A Very Doable Pinterest-Worthy Play Gym Basement

Winter’s Here: Let the Kids Go Bananas—Indoors!

Ah, winter. That magical time when the air is crisp, the sweaters are cozy, and the kids are climbing the walls. Literally. It’s freezing out, the sun sets at lunchtime (or so it feels), and you’re left wondering what to do with your tiny human tornadoes until bedtime. You’d love to take them to an indoor gym to burn off some energy, but realistically, after a long day of work and school, who has the energy to bundle them up, drive across town, and then hover by the rock wall to make sure they don’t fall off it sideways?

What if you could bring that glorious indoor gym experience home? You know the type—those dreamy Pinterest playrooms that pop up while scrolling. The ones with sleek slides, colorful ropes, monkey bars attached to the ceiling, and tasteful Scandi-chic decor. The kind of playroom that makes you think, ‘if only I had this, I’d be the calm, fun, patient parent I planned to be.’

Reality check: Most of us don’t have a spare 1,200 square feet or an interior designer on speed dial. But what if we told you that you don’t need a sprawling basement or an architect to pull this off? What you do need:

• A little creativity (provided here!)
• Some (relatively inexpensive) supplies from Amazon, scroll on
• A very, very patient handyman—or husband willing to take on the project with questionable confidence.

Step 1: Pick Your Play Gym Staples

• Hanging Rings and Swings
• Monkey Bars: Yes, they sell these online, and no, you don’t need to hire an acrobat to install them
• Climbing wall –or for less hassle and more use, a cargo net is recommended 
• Ninja hanging course 
• Ball or foam pit
• Mats or play couches: For when the “controlled chaos” goes less than controlled. Bonus: They’re great for yoga! (Or, realistically, flopping down in exhaustion.)
• A pretty wall mural if you want to be extra

Step 2: Think Vertical (Because Floorspace is a Myth)

If you’re staring at your playroom thinking, Where would this even go? Look up. Vertical space is your best friend. Wall-mounted climbing panels or cargo nets can turn a boring wall into a fun challenge. Just don’t skimp on the screws. Trust me—this is not the time to test gravity.

Step 3: Accept That it Won’t Be Perfect (But it Will Be Fun) & Embrace the Chaos

• No, your play space will not look like those dreamy Instagram playrooms with muted pastels and matching storage bins. (Who are these people anyway?) Your monkey bars might not align perfectly with the ceiling beams, and your kids will probably use the rings as some kind of Tarzan-sling-shot hybrid. But here’s the thing: they’ll love it. They’ll climb, swing, spin, and collapse in a sweaty heap just in time for bath and bed. And that’s the dream, isn’t it?

Remember you’re (not really) building this for aesthetics. You’re building it for survival (and yes, the smile on their faces). You’re building it so that you can sip your coffee while your kids bounce off the walls (literally), instead of the couch cushions. And who knows? Maybe this is the year you’ll finally feel like the parent you always wanted to be—the one who survives winter with a little less cabin fever.

So grab those long screws and let the fun begin. After all, a mini indoor play gym might just be the best investment you make all season.

(Handyman fees not included.)

PS – this should go without saying, but do ensure whoever is installing is adept at finding and securing to beams properly and that all screws and hooks have high enough weight limits.

Real life play gym using links below!

Real life play gym using links below: