Swings & Playthings

If you came to this chapter first, you’re in the right state of mind for owning a treehouse. If you’ve just finished your treehouse and are wanting to jazz it up a little, congratulations (you’re way ahead of the other guy). One thing that most new treehouse owners learn right away is how much their creation becomes a hub of activity. Kids not only play in treehouses, they play under them and around them and, sometimes, when no one’s watching, over them. So it makes sense to add a few extra things for kids to do at the treehouse site. And for the adults? This author recommends a hammock. Period.

A few treehouse accessories are easy to make yourself, like climbing ropes and simple swings. Other add-ons are better purchased from reputable retailers. “Reputable” isn’t used lightly, either; you don’t want a zip line manufactured from shoddy materials, for example. Since there’s no place to shop for treehouse accessories at your local mall, you’ll have to be a little resourceful. The best place to start is with an online search under “play structures,” “playground equipment,” etc, or with keywords for specific items, such as “climbing walls” or “hammocks.” A lot of equipment made for play structures can easily be adapted for a treehouse play area.

A reminder about ground covers: While many of us grew up playing on blacktop playgrounds and sports fields that felt like rammed earth, things are different now. Covering a play area with a thick layer of wood chips or other shock-absorbing material is an easy, effective way prevent injury to kids. It’s really a no-brainer, as in no one gets brained from a minor fall. See page 53 for more information on ground covers.