Last week, I overheard a parent at the park say, “We don’t do tree climbing – it’s too risky.” My heart sank a little. As both a child development researcher and forest school leader, I’ve seen firsthand what children gain from tree climbing – and what they miss when they don’t get the chance.
While every family must make their own choices about acceptable risks, here’s what children might be missing when tree climbing isn’t part of their childhood:
1. Real Confidence (Not the Trophy Kind)
There’s something special about the confidence that comes from climbing a tree. It can’t be given – it must be earned.
When children miss out on tree climbing, they lose those powerful “I did it!” moments that build genuine, lasting self-belief.
2. Natural Risk Assessment Skills
Tree climbing is nature’s perfect teacher of risk assessment. Each branch presents a new decision to make.
Without these experiences, children miss crucial opportunities to develop their own internal safety radar.
3. Problem-Solving in 3D
A tree presents endless physical puzzles: Which branch next? How to get down? What route is best?
Children who don’t climb trees miss out on this unique form of spatial problem-solving that no indoor activity can replicate.
4. The Joy of Height Mastery
There’s a particular thrill in safely experiencing height – it’s part of our evolutionary heritage.
Without tree climbing, children miss the chance to gradually build comfort with height in a natural, self-paced way.
5. Connection to Nature
Tree climbing creates an intimate connection with nature. You notice bark patterns, leaf arrangements, and maybe even a bird’s nest.
Children who don’t climb miss this close-up, personal relationship with the natural world.
6. Deep Core Strength
Tree climbing engages the entire body in ways that manufactured playground equipment rarely does.
Missing out on climbing means missing a crucial form of natural, full-body strength development.
7. Resilience Building
Every climber occasionally encounters a scary moment or a failed attempt. These are golden opportunities for building resilience.
Without these challenges, children miss chances to develop emotional strength through overcoming natural obstacles.
8. The Secret World of Trees
There’s something magical about being up in a tree – a different perspective, a secret world, a place all your own.
Children who don’t climb miss experiencing these unique vantage points and the sense of wonder they bring.
9. Self-Knowledge
Tree climbing teaches children about their own capabilities, limits, and preferences in profound ways.
Without climbing experiences, children miss important opportunities to develop deep self-awareness and trust in their own judgment.
The most important thing to remember? It’s never too late to start.
Even if your child hasn’t climbed trees before, they can begin gradually, safely, and at their own pace.
Want to get started? Find a tree with low, strong branches. Stay close but resist the urge to help too much.
Let your child develop their own relationship with climbing at their own speed.
Have your children discovered the joy of tree climbing? What changes have you noticed in them since they started? Share your stories below!
What benefits have you seen from tree climbing in your family? Let’s celebrate this timeless childhood activity together!
