Summer Project: Create Secret Garden, Fort or Treehouse for Your Kids

Did you have a secret place when you were a kid? I did. Secret hideaways can create some of the best summer memories for kids. I think every child needs a hidden place to read a book, write secret messages, play, and imagine.

Here are some ideas for how to help your child find or create a secret hideaway. 

Explore and discover. If you are lucky, you might find someplace in the yard, neighborhood, local park, or nearby forest preserve that is naturally secluded and safe – a nook in the garden, a small cove, a grove of trees. Go on a hunt together to see if you can find one. If so, help your kids make sure the area is clean and then help your kids “personalize” it. Bury some secret treasures in the ground. Plant some pretty flowers or mark the area with large rocks. Leave a waterproof box with a flashlight, some comic books, and some toys.

Create a Secret Garden. Have your kids read the book The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This book is over 100 years old but still holds appeal because a secret garden is magical. Fairies might appear, cute creatures might visit, or your best friend might whisper an important secret. Psst: You can download The Secret Garden ebook for free from Project Gutenberg, if you want to read it with it with your kids.

Here’s a great article on how to create a Secret Garden for your child, if you don’t have a natural nook in your garden or backyard already. My daughter likes to build fairy houses and furniture in her secret gardens.  A secret garden doesn’t have to be all flowers and fairies though. For boys, create a dragon cave or troll yard for his secret space.

For tips on how to build a kids play fort or a treehouse, read my post Create a Secret Hideaway: Fort Treehouse or Garden.

Did you have a secret hideaway when you were a kid? What was it?

 For more Summer Family Fun Activities, check out my 51 Summer Fun Ideas or my Summer Family Activities board on Pinterest.

************

Sue Kirchner is a family fun coach, blogger, kids party planner, and weekly contributor to Patch.com. Sue and her family fun ideas have been featured on TV, newspapers, magazines, blogs, as well as her own family fun site ChocolateCakeMoments.com.