The Ultimate Guide to Building Awesome Tree Houses for Kids
Do you remember dreaming of having your own treehouse as a kid? Imagining the adventures you could have and the memories you could create in your very own fort in the trees? Well, now as a parent, you have the opportunity to make those dreams a reality for your children. Building a treehouse can be a fun and rewarding project that will provide endless hours of entertainment for your little ones. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 27 awesome treehouse ideas for kids, providing you with inspiration and tips to create the perfect treehouse for your family.
Why Build a Treehouse for Your Kids?
Before we dive into the different treehouse ideas, let’s take a moment to understand why building a treehouse for your kids can be so beneficial. Here are a few reasons to consider embarking on this exciting project:
- Encourages Outdoor Play: In today’s digital age, children spend less time playing outside. A treehouse provides a fun and exciting outdoor space where kids can engage in imaginative play and physical activity.
- Fosters Creativity: A treehouse is a blank canvas for creativity. Kids can transform it into their own magical world, sparking their imagination and creative thinking.
- Promotes Independence: Having their own space in a treehouse allows kids to feel a sense of independence and ownership. It can be a place where they can make decisions and explore the world on their own terms.
- Builds Relationships: Working together as a family to build a treehouse can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. It’s a project that everyone can participate in and enjoy together.
Now that we’ve established the benefits of building a treehouse, let’s explore some amazing treehouse ideas that will inspire you to create the perfect play space for your kids.
1. Layers of Fun
This two-story treehouse from Living Edge Treehouses & Edible Landscapes provides plenty of spots to sit and play. With a cargo net passage connecting a simple tree platform to a raised shelter, it’s an ideal setting to hang out and catch the breeze on a warm summer day.
2. Toddler-Friendly Tree House
For your little ones, consider a pint-size tree-stump palace like the one spotted on Made With Happy. With a cheery yellow interior, clean blue-and-white striped curtains, and a short drop to the grass below, it’s the perfect starter home for an adventurous toddler.
3. Rustic Simplicity
Incorporating organic materials and scrap lumber, this rustic treehouse by Whitney Lyons blends nicely into its garden surroundings. The bucket on a pulley adds a touch of whimsy and functionality, perfect for passing secret messages to friends above.
4. Custom Tree Fort
Spotted on Houzz, this custom tree fort from Stout Design-Build is a childhood dream come true. Featuring swings, a slide, and a rock-climbing wall, this multi-deck tree house offers endless hours of fun and adventure for kids.
5. Pallet Wood Tree House
Repurpose pallets to create a cozy hideaway for your kids. Add cushions, pillows, blankets, and fairy lights to transform a simple pallet wood treehouse into a comfortable retreat that will entertain your children all summer long.
6. Simple Slat House With Modern Appeal
For a contemporary twist on the classic treehouse, consider a design with rich tigerwood slats and floating stairs. This modern steel-frame treehouse by Austin Outdoor Design is both fun for the kids and a beautiful art piece for your yard.
7. Hammock Hangout
Create a relaxing hangout spot with a four-post platform treehouse that leaves plenty of room for comfy hammocks suspended below the main deck. Your kids can have fun playing up top and then unwind in the hammocks below with a good summer read.
8. Modern Beauty
With clean lines, a steel foundation, and corrugated plastic walls, this modern playhouse by Studio 30 Architectsis as aesthetically appealing as it is fun for the kids. The plastic walls protect the interior from the elements, ensuring hours of enjoyment.
9. Double the Fun
A beautiful woodland treehouse by Barbara Butler utilizes two neighboring trees to double the aerial play space. With one tree house and an open platform connected by a cargo net bridge, there are endless ways for kids to climb, play, and explore.
10. The Cube
For a visually striking treehouse design, consider a wood-slat cube that is easy to replicate with straight wood cuts. The simple yet eye-catching design by Naço Architectures is both budget-friendly and aesthetically pleasing, making it a perfect addition to any backyard.
11. Simple Chevron Tree House
Blogger Carrie Bloomston transformed reclaimed wood into an artful and visually exciting play space with a rustic chevron design. While the tree was too small to support a tree house, a freestanding platform serves as a cozy spot to read and enjoy the nice weather.
12. Hobbit Hole Tree House
For a whimsical touch, consider a hobbit-inspired hideout like the one from ghettocottageon Instructables. Tucked snugly against the ground and covered with a grassy roof, this charming treehouse blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, providing a magical play space for kids.
13. Texture-Rich Tree House
Add depth and dimension to a simple plywood playhouse with cedar shake shingles and a corrugated metal roof. This texture-rich design by Shannon of Dirt Digging Sisters incorporates a sapling tree into the structure, ensuring it grows into its new digs for years of enjoyment.
14. Pirate Hideout
Let your little ones live out their pirate dreams with a pirate treehouse complete with a Jolly Roger flag. This ultimate pirate hangout by johnkry19on Autodesk Instructables features decking boards, a roof made of OSB board, and a front porch with a premade railing for added flair.
15. Tree House With Knee Braces
This treehouse plan by Village Custom Furniture features knee braces for stability, ensuring a safe and secure play space for kids. With detailed instructions on building a simple platform and installing ladders and gates, this treehouse is a perfect DIY project for the whole family.
16. Trapdoor Tree Deck
Kristen Duke and her family built an open-air tree deck with three hinged trapdoors, corner seats, and a fully functional staircase. Supported by posts set in concrete, this tree deck provides an elevated play space with plenty of room for imaginative adventures.
17. Ultimate Treehouse
Elevate your treehouse game with a four-level play area that includes slides, sandboxes, and even electricity. This ultimate treehouse by hotrodz0321 features reclaimed wood, thrift store windows, and a roof made of asphalt shingles for durability and longevity.
18. A-Frame Treehouse
Begin your treehouse building journey with a classic A-frame design, like the one shared by David and Jeanie Stiles with Outdoor Life. Using support posts and the tree as the third support point, this simple yet sturdy treehouse is a great starting point for beginners.
19. Corner Tree Fort
For a faster and easier building process, consider a corner tree fort with premade building materials. This treehouse foundation is supported by three posts set in poured cement, with prefabricated fencing and railings adding privacy and style to the structure.
20. Redwood Tree Deck
Utilize the natural beauty of redwood trees to create a stunning tree deck like the one built by shawnconna. With a spiderweb support system for the floor platform, reclaimed wood railings, and fun additions like a fireman’s pole and cargo net, this tree deck is perfect for adventurous kids.
21. A Platform in the Trees
If you’re concerned about damaging trees, consider building a platform in the trees instead of on them. This tree-encircled platform made from pressure-treated lumber is a budget-friendly option that provides a safe and fun play space for kids without harming the trees.
22. Treehouse Tucked Between Two Oaks
Construct a treehouse between two oak trees for a unique and spacious play area. By building the house components in a garage and assembling them in place, you can ensure precision and quality in the final structure. Add finishing touches like a hidden trapdoor for added excitement.
23. Treehouse for Two Neighboring Families
For shared play space, consider building a treehouse that straddles two property lines, providing access to both families. With one tree serving as a support point and three posts set in concrete for stability, this collaborative treehouse is a perfect space for kids to play and create memories together.
24. Tree Deck for Younger Children
This treehouse from Buildeasy is designed with smaller children in mind, featuring a staircase with a handrail, a slide, and swing. The deck, supported by in-ground posts set in concrete, can be modified for older children by incorporating a ladder for added challenge.
25. Exercise Tree Fort
Create an active play space for kids with a 12-foot tall treehouse and exercise playground like the one by Katie Wells. Featuring a rock climbing wall, zipline, hammock chairs, and more, this tree fort provides endless opportunities for physical activity and fun.
26. Treehouse With Porch
Secure your treehouse to a tree with corner posts for added stability. This design by bloomie972on Autodesk Instructables includes a trapdoor, a front porch, a shingled roof, and a fully functioning front door for a cozy and welcoming play space for kids.
27. The Owl House in the Woods
Set a freestanding treehouse in the woods for a secluded and magical play space. Featuring bunks, a dutch door, and a pulley system for lifting items, this treehouse is a charming retreat surrounded by nature.
With these 27 awesome treehouse ideas for kids, you have plenty of inspiration to kickstart your treehouse building project. Whether you choose a simple design with reclaimed materials or a more elaborate structure with multiple levels and features, building a treehouse is a rewarding experience that will create lasting memories for your family. So grab your tools, gather the family, and start building your very own treehouse today!
