Despite the fact that it’s been 108 almost every day this week, I try to encourage my kids to unplug and play outside as much as possible. We have a backyard pool and a really great playhouse but I wanted to give my kids something else to play with in the back yard so I built a super simple {and cheap} rope swing.
Another customer in the rope aisle suggested I use natural rope since it won’t stretch like nylon would and he also suggested I buy more than I thought I needed … great advice since I used almost all of the extra I bought.
My piece of pine already had a small hole drilled into the middle of the underside, saving me from having to measure and find the center.
How to Make a DIY Rope Swing for Kids
I drilled a one-inch diameter hole in the same spot and then stained the seat with a natural Minwax stain.
I did a bit of research to figure out the best {and safest} knot to use to tie the carabiner onto the end of the rope. I ended up modifying a tree-climbing knot that I found. If you decide to make a rope swing, I’d encourage you to do your own research on the safest knots to use.
I used a carabiner so that I can easily take the swing down and easily put it back up. I wrapped the rope over a branch and looped the hanging rope through the carabiner. The swing can be taken down just by opening the carabiner.
Once the rope was hanging in place, I figured out the height I wanted the swing and tied the seat in place. I pushed the rope through the seat and tied a solid knot under it.
I cut off the excess rope but I did leave a bit of a tail so the kids can pull each other around.
Before I let the kids on the swing, I tested it myself. I figured if it can adequately hold me, it should be fine for my pint-sized little ones. I’ll continue to test it as the kids play, just to make sure the knots are holding well.
Luke, Lila, and Tate have had a great time on their new rope swing and I’m hoping it’ll encourage them to be outside even more.
For more ideas to get the kids outside, be sure to check out this homemade sidewalk paint tutorial …
… how to play kick the can …
… and a simple tutorial for homemade sidewalk chalk.
barb says
August 4, 2012 at 1:33 pmYou did a really great job and I love the idea! So simple and the kids will get lots of use out of it.
bj says
August 4, 2012 at 2:09 pmI so admire you for wanting your kids to “unplug” and get out in the fresh air, rip and romp and get plenty of exercise. They will be much healthier for it…body AND mind. Some of my fondest memories are playing outside with friends.
Your instructions are awesome for making the swing. Wish my grandkids were still little..I’d make them one. 🙂
I am a new follower…come over and follow me and maybe we can meet in the middle for a swing on this new toy. :))
xo bj
{ L } says
August 4, 2012 at 3:59 pmThat is AWESOME that you made that for them, wow! We bought one very similar on etsy last year but I’m impressed that you made it yourself. 🙂 They are so much fun for kids even though my boys have walked in with black eyes and bumps on their heads more than once from it lol…
Linda says
August 4, 2012 at 7:07 pmYou’re so inventive! They’ll love that! And your grass is looking not so green :), so it must be HOT!!
Tonia L says
August 5, 2012 at 6:14 amRope swings are the best! My childhood neighbor had a rope swing with a motorcycle helmet as the seat. We had so much fun on that swing!
Rachel Cotterill says
August 11, 2012 at 2:40 pmGreat idea, and so simple 🙂 Visiting from SITS.
Jamie says
March 9, 2014 at 1:57 pmLove this, Randi!! My kids would love it too and looks really easy to make. I’m making one! 🙂
Lori says
May 22, 2014 at 6:08 pmThank you so much for the instructions not just simply saying, “I built this great swing!” I’m finding as I’m looking for things for the kids to do this summer that so many wonderful ideas are posting images but very little in the way of instructions. This swing looks like such a great idea!
Tara says
September 24, 2014 at 11:15 pmCan you please tell me the diameter of the round pine disc?
Thanks! 🙂
Randi Dukes says
September 25, 2014 at 8:17 pmIt’s about 18 inches diameter.
Shannon says
March 18, 2015 at 1:48 pmWhat area in Lowe’s did you find the round piece? I have looked everywhere and can’t find it! Thanks!!!!
Randi Dukes says
March 18, 2015 at 1:52 pmI’m quite sure I got it back in the area where you can find table legs and trim. Right on the edge of the lumber section. I sure hope that helps!
CreativaCale says
June 15, 2015 at 2:02 amYou are great and this is simple and the best idea.I wish to put Your link on my blog.Hugs from Serbia,
Cale
p.s.kids go …my 3 kids grow and now I have dog