How to Make Kid's Outdoor Swings

Kids love to swing, and almost any age person will enjoy a tire swing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a sturdy rope
• an old, clean auto tire
• a tree or other support such as under a second story deck

1. Measure the rope to the tree branch or decking height so you can have enough length to swing at least a foot above the ground, but no more than two feet (the harder you fall...). Be sure to leave enough rope to tie around the tire as well as to attach to the support.

2. Tie the rope to the support or attach a loop in the rope to a caribiner and attach that to a sturdy metal screw eye (as in the decking or other support, not the tree.) For a tree, just tie a small loop at the top end of the rope to thread through itself around the tree branch first. Then extend the rope down to the tire, and tie the rope onto the tire.

3. Check the swing for strength by first leaning on it, then pulling on the rope. If it feels sturdy, try the swing out keeping both feet on the ground just in case it can't hold you up... you won't fall on your keester that way.

Tips & Warnings

• It is simplest use a climbing clip, called a caribiner, to clip the rope to its loops on both ends
• make sure the rope is strong enough to hold the person who will use the swing
• check the tire to be sure it is clean, safe, and ready for fun
• Put everyone's safety first! Be careful and maybe try the swing out without getting on it at all, just see where it moves
• wear old clothes in case the tire black rubs off
• wear long pants to avoid skinned knees, etc.
• always be there with a safety buddy or a parent present... if you need help, they can be there for you
• don't push the swing too far or too high; as exciting as that seems, gravity will always win when you fall
• swing alongside the tree - duh! If you swing away from the tree you may just swing right back into it. Ouch!

[Quickstar]

on 12/22/2008 :) 5* Tire swings are sooo much fun for me.., oh... well for my girls too, lol

[luv2blog]

on 12/22/2008 Good instructions. We did this a lot when I was young. We used a tire or flat board from a broken wooden chair. 5 stars!

[sneedc]

on 12/20/2008 Tire swings are the bomb dig. Good times, thanks!

[sarahlynnknows]

on 12/17/2008 I love tire swings!