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A play house is a great addition to a playground that encourages imaginative, pretend play. Play houses also provide a protected cubby for kids seeking refuge from the noise and bustle of the playground. The "Haunted House" play house is a simple design with slated sides to allow airflow and light in, as well as the ability for adults to maintain supervision. 

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own Haunted House.  (Must create user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element? Join our community and submit your designs here.

The "Dragonfly" was inspired when we realized just how comfortable a seat the "Motorbike" makes.

(Photo: Playground Ideas, Brazil)

The "Dragonfly" is built from half-buried tires and bolted tread, and can accomodate many children (or adults) at once. 

(Photo: Ana Cristina Garcia Cabezas, Guatemala)

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own Dragonfly.  (Must create user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element? Join our community and submit your designs here.

The "Double Drum" is a great way to add a musical dimension to your playspace.

(Photo: Playground Ideas – Rwanda)

Drums can be built from metal oil barrels, plastic water drums, or plastic buckets. If using metal, be sure to hammer the edges down or bend them under so there are no exposed sharp edges. 

(Photo: Ana Cristina Garcia Cabezas – Guatemala)

(Photo: Playground Ideas, Rwanda)

The great thing about this element is that it attracts all ages. We've built it at a toddler daycare and a highschool, and the drums were well used in both spaces. Remember to measure the drum height to the appropriate age group that will be using the space. You can also put the drums at different heights to encourage multi-age use. The tiered drums below were built at a playspace at the dormitory of a vocational school for teenage mothers and their children. The drums were fixed at adult and toddler height to facilitate use by both the mothers and their children. 

(Photo: Playground Ideas, Uganda)

The "Double Drum" is also a great element to add a performance space or stage. 

(Photo: Playground Ideas, Rwanda)

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own Double Drum.  (Must create user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element? Join our community and submit your designs here.

Jennifer Kelliher is a landscape architect, living and working in Kunming, China. She is a guest writer for the Playground Ideas blog, sharing her knowledge and passion for children's play spaces.

The “Balance Beam Tire Variation” is a great ground element to add an obstacle course between other play elements. Linking multiple beams and tires gives kids a balance challenge while having fun racing across.

Follow the link to get the step-by-step instructions for building your own Balance Beam.  (Must create user account to see full instructions.)

Got an idea for a playground element? Join our community and submit your designs here.