How to Build a Rustic Campsite Enclosure for Toddlers
Building this large, wooden, rustic campsite play area for toddlers and preschoolers on a private campground property is essential to maintain their safety. Done correctly, it can appear a natural place for these children to play safely in the middle of the campsite. Preschoolers love playing in this wooden campsite play area, and it is the perfect way to allow little kids some room to move while maintaining their safety at the same time. As always, parents still need to watch their children.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Grove of standing, healthy trees
- Ax
- Hammer and nails
- Mallet
- Wheelbarrow
- Sandpaper
- Hand saw
Instructions
-
-
1
Choose a groove of standing, younger trees that form a circle, or a shape, that will form the enclosure. Check the trees to make sure they are clear of bees and other animals that might harm the children. These should be well-established trees at least 3 inches in diameter.
-
2
Prep the area, remove the tree stumps, fill holes with dirt and remove rocks with a wheelbarrow if needed. Grassy areas are needed inside the play area other than dirt, for obvious reasons.
-
-
3
Measure the distance around the outer trees and the distance among one tree to the next tree. This is the size of the tree you need to cut for the wooden fence around the perimeter. Using the ax, chop down some trees the desired length in a location outside the campsite.
-
4
Nail the trees you cut down in Step 3 to the standing trees in two areas. You need a tree horizontal to the ground a few inches from the ground as well as about 3 feet up. Repeat this pattern around the standing trees to provide a type of fence.
-
5
Cut other sapling trees and chop them into smaller pieces about 3 feet long with one pointed end. For the other end, use a hand saw to round the corners and sand the edges with sandpaper so they are safe if a child should fall against them.
-
6
Push the pointed ends of the sapling pieces you cut in Step 4 into the ground using a mallet and nail to the horizontal trees as you go. These sapling pieces need to be set a few inches apart around the enclosure.
-
7
Add a gate if possible for an entry point, but build the walls low enough so a parent can step over it as needed. Toss ride-on toys, dolls and other toddler-safe toys into the enclosure for a safe wooden play area for children.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
This is a perfect addition to a privately owned campsite; the toddlers are in a safe area to play and away from the dangers within the campsite.
Leaving space among the vertical sapling pieces allows toddlers to see their parents and allows the parents to watch the toddlers.
This play area for toddlers and preschoolers should be built only on private property, since most campsites will not allow you to cut trees.
Be sure to remove all sharp edges of the trees before allowing toddlers into this area. Always check inside the area to be sure no snakes or bees are present. Replace the wood as needed so this area remains safe for the toddlers.
