If you’re looking for a great backyard zipline for your kids, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of the best ziplines for backyards, plus a buying guide and safety tips. Although they are often found in the best parks and play centers. With a variety of safe, adaptable, and affordable solutions on the market, you can now reproduce this adrenaline-pumping activity for your family at home.
Ziplines for backyards for kids can provide hours of fun and excitement. They can be installed relatively easily, and they offer a great way for kids to get outside and get some exercise. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a zipline for your backyard, however. Make sure to pick a zipline that is the appropriate size and weight limit for your child, and be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Zipline: TT TRSMIMA Zipline Kit
- Easy To Install: slackers Hawk Series Zipline
- Best For Small Backyards: AnW American Ninja Warrior Zipline
- Best For Large Backyards: CTSC Zipline Kit
- Best For Younger Kids: hooroor Slackline Pulley Zipline
- Best For Both Kids And Adults: Jugader Zipline Kits for Backyard
- Best For Nighttime: Slackers LED Night Riderz Series Zipline
- Best With Non-Slip Handles: HearthSong Zip Line Backyard Set
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Ziplines For Backyards For Kids Picks
TT TRSMIMA Zipline Kit – Best Overall Zipline
- Easy to install
- Everything is in the box
- Very strong and able to hold up to 300 lbs
- Easy-to-use lists of fun
- Cable is not stainless steel as advertised but is steel and zinc plated
TRSMIMA is dedicated to crafting and creating top-of-the-line ziplines. This zipline kit comes with detachable design pulley that can be fastened securely to the strop from any point along the cable. The expanded pulley allows for smooth sliding, and the non-slip rubber handle provides a comfortable grip.
The length of the 98-foot backyard zipline cable can be easily adjusted to suit your needs. Also, the zipline cable is made from aviation-grade galvanized steel, which is incredibly strong and can support up to 330 lbs. Plus, the seat belt has been ergonomically designed to prevent discomfort and restriction, and it can be wrapped comfortably around your child’s waist.
slackers Hawk Series Zipline – Easy To Install
- It has a stopper at the end, your child isn’t going to go flying into a fence or anything
- Very clear instructions so it’s easy to install
- It is relatively easy to readjust the height to control the speed
- The spring brake is a great feature
- You will need gloves before installing
Slackers’ Hawk Series zipline is an excellent choice if you are looking for a simple and quick assembly. With just a wrench and a pair of pliers, you can have it up and running in just 30 minutes! Plus, the 70-foot length provides a thrilling ride for kids of all ages.
One standout feature of this zipline is the included Zipspring brake system. This ensures a smooth and safe ride for your child while also protecting the line, trolley, and rider. The plastic seat is comfortable and easy to use, with adjustable height to accommodate your child’s needs.
What sets the Hawk Series apart is the powder-coated steel spring brake, which provides a gentle and secure stop at the end of each ride. This means no abrupt, jarring stops that could be uncomfortable or even dangerous for your child.
AnW American Ninja Warrior Zipline – Best For Small Backyards
- It’s very sturdy with a nice thick wire
- The trolley is a good piece of steel
- It glides nice and smooth
- It has a seat to sit on
- Installation needs 2 people
The ANW Zipline Package is perfect for children and teens weighing under 200 pounds, making it a great starter kit for families. With its adjustable 40-foot cable length, even smaller backyards can accommodate this zipline, and shorter rides are perfect for less experienced riders.
CTSC Zipline Kit – Best For Large Backyards
- Instructions are clear
- All parts are sturdy and well-made
- Spring brake has sufficient resistance to slow riders safely
- The seat is removable and adjustable
- Need to make the start point at least a foot higher than the suggested calculation
This zipline features a comfortable built-in seat and a spring braking mechanism, providing a safe and exciting ride for children. The trolley is equipped with cushioned handles and sealed ball bearings, ensuring a smooth ride from start to finish. Plus, riders of all heights can easily adjust the rope length and seat height.
With a galvanized steel cable and a weight capacity of up to 250 pounds, this zipline can support adventurous riders up to 150 feet long. Detailed instructions and mounting hardware are included to make setup a breeze.
hooroor Slackline Pulley Zipline – Best For Younger Kids
- Easy to setup and take down
- All hardware is included so you don’t have to worry about getting anything else to start having fun
- It has a bag large enough to hold everything so you can store all the pieces when not in use
- The pulley seems very well designed
- The one thing you might need is a ladder or step stool depending on how high you need to attach it to the tree
Looking for an affordable zipline that is easy to use and perfect for kids as young as three? This 50-foot zipline is a great option for families with limited space or those who want to try out ziplining for the first time.
Plus, the easy-to-use ratchet allows for quick and hassle-free setup. The monkey bar handle, tree guards, and travel bag make it easy to take your zipline with you wherever you go. But don’t let the smaller size fool you – this zipline can hold up to 6000 pounds, thanks to its tough stainless-steel pulley.
Jugader Zipline Kits for Backyard – Best For Both Kids And Adults
- Support is great
- The wire grip tension tool is a huge help
- The stainless clips are nice
- The kit has everything you need
- Not the easiest to install but partly due to the cable length
This amazing package includes a cable tensioning kit, a tensioning wrench, soft tubing to protect your trees, a 160ft cable, and a 6.5ft sling cable to securely wrap around your higher anchor tree. With all these components, you’ll be able to install your zipline without any trouble.
One of the best safety features of this zipline is the removable steel trolley that ensures you’re in control of when the zipline is used. It also comes with an adjustable harness to secure your child to the trolley, ensuring that they won’t fall to the ground. Plus, a spring brake and all the necessary components are included in the package to build your zipline safely.
Slackers LED Night Riderz Series Zipline – Best For Nighttime
- The kit is complete
- Easy to install
- High quality
- Useful night lights
- The seat is not the largest
What makes this seat and zipline trolley unique is the fact that they contain LEDs that make them visible during the day and provide a colorful accent during low-light conditions. While the lights can be turned off, they still provide a fun and functional way to get around.
This zipline comes with comprehensive installation and user instructions. Plus, it also includes thorough safety instructions. The manual includes instructions on how to examine the zipline, warning signs to look for, and advice for users. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a safe and easy-to-use zipline.
HearthSong Zip Line Backyard Set – Best With Non-Slip Handles
- Plenty of cables to create a long ride for kids
- Holds up under the weight of an adult
- Parts seem to all be well made
- Easy to assemble
- The cable clamps are tiny so it takes at least two-three people to stretch the cable and get the clamps on
This epic backyard zipline kit is the ultimate adventure for kids and adults alike. It’s a thrilling way to build strength, balance, and self-assurance while having fun! The zipline’s adjustable seat can accommodate riders up to 250 pounds who are eight years old and up.
The enclosed safety trolley is designed to keep little fingers safe and has a non-slip grip for a secure hold. The galvanized steel cable is durable and reliable, so riders can fly through the air with ease. The kit comes with a rubber stopper, two tree protection straps, and all the necessary hardware to hang it up. Plus, the detailed instructions make installation a breeze.
How To Choose The Best Backyard Zipline Kit For Kids?
- Length: When choosing a zipline, you will need to take into account the distance between the anchor points as well as the diameter of the trees. It is important to purchase a zipline that is long enough to accommodate both of these factors. Additionally, some ziplines are labeled based on their entire length while others are only labeled based on the useable length. Be sure to double-check the details before making your purchase.
- Safety: When purchasing a child’s zipline, be sure that it complies with U.S. consumer safety guidelines. Always inspect the zipline before use, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using it. If the zipline hasn’t been used for a while, this is especially important.
- Material: The safety of ziplines is of the utmost importance. For this reason, it is important to only use ziplines made of high-quality materials. For example, you should think twice before using a zipline with a stainless steel cable. While galvanized metal may have more tensile strength than stainless steel, stainless steel is still superior for other applications. The steel line will need to be replaced frequently, which will cost you money each time.
- Comfort: Well-designed ziplines for kids typically have adjustable seats, so that your child can be comfortable while enjoying the ride. Some ziplines also require that riders hang only from their hands, without any additional support. When choosing a zipline for your child, be sure to consider the comfort that will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Weight Limit: Most zipline kits have an average of 250 lbs. It is always better to get a kit with a higher weight limit due to safety purposes and who knows, you might also want to join your kid to play in the zipline.
Safety Tips For Ziplines For Backyards For Kids
Safety is always the top priority when it comes to ziplining, especially for backyard setups. Here are some tips to help keep your kids safe while they zip around (1):
- Always have an adult present to supervise
- Make sure the zipline is set up correctly and is of good quality
- Inspect the zipline regularly for any damage or wear
- Teach your kids how to use the zipline safely, including how to stop and start
- Use appropriate safety gear, such as helmets and harnesses (2)
- Have a clear understanding of the boundaries and make sure your kids stay within them
- Be aware of the weather conditions and avoid ziplining in high winds or during thunderstorms
- Keep an eye on your kids at all times while they are ziplining
How High Should A Backyard Zipline Be?
As a general guideline, you should aim to have the zipline be at least 10 feet off the ground. This will provide enough clearance for most users and ensure that the zipline is safe and fun to use. Remember to take into account the height of the platform when determining how high to make the zipline.
Where Can You Install A Kids Zipline?
To build a zipline, you need a space between two sturdy trees with a minimum diameter of 18 inches. Anything that might hurt your child if they fall off the zipline must be removed from the area, and there must be at least seven feet of clearance on either side. If they do fall off, you don’t want them to land on any ornamental landscaping rocks.
A backyard zipline does not require a slope to be present. Rather, make sure the zipline’s upper end is above the lower end, so that gravity can do its work and provide the necessary propulsion.
Can You Have A Zipline Without Trees?
While it might be possible to rig up a zipline without trees, it would be much more difficult and may not be as safe. Trees are typically used to anchor the zipline, so without them, you would need to find another way to secure the zipline. Additionally, the height of the trees can help add to the thrill of the ride, so without them, it might not be as exciting. If you’re set on having a zipline in your backyard, you might need to get creative in terms of how you set it up.
Can I Attach A Zipline To The House?
When somebody is bobbing along a zipline, there is a significant amount of strain being placed on the structure. This is why it’s important to consult with a structural engineer when planning to build a zipline. You need to take into account factors such as the weight of the person using the zipline, as well as the forces that will be generated.
Tying a zipline to your home is a bad idea because the lateral forces generated by the zipline can damage the structure of your house. If you want to install a zipline, you should use external supports or the structural beams of the house to provide stability.
