What do you do when you want a treehouse but have no tree? This is what you do.

It started one weekend with my son, who was maybe 4 years old at the time. We worked together to build a simple platform with an A-frame structure. The platform had a trap door and hinged ladder (so it could be pulled up when not in use – not to keep girls out).

Next came a roof structure. I say structure because it had structure, but no roof for at least a year. The walls were connected between the floor and the roof and voila, we have a treeless treehouse. Now that it has a roof, and roll-down shades on each end, it’s the perfect spot for kids of all ages to be kids.