Do you have trees in your backyard? If so, you’ve probably already given some thought to the subject of today’s Wonder of the Day. Maybe you’ve already built one! What are we talking about? A tree house, of course!

Tree houses — sometimes called tree forts — are platforms or small buildings built around or within the trunk and branches of large trees. Although some tree houses can be very complex and used as homes, most tree houses are far simpler structures used as places for kids to play.

Tree houses in some areas of the world can be homes that are very practical. For example, in some parts of the tropics, tree houses are built in trees or supported by stilts. This keeps the tree house above the ground, which protects it from floods and animals hunting for food.

If you want a fun place to play in your backyard, though, you don’t need stilts or a tree house designed by an architect. In fact, you might have all you need in your garage or basement. That’s right! Many tree houses are made with all sorts of recycled materials.

You’re probably going to need some wood. A large piece of plywood to use as a platform or floor is often necessary. You might also use wood to build walls. Some people recycle old windows to use for their tree houses.

You’ll also need some simple tools, like hammers and screwdrivers. You can probably find a lot of the fasteners you need, such as nails, screws and brackets, around the house or in the garage.

If you ask your mom, she might have some old fabric you can use to make curtains or doorways for your tree house. She might also be able to help you find old pillows and blankets you can use to make your new hideout cozy!

While playing in a tree house can be lots of fun, it’s even more fun to build a tree house with the help of a friend or family member. The time you spend planning your tree house, looking for recycled materials and building the structure together is time well spent that you won’t soon forget!