There are a few decisions that you need to make before buying a backyard obstacle course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Where will I attach the backyard obstacle course ?<\/li>
- Which one should I choose? Spoiler: see above.<\/li>
- How do I know what all these cool attachments are?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
To make these decisions easier for you we have included a buying guide below. In the comparison chart below you can see our top three choices. If you’d like to look at each slack line obstacle course in more detail you can see reviews later in the article. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slackline obstacle course comparison table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n \n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Our favourite backyard obstacle courses <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\n Best choice<\/span>![\"Ninja](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/511mlhVJd4L._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/span><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Best Price<\/span>![\"flybold](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51oP-K3oI1L._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/span><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Best for Kids<\/span>![\"Slackers](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/416FaFPV8oL._SL160_.jpg\")
<\/span><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\n\n Product name <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\nSports Trail Monkey Line<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nFlybold Obstacle course<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nSlackers Extreme Ninja Line<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Which accessories are included <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\nMonkey line, 2 gymnastics rings, 2 wooden bars, 2 knots, climbing rope.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\n4 gymnastics rings, 2 fist holds, 2 monkey bars,<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\ngymnastics rings, gymnastics bars, rope knot grips, ninja wheel.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Who this slackline course is suitable for <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\nAdults & children ( 440lb weight limit when attached correctly)<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\n300lbs weight limit.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nChildren ( 250lbs weight limit )<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Pros <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\nLong, ratchet makes attachment to trees easy. There is a variety of accessories.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nObstacles can be positioned exactly where you want them., Excellent twin ratchet gear, green colour blends in well with your garden<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nLots of optional add-ons available and comes in a variety of different lengths.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Cons <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\nYounger kids might not have the strength required to complete all the obstacles.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nNo additional line to wrap around the tree so you have less distance between trees.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nNylon rope grip attachments are difficult to grip onto.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Click to view on Amazon <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\nBuy on Amazon<\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nBuy on Amazon<\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n\nBuy on Amazon<\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n \n\n\n Best choice<\/span>\n \n \n\n\n\n Our favourite backyard obstacle courses <\/div>\n\n \n\n<\/span><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\n\n Product name <\/div>\n\n \n\nSports Trail Monkey Line<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Which accessories are included <\/div>\n\n \n\nMonkey line, 2 gymnastics rings, 2 wooden bars, 2 knots, climbing rope.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Who this slackline course is suitable for <\/div>\n\n \n\nAdults & children ( 440lb weight limit when attached correctly)<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Pros <\/div>\n\n \n\nLong, ratchet makes attachment to trees easy. There is a variety of accessories.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Cons <\/div>\n\n \n\nYounger kids might not have the strength required to complete all the obstacles.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Click to view on Amazon <\/div>\n\n \n\nBuy on Amazon<\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n Best Price<\/span>\n \n \n\n\n\n Our favourite backyard obstacle courses <\/div>\n\n \n\n<\/span><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\n\n Product name <\/div>\n\n \n\nFlybold Obstacle course<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Which accessories are included <\/div>\n\n \n\n4 gymnastics rings, 2 fist holds, 2 monkey bars,<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Who this slackline course is suitable for <\/div>\n\n \n\n300lbs weight limit.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Pros <\/div>\n\n \n\nObstacles can be positioned exactly where you want them., Excellent twin ratchet gear, green colour blends in well with your garden<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Cons <\/div>\n\n \n\nNo additional line to wrap around the tree so you have less distance between trees.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Click to view on Amazon <\/div>\n\n \n\nBuy on Amazon<\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n Best for Kids<\/span>\n \n \n\n\n\n Our favourite backyard obstacle courses <\/div>\n\n \n\n<\/span><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n\n\n Product name <\/div>\n\n \n\nSlackers Extreme Ninja Line<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Which accessories are included <\/div>\n\n \n\ngymnastics rings, gymnastics bars, rope knot grips, ninja wheel.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Who this slackline course is suitable for <\/div>\n\n \n\nChildren ( 250lbs weight limit )<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Pros <\/div>\n\n \n\nLots of optional add-ons available and comes in a variety of different lengths.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Cons <\/div>\n\n \n\nNylon rope grip attachments are difficult to grip onto.<\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n \n\n\n\n Click to view on Amazon <\/div>\n\n \n\nBuy on Amazon<\/a><\/div> <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat is a backyard obstacle course ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A backyard obstacle course is a new kind of playground for your backyard. This isn’t a permanent standing structure like you might find at the playground. Instead it’s a slack line rope attached between 2 trees, with obstacles dangling from it. Kids have to move from one end to the other by swinging on monkey bars<\/a>, gymnastics rings and other fun attachments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The idea for these obstacles courses is inspired by the Ninja warrior TV show and they offer kids ( and you if you are brave enough and choose a course suitable for adults too) an exciting challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—— Buying Guide<\/strong> ——<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here are some considerations that will help you decide which backyard obstacle course is best for you. You need to think carefully about the size of your backyard, where you will be able to attach the line and what materials the slack line is made of. It’s also important to make sure the weight limit is correct and that you attach the ninja line safely to posts or trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
— Length of slackline<\/strong> —<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/justifyingfun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/diagram-showing-how-to-measure-length-of-obstacle-course-slackline-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nChoosing the right length slack line for your obstacle course is really important. The slack line that the obstacles attach onto is fastened onto a tree or post at each end of the course. First you need to figure out where you are going to attach the slack line so you can measure the distance and check the line is long enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be sure to include the distance around the tree or post you will be attaching the line to because it has to be long enough to wrap around the supporting tree or post and for the slack to be tightened using a ratchet that will be included with your Slackline obstacle course kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know that most people don’t know how long their garden is. It’s a good idea to measure it first but if you don’t have much time, we did some research for you to help you choose the right length. SWNS Digital estimated that the average garden length in the UK is 50 ft long. Taking into account that garden in the US are usually bigger, most of your yards are likely to be at least 50 ft long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gibbons<\/a> slacklines suggest the tree you attach the slackline onto must have at least a 15cm diameter for it to be safe to support a slackline. Be sure to measure the diameter of any trees you will attach the line onto in order to make sure they are thick enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will also need to take this into account when choosing your Ninja line length because if the Ninja line is 30 ft long and the diameter of each tree is 2 ft then you’ll have to minus 4 ft in total from the 30ft line, meaning you have only 26 ft distance between the 2 trees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some ninja lines come with an anchor line. If this is the case then you might have a slackline which is 30ft long for attaching obstacle onto and then an additional 5 ft on each end to attach to the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
— Obstacle course attachments —<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/justifyingfun.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/backyard-obstacle-course-attachments-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSlackline obstacle courses come with lots of different attachments you can attach onto the line. Here is a list of some of the most popular attachments included with ninja obstacle courses. You should always look for a backyard obstacle course that offers at least 3 different attachments and more than one of each if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Monkey Bar<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Monkey bars are a popular obstacle that you’ll find on most backyard playground and ninja warrior courses on television. Monkey bars attach to the slack line in 2 places making them stable and easier to navigate than other attachments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The only difficult with a monkey bar is that you often have to turn and face away from the direction you are going so you have to twist sideways to move along the course to the next attachment. We have written about indoor monkey bars<\/a> and monkey bars for your backyard <\/a>recently, if you are looking for a set of monkey bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gymnastics Ring<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The gymnastics ring attachment is included in most of these ninja courses. What makes the gymnastics ring fun is that it’s much less stable than a monkey bar. Grip onto it and you’ll start to twist and spin around. Hold tight and use your core strength to turn it to face the right direction and swing your arm onto the next attachment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Using a gymnastics ring successful can require some abdominal muscles to help stabilise the motion and arm strength because for a short time you will be holding yourself on with one arm while you use momentum to shift to the next section of the course. Gymnastics ring attachments offer an upper body workout with all the fun that comes with swinging back and forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rope ball Knot<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The rope knot attachment is a challenging obstacle because you have to grip onto the rope. This means your children will have to grip more tightly to hold on and the rougher surface is more challenging to hold onto. Sometimes the rope knot attachments are replaced with plastic or rubber ball attachments which are more comfortable to hold your body weight on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spinning Ninja wheel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The Slackers Ninja line and Sports trail include a spinning ninja wheel. This is basically a rope connected to a tubular wheel made of either plastic or rubber. You can grip onto the wheel all the way around and once you have 2 hands on it the rope above will spin around quickly. Most ninja wheels spin very fast, which in my opinions makes them exciting but difficult to get past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rope ladder<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A rope ladder attachment is great for getting up onto the line. Most of the ninja lines are 7 1\/2 ft above the ground and even when obstacles dangle lower than this they can be out of reach of children. Having a rope ladder attachment is a great way for children to climb up onto the obstacle course. Some kits also include tree climbing holds, which strap around the tree at one end of the line and can be used to climb up onto the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
——–<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Weight limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Obstacle courses have to hold our body weight. They have to be able to stay in place and take a lot of force. The force of our weight places pressure on the length in different directions. Most importantly the slackline your obstacles are attached onto has to be fastened tight enough using the ratchet. If it is too slack there will be a lot of unwanted movement that may place more pressure on the trees either side. A very loose line will also make it much more difficult for your kids to use because it will be moving up and down a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBest backyard obstacle courses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are a lot of Backyard obstacle courses to choose from. To help you find one and make your decision easier we have narrowed down 3 of our favourite choices and categorised them as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Best choice slack line for kids – Slackers Extreme Ninjaline<\/a><\/li>
- Best course for adults and <\/a>children<\/a> – Sportstrail Ninjaline<\/a><\/li>
- Best value choice – Flybold Slackline obstacle course<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In our 3 reviews below we compare the backyard obstacle courses against the criteria we set out in the buyers guide above. In the conclusion we will compare all 3 brands so you can decide which you like best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
—–<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Slackers extreme Ninjaline kit – Best choice for Kids<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/a><\/a>
<\/a>
![\"Slackers](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41wPSA3LY-L.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nClick the image to view Ninja line on Amazon<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Length: <\/strong>30ft or 50ft (6ft ratchet line also included so total length is 36 or 56ft ) <\/em> <\/li>
- Weight limit: <\/strong>250lb <\/li>
- Attachments: <\/strong>Ninja ring, 3 nylon rope knots, 2 16″ long monkey bar holds, 2 steel gym rings, tree climbers and climbing rope.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The Slackers Ninja line<\/a> is our top choice for kids because it meets the requirements in our buyers guide above. Slackers include the option to choose a 30ft or 50ft line, making finding the right length ninja line for your backyard much easier. We think the size of the attachments, especially the rope knot and ninja ring, are the right size for a child to grip onto comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 250lb limit is lower than a lot of Ninja lines but it’s perfect for children, it doesn’t try to be suitable for adults too, it’s an exciting children’s toy and Slackers Ninja line doesn’t try to do too much, it does exactly what children want from it, which is a ninja obstacle course that’s colourful and fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You have the choice of buying the 30ft or 50ft length of nylon rope and both come with a 6ft ratchet line and ratchet with TAR handles. The sewn pockets are positioned along the line spaced out in 14 different positions so you can choose where the carabener attachments fasten onto it and then the attachments strap on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Attachments<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- There is one 10″ nylon ball shaped rope attachments that are small but they are strong and feel soft to grip onto.<\/li>
- There are two 16″ long monkey bar attachment that are made from birch wood. The wooden bar hangs from two pieces of rope and is long enough to grip onto with two hands. Over time this is the attachment most likely to wear if left outside.<\/li>
- 2 steel gymnastic rings that have an ABS grip that does a pretty good job of stopping your hands slipping off. If you want extra grip read our article about gloves that are for monkey bars<\/a>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Using the two gymnastics rings feels comfortable and they are heavy enough so that they swing in a realistic way that allows you to use your core strength to bring them under control and give yourself a tough body weight workout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The slackers ninja line is well made, making use of nylon, steel and wood materials not to different from those used to pass safety requirements by other obstacle course manufacturers. There are a lot of attachments we think are suitable for children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the packages available from Slackers include a cargo net, please be aware that this is often quite long and might take up a lot more of your line space than you expect. This will leave less room for attachments so make sure you read the small print to see what you are getting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comparison with buyers guide expectations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weight limit is 250lbs which meets the criteria we set out above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The slackers Line is available in 30ft and 50ft lengths. We think this is good because it gives you more options when finding the right trees to attach the line to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a good variety of attachments but the only downside is that if you buy the 50ft line the attachments can only be attached onto 30ft of the line. The remaining line has no holes for the carabeners to slot into and is no use other than to wrap around the trees at either end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nPros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- You can buy additional attachments if you want to expand the course.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The attachments, line and ratchet are all heavy duty. <\/span><\/li>\n
- There are a lot of attachments included and they offer a lot of variety.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nCons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Be sure to attach the carabiner attachments before tightening the line otherwise it will be very difficult to fit them in place.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The Cannonball shaped knotted grips are a little small for an adults hand to grip comfortably.<\/span><\/li>\n
- If you want a slack line for walking or balancing along with your feet this isn’t a good option for that purpose. <\/span><\/li>\n
- The Birch wood monkey bar attachments will wear if left outside all the time. <\/span><\/li>\n
- If you attach a cargo line to the course, it will take up a lot of space and less attachments will fit onto the line. <\/span><\/li>\n
- The nylon rope grip balls are a little difficult to grip onto and very challenging for younger kids.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSportsTrail Monkey Line<\/strong> –<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- The Cannonball shaped knotted grips are a little small for an adults hand to grip comfortably.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The attachments, line and ratchet are all heavy duty. <\/span><\/li>\n
- You can buy additional attachments if you want to expand the course.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Weight limit: <\/strong>250lb <\/li>
- Best course for adults and <\/a>children<\/a> – Sportstrail Ninjaline<\/a><\/li>
- Best choice slack line for kids – Slackers Extreme Ninjaline<\/a><\/li>
![\"Ninja](\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/511mlhVJd4L.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n