Ziplines are the ultimate backyard hack to drag your kids away from their screens.
They offer a sense of adventure, plenty of fresh air, and a sneaky way to get in some exercise. But because flying through the air carries inherent risks, you need the best ziplines for kids to ensure the fun stays safe.
- Clear instructions for installation
- Excellent quality materials
- Includes a spring brake
- Includes a safety harness
- Several length of main cable to choose from
- Offers tree protection feature
- American ninja warrior brand
- Exceeds US safety standards
- Easy setup
- Has light up seat & trolley
- Includes comprehensive safety guide
- Includes clear instructions
- Adjustable height seat
- Wrench tool included
- Includes safety harness
- Shorter length for slower ride
- Enclosed trolly prevents trapped fingers
- Adjustable seat height
Where to Install a Kids Zipline
You need an open corridor between two healthy, sturdy trees to set up a zipline safely.
Look for trees at least 12 to 18 inches in diameter. You need a clearance zone of at least seven feet on every side of the cable. Remove any obstacles, such as large rocks, logs, or furniture, from the path. You do not want your child falling onto hard landscaping if they slip.
You don’t necessarily need a hill to install a zipline.
While a natural slope helps, you can create momentum on flat ground by mounting the starting point higher than the ending point. A general rule of thumb is a 3 to 6 percent drop, but always check the specific instructions for your kit.
Factors to Keep in Mind
The market is flooded with options, which can make the decision tricky. Here is what you should consider before clicking “buy.”
Price vs. Value
Don’t let a low price tag be your only deciding factor. Cheaper kits often lack essential components like tree protectors or seats. Look for a kit within your budget that includes all the necessary hardware and safety gear.
Length and Span
Measure the distance between your anchor trees and add the circumference of both trunks. Buy a cable longer than this total number.
Pay attention to how the length is labeled:
- Total length: This includes the cable used to wrap around the trees. A 70-foot kit might only cover a 50-foot gap.
- Rideable length: Some brands list the actual travel distance, but most list the total cable length.
Durability and Materials
Stainless steel and galvanized aircraft cables resist rust and weather damage best. Powder-coated steel parts for the trolley and tensioner will also extend the life of your setup, especially in humid climates.
Safety Features
Ensure the zipline meets U.S. consumer safety standards. Look for kits that include braking systems (spring or bungee) and tree protectors.
Consider a professional inspection for your trees. Even a healthy-looking tree can have internal rot that makes it unsafe for anchoring a tensioned cable (1).
Comfort and Ride Style
Decide if you want a seat or a handlebar-only ride.
- Seat: Adjustable seats are safer and more comfortable for younger children or longer rides.
- Handlebars: These require more upper body strength and are better suited for older, athletic kids training for obstacle courses.
Ease of Installation
Zipline installation is a two-person job. It involves tightening cables with turnbuckles or ratchet systems, which requires physical effort. If you aren’t handy with tools, check if the kit comes with clear instructions or consider hiring help.
Product Reviews
We tested and reviewed these top-rated zipline kits to help you turn your backyard into an adventure park.
Slackers 70 Foot Hawk Series Zipline
Easiest to Install Zipline for Kids
The Slackers Hawk Series is a fantastic entry-level kit that doesn’t require an engineering degree to set up. With two adults, you can have this flying in about 30 minutes. You just need a wrench and pliers to get started.
The included plastic seat is adjustable, making it easy to swap heights for different kids. It features a spring brake system, which is a massive safety plus. It slows the rider down gently near the end, preventing jarring stops against the tree.
The trolley is fully enclosed, keeping little fingers safe from the cable.
Be mindful of the length. The box says 70 feet, but the cable we tested was closer to 74 feet total. Since you lose footage wrapping around trees, this kit is best for gaps closer to 50 or 60 feet.
Pros
- Includes a spring brake for safe stops.
- High-quality, weather-resistant materials.
- Instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Cons
- Cable length may be tighter than expected for wide gaps.
Product Specs
| Ride length | 70 feet |
| Weight Limit | 200 pounds |
| Style | Seated |
| Brake | Spring |
Our Ratings
EdoStory 160 Foot Zipline Kit
Best Durable Zipline for Kids
If you need a comprehensive kit that leaves nothing out, the EdoStory is a solid contender. It comes packed with a turnbuckle, trolley, safety strap, wrench, cable tensioning kit, and tree protectors.
The 160-foot stainless steel cable is robust, but they offer shorter variations (98 or 120 feet) if your yard isn’t quite a football field.
Safety is the priority here. The kit includes a spring brake and an adjustable safety harness. The harness clips the rider to the trolley, ensuring that even if they let go of the handles or slip off the seat, they won’t fall to the ground.
It is heavy-duty, which means it takes a bit more effort to install, but the trade-off is a secure, long-lasting ride.
Pros
- Comes with a safety harness for fall protection.
- Includes tree protectors to save your bark.
- Multiple cable length options available.
Cons
- Might be overkill for small yards.
- Weight limit claims in marketing can be inconsistent.
Product Specs
| Length | 160 feet |
| Weight Limit | 330 pounds |
| Style | Seat |
| Brake | Spring brake |
Our Ratings
American Ninja Warrior 50 Foot Zipline
For Budding American Ninja Warriors
Endorsed by the hit TV show, this 50-foot zipline is designed for active kids who want to train, not just ride.
It’s shorter than many others, making it ideal for compact backyards. However, if you have a child who loves the show and wants a serious thrill, double-check your measurements. The 50-foot label includes the setup cable, so the actual ride is closer to 40 or 45 feet.
Installation takes about 30 minutes with two people. Read the instructions thoroughly before you start. The steps are specific, and missing one early on means taking the whole thing down to restart.
This kit focuses on strength and grip, encouraging kids to hang on tight like their favorite ninja athletes.
Pros
- Official American Ninja Warrior branding.
- Meets or exceeds U.S. safety standards.
- Simple setup for smaller spaces.
Cons
- Rideable length is significantly shorter than 50 feet.
- Instructions require strict attention to detail.
Product Specs
| Ride length | 40 feet |
| Weight Limit | 200 pounds |
| Style | Seat |
| Brake | None |
Our Ratings
Slackers 100 Foot LED Night Riderz
Nighttime Zipline
Why stop playing just because the sun went down? The Night Riderz kit features LED lights in the trolley and seat, creating a cool glowing effect in the dark.
The lights are bright enough to add visibility at dusk and look awesome spinning through the backyard. You can switch them off for daytime riding to save batteries.
Like other Slackers kits, this comes with excellent documentation, including a safety guide that teaches you how to spot wear and tear on the cable.
The included spring brake is decent, though some users find it provides a somewhat abrupt stop rather than a gentle glide.
Pros
- LED seat and trolley add a fun novelty factor.
- Includes a comprehensive safety and maintenance guide.
- High-quality components.
Cons
- Braking system could be smoother.
Product Specs
| Length | 100 feet |
| Weight Limit | 200 pounds |
| Style | Seat |
| Brake | Spring brake |
Our Ratings
Joymor Backyard Zipline Kit
Best Long Zipline for Kids
The Joymor 200-foot kit is a beast, perfect for large properties with natural slopes.
Because of the extreme length, you need to be careful about height. If you install this on flat ground, the starting point would need to be dangerously high to create enough gravity for a 200-foot run. It is best suited for yards that already have a hill.
Tensioning a cable this long is hard work. Plan on a team of three or four people and set aside an afternoon. The result, however, is an epic ride that rivals commercial parks.
The kit includes a safety belt, strap, and a wrench tool, making it a good value for the sheer amount of hardware you get.
Pros
- Massive length for long rides.
- Includes safety belt and installation tools.
- High weight capacity.
Cons
- Difficult to install due to weight and tension.
- Requires a natural slope for safe operation.
Product Specs
| Length | 200 feet |
| Weight Limit | 250 pounds |
| Style | Seat |
| Brake | Bungee brake |
Our Ratings
Slackers 40 Foot Falcon Series Zipline
Best Zipline For Less Adventurous Kids
The Falcon Series is the “starter pack” of ziplines. It is shorter and designed for a lower, slower ride, making it perfect for younger kids who might be intimidated by high speeds.
The trolley is fully enclosed to prevent pinched fingers, a common worry with open-wheel designs. The seat is adjustable, so you can keep your child’s feet close to the ground.
The 50-foot cable gives you 10 feet for wrapping and 40 feet for riding. It’s plenty of space for a fun glide without needing a massive yard.
Installation is quick, about 30 minutes for two adults. Just grab your pliers and a wrench, and you are good to go.
Pros
- Slower speed is great for beginners.
- Enclosed trolley adds a layer of safety.
- Fast setup time.
Cons
- Does not include a braking system.
Product Specs
| Ride length | 40 feet |
| Weight Limit | 200 pounds |
| Style | Seat |
| Brake | None |
Our Ratings
CTSC 60 Foot Zipline Kit
Best Budget Zipline for Kids
The CTSC kit is a wallet-friendly option for families with smaller yards.
It provides a 60-foot main cable and a separate 7-foot sling cable for the anchor, which makes installation slightly more versatile. It includes the basic hardware, but you will need your own tools.
Note that this is a “no-frills” kit. It does not come with a seat. Riders have to hang from the trolley handles, supporting their own weight.
This setup is fine for older kids with good upper body strength, but we do not recommend it for little ones. You can buy a compatible seat separately if you want to upgrade later.
Pros
- Great price point.
- Separate sling cable makes anchoring easier.
- Good quality steel for the price.
Cons
- No seat included.
- Lack of brake means you need a precise setup to slow riders down naturally.
Product Specs
| Length | 60 feet |
| Weight Limit | 250 pounds |
| Style | Hanging by hands |
| Brake | None |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Ride length | Weight Limit | Style | Brake |
| Slackers Hawk Series Zipline | Easiest to Install | 70 feet | 200 lbs | Seated | Spring |
| Edostory 160 Foot Zipline Kit | Durable Zipline | 160 feet | 330 lbs | Seat | Spring brake |
| American Ninja Warrior Zipline | Budding American Ninja Warriors | 40 feet | 200 lbs | Seat | None |
| Slackers LED Night Riderz | Nighttime Zipline | 100 feet | 200 lbs | Seat | Spring brake |
| Joymor Backyard Zipline Kit | Long Zipline | 200 feet | 250 lbs | Seat | Bungee brake |
| Slackers Falcon Series Zipline | Less Adventurous Kids | 40 feet | 200 lbs | Seat | None |
| CTSC 60 Foot Zipline Kit | Budget Zipline | 60 feet | 250 lbs | Hanging x hands | None |
FAQs
How Tight Should a Zipline Be?
A zipline should have a little bit of sag. If it is too tight, it puts dangerous stress on the anchor trees and the cable itself. A general rule is that the cable should sag about 2 percent of its total length when no one is riding it.
Can I Attach a Zipline to a Post Instead of a Tree?
Yes, but the posts must be extremely heavy-duty. Standard 4×4 fence posts are not strong enough to handle the horizontal tension of a zipline and can snap. You generally need steel posts or 12-inch diameter wood posts sunk at least 4 feet into the ground with concrete.
How High Should the Starting Point Be?
The starting height depends on the length of the zipline and the slope you need. For most backyard kits, you want a 3 to 6 percent drop. For a 100-foot zipline, the start point might be 3 to 6 feet higher than the end point. Ensure the lowest point of the cable keeps the rider’s feet at least a foot off the ground.
Safety Tips for Kids Ziplines
A quality kit is only the first step. To keep the fun accident-free, follow these safety guidelines (2).
- Tree health: Check your anchor trees for rot, cracks, or loose roots before installation and monthly thereafter.
- Clear the path: Ensure there are no rocks, stumps, or water hazards directly under or near the line.
- Weight test: Before any child rides, have an adult (within the weight limit) test the line to ensure anchors are secure and the sag is correct.
- Daily inspection: Check the cable for fraying, ensure clamps are tight, and verify the trolley moves smoothly before every session.
- Safety gear: Riders should always wear a helmet. Knee and elbow pads are a smart addition.
- Supervision: Remove the trolley and store it inside when adults aren’t around to supervise. This prevents unauthorized use.
Ready for Takeoff?
A backyard zipline can provide years of adrenaline and outdoor play. It’s an investment in your kids’ physical health and confidence.
Just remember that safety is the priority. choose a kit that fits your yard’s specific dimensions, install it strictly according to the manual, and keep up with your maintenance checks. Then, sit back and watch them fly.
