
DIY Living Playhouse for Kids: Create magical outdoor spaces with natural materials
In today’s digital age, where children are often glued to screens, fostering their connection with nature is more important than ever. One delightful way to encourage outdoor play is by creating a living playhouse, crafted from natural materials like bamboo canes, tree branches, and willow rods. Not only does this provide a unique and enchanting play space for children, but it also promotes sustainability and eco-conscious living. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore two simple yet magical living playhouse ideas using bamboo canes and willow rods, along with step-by-step instructions for their construction.
- The Bamboo Teepee Playhouse:
- Bamboo teepees are one of the easiest and most charming living playhouse ideas available. Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it:
- Materials: 10 long bamboo canes or tree branches (6ft long), runner bean seeds, garden twine, chicken wire, compost/manure, organic slug pellets.
- Construction Steps: First, arrange the bamboo canes in a circle and secure them at the top to form a teepee structure. Cover the teepee with chicken wire to create a sturdy frame. Plant runner bean seeds around the base of the canes and provide proper care and maintenance as they grow. Once the plants reach a height of 6 inches, wrap the shoots around the canes and secure them with twine. Add mulch or lawn clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- The Willow Rods Playhouse:
- Willow rod playhouses offer a whimsical and natural retreat for children to explore. Here’s how to create one:
- Materials: 1 large bundle of 1, 2, and 3-year-old green willow rods (6ft or longer), weed-suppressing membrane or straw.
- Construction Steps: Begin by laying down a weed-suppressing membrane in the desired location for the playhouse. Plant the 3-year-old willow rods to form the main frame of the den, leaving openings for the entrance and windows. Use 2-year-old rods for vertical support and 1-year-old rods for diagonal weaving. Over time, new growth will fill in the gaps and create a lush green canopy. Enhance the playhouse with climbing plants like sweet peas, grapevines, or sunflowers, and consider planting mosquito-repelling herbs for added comfort.

- Benefits of Living Playhouses:
- Living playhouses offer numerous benefits for children and the environment:
- Encourages outdoor play and exploration
- Fosters a deeper connection with nature
- Promotes sustainability and eco-friendly practices
- Provides a unique and imaginative play space
- Enhances physical activity and sensory experiences
Conclusion:
In conclusion, creating a living playhouse using natural materials like bamboo canes and willow rods is a wonderful way to inspire children’s creativity and imagination while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s a bamboo teepee or a willow rod den, these enchanting structures offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. By embracing sustainable living practices and harnessing the beauty of nature, we can create magical outdoor spaces where children can thrive and grow. Let’s embark on this eco-friendly journey and build a brighter, greener future for generations to come.
