Articles: sports & adventure

Tree Climbing: Tips, Techniques, and Benefits for Kids and Adults

15 reason to climb a tree. Instructions & safety for tree climbing & how to support your children as they learn. Benefits of climbing trees and other risky play. Rhythms of Play (US), 14 May 2019, updated August 2022.

Complete guide to tree climbing

Complete guide to adventure tree climbing using ropes and harnesses, including clothing & equipment, tips for beginners, different types of trees and their best uses, and tree-climbing safety tips. Lydiascapes, 28 October 2021.

Learning Through Adventure

‘Learning outside the classroom through adventurous activities is known to have significant educational benefits. It helps children develop technical, intellectual and social skills by overcoming challenges and sharing decisions.’ The Conversation, 13 February 2020.

Parents - stop worrying and let your children climb trees!

Opinion piece that includes refs to research from University of Phoenix and the UK, about risks and benefits of taking them. Rain or Shine Mamma (US), 16 March 2019.

Why kids need to climb trees

‘A London council’s proposal to fine kids £500 for climbing trees sparks debate over children’s rights to freedom of movement and why adults think they can block it’ – also considers risk and helicopter parenting. Treehugger (US), 21 February 2018.

Raising Next Gen Adventurers

How do you share a love for the outdoors with your kids? Some of the biggest names in climbing, mountain biking, skiing, ultrarunning and adventure racing offer their advice. REI C0-0p (US), 4 January 2018.

The Dying Art of Tree Climbing

Article considering the risks and benefits of tree climbing, and offering some tips for supporting your child to climb trees safely. Childhood by Nature, c2017.

In Defense Of Climbing Trees And Other Risky Play

"The biggest danger for our kids isn’t the tall trees they climb or the rough way they play with each other. It’s us. It’s parents. We are the biggest risk to our kids." Scary Mommy (US), 8 May 2017, updated June 2019.

Countryside ban for children because mums cannot read maps and hate mud

‘Middle class parents are too afraid to take their children rambling because they struggle to map read and are reluctant to let them get muddy, a new study suggests. The Hertfordshire University research … found that while children were open to the idea of rambling, their mothers were not confident in the great outdoors.’ The Telegraph, 20 February 2010.

What can we learn from climbing trees?

Interview with a professional tree-climber looking at the benefits and risks of tree climbing and why it seems to be in decline. BBC News Magazine, 22 April 2008.