I should wait.
A play structure is off the cards right now, due to the lawn needing major rehabilitation work from gopher damage, a retaining wall along the hillside edge etc. before its flat enough to put anything on. I have seen this previous question.
I have two sons, age 3 and 5. In our backyard we have a huge avocado tree, which is big enough for a great swing, but unfortunately grows right on the edge of a very steep hillside. The half of the tree that grows over the grass only has one branch that seems appropriate to hang something from, seen here. I don't think a swing is a good idea for that branch sadly, because it is about 20 feet off the ground, and a swing that long would go right into the retaining wall behind. So, I'm wondering what else I could hang on that branch that small boys might enjoy, that would be relatively safe. My 3 year old is pretty fearless, and my 5 year old is very timid with climbing. I'm excited to do something cool with the backyard, but open to the suggestion that they are too young and I should wait.
A play structure is off the cards right now, due to the lawn needing major rehabilitation work from gopher damage, a retaining wall along the hillside edge etc. before its flat enough to put anything on. I have seen this previous question.
Best answer: What about a single rope swing with an anchor to the ground to limit range? I've seen those at playgrounds.
posted by Talia Devane at 3:08 PM on July 4, 2012
posted by Talia Devane at 3:08 PM on July 4, 2012
There would be a round seat/standing platform at an appropriate height.
posted by Talia Devane at 3:08 PM on July 4, 2012
posted by Talia Devane at 3:08 PM on July 4, 2012
A rope net, suitable for climbing. It would be anchored to the ground at two or more points, and hung from the branch at two or more points, but would stop being a net at a suitably low height.
posted by feral_goldfish at 3:21 PM on July 4, 2012
posted by feral_goldfish at 3:21 PM on July 4, 2012
This may be too kidlike, but it's pretty easy to fashion a climbing bear toy that could climb all the way up into the tree even if your kids couldn't.
posted by jessamyn at 5:23 PM on July 4, 2012
posted by jessamyn at 5:23 PM on July 4, 2012
Best answer: We have a slingshot set up between Y limbs the likes of your tree. Surgical tubing or bike tubes work as the elastic, and a canvas bag panel can be sewn or hot-glued for the pocket. Speaking as the mother of two boys, ages 7 and 3.5, the most important thing aside from supervision is to gleefully and enthusiastically provide them with an abundance of projectiles you approve of (we've used marshmallows, water balloons, whiffle balls, ping pong balls, etc.) and something to aim at besides each other or passersby (a big piece of cardboard is our go-to).
Other than that, what about two wicker egg chairs hung facing each other? These could become really special semi-private/semi-shared places for them to decorate with stones and feathers, and as starting points for imaginary play. You can anchor them underneath, too, so they don't have too much swing. I think you'd have to sink a 4x4 or something with eye hooks and rope up the the bottom of each swing.
posted by cocoagirl at 8:03 PM on July 4, 2012
Other than that, what about two wicker egg chairs hung facing each other? These could become really special semi-private/semi-shared places for them to decorate with stones and feathers, and as starting points for imaginary play. You can anchor them underneath, too, so they don't have too much swing. I think you'd have to sink a 4x4 or something with eye hooks and rope up the the bottom of each swing.
posted by cocoagirl at 8:03 PM on July 4, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by The otter lady at 2:57 PM on July 4, 2012