| Our kids spend way too much time stuck on the | | | | Lay a long piece of wood between each post and |
| couch playing video games. Isn't it about time they | | | | nail them together. Be sure all your corners are |
| used their imagination instead? Building an outdoor | | | | square. It saves time in the long run! |
| playhouse is a great way to get them started. It | | | | Nail another long piece to the top of each section. |
| doesn't take much in the way of time or materials | | | | Add 2x4 studs to the wall every 3 feet. Be sure to |
| and it's an easy project you can tackle on a | | | | frame up a window on 2 of the sides as well as a |
| Saturday. Pretty soon your child will be pirating the | | | | doorway. |
| Caribbean, or having a tea party. All they need to get | | | | Clad the exterior in plywood and then paint it a |
| the imagination flowing is a little bit of your time and | | | | vibrant color. |
| know how. Learning how to make an outdoor | | | | Now add the roof. A couple pieces of plywood |
| playhouse only takes a few simple steps. | | | | should be all you need. It doesn't have to be fancy, |
| Choose a spot where you can keep an eye on your | | | | let your child's imagination take over instead. Just |
| kids! If you just happen to build the playhouse where | | | | make sure it's built high enough for them to stand up |
| you can see it from the living room window they | | | | in! |
| won't notice, but you'll feel safer being able to check | | | | A great added feature is a secret escape door. |
| up on them. | | | | Simply cut out a small hole in the back of the |
| Kids have great imaginations, so you won't need to | | | | playhouse. Put some hinges and latch on a piece of |
| build anything elaborate for them to come up with all | | | | scrap plywood and mount it over the hole. This little |
| sorts of play ideas. All you need are 4 walls, a | | | | added feature is one of those things that you learn |
| doorway, and a couple windows. | | | | how to make an outdoor playhouse fun. Let your |
| Be sure to buy lumber that isn't pressure treated! | | | | son or daughter "discover" the secret door, they'll be |
| The chemicals used are toxic and could harm your | | | | thrilled and it will add a whole new dimension to their |
| children. | | | | play. |
| Pick up some lumber and building supplies, break out | | | | Pretty simple set up isn't it? It's an easy weekend |
| your saw and start building. | | | | design. Now it's time for the reward. Your son or |
| Start off with a thick layer of play box sand for the | | | | daughter can now let their imagination roam free. Of |
| floor. Just dump a few wheelbarrows full of sand and | | | | course now you have the couch back and can turn |
| smooth it out nice and level. | | | | on the game, that's just an added benefit of learning |
| Next sink four corner posts square to each other. | | | | how to make an outdoor playhouse. |