DIY Zip Wire for Toys

Looking for a fun outdoor activity  How about making this super simple DIY Zip Wire for Toys.

What you’ll need: a washing line, clothes prop, umbrella (with a hooked handle) & a selection of soft toys.

Open up the umbrella & hook over the washing line. Add your toys, making sure they’re not too heavy, & that they’re positioned in the centre or the umbrella may tip to the side. It’s a great way for children to explore weight, balance & gravity. 

Run your umbrella to the end of the washing line & let go! Using the clothes prop raise the washing line to create a sloping line for the umbrella to slide down.

If you’re playing with a friend get ready to catch the umbrella at the other end of the line, or you could run fast to see if you can catch it!

Try adding 2 umbrellas & see what happens…

Let them slide together, & then slightly apart. If you try this on a windy day, what will happen to the umbrellas?

A super simple activity, great for exploring distance, speed, size, construction, weight & weight distribution, problem solving, imagination & creativity. And the best thing about this activity was that it was completely Minnie’s idea! She independently collected the items & created this play setup herself. I loved watching her imagination, creativity & how she demonstrated her knowledge through this simple play activity. Another magical afternoon of play shared together.
If you like this, be sure to check out our quick & easy (& slightly zany) indoor Zip Wire here.