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Move and play · Wild and Tumble activity

Little tree climbers

Up to the first branch! A gentle first climb on a low, sturdy tree.

  • 15 min total
  • Some mess
  • Ages 3–5*
  • Outdoors
  • Dry days
Let's do this

*Illustrative age guidance. Your child's development and circumstances matter more than a number.

A tiny plan for your day

Estimated time: 3 min to check the tree · 10 min to climb · 2 min to head off. It's fine to stop early.

Before you start

What you’ll need

  • A tree with low, thick branches
  • Grippy shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty

Let's begin

Five simple steps

That's the whole activity. Tick each step off as you go, and stop whenever you like.

  1. Grown-up job

    An adult checks the tree: no dead branches, cracks or rot.

  2. Little one leads

    Your child chooses where to put their hands and feet. No lifts!

  3. Climb only as high as an adult can reach.

  4. Sit on a branch and look around. What can you see?

  5. Climb down slowly, feet first.

All done!

That's every step. However it went, you made a little moment together.

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