Playgrounds today are complex wood play sets that feature swings, slides, and monkey bars for children to enjoy. To make the ideal adventure playground, why not attempt to build a sturdy structure that will provide years of fun and entertainment.

 

You will need 2 x 4’s, 4 x 4’s, and 2 x 6’s that range from 8 to 12 feet in length as well as one inch decking screws to secure the wood playground equipment. If you desire to have monkey bars on the playground, you will need galvanized piping for the rungs. Also, make sure to have soft mulch and sand to add finishing touches to the wooden play set.

 

The Frame

 

The climbing tower is going to be the tallest part of the structure, so the four base legs are going to be made from the 12 foot 4 x 4 boards. Connect these boards with decking screws to 2 x 4’s to develop the desired area of the tower. These boards need to be at the base of the tower for the sandbox and about midway up, to create a second level with a slide. It is also advised to attach them at the top of the structure for added stability. If you plan to make the tower enclosed, it is important to cut the boards at the top of the structure at a 35 degree angle to accommodate the A-framed canopy.

 

The Second Floor

 

Once the frame is complete, it is time to build the deck for the children to walk on the second floor. Make sure the boards are tightly organized and secure them with decking screws. Also build a fenced wall on the second floor to assure that small children cannot fall from the platform, leaving openings for access to the ladder, slide, and monkey bars. At this point, attach the slide and the ladder to the appropriate location. If you decide to build the ladder, make sure to notch the top so that it fits snugly against the tower. You can also put together the monkey bars at this point, attaching them firmly to the tower at one end and a sturdy ladder at the other. Support beams are highly recommended for this ladder to give the structure some additional strength.

 

Finishing Touches

 

To complete the adventure playground, attach swings and a trapeze bar to one side of the monkey bars and add sand to the area at the base of the tower. Test out the new playground and make sure it is safe for your children. Do yearly repairs on the wood to maintain the playground and if you are up to the task, you can even expand the playground to make a bigger playground down the line.

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