Tag: backyard fort

Fabric Hammocks

Lots of you little ones will have memories of Miss Krystal tying hammocks in our play sites. This week I wonder if you can find a place you can tie one in your backyard? You will need to find two sturdy trees at least your whole arms width apart or a little farther. Or if you have a big tree you can try tying your hammock into it’s branches like we did.

You will need:

  • a grown-up (to reach branches and tie knots)
  • two large trees or branches (at least an arms length apart)
  • a piece of fabric as long as a child (a sheet, a tarp, table cloth. Lots of things will work)
  • two lengths of para cord
  • Step 1: Tie a knot in one corner of the fabric.
  • Step 2: Wrap the paracord around the fabric above the knot several times and tie off with a basic knot.
  • Step 3: Pull tight.










    I don’t use a fancy knot here because this knot is going to take A LOT of strain and I’d like to be able to undo it eventually.
  • Repeat steps 1-3 on the kitty-corner.
    The diagonally opposite corner as shown.
    Note the kitty at the opposite corner ; )
  • Step 5: Hang.






    I generally loop the rope around the branch twice as I find it gets less movement that way and stays high longer.
  • You will probably have to adjust the height a few times until it is perfect.
  • Here I tie a Prusik knot with a quick release bite instead of pulling all the way through. Again this knot is going to take a TON of stress so if you want to undo it….take precautions.
  • It should look something like this.
    Corners flapping in the wind.
    I may have put the cat in the hammock.












  • Test and play!
    I teach children how to get into a hammock bum first but if they don’t listen I am content to be mildly entertained while they fail. Falling out a few times seems to teach caution best
  • Children love to wrap themselves with the flaps created by the corners. It’s a bit tricky to spread it out enough to get in by yourself so this is where it’s nice to have siblings.

To the grown up:

One of the most versatile things you can have in a toy box is a lightweight sheet of fabric. It can be a roof or a wall, a bed or a blanket, a cape or a creek; the possibilities are only limited by your imagination…..and knot tying abilities…. and maybe your willingness to wreck the fabric.

But seriously an old bed sheet, a ground tarp that’s lost it’s water proofing, a piece of fabric, an old shower curtain, any of these things is fort fodder and worth a spot in your toy collection.

Backyard Campout

A few weeks ago you might remember I warned you that I was going to suggest your children camp in your backyard. It’s finally here. May Long Weekend. While some of you might have been watching the weather and decided last weekend was gorgeous and planned a camping trip (we spent most of last weekend outside) for the rest of us this long weekend brings some time for an adventure, close to home.

Here we go.

Step 1: Pick a campsite

At some point in time this week have your child scout out a location for your campsite.
Hopefully they have created a special corner of the yard somewhere, that place is just for them; your campsite will be near but not there.

Decide together. You’ll get more buy in from your child if you ask for their input.

Step 2: Pitch a tent.

One or two days before you plan to camp out put up a tent in your backyard. If you don’t have a tent, no worries! You and your child now have all the skills you need to make one. So find some rope and a sheet and get to work.

I also have tents folks can borrow if you like.

Step 3: Fill the tent.

The night of your planned camp out hand your child their packing list from their kit and ask them to choose and pack the 6 things on the list into the tent.

Step 4: Make a bed.

Find your favorite stuffy and a pillow. It’s time to make your bed in the backyard and start discussing with your little one that you plan to spend the whole night outside. Camping can be scary for littles so a conversation can help set the stage and ease some fears.

I read a pile of backyard camping articles and this one had some delightful ideas and outlines the benefits of camping in your backyard with young children.