- 1). Decide on the play area based on available natural shade and easy sight lines. Optimize by combining natural shade (trees and trellises) and man-made shade (walls, playhouse, awnings). Consider time of day when the playhouse is most used, as well as the season; shade and shadow shift and change constantly.
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Experiment with the boxes on how you want your shaded play area configured. Glue the final design together using paint brushes and glue. - 3). Chalk in windows and doorways, then cut them out. Use these discarded pieces to decorate later.
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Paint the whole structure any color combination the kids desire. Amp the fun by mixing colors to create new ones. Decorate by using cut-out pieces from windows and doorways; extra panels can create a roof. - 5). Consider laying ground sheeting and pea gravel inside the play area and out --- wherever a fall can occur. Make the ground soft, easily drained and easy to move around with proper depth to break a fall. Putting soft ground material has its pros and cons, so weigh the best option for your kids.
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Accessorize with plastic dinnerware, play food made from left-over cardboard and painted with left-over tempera, blankets/sleeping bags, favorite books, art supplies ... you get the idea. In a "village," add their own pool, billiards table --- even a playground. A playground definitely needs a fall protection system like soft ground material.
