Big Kids Club / Big Loose Parts Builds
Big Loose Parts Builds
Children use planks, cable reels and crates to build large structures outdoors. Encourages teamwork, problem-solving and safe risk-taking.
How to run it
- Check all loose parts for splinters and stability.
- Agree on safety rules such as height limits.
- Let children plan and build together.
- Invite groups to explain their structure before packing up.
You will need
- timber planks
- cable reels
- milk crates
- tyres
- rope
Make it easier or harderOffer smaller parts for younger children; older children can build to a challenge brief.
SafetySet a height limit, check parts for splinters and supervise lifting of heavy items.
My Time Our Place · Outcome 4, Outcome 5Children test ideas and negotiate with peers, building problem-solving and communication.
Fits these theme days
More like this
After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +3
Cup Tower Book Challenge
Children engineer a tower from cups and card strong enough to hold a book, testing ideas about balance, load and stable bases.
After School Quick STEM · Science Week · Science Day +3Spaghetti and Tape Tower
Small teams build the tallest free-standing tower they can from dry spaghetti and tape, learning about triangles, bracing and teamwork.
All About Australia Day · Cricket Day · Summer Holidays +2Relaxed Backyard Cricket
A casual, inclusive game of cricket with friendly rules so everyone gets a bat, a bowl and a laugh.
Ancient Egypt · At the Building Site · Time Travellers Day +2Sugar Cube Pyramids
Children build mini pyramids from sugar cubes held together with icing, learning about square bases and how layers shrink as they rise.