Ideas for Building a Children's Tree House

Tree houses inspire a child's imagination. Since Johann David Wyss published "Swiss Family Robinson" in 1812, the tree house has been a source of fantasy and adventure. Yet, it was more than just the structure that encouraged imaginations, it was the unique amenities of Wyss' tree house, such as the waterwheel, that brought modern conveniences to the remote tropical island. While you may not want to add a waterwheel to your child's tree house, there are other additions that can enhance the structure's adventure factor.

Instructions

1. Build a tree deck if you haven't a tree house-friendly tree growing in your yard. A tree must have sturdy wide-angled crotches to support the weight of a tree house. One way to compensate is to build a tree deck attached to a tree, giving the illusion of an elevated tree house, while building a self-supporting structure.

2. Add a slide, which will provide an easy exit. Slides are also a favorite type of playground equipment, and can provide hours of fun, with or without a tree house attached.

3. Install a fireman's pole, which will provide a fun exit from the structure. It also inspires fanciful play, allowing children the opportunity to imitate a favorite everyday hero.

4. Choose the best ladder for your tree house. Before exiting the tree house, children need a way to access their perch. There are many ladder options, such as a rope ladder or a rung ladder.

5. Include a rope bridge if the tree house is positioned in a location where a rope bridge can connect two structures. If it is an ambitious project, where two tree houses are built in one yard, a rope bridge can connect the two houses.

6. Inspire adventure by adding a zip-line to the tree house. A zip-line will provide a Tarzan-like exit from the tree house.

7. Give the children a place to climb. Tree houses encourage climbing, which is a healthy source of exercise for growing children. Monkey bars or a rock climbing wall can be added to a tree house.

8. Don't forget the swing. Swings come in all shapes and styles, from the old fashioned tire swing to the chair or hammock swing.

Tips & Warnings

• Use safe and modern building practices when constructing a tree house.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Swiss Family Tree House
• Majestic Tree Houses
• Tree House Designs