I know that Father’s day just passed, but I had to include this wonderful book for my fellow woodworkers.

My son (he is almost eight) picked out this book for my father’s day present.  It is titled “Handy Dad, 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids”.  To be honest, the projects really are awesome!  They range from small procects such as a bird feeder (nice one) or a water pressurized rocket to more complex projects like a Skate board ramp or Circus tent (looks like drapes until it is extended).

The first project we will tackle is likely to be the climbing wall.  Take a look for yourself. This is a great book that can be used to introduce your kids to woodworking as a hobby.

Children's Picnic Table

This free plan is from KaBoom.  Kaboom is an organization dedicated to playgrounds.   They are a real authority when it comes to outdoor play spaces in communities throughout the nation.  There are efforts that you can help with and community programs to be sure that there are safe play places in your own neighborhood.

The free plan above is a very standard picnic table plan.  The scale is just right for kids and the link to the picnic table plan (click the picture above) will open a PDF file that is colorful, well laid out, and easy to follow.

This is a beginner level project that is fun for families, churches, organizations or communities. ENJOY this free children’s picnic table plan.

If you are looking for a full size picnic table or outdoor dining table, take a look at an earlier post of ours that features 5 different designs:
5 Free Picnic Table Plans

The following set of free plans is probably the most popular swing set / play set / backyard fort / sandbox plan over the past 10 years. You can buy this full set for about $700 at Wal Mart or move to the high end, in terms of quality, and spend more than $5,000 for a Rainbow Play System.

If you are like me, you won’t run out and buy a set, you will have to say “I can build that”!

Check out these free playset plans. They come from a site called hot4cad.  Click on the play set picture to get to the free plans.

Free wooden playset plans

The following plan is a simple log cabin

• 12    Pressure Treated 2x8x8′—1 for ridge board, 11 for floor joists
• 18    Pressure Treated 5/4x6x8′ decking boards—This is 2 more than you need
• 60    4x4x8′ Pressure Treated (or 3 1/2x5x8′ landscaping timbers)—Walls
• 15    2x6x8′ Pressure Treated—Roof Rafters and Ceiling Joists
• 3      4×8′x1/2″ Pressure Treated Plywood—Roof Sheathing
• 1      Square Roof Shingles (3 Bundles)
• 20lbs  3-3 1/2″ Galv. Nails or Screws for wall, roof & floor construction
• 5lbs  2 1/2″ Galv. Screws for deck board installation
• 5lbs  Galv. roofing nails

Free Log cabin play house plans

One thing that I want you to keep in mind is that this is not an inexpensive project to build. To be frank, any cool outdoor structure that is built to stand the test of time (and kids) will cost a couple of dollars to build properly.  This free log cabin play house plan will set you back around $1,000 depending on the lumber prices in your area.

This really is a unique structure. One thing that you should keep in mind when building a play house project is the future use possibilities.  If you will be storing lawn tools inside once your kids are out, be sure the door is wide enough to fit your lawnmower. If you will be using it as a garding shed, or potting shed, consider a little taller plan now so that you have the headroom in the future.  Food for thought.

Have fun with this great, AND FREE, play house plan (log cabin style).

One of the best parts of this 2 story tower plan is that it gives you MANY avenues to build off of.

• Build a swing set off of one side
• Build a climbing wall off of another
• Attach a rope ladder wall to the third

Click the picture for your free 2 story fort / play house plans

Free Fort Plans

Whatever options you choose, this plan is a good foundation.  This plan comes from the folks at areaguides and was produced by ubild.

If you are new to woodworking, or an old hand, this is a fun project. Building something out of wood that will last for years and provide an immediate purpose (out of sight toy storage) always feels good.

This free woodworking plan comes from the “Canadian Plywood Association” and features plywood (go figure).  The plan is very well laid out with a complete material list, cut list, and sheet layout diagram.  If you are looking for hardware such as hinges and safety hinges (so fingers don’t get slammed) take a look at Rockler Woodworking.

These Free Toy Box Plans are great for a rainy day and can be a terrific project to work on with the kids.  If nothing else, let them handle the paint job.

Free Toy Box Plans

If the link fails to open, please let us know.  We have a local copy of the plan file.

Simple Sandbox Plans

It is the time of year to break out the power tools and get to work on those fantastic outdoor woodworking projects.  If you are like me, you love working with wood outdoors and  building a play structure in the yard can be a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and work with your family or friends.

The free sandbox plans below is something that I used when I built my son’s sandbox 7 years ago.  The beauty of a sandbox is that you can build it any size you want without altering too much.  This plan has a simple corner seat design and also calls for a top to keep animals out.  We purchased the material to make the top, but never completed that portion of the plan since it didn’t become an issue in our neighborhood.

When selecting the lumber to use, keep it safe for the kids!  If you are using a pressure treated lumber, you might want to rethink it.  There can be some harsh chemicals used to treat the lumber and not all pressure treated is safe for children.  Keep in mind, this sandbox won’t be used forever, so a material that will hold up for 10 years with direct soil contact might not even be necessary.  I used Western Red Cedar for ours and it was as solid as the day I built it 5 years later when it was removed.

You also need to be sure that you purchase “play sand” for the box.  Don’t simply use sand that is used in construction since it is not suitable for use by children due to some of the material added.

Visit the link below to find the complete sandbox plans.  There is a nice diagram along with step – by – step instructions.  Good luck and have fun… I know that we did.

Free Sandbox Plans

Free sand box plan

One of the nice things about plans from the major retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, is that you can simply print the material list and ask them to help get everything together for you. If your child wants a bunk bed, consider this woodworking plan.

http://www.lowes.com/cd_Bunk+Beds_520456777_

Bunk Bed Plans

There are 12 plans in all and all of the woodworking plans are at beginner level. They are great projects to work on with your children.  Simple, and rewarding.

1. Gardening bench plans
2. Step ladder plant stand plans
3. Footstool plans
4. Cutting board plans
5. Miter box plans
6. Saw horse plans
7. Book rack plans (adjustable)
8. Book holder plans
9. Bench vise plans
10. Tape and paper clip dispenser
11. Grocery bag storage plans
12. Plant stand plans (mission style)

12 Free wood plans that are great for a beginner or a children’s woodworking plan (pdf)

As I was looking through these plans, I realized that I made a variation on this plant stand about 10 years ago (picture below).

Free plant stand plans

There is also a plan for a simple gardening or garden bench plan.  Picture below.  These benches are low cost, easy to build, and will last for years.

Free bench plans

After building a fence I ended up with a good deal of 1x western red cedar stock.  They were perfect parts to make about 5 birdhouses.

Enjoy.

Free birdhouse woodworking plans