Garden

20 Fun Tire Play Ideas Your Kids Will Love

Written by Emily Belkoff

As a gardening enthusiast and mom of three energetic kids, I’m always on the hunt for creative ways to keep my little ones entertained outdoors. 

When I stumbled upon the idea of repurposing old tires for play, it was like striking gold in my own backyard!

Today, I’m thrilled to share 20 tire play ideas that have transformed our outdoor space into a kid’s paradise. 

20 Fun Tire Play Ideas Your Kids Will Love

1. Pallet Tent With Fairy Lights

Who doesn’t love a cozy hideout? This magical pallet tent has become our favorite spot for evening storytimes. You’ll need some pallets, fairy lights, and a bit of creativity. It’s surprisingly easy to put together, and the twinkling lights create such a whimsical atmosphere. Just be sure to secure everything properly for safety.

2. Seaworthy Sandbox Boat

Ahoy, matey! This sandbox boat has been a huge hit with my little pirates. It’s designed to keep sand play contained and includes a cover for sun protection. We used weatherproof wood and some old sheets for the sails. The best part? It’s sparked countless imaginative adventures on the high seas of our backyard.

3. Outdoor Drawing Space

As a mom who values creativity, this outdoor drawing space has been a lifesaver. It’s simple to set up – just a large board and some washable markers. The kids love having a dedicated spot to unleash their inner artists, and I love that it’s easy to clean with just a quick spray from the hose.

4. Reusable Acrylic Paint Easel

This project takes outdoor art to the next level. We used a clear acrylic sheet mounted on a sturdy frame. The kids can paint directly on it, and when they’re done, we simply wipe it clean for the next masterpiece. It’s been a hit for our backyard art sessions!

5. Upcycled Tire Teeter Totter

My toddler can’t get enough of this tire teeter-totter. It’s a simple DIY using an old tire, some wood, and a few basic tools. Just make sure it’s stable and at the right height for your little ones. It’s been great for developing balance and motor skills.

6. DIY Tetherball Game

Remember tetherball from your school days? We made our own in just one afternoon, and it cost half as much as a store-bought version. The kids love it, and I’ve even caught my husband sneaking out for a game or two!

7. Bright And Colorful Tire Swing

Why buy an expensive swing when you can make a fun tire version? We painted ours in vibrant colors, and it’s become the centerpiece of our backyard. Just be sure to use sturdy rope and check the attachments regularly for safety.

8. Backyard Play Fort

That empty corner of our yard? It’s now a bustling play fort! We used scrap wood and let the kids help with the design. It’s become their own little world out there, and I love watching their imaginations run wild.

9. DIY PVC Pipe Swing

With multiple kids, this PVC pipe swing has been a godsend. It’s surprisingly sturdy and can accommodate more than one child at a time. Just be sure to anchor it well and supervise playtime.

10. Endless Fun Ring Toss Game

This classic game never gets old. We made our ring toss set from some wooden dowels and rope rings. It’s perfect for improving hand-eye coordination and has been a hit at family gatherings.

11. Painted Logs Stump Jump Game

Talk about a natural playground! We collected some logs, cut them to various heights, and painted them in bright colors. The kids love hopping from stump to stump, and it’s great for their balance and coordination.

12. Build Your Own Yard Racetrack

If you’ve got the space, a backyard racetrack is a must-try. We used landscape edging to create the track and filled it with pea gravel. It’s been the site of many epic toy car races!

13. Tire Swing Ladybug

Our tire swing got a cute makeover with a ladybug paint job. You could do any character your kids love – we’ve got plans for a bumblebee next! Just make sure to use outdoor-safe paint.

14. DIY Stacked Log Sandbox

This natural-looking sandbox has been a big hit. We stacked logs to create a border and filled it with play sand. It blends beautifully with our garden and keeps the sand contained.

15. Water Blob: The Ultimate Summer Toy

On hot days, our water blob is the place to be. It’s basically a giant, flat water pillow made from heavy-duty plastic sheeting. The kids love splashing and sliding on it – just supervise closely, especially with younger children.

16. Mini House Playhouse

Our mini playhouse is like a little slice of home in the backyard. We modeled it after our real house, complete with a pretend kitchen and living area. It’s been the site of countless tea parties and make-believe adventures.

17. Customize Your Own Toy Track

For our vehicle-obsessed little one, we created a small race track using wood and paint. It’s the perfect size for toy cars and has provided hours of entertainment.

18. Sensory Walkway For Kids

This project has been amazing for sensory play. We used wood logs, stones, wood slices, and gravel to create different textures. The kids love walking barefoot on it, and it’s great for developing their sensory awareness.

19. Rock Lined Sandbox For Multisurface Play

We upgraded our sandbox by lining it with smooth river rocks. Not only does it look great, but it’s also created new play possibilities. The kids love using the rocks in their sand castles and pretend cooking.

20. Encourage Art With A Backyard Chalkboard

Last but not least, our backyard chalkboard has been a huge hit. We simply painted a large piece of plywood with chalkboard paint and mounted it securely. It’s perfect for outdoor art sessions and has even helped with homeschooling on nice days.

Hi! I'm Emily!

I'm a mom who's passionate about creating beautiful gardens without the hassle. Here, I share simple tips that actually work for busy people like us.

From picking the right plants to making them thrive, I'll help you create an outdoor space you'll love!

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