Play With The Kids By Building A Playground In Baltimore
Playgrounds in Baltimore are plentiful and fun, but can get very crowded at times. There are many different play sets that can be built at home. Kids won't want to leave because build-it-yourself sets can provide endless hours of entertainment. Choose from any of these suggestions for your own backyard playground.
Tube Tunnels
Forget the old-fashioned slide and opt instead for tunnels. They can be added to existing play sets or just stand alone. Not only do they provide hours of fun, but also protect kids from the sun, providing an escape from Baltimore's summer humidity. The tubes can be age specific. Older kids might like spiral or turbo tubes. They even come with covers in your child's favorite motif.
Swings
Get creative by mounting a tire swing to a tree branch in your yard or exploring the up-and-coming buoy ball swings. If you choose a tire swing, personalize it by letting your kids paint the rubber. Other options for swings could be back-to-back gliders, trapezes with rings or even a wooden porch swing for mom and dad to enjoy. Brighten up the set by choosing different colored swings and color-coated chains.
Forts, Jungle Gyms and Rock Climbing
Stray from the ordinary and make your backyard one of the coolest on the block. A rock climbing set can be attached to a wooden surface, customized by various foot and hand holdings to suit your children's skill level. This is one of the more natural options for creating your playground. Monkey bars and rope ladders can also be added to tree branches. Build a multilevel fort with a canopy to mimic a more classic tree house. Accessories such as a steering wheel, telescope and fire pole will add hours to playtime.
Sandboxes
Don't underestimate the sandbox. This can be great for kids of all ages. Various sizes allow the family to get creative with sand castles and road maps. The imaginative options are endless. Just add a canopy or umbrella and it will feel like a day at the beach.
The following local businesses should be able to help you get started:
Waverly Ace Hardware
601 E Homestead St
Baltimore, Md. 21218
(443) 627-8893
acehardware.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you're looking for nuts and bolts to secure your play set, this is where to go. Waverly Ace Hardware has an extremely knowledgable staff. Just tell them about your project and receive the help you need.
Louis J. Grasmick Lumber Company
6715 Quad Ave
Baltimore, Md. 21237
(410) 325-9663
grazmats.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sat and Sun - Closed
Grasmick's Lumber Company will provide you with the wood needed to build a backyard set. This company cuts pieces to size and can assist on any project.
Jack's Tire
701 Crain Highway N
Glen Burnie, Md. 21061
(410) 590-5429
glenburnie.patch.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you don't have a spare tire handy, check out Jack's Tire. They sell new and used tires at competitive prices.
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For more great tricks, tips and advice about your home, visit CBSBaltimore/YourHome.
Gloria Dietz is a freelance writer and Baltimore native. She is somewhat of a local celebrity in her own right who has appeared on TV shows throughout the years. Pop culture is her thing, as well as style and bargain hunting. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
