Climbing domes are a great piece of play equipment for kids. You’ve seen them at the park, but did you know that you can get one for your backyard? A kids climbing dome is from 6 to 10 feet in diameter and provides hours of enjoyment and active play for kids of all ages.
We have had climbing domes in school settings and backyards and can tell you that they are fantastic! Kids can climb, hang, jump, swing, or just lounge on the top with friends. The inside can act as a fort and become a great spot to hang out. They encourage physical activity and imaginative play.
Add a fun slackline kit and a backyard slide to your climbing dome and you’ll have the ultimate outdoor play space!
- Protip: drape a kids parachute over a climbing dome and hold it on with some clamps. And just like that, it becomes its own little clubhouse!
In this post:
- Great Features of a Climbing Dome
- Why Climbing is so Great for Kids
- Best 6ft Climbing Dome
- Best 10ft Climbing Dome
- Best Tall Climbing Dome
- Best Climbing Dome With Accessories
- Requirements for a Kids Climbing Dome
- FAQs
Great Features of a Climbing Dome:
- Weather-resistant and made to stay outside year-round. This makes them a great low-maintenance toy.
- Freestanding. This makes them easy to move for cutting the grass or other yard maintenance. This also makes it easy to disassemble and take with you when moving.
- Doesn’t require professional assembly. Two to three people can easily assemble a climbing dome in a few hours. Follow the directions carefully and make sure to eat an extra serving of patience for breakfast! It can get a bit confusing.
- Doesn’t require cement or a foundation. This makes installation easy and doable for the average family.
- Takes up less space than a swingset or fort. At just 10 feet across, even the biggest climbing domes can easily fit in a backyard.
- Not hindered by neighborhood homeowners associations the way that a treehouse or large swingset might be.
- Cheaper than a swingset. Climbing domes are generally between $150 and $300, making them much cheaper than a full-on swingset.
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Why Climbing is So Great for Kids
Climbing is excellent for kids physically, socially, and mentally and is a great outdoor activity. It helps to strengthen their bodies and builds their gross motor skills. They improve their balance and coordination and understand where their body is in space as they move across the bars and coordinate the movements between their eyes, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
A strong core, hand and arm muscles help support kids as they sit in chairs and write. These muscles keep them from getting fatigued at school and directly affect their academic success.
Next, a climbing structure provides space for kids to climb together. They need time to practice and grow their social skills. This is just as important as any academic learning that they might do. They learn how to cooperate with others, share and accept ideas, and build empathy as they climb around and play together.
Finally, climbing builds kids’ persistence, determination, and problem-solving skills as they try different ways to get to the top. They plan and execute movements, visualize solutions, and try again when faced with failure. It allows them to face risks in a controlled environment. Their resilience grows as they learn to cope with fear and stress. They understand that they will be okay even if they slip or fall. Kids build their confidence and take pride in their success.
And climbing is fun! That makes it a pretty stellar way for kids to be developing so many excellent skills. Some of their best learning can happen through play.
- Looking for more ways to do some climbing? Take your kids to an indoor climbing gym!
Kids Climbing Domes
Best 6ft Climbing Dome:
Zupapa Outdoor & Indoor Geometric Dome Climber
This is a great high-quality climber for younger kids or those with space limitations. Taller kids can climb on the outside and jump off while younger kids are short enough to swing from the inside. Kids of all ages can lounge in the middle.
Due to the small size, it can easily be moved to cut the grass or change up your backyard. It can also be used inside the house when placed on a play mat or carpet. This can be an excellent option for colder or rainier seasons or folks without backyard space. We have seen this dome work great inside during an Alaskan winter. It was a true lifesaver for a family with active kiddos.
This kids climbing dome can accommodate up to 4 kids and is recommended for kids up to 8 years old. It comes in three color options. The dome is extra durable, and Zupapa backs this with a 3-year warranty and excellent customer service.
It includes all the necessary tools for setup and an instruction video. But assembly can still be a bit confusing and requires multiple people.
Size: 6ft wide, 3ft tall
Weight Capacity: 735lbs
Material: galvanized steel, stainless steel nuts, and bolts
Check prices for Zupapa Geometric Dome Climber
Best 10ft Climbing Dome:
Zupapa 10 ft Outdoor Geodesic Dome Climber
We have had this size climber in a backyard and a school. It is just high enough to provide a nice challenge for kids and a significant amount of play space. In our school, kids as young as two begin to swing on it, pull themselves up, and stand on the lowest bars. It is fun to watch them problem solve and see them repeatedly try until they can figure it out independently.
This bigger climbing dome can accommodate up to 6 kids at once and is designed with quality in mind. It allows more space for kids to climb and swing in the middle at five feet tall. It is even big enough for adults to sit in the middle.
It is extra robust and designed to be left outside year-round. It remains rust-free over time and comes with a 3-year warranty should you encounter any problems.
The dome requires several people to assemble, and the directions can be tricky to follow at times. There is an assembly video that aids in the process.
Size: 10ft wide, 5ft high
Weight Capacity: 750lbs
Material: galvanized steel, stainless steel bolts, and nuts
Check prices for Zupapa Kids Dome Climber
Best Tall Climbing Dome:
Lifetime Climbing Tower Jungle Gym
This climbing dome is just over 7 feet tall and is excellent for taller kids or kids who love to climb high. The added space to explore makes a big difference in kids’ enjoyment. It can accommodate several kids at a time and is recommended for kids ages 3-10. It comes with a 1-year warranty.
While it is free-standing and shouldn’t need ground stays, some people have installed them as a precaution because of the extra height. As with other climbing domes, correct assembly is imperative. Many people have noted that careless assembly or improper assembly leads to hours of fighting with the many tubes.
Size: 7ft 9in wide, 7ft 3in tall
Weight Capacity: 600lbs
Material: weather-resistant heavy-duty steel
Check prices for Lifetime Climbing Tower
Best Climbing Dome with Accessories:
Jugader Upgraded 10FT Climbing Dome with Canopy and Swing
This climbing dome comes with a swing and a canopy. You can hang the swing from the middle of the dome, and the canopy can be placed over the top for sun protection or attached in the middle to make a hammock. The canopy creates an excellent lounging spot for kids and requires them first to climb up to get on. The swing and canopy are easy to put up and take down, making this a versatile play structure.
The hammock supports kids’ weight while lounging but won’t stand up to multiple falls. This isn’t necessarily a manufacturer defect but more that the canopy isn’t designed to be a safety net! Keep this in mind if you’re leaning towards this climber because of the perceived safety benefits of the canopy.
Large plastic handholds cover its joints to minimize the risk of hurting one’s hand on the bolts. They also give an excellent place for a secure grip!
Assembly works best with at least two people. The instructions can be challenging to follow and aren’t always adequate. We recommend searching “jugader dome climber” on youtube and following the video instructions. It comes with a 3-year warranty, and if you have problems, the vendor responds quickly to customer queries.
Size: 10ft wide, 6ft high
Weight Capacity: 800lbs
Materials: galvanized steel
Check prices for Jugader Climbing Dome
Requirements for a Kids Climbing Dome
1. Level Ground
A kids climbing dome is free-standing and is safest when placed on level ground. This will allow the structure’s base to sit flush with the ground and keep the dome from flexing as kids climb. Placing the dome on a severe incline could enable the dome to tip over as kids climb and would be extremely dangerous.
2. Soft Landing Surface
Kids will fall or jump from the dome, and a soft landing surface will keep them safe. Grass, dirt, or gravel work well. Avoid placing the dome on cement or even a wooden deck.
3. Space Around the Dome
A minimum of six feet of space is needed around the climbing dome. This allows kids to jump from the dome safely. So a 10-foot dome will need about 22 feet of space to be considered safe. Take this into consideration when picking a dome for your backyard.
- Looking for some indoor play equipment? Try reading: Best Soft Play Equipment for Kids
FAQS
1. What is a kids climbing dome?
A kids climbing dome is a geodesic dome-shaped structure made of interconnecting bars, usually made of metal or plastic, designed for children to climb, hang, swing, and play on. It promotes physical activity, balance, and coordination.
2. What age group are climbing domes suitable for?
Climbing domes are generally suitable for children aged 3-10. However, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s age recommendation as it can vary based on the design and size of the dome.
3. How safe are kids climbing domes?
Safety depends on the design, material quality, and installation. Look for domes with a sturdy construction, no sharp edges, and those that adhere to safety standards.
Make sure to place the dome on a flat soft surface to protect kids from fall-related injuries.
4. Can they be used indoors and outdoors?
While many climbing domes are designed for outdoor use, some smaller models can be installed indoors. Ensure there is ample space and safety measures in place, like padded flooring.
5. How do I maintain a climbing dome?
Regularly inspect the dome for any wear, rust, or damage. Ensure all connections are secure. For outdoor domes, consider weather-resistant materials or treatments.
6. How much space is needed for a climbing dome?
The space required depends on the dome’s size. Ensure there is 6ft of clearance around the dome to prevent injuries and accommodate falls.
Kids need spaces to play and be active. Consider adding a kids climbing dome to your backyard and see the things that your kids do with it! Enjoy watching them grow confident in their climbing and listen to the imaginative games and stories that they come up with. We hope that this will help provide your family with more screen-free time right in your own backyard.
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