How to Build a Backyard Ninja Course (Step-by-Step Guide)

Kids love to climb, swing and jump. A backyard ninja course gives them a safe place to do it every day, without driving to a gym. The good news: you don't need a huge garden or tools. Most modern kits hang between two trees and go up in under an hour.

What is a backyard ninja course?

It's a strong slackline (a flat, tight strap) fixed between two trees or posts, with obstacles hanging from it: monkey bars, rings, rope ladders, swings and cargo nets. Kids move from one obstacle to the next without touching the ground, just like on the TV show.

How much space do you need?

• Small garden: a 30–40 ft line with 4–6 obstacles.
• Medium or large garden: a 50 ft line with 8–12 obstacles.
• Two solid trees or posts at least 30 cm (12 in) thick.

Step by step

1. Pick your trees. Healthy, thick trunks. Protect the bark with the tree guards included in the kit.
2. Hang the line at about chest height of an adult and tension it with the ratchet.
3. Clip on the obstacles, leaving about an arm's length between them. Start with easy ones (rings, knotted rope) and finish with harder ones (monkey bars).
4. Put something soft underneath: grass, wood chips or a mat.
5. Test it yourself before the kids go on it.

Make it more fun

Add a ninja climbing rope swing at the end, or a backyard zipline if you have a long garden. Time each run and let kids beat their own record.

Safety tips

• Always supervise young children.
• Check the ratchet and carabiners every week.
• Take the obstacles down in winter or very wet weather.

Who it's for

Perfect for families looking for a backyard ninja warrior course for kids, outdoor play equipment that keeps children off screens, or a fun ninja obstacle course for birthday parties. Adults can use it too for grip and upper-body training.

👉 See our Ninja Obstacle Course for Kids and the full Backyard Ninja & Play collection.