It is really hot here in Florida – not like regular summer hot and humid, this summer is a hot, sticky oven. At my age, I only spend time outside early hours or just before sunset. My skin will fry and I’m miserable. I was listening to my neighbor’s children at play in the backyard. I like the sound. Then I started thinking, are they wearing sunscreen? Are they going to burn?
I remember when I was a little girl in Tennessee, we had a clothesline for drying clothes. I used to help hang them up and bring them in. An old sheet and a few rocks made a tent over the clothesline. Do you make shade for your children’s play – a little place for them to read and get away? I’m a natural-born collector, here’s a few ideas I’ve found.
A. Put A Sheet On A Clothesline
Photo via Crooked Brain
Let’s look at more ideas I found online.
B. If You Don’t Have a Clothesline
If you don’t have a clothesline, hang up a cord or long string for an easy teepee.
Photo via Mommyish
C. Have Hula Hoops?
Turn the top seam of a sheet over the hula hoop and tie or tack it down. Check dollar stores for hula hoops. If you can’t find them, use pool noodles made into a circle from the dollar store.
I found this idea on Pinterest. Unfortunately, alannageorge.com isn’t online anymore. Use hula hoops and old sheets for individual little tents. Cute idea.
More ideas for fabric tents and sun shades for children to play under and a place for pets to get some shade.
D. Use Big Trees
On FaceBook I found a lovely idea for yards with big trees. Again, original source is gone. Grab some rocks and make a special place.
Photo via Facebook
E. Use an Umbrella
Insert an umbrella into a large cable reel for a shady spot.
Photo via Habanabel
F. Make A Little Shaded Beach
Photo via Better Together
I love this idea for little ones. Make a little shaded beach with a tarp & sandbox. Use 4 poles with the tarp. This beach scene comes complete with chair and little pool.
G. Use a Swing Set or Frame
Photo via Solebich
Use a swing set or swing frame and a tarp or sheet to make a kid friendly shady spot.
H. Another hoop tent under a tree
The hoop looks larger than the average hula hoop. Paired with material is makes a nice spot for several small children. I love that it’s under a tree.
Photo via Terry’s Fabrics
I. Use Plastic Plumbing Pipes With Fabric
Photo via Sew 4 Home
This idea could be used to make a large temporary structure for family dining or play. Use plastic pluming pipes to make a house shape and drape with fabric. The size totally depends on the size of the plastic structure. It could be used for glamping.
Let’s think of a beautiful place for parents and the whole family. If you have a tent or yurt, just set it up. Otherwise…..
J. Make an adult special spot complete with recliners
Photo via Les P’tit Mos Dits
K. Hang Saris From A Tree For A Beautiful Tent or Yurt
Photo via Pinterest
L. Buy a Tent on Etsy
Etsy
Silk Sari Tent on Etsy
This gorgeous Boho Gypsy Vintage Patchwork Tent is so special.
Boho Tent Photo via Etsy
M. Create a Family Social & Dining Area
Put up a tent with lights, pillows for a family social & dining area – think Glamping.
Photo Instagram
N. Build A Wooden Frame & Add Sailcloth For Backyard Glamping
This is a perfect Staycation in the backyard.
Photo via Traveling Inspiration
Photo via Pinterest
I loved sharing these beautiful ideas. Happy Summer!
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I’m going to remember some of these for when our Baby Grand gets older and comes to visit. And his brother, if he ever decides to pop out! And thanks for coming over to Marmelade Gypsy today!
Thanks for coming by. Hope your weekend is wonderful!
I remember doing that in the summer ~ it was such fun! and cozy too! ~ great ideas and photos you posted!
Happy Day to you,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
thanks- happy weekend
Great ideas! It seems to be hot everywhere at the moment.
We used to make tents under the kitchen table when I was a kid 🙂
Tables are great for tents!
Lovely ideas. My kids used to use our zig zag folding clothes dried and drape it with sheets to make a little play house, then they’d add extensions with chairs, broom poles etc. So much fun.
That does sound like fun!
i used to do that and my kids and grandkids did too! Some of your collection (the sari one and the last one) made me want to go tenting myself. The littles can have the ones made out of sheets ;.>)…… The heat you mention makes me glad I’m not there just now, California and Arizona are having terrible heatwaves and fires too in CA. We cross our fingers that oregon stays ok.
Enjoy the woods of Oregon and have a beautiful day!
What brilliant ideas! I love the hula hoop tent. It is hot here too in the UK so this post is very good timing. We have a canvas gazebo that we pop up for when it gets really hot. The boys enjoy playing in that.
Thanks for sharing with #MMBC. Have a lovely Sunday x
Put up the gazebo and enjoy!
We are having an extra hot summer in the UK too, Carol, so these ideas are very timely for us all! Thank you for sharing them. I definitely need to give some of them a try as I tend to burn in the hot sun! I particularly like the last photo you shared of the outdoor bed – it looks so luxurious. Sharing on the H&S Facebook page. Thank you so much for being a part of Hearth and Soul. I hope your week is going well.
Thanks so much for sharing! Enjoy your vacation.
What a lovely collection of ideas for creating a peaceful, shady spot in the backyard! Your tips are perfect for making the most of outdoor spaces during the warmer months. Thanks for the inspiration!