How to Build an Outdoor Backyard Climbing Wall for Kids
Rock climbing helps children develop strength, endurance and flexibility. Better yet, it's a fun family past time. You can integrate climbing or bouldering into most family hiking ventures. Plus, the protective gear allows for a safe haven to push the envelope. Building a climbing wall in your yard provides additional stimulation for home play. Your children can work on their physical skills and problem solving, making for better climbers and well-rounded, self-confident individuals. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Climbing holds
- Water-resistant paint
- Paint roller and tray
- 2 trees, 8 feet apart
- Spade shovel
- Quick-setting concrete mix
- Water
- Wheel barrow
- Wood post, 4-inch by 4-inch, 8.5 feet high
- 2 sheets of plywood, 1/2-inch
- Wood screws
- Electric drill with driver bit
- Step ladder
- 2 helpers
Instructions
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1
Dig a 6-inch hole in the ground between the two trees at the mid-point. Place the end of the post into the hole and have a friend hold it upright.
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2
Mix the concrete mix and water in the wheel barrow. Shovel the concrete into the hole. Allow it to set.
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3
Paint both sides of the plywood with the paint and rollers.
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4
Place a sheet of plywood, lengthwise, on the ground against the trees and post. Screw it into place with the wood screws and driver.
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5
Lift the other sheet of plywood into place directly above the first sheet. Have your helpers hold it while you screw it to the trees and post.
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6
Insert additional screws, for support, if needed.
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7
Affix various holds to the plywood sheets with the screws and driver. Place the foot holds and hand holds in an alternating pattern.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Place the holds in close proximity to each other so that they can be reached by small bodies.
Adding mulch to the ground in front of the wall provides cushioning for falls.
Always have an adult spotter for each climber. While falls are minor from 4 feet, 8-foot falls could break an arm or leg.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Digital Vision/Getty Images
