Backyard Climbing Dome Ideas: Games, Accessories, and Winter Igloo Fun
Creative Climbing Dome Fun: Games & Gear for Endless Backyard Play
If you’ve got a climbing dome in your backyard (or are thinking about getting one), here are some fun games to try and accessories to step it up. As a mom of four, I can tell you this is one of those toys that grows with your kids. This is the Lifetime Climbing Dome we own and love. We chose the larger size—5.5' tall by 11' wide (66 inches)—so our kids could grow into it and enjoy it for years to come.
Whether they’re monkeying around like wild jungle explorers or quietly reading in their own little “fort,” a climbing dome becomes the backdrop for all kinds of childhood adventures.
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Quick story (and warning): We thought it’d be magical to surprise the kids by building this dome in the garage on Christmas Eve while they slept. Three freezing hours later—fingers numb, marriage slightly tested—it was finally done. 10/10 would not recommend assembling in 20° Michigan weather... but hey, the kids loved it.
If your climbing dome hasn’t gotten much love from your kids recently, here are some easy, mom-approved games and accessories to take your dome play to the next level—without needing a Pinterest-level setup or hours of planning.
Fun Climbing Dome Games
1. The Floor is Hot Lava
An all-time favorite! Pretend the ground is lava, and kids have to climb and hang without touching the grass. Add pillows or mats underneath if you're nervous about tumbles.
2. Spy Mission / Ninja Training
Give them a mission: get from one side of the dome to the other using only certain bars, retrieving bandanas or in a set amount of time. Extra bonus points for sneaky music, ninja outfits or black spy glasses.
3. Capture the Flag: Dome Edition
Tie a bandana or “flag” at the top of the dome. Kids race to climb and grab it—great for building upper-body strength in a fun way.
4. Animal Safari
Each kid picks an animal and has to act it out while climbing—think monkey, sloth, squirrel, bear, or even an owl.
5. Climbing Bingo
Make a simple Bingo card with actions like “hang upside down,” “touch the top bar,” “climb through the middle,” etc. Mark them off as they go!
Create an obstacle course with the dome and other backyard materials
6. Obstacle Course Challenge
Set up a backyard obstacle course that starts (or ends) at the dome. Use cones, tunnels, hula hoops, pool noodles—whatever you’ve got! Time them and see who’s fastest.
Helpful Accessories to Add
1. Cargo Net or Climbing Rope
Many dome brands sell tons of climbing dome accessories from add-on ropes or cargo nets. These boost confidence and coordination—and make climbing more interesting for younger kids.
2. Dome Tent Cover or Hammock Attachment
Turn your dome into a secret hideout! You can buy tent covers (some are weatherproof), or rig a hammock underneath for cozy reading time or shade. My children love to chill in their Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Hammock, we currently have 3 of them we use for camping and with our dome.
3. Solar String Lights
Wrap them around the top bars and turn your dome into a magical nighttime fort. Bonus: it’s a fun way to encourage outdoor time after dinner.
4. Hanging Rings or Swing Accessories
If your dome is sturdy enough and the company okays it, you can clip on rings or even a small saucer swing underneath. saucer swing.
5. Climbing Gloves
Great for kids who get sore hands easily or want to play in colder weather without slipping.
6. Safety Mats
If your little ones are still working on coordination (or if you have hard ground), a few gym-style mats around the base can offer peace of mind.
Create a Climbing Dome Igloo in the Winter
Transform your climbing dome into a magical igloo to extend your time outdoors. I first saw this idea in an 1000 hours outside group and loved it. Here are two great options for how to make your backyard climbing dome into a igloo for the winter months. When the ground is frozen solid you won’t need a tarp underneath, but once it begins to thaw adding a ground tarp helps contain the mud.
Durable igloo dome cover -Make your job super easy with this Amazon dome cover. This item is weather resistant and durable- perfect for long winter months.
climbing dome igloo cover
2. DIY dome One cheaper method is to wrap the entire structure in Industrial strength packing stretch wrap ($20 for a huge roll). This creates a clear dome, until the snow begins to cover it. Wrap tightly and cut out a triangle to create the entrance. One package should suffice. Add these twinkle lights to create a warm cozy ambience.
Final Thoughts
I love anything that keeps my kids active, creative, and outside—and our climbing dome checks all those boxes. The best part? It doesn’t need batteries, it doesn’t make noise, and it encourages imagination every single time they use it. Whether they’re scaling the “mountain,” building a fort, creating a igloo or pretending to be spies on a mission, the possibilities really are endless.
If you’re looking for something to add to your backyard that grows with your kids, give the climbing dome a try. And with a few simple add-ons and games, you’ll get even more mileage out of it—no screens required. Follow Discovering Anew for more content to keep your kids outdoors longer.
