Backyard zipline setup—is it insane?

Jan 9·1 min read

I've been looking at those backyard zipline kits (Slackline Industries or similar) and my kids are BEGGING for one. We've got the property for it—about 70 feet of clearance between two trees. Kids are 9 and 12, pretty coordinated, not reckless.

Wife thinks it's a lawsuit waiting to happen. I think it's fine supervised play. What's the general consensus here? Anyone actually have one installed? Did your homeowner's insurance say anything about it?

6 comments170 views

Comments(6)

DDerek M.RegularJan 10

Just check your local HOA rules first. Mine shut down a neighbor's plans because apparently it violated some clause about permanent structures.

MMike D.New DadJan 10

Slackline Industries is legit but the real cost is in the installation and getting the anchor points solid. Budget more than the kit price if you don't already have sturdy trees.

SSam F.RegularJan 11

We looked at those kits too but ended up going with a simpler slack line instead. Less moving parts to worry about and the kids get just as much enjoyment out of it.

DDanNew DadJan 10

How old are your kids? That matters a lot for whether this is age appropriate and whether they have the upper body strength to actually use it safely.

VVic G.RegularJan 11

It's not insane if it's installed right. The real question is how much money and time you're willing to spend on setup and whether your yard is actually set up properly for weight distribution.

DDavid K.New DadJan 11

Safety first obviously but if you're competent with basic physics and installation these things are actually pretty solid. My buddy has had one up for 2 years no problems.