From Tree to Play: Creating a Nature Playground with Tree Rounds
In the aftermath of a powerful storm, an old lark tree succumbed to the forces of nature and fell. Rather than letting it go to waste - or just use it as firewood -, we decided to repurpose the fallen tree into a unique nature playground for our children. The process began by cutting the large branches and the main trunk into sizeable rounds, offering endless possibilities for imaginative play and exploration.
This is part of our Nature Playground Series. Click here for more inspiring play ideas and enchanting adventures to establish your own captivating nature playground!
The tree rounds, varying in size from large to small, became the foundation of our nature playground. The larger rounds were carefully placed as permanent fixtures, creating stepping stones and platforms for climbing and balancing. The smaller rounds, easily movable by the children, provided the freedom to construct their own obstacle courses, encouraging creativity and physical activity.
To enhance the play opportunities, we incorporated sturdy boards into the mix. These one to two-inch thick boards became versatile elements, enabling the children to create seesaws, build structures, and connect the tree rounds into interconnected pathways. The combination of tree rounds and boards allowed for a dynamic and ever-changing play environment.
The kids quickly ventured from tree-stump to tree-stump, overcoming obstacles, and inventing stories in their nature playground. The natural textures and rustic charm of the tree rounds added an enchanting element to their imaginative play. As they explore the unique features of the tree rounds, they develop physical coordination, problem-solving skills, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Exploring Play Opportunities with Tree Stumps and Rounds:
Seesaws and Balancing Boards: Placing a sturdy board on the rounded side of a large tree stump creates an instant seesaw. Children can take turns balancing and teetering, developing their core strength and balance.
Rolling and Balancing: The larger tree rounds can be rolled and balanced upon, providing a thrilling adventure as children test their coordination and stability. Walking across a rolling round becomes an exciting challenge of agility and control.
Jumping and Hopping: The tree stumps can be arranged in a strategic pattern, allowing children to jump from stump to stump, refining their jumping skills and spatial awareness. They can create their own hopping courses, challenging themselves to navigate from one stump to another.
Obstacle Course Construction: With the assortment of tree stumps and rounds, children can design intricate obstacle courses. They can arrange the stumps in different formations, incorporating jumps, balance beams, and crawling challenges. This fosters problem-solving, creativity, and physical coordination.
Stump Islands and Imaginative Play: By rolling a large tree stump onto a grassy area, an "island" is created where children can let their imaginations run wild. They can use the stump as a base for storytelling adventures or as a focal point for games like "the ground is lava." The stump becomes a central feature in their imaginative play.
Discovering Hidden Worlds: Over time, as the larger stumps naturally settle, they may tilt slightly, creating fascinating habitats for various insects and small creatures. Children can peer into the crevices and observe the intricate ecosystems beneath the stumps, sparking curiosity about the natural world.
Engaging with tree stumps and rounds in these playful ways not only provides endless entertainment but also promotes physical activity, balance, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking. The versatility of the tree rounds invites children to explore and create their own adventures in a natural and enchanting environment.
As we continue to expand our nature playground, our next adventure will involve exploring the vertical dimension. We're excited to introduce ropes and swings that will add a whole new level of excitement and challenge to our outdoor space. Stay tuned for our upcoming post, where we'll share how we incorporate these elements to enhance the play experience and encourage even more active and imaginative adventures among the treetops.
