When school is out for summer and your children are at home for most of the day, it’s time to get creative and find a way to keep them entertained until they’re back in the classroom. Regardless of the weather, children love to play in the outdoors, so erecting a playhouse in the garden could be the perfect addition to your home.
There are plenty of pre-designed options out there but where’s the fun in that? Painting and decorating one with your children will create a one-of-a-kind structure that you can personalize to their characters. Embarking on the project as a family will bring lasting memories and sentimental value to the playhouse you create. Let your imagination run wild and create a truly inspirational space that they’ll love to spend time in; you can even involve them in the design process too. Make a list of all the features you want to include and then start sourcing the materials you’ll need. Here’s a step-by-step guide of how to create the perfect playhouse:
Purchase a Shed
Firstly you’ll need to purchase a basic shed that will be the canvas for all your creative ideas. Think about where it’s going to be located in the garden and the space you have available before committing to a size. You do not usually need planning permission for a shed, but it might be best to check with you’re local authority first and maybe notify the neighbors if any of them can see into your garden, it’s best to keep everyone onside and avoid arguments. Kit SuperStore has an amazing variety of sheds to choose with plenty of sizes available that should fit any garden space, which you can view on their website KitSuperStore.com.
Depending on the type of soil in your garden, you may want to add a wooden decking structure underneath the shed to ensure it is stable and doesn’t sink into the ground over time. When you’ve had the shed delivered and set it in the correct position in the garden, the real fun can truly begin.
Buy Some Paint
Every outdoor playhouse should be vibrant and eye-catching so think about the color palette you’re going to use throughout the build. Chat to your children and pick a theme they’ll enjoy, it could be based under the sea, jungle-themed, an African safari tent or a fairytale castle. Whichever theme you go for, choose colors that will complement and enhance it.
Pick a variety of paint pots that can be used to add patterns and characters to the walls. Don’t forget to buy weather-resistant brands that can withstand the elements all year round, it would be terrible to watch your hard work wash away the minute the heavens open, and the rain starts to pour.
Think about Lighting
Even on a bright and sunny morning, the inside of a playhouse can be dark and hidden in shadows as the windows are rarely very big. Think about adding some lighting to make the space more welcoming and bright. Fairy lights are a great addition to outdoor structures, and a lot of them can be powered by batteries if you don’t have access to an outdoor electricity source. They come in a whole range of designs and patterns so pick ones that fit in well with your theme.
If you want to add some twinkly lights to the outside of the playhouse, solar-powered brands will last much longer and save you a bit of money in the long run.
Add some Furniture
No outdoor playhouse is complete without furniture. Pick pieces where your children can sit and read their favorite book, draw their favorite cartoon character, and write their first story. Plastic furniture is probably best as it won’t be affected by damp conditions and muddy boots, but you can always add any unwanted household items into the mix if there’s room.
Include all the Accessories
Fill the space with an abundance of toys and games that will keep your children entertained for hours. From sandpits to water guns, opt for outdoor-friendly options here that would usually be banned inside the home. A dressing up box is a wonderful thing to include, especially if it is full of costumes that complement the theme of the playhouse.
Little ones love to get messy and dirty, and it’s great for them to be allowed to do so during certain times of the day. Getting this type of play out of their system in the garden will hopefully result in a tidier house throughout the holidays, just make sure muddy wellies are left at the door.
Don’t forget Storage Space
Children seem to have an endless amount of toys and games that are routinely unpacked and thrown around. Their short attention span means they quickly jump from one cuddly teddy to the next and before you know it every item in the playhouse is piled up on the floor, making it impossible to navigate around.
Add some essential shelves and storage boxes where toys can be tidied away easily at the end of the day. Large wicker baskets are great for throwing stuffed toys into, and shelving space can be used to sort coloring books and games.
Outdoor Heating
It might also be worth investing in some outdoor heating if you’re really pulling out all the stops. This will extend the time your children can play outdoors without them getting too cold during the autumn and winter months. Opt for child-friendly systems that are out of reach of children or placed behind an appropriate and secure guard to keep your mind at rest. A heating fan may be better than a traditional outdoor heater.
Creating an outdoor playhouse for your children will be something they will cherish as they grow up and they’ll spend hours outdoors making memories with their siblings and friends. If you keep on top of any wear and tear over the years, you’ll be able to pass it on to another family to enjoy when your children grow too old to appreciate it anymore.