While the Corona Lockdown has ended in most of the parts of the world, the numbers of active cases still continue to surge everywhere. Social Distancing is a must, and travelling is a big NO.
While we all understand the importance of staying at home this year, we cannot help but feel bad for the kids who will spend their entire vacations without a single vacation. Safe to say that we can’t take the kids out, but we can surely do some fun activities at home for a change of environment!
Kids LOVE adventure! But do you know what the kids are going to love even more than that? Preparing their own adventure game at home!
Yes, you heard that right! We have bought this easy DIY for you to make an adventure rope ladder at home.
Here’s how to do it 5 Simple Steps —
Step #1 — Determine the rope length
Before buying the essential materials, you will need to determine the length of the rope required. For this, consider measuring the wall, a crook or a hanging place where you want to hang the ladder and climbing net. Consider the length and the breadth of both, and then double it (since a lot of knotting will be required). While noting down the measurements, always remember this — When in doubt, use the larger number — meaning that it is better to buy some extra rope rather than falling short of the required length.
Step #2 — Buy the required material
The materials that you will need are — Rope, Wooden Rungs, Strong Hanging Hooks, Rope-Cutting Scissors and some oil paint. You could find them in your nearest departmental store, or you can order them online.
Decide which Rope you want to use. It should be strong enough, but it should also be easy to knot and cut. If you don’t want to remove the ropes after a while, you can opt for colourful ropes, but if you want to keep the feel of adventure intact, you should buy the usual brown hemp ropes.
Step #3 — Time for colouring!
When you are doing a DIY activity with your kids, you need to make sure they have fun. And you have to leave some space for their creativity to come out. It would be an amazing idea to paint the Wooden Rungs and make it look more vibrant and colourful. You can let your kids decide what colours they want to use.
Make sure that you give the paint at least 24 hours to dry before you proceed.
Step #4 — Start Knotting
For the ladder:
Once the paint is dried, you are ready to start knotting. Cut the lengths of rope for the parallels of ladder. Make sure it is longer than you intend, to leave some length for knots. Lay both the ropes flat on the floor parallel to each other. Make a loop on one side, place the rung in it and pull tightly until it is secure. Do the same on the other side of rung. Leave some space (About 6-12 inches) and repeat the same for the second rung. You have to keep repeating this process until you reach the end of the rope.
A simple idea is to place a hardboard or plywood between the parallel ropes to help you maintain the same horizontal distance throughout.
For the climbing net:
Cut about 12-16 same length ropes. Now lay half of them flat on the floor vertically, parallel to each other. On top of them, Place more ropes horizontally. Now, all you have to do is make a knot at every intersection.
To help you do it properly, we suggest you to use clippers to hold them in place while you are making the knots. Make sure all the knots are tightly secured.
For the last step this, you have to put two long wooden rungs, one on top and second on bottom to hold them in place. This will help you to hang the climbing net properly in your house. Although this is optional and can be avoided.
Step #5 — Use Sturdy Hooks to fix the Ladder and Net in place
It is time to hammer or drill strong hooks in your wall, ceiling or any other hanging place in your house.
If you have a lawn, you can hang it on a tree, or your backyard fence.
Make sure wherever you hang them are sturdy enough to avoid any risks. Also consider that the floor below it is not too rigid and uneven or has any stones. For some extra safety, you can also place a mattress to ensure that your kids don’t get hurt if they fall while climbing.
And that’s it! Your DIY Adventure Rope Ladder and Climbing Net are Ready!
Precautions —
This DIY should be done under an adult supervision. The Ladder and Climbing Net, if hanged in a house on a wall or ceiling, should only be used by kids below the age of 8 to avoid any breakage or damage to house and walls.