The IKEA Build That Creates The Perfect Backyard Play Station For Kids

Keeping your child entertained can be a challenge, especially when you don't want them on electronic devices. Luckily, this IKEA build is easy to make and will help spark your child's imagination. Head to IKEA to pick up the necessary supplies, and you will be well on your way to creating the perfect IKEA backyard play station for your kids.

There are so many helpful, kid-focused IKEA hacks out there, whether you want to add clever storage to your kids' room, or create a DIY reading nook for your little ones. For this design, as shown by Instagram creator @henry.andhome, all you need to get started are four KNAGGLIG crates, one BEKVAM spice rack, and one TROFAST tub. This hack will cost you only around $90, and comes with the added benefit that you get to customize your backyard play station more than you would have if you had purchased a premade one. The creator also uses another large TROFAST tub and SUNNERSTA hooks to add additional storage, but these are not necessary to the overall design.

Start by building your KNAGGLIG crates. Build one crate, leaving the bottom panel off, and build the other three leaving one of the long side panels off. Place the crate without a bottom upside down, and place a second crate on top, right side up. Screw the bottom of the second crate to the bottom of the first crate. Then, turn both of the other two crates upside down on top of each other, and screw them together. Next, screw the two crate towers together so that all of the open sides face the same direction.

Using the leftover panels, screw the wood to the top of the four crates to create a backboard. Attach the BEKVAM spice rack to one side, and place the TROFAST tub on the other. This creator also used some leftover wood to create a stand for a water dispenser. They attached this stand to the back of the play set and cut away a piece of the wood backboard to allow the water to flow into the TROFAST tub. This added feature will allow your kids to play with water on a hot day.

After you've finished the design, take a moment to sand down any rough edges of the wood, and make sure that none of the screws will poke your child. To make this design more weather proof, use some leftover outdoor paint to complete the design.

This IKEA backyard play station will be a great addition to your home and can be easily adjusted to fit you and your child's interests. Create a smaller version of the design if space is tight. Paint the design your child's favorite color or to match your home's decor. Instead of adding water, make the tub into a sensory bin filled with sand or dirt. Just make sure to properly cover and store the bin when done playing to prevent pests from making a home in it. 

Alternatively, bring this design indoors and use it as a play kitchen. Add some stove stickers to the top wood panel or to a TROFAST tub lid. Or, if you are using Montessori practices at home, kids can use this design and some child-safe kitchen supplies (with adult supervision) to practice cutting their fruit, folding towels, or cleaning dishes to help them learn important skills and gain independence. You can even add another educational component to your playroom with an IKEA magnet wall. No matter how you choose to use this design, your kid is sure to love this space dedicated just for them.