15 Epic Outdoor Forts for Kids (That You Can Actually Build)

by Susie ForesmanJuly 22, 2022

Whether it’s a superhero hideout or a cool reading nook, outdoor forts bring magic and wonder to everyone in on the action. Even more, they make super summer projects for kids. We’ve found 15 outdoor forts for kids and the best part? You won’t need an engineering degree to pull it off. From tree forts and teepees to A-frames and twigs, here’s where you find out everything you need to know about how to build a fort.

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Cardboard Box Fort

A cardboard box fort works just as well outside as inside (during the warm months), and we can't get over the toy bin and spyglass that have been added to the sides.

A-Frame Playhouse Fort

A-Frame outdoor fort for kids — At Home With Ashley

A is for amazing! Whether you build this sturdy A-frame playhouse yourself or make it a woodworking project for kids, the end result is astonishing. We love the step-by-step over At Home With Ashley which includes all the supplies you’ll need.

Easy No-Sew Fort

no-sew outdoor fort for kids — Raising Whasians

With a little bit of imagination, mama Christie over at Raising Whasians made this no-sew kids' outdoor fort. Throw in a flashlight, books and your little camper's favorite things, and you have a backyard oasis.

Stick Fort

This teepee fort is an inventive project that bigger kids can help to build. Grab books, snacks and other favorite items to make this fort extra sweet! We found the how-to over at How Wee Learn.

Mid-Century Play Fort

Mid-Century outdoor fort for kids — A Beautiful House

Looking for a modern outdoor fort for kids? Then this is your playhouse. We love the creativity used over at A Beautiful Mess to build this sleek yellow play fort. It even has a swing set and a slide.

A Homemade House

Kids can take fort design into their own hands with this amazing idea from Babble Dabble Do. They’ll love putting it together and painting it themselves.

Keep It Simple

Bring the spirit of an indoor blanket fort outside with this easy-to-make version from Clean Rachel Wolf. After all, the less time you spend setting it up, the more time the kids will have to play.

Up in the Trees

DIY outdoor fort for kids — Hands On As We Grow

If you’ve got good trees in your backyard and DIY skills, then this tree fort from Hands On As We Grow might be the perfect fit for you. It’s the kind of fort that can be made in a weekend and added to as time goes on.

A Cozy Teepee

Take a cue from Mama. Papa. Bubba. and craft this cute teepee in your backyard. With bamboo stakes, a king-sized sheet and clothespins, it’ll come together in five minutes.

Just Hanging Around

hula hoop outdoor fort for kids — Ikat Bag

This fort from Ikat Bag just might be your kiddo’s new favorite hangout spot. You can pick up everything you’ll need to make it at the hardware store, and your cozy tent will be ready in no time.

A-Frame Tent

Try out this A-frame tent from Babble Dabble Do, made with a convenient fort-building kit. The building process is a great way to teach kids about architecture, and the hangout area doesn’t hurt either.

Twig Fort

use sticks to make an outdoor fort for kids — Little City Farm

How cool is this twig fort by Little City Farm? It’s a project for kids since you can get your whole crew involved in gradually finding the twigs and building this outdoor fort.

Outdoor Reading Nook

If you’ve got a little bookworm on your hands, encourage them to get outside by crafting a cute fort like this one from Desde My Ventana. With pillows, a stack of books, and a few snacks on hand, they’ll be set for the whole afternoon.

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Space Rocket Fort

This last one is for all you DIY masters out there. It was a year in the making (see the YouTube video here), and you can find the instructions at Instructables.

13 Lost Skills to Teach Your Kids (& Yourself!)

by Marcea CazelAugust 23, 2020

Recent events have had parents searching for new ways to keep their kids busy. How about a few problem-solving skills that seemed lost to time? There are lots of activities from the past that teach life skills, help with math, teach time management, and are also fun! We’ve collected our favorites below—scroll down to re-discover engaging traditional life skills that your kids will love.

Don’t lose this list! Click here to save on Pinterest.

Woodworking

Kids will feel such a sense of accomplishment after building something with their own two hands. There are easy ways to get kids interested in woodworking from woodworking kits that have all the pieces you'll need to books with awesome inspiration and step-by-step instructions like Girls Who Build. Get your woodworker set up with a multi-tool like the Leatherman Curl that has tools like wire cutters, pliers and scissors.

Knitting

Have an 18" doll that needs some accessories? Knit her a loop scarf! Needlepointers.com has directions on how to knit without having needles. Best part? You don't have to know how to knit to make it.

Cooking

Cooking seems to be a lost skill with all of the options of take-out and fast food. But why not teach the importance of knowing how to cook while making it fun for kids? We've come up with some easy ideas for cooking with kids. And they won't even realize that you're teaching them time management, math skills and great techniques.

Candle Making

Candle-making is one of those lost life skills that is very easy to learn, plus, your results make great gifts! The Spruce has an easy tutorial on how to make candles, see it here.

Crochet

In fashion since the 1800s, crochet is the skill of looping yarn through a crochet hook to create a variety of items. Merry About Town has a whole series about learning how to crochet. Find out what tools you need, different yarns to use and how to read a pattern.

Sewing

Big Crazy Life has been sewing since she was a child. And now, her daughter is sewing and has even started her own mask business. According to Cam, Learning to sew from her grandmother taught her to make her clothes and helped her gain both business and life skills. You don't have to a kid's sewing machine to get started; if you don't have one—kids can learn on a regular sewing machine or even by hand.

Quilting

Once your kids learn how to sew, why not teach them to quilt? Swoodsonsays quilted with her five-year-old and said it's not as hard as you think. Her tips on what fabric to start with, tools to use, and the idea that it's fun will make it easier for everyone.

Making Jam

Not quite ready to start the kids cooking just yet? Busy Creating Memories has a simple, tasty recipe for no-cook strawberry jam that is perfect for getting the kids helping in the kitchen. And it has all the benefits of cooking, without having to turn on the stove!

Whittling

When's the last time you saw someone carving something out of wood? Usually, it's an older gentleman on a porch with a piece of wood and a knife. But Rachel McClary's girls have learned how to whittle, and she has tips on how your kids can safely whittle too. Rachel's info helps with everything from how to appropriately pick up a knife to ideas on what to start making.

Making Soap

This is both a fun craft project and experiment for kids, plus, it's a lost life skill you can continue to use at home. This fun PBS tutorial was created with kids in mind, but we also love this Good Housekeeping tutorial that will have you making soap that'll you want to use to get clean!

Origami

First invented in China in the 1st century, origami is a great way to develop fine motor skills. But there's more to origami than just making a paper fortune teller, so check out our list of origami paper crafts to get the kids making bracelets, bookmarks and more!

Flower Arranging

A beautiful flower arrangement can always cheer someone up, but it's a lost art form for many. Rhythms of Play has come up with steps that even kindergartners can learn. While you might not think of flower arranging as a life skill, Rhythms of Play says that it teaches a variety of lessons including pouring, carrying, contributing to the household and more. It'll also brighten up your house!

Pickling

Your hard work will pay off for months to come when you teach the kids how to pickle! There are lots of different veggies you can try, too, including cucumbers, onions, green beans and more. We've got an easy tutorial for pickles that's perfect for kids, click here to see it.

—Marcea Cazel

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10 Simple Carpentry Projects to Do with the Kids

by Andie HuberJuly 23, 2020

Looking for a fun way to entertain the kids while teaching them important life skills like planning, crafting and building something with their hands? Then look no further than these kid-friendly wood projects. These DIY projects are simple enough for all beginner woodworkers (even those adults who may have never wielded a hammer before). The best part? These easy woodworking crafts will bring joy, a sense of accomplishment, some good-old-fashioned quality bonding time and hours of fun long after the saw has been put away. See them all below.

Save this list on Pinterest. Just click here!

DIY Tree Swing

DIY woodworking kids — The Merry Thought

It doesn't get much easier than fastening a piece of board and rope together for a beginner wood project. The beauty of this project is how quickly it comes together—resulting in hours and hours of immeasurable fun.

Get the DIY tree swing instructions here: The Merry Thought

DIY Free Little Library

Do you love books and want to pass along your love of the written word to your community? You and the kids can easily build a free "Little Library"—a small, waterproof "bookshelf" where books are exchanged with fellow bookworms for free!

Get the DIY free Little Library instructions here: Red Tricycle

DIY Raised Garden Bed

DIY woodworking kids raised garden bed — Fine Gardening

Gardening is having a moment, and we couldn't be happier. To teach kids about growing seeds, plants and harvesting, start by building a raised garden bed or wooden planter box that they can then be responsible for. Who knows, your picky eaters may even try that eggplant or zucchini if it comes out of their special garden box.

Get the DIY raised garden bed instructions here: Fine Gardening

DIY Wooden Toybox

woodworking projects DIY kids — A Night Owl

Storage is always in short supply, but this clever DIY with casters for easy mobility will get everyone in the house excited about clean-up time. Customize the crates with paint that matches your decor or have your kids paint their name on the side, so everyone knows whose storage box is whose.

Get the DIY wooden toybox instructions here: A Night Owl

DIY Dollhouse

Woodworking Kids Dollhouse DIY — A Beautiful Mess

Dollhouses can get big (and complicated) real fast, but not with this plywood version that takes the simple concept of hinges to differentiate the rooms, all while providing an easy fold-away option when not in use.

Get the DIY dollhouse instructions here: A Beautiful Mess

DIY Birdhouse

This DIY wooden birdhouse project is awesome for two reasons. One—it's cheap. As in, you won't spend more than a couple of dollars. Two—depending on your kid's age and skill level, this project can be as easy or as hard as you'd like. If the kids are young, have them glue the parts together, or if they're older, they can assist in finishing nails.

Is modern design more your speed? Check out Ana's modern birdhouse DIY that's even cheaper to make!

Get the DIY birdhouse instructions here: Ana White

DIY Crayon Holder

This sweet desktop accessory will help keep your coloring-obsessed kid neat and organized. Using just three pieces of wood, a drill bit, glue and sandpaper, this DIY can be finished in less than a couple of hours. Don't forget to personalize the exterior with paint or stickers!

Get the DIY crayon holder instructions here: Jaime Costiglio

DIY A-Frame Tent

This easy DIY takes only a couple of hours to make but is all but guaranteed to provide hours and hours of fun. Want to extend the life of this wood project? Make this indoor tent all-weather by choosing materials like exterior paint and waterproof fabric.

Get the DIY A-frame tent instructions here: Dunn Lumber

DIY Walking Blocks

woodworking projects for kids — Nova Natural

Remember walking on cans? This version is more "clompy" than our "clanky" version but just as much fun. This easy project can be completed in less than an hour and with materials you probably already have at home.

Get the DIY walking blocks instructions here: Instructables

DIY Bee Hotel

bee hotel woodworking projects for kids — Dukes and Duchesses

Add an environmentally-friendly woodworking craft to your repertoire! This bee hotel encourages solitary bees to chill out and pollinate your garden (unlike honey bees that require more space). This is a great addition to that raised garden bed you made the weekend before!

Get the DIY bee hotel instructions here: Dukes and Duchesses

—Andie Huber

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Local Business Love from Our Bay Area Writers

by Kate LowethApril 23, 2020

These are some wild times we are living in, that’s for sure! Our crew of Bay Area writers wanted to share with you some of their favorite local businesses, spots for dinner delivery and things for kids to do while everyone is at home. Scroll through to read what we’re up to and support your favorite local businesses today!

Erin Feher (mom to two kids, ages 6 and 2) has been cooking up a storm with stellar ingredients from Other Avenues Co-Op in the Outer Sunset and weekly fresh, local fish deliveries from Sea Forager CSF, every once in a while treating everyone (herself, really) to take out from favorites Emmy's Spaghetti Shack and Hook Fish Co. Kids are kept very busy thanks to dad, who also happens to be the founder of The Butterfly Joint, a woodworking studio for kids that is offering at-home woodworking projects via local kit delivery and online instruction. Also, ALL the puzzles from Mapamundi Kids.

Kathleen Mikulis and her 10-year-old twins are enjoying the Los Altos scene, starting with amazing New York quality pies from State of Mind Pizza (with curbside pick-up). She also likes Linden Tree Books, a kid-friendly bookstore offering online story times and book clubs as well as free shipping for orders over $25. Tuesday, or better yet—Teasday—is the highlight of everyone's week with an afternoon boba tea delivery from Teaspoon.

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Nella DuBon-Koch, mother of two daughters ages 10 and 6, has been taking mommy chef breaks by supporting Wok King in San Rafael, Sol Food, Rocco’s and High Tech Burrito in Mill Valley. Her minis have been staying busy with daily classes by Youth in Arts and West America Tae Kwon Do. She is looking forward to becoming an emergency foster to a pet in need through stayhomeandfoster.org and is thankful she can count on her local-family owned pet store, Critterland, for all her pet supply needs. Meanwhile, she continues to “howl” with her community in SIP solidarity and gratitude for all the essential workers keeping us afloat during our current times.

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Kate Loweth (mom of three kids ages 12, 11 and 8) is coping with quarantine by reconnecting with long-lost friends via Zoom. Her kids are enjoying learning new skills like stop motion with Trisha Zemp and meditation with Charity Kahn (because who doesn't need a little more zen right now?). Easter basket and birthday shopping has been done with pick up from Affordable Treasures in Los Gatos. Sunday nights have been reserved for take out from local spots like Brown Chicken Brown Cow and Blue Sky Chinese.

Mae Respicio (mom of two kids, ages 10 and 12) has been guzzling ice cream while perusing beautiful pieces by local artisan Sarah Richardson of Sarah Richardson Jewelry, to figure out grandmother presents for Mother’s Day. Up next on her family’s reading list is The Fabled Life of Aesop by local kids’ author Ian Lendler, and the book that Mae is recommending to her mom friends over Zoom and wine (and possibly more ice cream) is Kept Animals, by local novelist Kate Milliken.

Sonia Gandiaga is surviving on amazing coffee from Andytown (free delivery and discounts) and natural wine from Broc Cellars (free delivery to East Bay, SF and Marin). When she needs to restock her reading material, she places an order with Green Apple Books or Black Bird. While in-person brunching has been put on hold, Sonia loves to place a pick-up order with BoaVida and for a real treat she grabs pick up from Michelin-star rated Atelier Crenn.

—Kate Loweth

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4 San Diego Build-It-Yourself Classes for Kids

by Brooke HausmanMay 13, 2015

Line up the hammer and hit the nail on the head! San Diego has a variety of build-it workshops where you and your kids can enjoy the fun off taking small pieces and building something new. Whether it’s an airplane, a tractor, or a mailbox, your little construction worker will have an awesome craft to bring home to play with or brag to their friends about. Check out these local hot spots and set up your next DIY project for the whole family.

Photo credit: TJ P. via Yelp.com

Lowe’s Home Improvement
Lowe’s offers a free Build and Grow clinic for kids ages 3 and up. The workshops are scheduled on select Saturdays, and are always at 10 a.m. for one hour. Previous projects include planter boxes, race cars, birdhouses, and more. All participants get a pair of goggles, an apron, a patch, and of course, their very own wooden craft. Friendly Lowe’s associates help little builders craft their projects into works of art. If you don’t see the clinic as you walk into the store, just ask at the Customer Service Desk. Check out the website to find your local warehouse and look at the list of clinics. Registration is always open a few weeks in advance, so make sure to register early before the clinics fill up.

Lowe’s Home Improvement
Warehouses throughout San Diego
Online: Lowes.com

Photo credit: Jessica A. via Yelp.com

Home Depot
The first Saturday of every month, Home Depot offers a free workshop designed for kids ages 5-12. Register online and arrive from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. the day of the workshop. Each kiddo receives a certificate of achievement, a Home Depot workshop apron, and a commemorative pin. They also get to keep their craft. Past projects include a toolbox, bird house, truck, picket fence photo frame, and lots more. Try to show up as close to 9 a.m. as you can since all kits and supplies are given out on a first come, first serve basis!

The Home Depot
Locations throughout San Diego
Online: homedepot.com

Photo credit: Christy Heiskala via DIY with Pro Help

DIY with Pro Help
Christy and Drew Heiskala have been in the construction industry for many years doing their own home projects as well as helping other people do theirs. Starting in May, they’ve opened their doors to families with the hope to inspire the next generation of builders. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day, join the woodworking fun on Jun. 14 to create an all-ages game that can be played for years to come. The workshop is designed for kids ages 7 – 14, but there will be building blocks available for kids 6 and under. The workshop is free with advanced registration, or $5 for drop-in attendees. Reserve a spot early as there are a limited number of spaces available (RSVP via Facebook or call 619-928-9DIY).

DIY With Pro Help
1851 5th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 928-9349
Online: diywithprohelp.com

Photo credit: Rachelle Sparks

The Children’s Woodshop Bus
What is better than getting to build your own DIY craft? Building it in a 30-foot transit bus that was transformed into a traveling woodworking workshop! The Children’s Woodshop Bus offers one-hour woodworking workshops designed for kids ages 6-10, and cost $15 per child. Each little builder has his own adjustable work station and gets to practice hammering, drilling, and turning screws to create their very own project. Check online to see where the bus will be traveling next.

The Children’s Woodshop Bus
(858) 272-5631
Online: thechildrenswoodshopbus.com

Does your kiddos like to built-it themselves? Where do you go for woodworking fun?

— Brooke Hausman

Build, Saw and Drill! A Traveling Woodworking Studio for Kids

by rtrachellesparksFebruary 18, 2015

Every kiddo wants to be dad’s little helper when it comes to using saws and hammers to build. The Children’s Woodshop Bus takes the little construction worker outside the garage and into a bus powered by creativity and power tools (think The Magic School Bus for woodworking). This 1966 bus has been completely transformed into a woodworking haven where kids waste no time hammering, sanding, measuring, screwing, drilling and sawing.

How the Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round
Sheila Dawson and her traveling woodworking business is the solution to every kid who has uttered the words, “I can do it myself!” Through her program is dubbed the same name, kids ages 4 ½ and up can put those banging noises and special skills they’ve perfected to good use in Sheila’s traveling woodworking bus.

This 72-year old retired secretary found her passion long ago when working in the garage with her late husband and their young son. Together they renovated and transformed an old bakery truck into a traveling workshop. Traveling around San Diego County, she has taught countless kids the art (and most importantly, safety) of wood working with little jingles such as “One, Two, Move the Tool,” “One, Two, Three, Wiggle In A Circle,” and “Tap, Tap, Tap, Get Your Fingers Back.” There are plenty of safety goggles, guidance, kid-sized tools, proper technique, and careful instruction that makes woodworking a safe and fun experience.

What to Build and Do
When they attend a class, kids ages 4 1/2 to 11 get real hands-on tool woodworking. The classes are one-hour long and take place at San Diego schools, YMCA locations, and other neighborhood facilities throughout San Diego. The cost is $15 per kiddo.

Little builders practice sawing, sanding, hammering, drilling, and turning screws at ten fully equipped, adjustable work stations, with every necessary piece of safety equipment and drawers-full of wooden items to choose from. Once class starts, parents are asked to step out of the bus so the kids focus their attention fully on Sheila and the class. But don’t worry: there’s time for you to snap photos of the fun at the beginning and end of each class. Every kiddo leaves class with a finished project to take home.

More Ways to Build
Woodworking birthday parties for young builders are held in October through May. They are best suited for kids ages 6-10, with a limit of ten party-goers. The mobile woodshop comes to the pre-arranged location (usually the your home or a if there’s parking for the bus, or a local park) and is available for a one-hour class. You can chose a party theme, or they can build from a variety of airplanes, boats, cars, and desktop projects.

The bus is also available to both Girl and Boy Scouts to do wood projects that meet the requirements for achievement badges. And don’t worry — the woodworking fun isn’t just for kids! Customized workshops can be arranged for preschool and kindergarten teachers who want to add woodworking skill development to their curriculum.

The Children’s Woodshop Bus
(858) 272-5631
Online: thechildrenswoodshopbus.com

How do your kiddos play with wood and power tools? Tell us in the comments below!

— Rachelle Sparks (photography too)

The Butterfly Joint: A Unique Woodworking Studio for Kids

by Christal Y.December 11, 2014

From archery lessons to finger painting sessions, the Bay Area is chock full of classes for kids of every age and interest. Danny Montoya, a San Francisco dad and former teacher, hopes to add one more totally unique offering to the Bay’s wide repertoire of kids activities: a woodworking studio called The Butterfly Joint . He recently launched a Fundable project to crowd fund the studio where kids will build and create like never before. Read on to find out what The Butterfly Joint is all about, why it’ll be a great San Francisco addition and how you can help.

What Is The Butterfly Joint?
The studio is a children’s only learning space for young carpenters ages 4 and up to get a chance to tackle wood pieces and turn them into viable creations like a book caddy, tool box, doll house, picnic boards and more. Parents who fear loose parts won’t have to worry — all items are assembled by joining slats of wood together so the results are screws and nails free, but just as sturdy… if not more.

Led by Danny Montoya (whose resume is impressively kid-centric: He’s a dad of one and spent more than a decade in the classroom as an elementary teacher at The Hamlin School and Live Oak before pursuing woodworking full-time), students will be able to expand upon their creative talents as well as develop a good work ethic. It’s all about fostering a community environment and building strong values at The Butterfly Joint. Your little woodworker’s sense of responsibility and focus will grow as she learns to care for the shop and all the equipment.

At Danny’s side is his wife, Erin Feher who is also Red Tricycle’s Bay Area Editor. The dynamic duo has high aspirations for their new venture. They envision a studio with a variety of offerings, from drop-in classes, series workshops, birthday parties to custom courses for homeschooled kiddos. Plus, the old school aspect of clocking in with punch cards and hearing the sound of a steam whistle to signify the start and end of class makes us wish we could join this children’s studio, too.

How Can You Help?
If you want to see your whittler hammering away at The Butterfly Joint in San Francisco, consider becoming a backer through their Fundable page. It’s an all or nothing fundraising model, meaning that if the startup doesn’t meet their goal, they won’t collect the funds.

Different price points signify varying packages that will go towards your experience at The Butterfly Joint. For example, $25 gets you a “thank you,” a Butterfly Join decal and a Facebook shout-out while a $300 package includes that and more like a 4-days series workshop and your name on the Charter Member Butterfly Joint Wall installation. There are nine different packages, so check out the site to see which one suits you best.

Want to learn more about The Butterfly Joint? Check out their Fundable page here.

— Christal Yuen

Cardboard Box Fort

A-Frame Playhouse Fort

Easy No-Sew Fort

Stick Fort

Mid-Century Play Fort

A Homemade House

Keep It Simple

Up in the Trees

A Cozy Teepee

Just Hanging Around

A-Frame Tent

Twig Fort

Outdoor Reading Nook

Space Rocket Fort

Related reads

Woodworking

Knitting

Cooking

Candle Making

Crochet

Sewing

Quilting

Making Jam

Whittling

Making Soap

Origami

Flower Arranging

Pickling

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DIY Tree Swing

DIY Free Little Library

DIY Raised Garden Bed

DIY Wooden Toybox

DIY Dollhouse

DIY Birdhouse

DIY Crayon Holder

DIY A-Frame Tent

DIY Walking Blocks

DIY Bee Hotel

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