Every kid dreams of having a treehouse in their backyard, a space to get lost in for hour on end. Building forts, running around outdoors and making a mess are inherent instincts we want our kids to hold on to for as long as possible, and a nature-inspired playground is a great way to help them do that. Here are some ideas to help transform your yard into a natural playground for those wild-at-heart kids to get outdoors and have some fun in.

Using natural materials and forms to build classic playground toys like ladders, slides, and swings are a great way to make your yard feel like a forest built for games. Recycled logs with uneven shapes can make for a lot of fun climbing activities, while natural rope and grass can be used to create swings and landing pads.

Or, give your kids something to dive into with these amazing swimming pool designs.

Create an all-natural fort for your little ones with branches, leaves, and moss for a den they won’t want to leave. They can even help you forage for materials and put it together for a fun summer project that keeps everyone outdoors and active.

A simple rope bridge across your yard can create hours of fun. Extend it out with other bridges, logs, or even ponds to create an obstacle course for maximum entertainment.

Hopscotch is such a simple game that kids can play alone or with friends. Create a natural look and feel with stone tiles, moss, pebbles, or bark.

A mud kitchen is a great place for those kids who love to make a mess with sand, dirt, and clay. Build yours with recycled crates, cinder blocks, and old kitchen utensils to create a space for your kids to let their imaginations run wild.

For the grown-ups, check out these awesome outdoor kitchen ideas.

Dotting fairy houses around your yard will add a fun surprise and quirky touch to the playground. Use doll house accessories and logs or stumps to make scenes for your kids to discover and play with.