Best Ziplines for Kids of 2023

Simple and straightforward to install, the 70 foot Hawk series zipline from Slackers takes approximately 30 minutes to put up, as long as you have two people to take on the job. You will need a pair of pliers and a wrench.

The plastic seat is comfortable and easy to climb on and off. The height of the seat is easy to adjust.

There is a spring on the cable that slows the rider down as they get to the end. This means you don’t have to worry about your child coming to a sudden hard stop.

The only negative we found was that it says on the box that the cable is 80 feet and will span a 70-foot gap. Our cable was only 74 feet, so this could be an issue if you need the extra feet to wrap around your trees.

This zipline from Jugader has everything you need for a comprehensive installation. It includes a tensioning wrench and a cable tensioning kit. It even includes soft tubing that goes onto the cable anchor points to protect your trees.

There is a 160-foot main cable, as well as a generous 6 ½ foot sling cable to go around your upper anchor tree. The kit also includes a spring brake and all the hardware you might need to erect your zipline.

The steel trolley can be taken off the cable, without the need to take down the entire zipline. That makes it easy to remove the trolley and prevent the use of the zipline without your knowledge.

Another important safety feature is the adjustable harness that is included in the kit. This allows you to clip the rider to the trolley, preventing a fall to the ground should they let go of the handles or slip from the seat.

An official product endorsed by the American Ninja Warrior show, this 50-foot zipline is on the shorter side.

This is not a problem for younger or beginner zipliners. But if you have a child who enjoys American Ninja Warrior and is already throwing themselves into this type of activity, and you have the space to erect it, look for a longer zipline.

The zipline takes about 30 minutes to put up if there are two adults working on it. However, it is important to read through all of the directions before you begin. The instructions are written in such a way that if you don’t read ahead, you may have to take the zipline down and start again.

The 50 foot measurement is also deceptive. It is a 45 foot cable, with a five-foot sling cable that goes around a tree. You’ll need to be aware of this when you measure your distance.

The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun begins to set. With proper adult supervision, your kids can continue to enjoy this zipline while dusk descends.

Both the zipline trolley — the piece that runs along the cable — and the seat have LEDs that are bright enough to see during the day and have a fun accent when the light is low. You can also turn off the lights on both the trolley and the seat and use them just as you would any other seat and trolley.

The zipline comes with detailed instructions for installation and use. Unlike some other ziplines, this kit from Slackers also comes with a comprehensive safety guide. The guide details how to inspect the zipline, things to look for which might indicate a safety issue, and guidance for riders.

The only issue seems to be that the spring brake does not provide a slow gentle stop.

This 200-foot zipline from Joymor is excellent if you have a slope on which to install it.

When you attach a zipline to two trees on a flat area, you have to create the slope by placing one end higher than the other. With trees this far apart, the upper end would have to be approximately 3 feet higher than the lower end. This could make your start point dangerously high for smaller children.

The other issue with a zipline of this length is that you need several people to help with the install. It can take four hours or more for a two-person team.

Neither of these issues are specific to this brand of zipline, they are both to do with the length of the ride. But you’ll want to keep them in mind when deciding whether this is a good zipline for you and your family.

The Joymor zipline is of good quality, and they include a wrench tool for installation. It comes with a safety belt and strap.

For smaller or less adventurous kids, the Falcon zipline from Slackers provides a slower, shorter ride. Meanwhile, the trolley, which slips and slides along the cable, is fully enclosed so there is no chance of little fingers getting trapped.

The height of the plastic seat can be adjusted so your child doesn’t have to stretch too far to reach the trolley handles. As this is primarily for the younger zipliners, the shorter length means it can be installed closer to the ground.

The cable is 50 feet long, providing plenty of extra length to wrap around your anchor points while still leaving a full 40 feet to ride.

Installation time is approximately 30 minutes when you have two people, and the kit contains all of the hardware you need to put up the zipline. You will, however, need a pair of long-nose pliers and a wrench.

This basic zipline from CTSC is a good option if you have a shorter distance between trees.

The zipline cable is a full 60 feet long with an additional sling cable of 7 feet to wrap around your tree at the upper anchor point. All of the basic hardware is included, but you will need a wrench and a pair of pliers for the installation.

While this is a zipline of good quality, it is a rather basic kit.

There is no seat included, so your child will travel the zipline while holding onto the handles and hanging from the trolley. This may be okay for older kids or those with a lot of upper body strength, but it is not suitable for younger children or anyone who may let go of the handles.

You can buy a seat separately and connect it to the trolley.