Simple Outdoor Adventures for Boys {Day 25} : Make a Zip Line for Toys

October 29th, 2012

How to Make a Zip Line for Toys…

   Supplies:

• 15 – 30 Feet of String
• Electrical Tape
• Superhero Figure or other Figures
• 3" Round Metal Screw Hook

This might be my favorite creation, and most long-lasting entertainment yet! My boys loved sending their superhero’s for a ride down this DIY Toy Zip Line.  The great thing about it is how easy it is to create! If you know how to tie a simple knot, you have the expertise for this!

First, you will need to get your zip line riders ready. Go to your local hardware store and pick up some metal screw hooks. Attach the screw hooks to the back of the toy figure by wrapping a couple rounds of electrical tape around its waist and the hook.

Next, find a high place that your children can climb for the top of the zip line. Great examples for this are a tree house, play set, climbing tree, barn loft, etc. If nothing else, the city park slide would work. Any height will do, but higher starting points mean longer zip line rides for the toy figures. Tie off one end of the string to the high point in a location that can easily be reached to attach the toy figure.

Lastly, pull the line tight down near the ground and have your child send the figure down for a test ride. You will want to check the angle before you tie it off. Depending on the weight of the figure and how slick the string, you may have to adjust the distance until it is steep enough to allow gravity to keep the figure moving down the line. In our case, we tied it to our moveable grill in the back yard. This gave me the freedom to move the grill to the perfect location. When you find the right bottom location, tie off your line as tightly as possible, and you are set for hours of fun!

Bonus addition – you can make a pulley from a heavy rock and string to pull up your action figure!

  Helpful Tips/Resources:

• Backyard Zip Line for Kids (ready-made)
• Backyard Zip Line for Kids (build your own)

* You can also do this activity inside from a second story railing if you have one.

* If your string wants to fray or come apart when you cut it, have a match or lighter on hand to melt the end together.

Do you think your boy(s) would enjoy zip lining with their toys?