We can learn a lot from kids, particularly the value of running, jumping, and climbing. These are things that come naturally to children, but as we grow up, many of us lose the knack for these basic movements.
Climbing is one of the most essential and practical activities, yet most adults can’t seem to do it anymore. Could you climb a 20-foot rope, tackle a 15-foot climbing wall, or slide down a fire pole right now?
My kids are still naturally inclined to climb, and my husband and I felt it was important to help them maintain and improve this skill. So, we saved up and built a treehouse that offers a space for exercise, climbing, and imaginative play (the kids just think of it as “play” or “fun”).
Building the treehouse was a month-long family project involving the kids, grandparents, plenty of wood, and natural wood stain. It resulted in a structure that both kids and adults love. Everything from the zip line to the slide and monkey bars is sturdy enough to support an adult.
Some features of our treehouse might seem risky. The zip line begins at a 12-foot height, and the climbing wall is just as tall. They could potentially fall from heights of 8 feet or more from various spots. We’ve taken steps to minimize the chances of serious injury, but I’m okay with a bit of risk.
There’s evidence that overly safe playgrounds can negatively impact children, hindering their psychological development. Allowing children to take risks helps them learn how to take care of themselves, whereas preventing them from engaging in risky activities might make them more prone to injuries.
We see this treehouse as an investment in our children’s well-being, and I love that it provides them with a place to spend hours enjoying quality time and creating memories. Although building it wasn’t cheap, it was comparable in cost to buying a pre-made “safe” play structure, but with far more features. It’s built strong enough to support our kids even when they’re teenagers—in fact, we’ve had over eight adults up there at one time.
The treehouse also encourages my kids to play together, and watching them bond is invaluable to me. We prioritized this project by planning and budgeting carefully.
The treehouse has a 9×16 deck, supported by a large pine tree and six sturdy boards. One side features a climbing wall and a climbing rope leading to the enclosed clubhouse inside. The deck stands 7 feet off the ground, with an open play area and a 7×8 enclosed space for building forts, camping out, and playing, even when it rains. A 9-foot slide exits from the enclosed space.
The zip line connects from the pine tree to another tree over 150 feet away. The kids climb up, grab onto the zip line, glide to the other tree, and then run 150 feet back to the treehouse to let the next person have a turn. They usually do this for an hour or more each day, which is great exercise.
Under the deck, there are metal monkey bars, a set of rings and a trapeze bar, a cargo net for climbing, two hanging chairs, and a hammock. The kids love spending time here to relax and read.
Do your kids have a treehouse? What physical activities do you encourage to keep them fit and active? Share your thoughts below!
