I "Like" Mondays with Dad Labs - Taking Back Paternity

Dad Labs

It's just about summertime.  You should be outdoors enjoying some fresh air with your child(ren).  I was thinking of how fun it would be to build a treehouse this year and came across this fantastic "Tricked Out Treehouse Tour" from Dad Labs.  I was so impressed with the production of this, that Dad Labs is my I "Like" Mondays Facebook pick. 

Dad Labs was created to meet the needs of the new, emerging Super Dads.  Their website is not just fun and informative, it takes full initiative and really gives a father fantastic media.

Dad Labs brings more than 30 years of teaching and hands on fatherhood experience, as well as professional filmmaking and writing experience. Troy Lanier and Clay Nichols are accomplished authors and were named to the Austin Chronicle Best of 2005 for their book "Filmmaking for Teens: Pulling off Your Shorts." The company's first DVD, DueDads: The Man's Survival Guide to Pregnancy won a 27th annual Bronze Telly Award. The company released “DadLabs: A Guide to Fatherhood: Pregnancy and Year One”, the first of a series of books published by Quirk Books released on Father's Day 2009. DadLabs is also in the process of developing a TV show based on the company.  

Here's their Treehouse Video...I'm thinking Father's Day may involve some tools... ;-)

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Lil' Rascals Lookout Playhouse

Am I too old to play in this?  I'm already working on a secret knock and codeword...

Covered with weathered wood warning signs, it's a secret clubhouse where grown-ups dare not go. A sliding peephole in the front door lets pipsqueaks peek out and see who's there. A loft with skylight and lookout telescope warns of your approach. Interior is painted and flooring is pressure treated decking. Playhouse comes in a color combination of white and green.

see post:  A Boy's Dream Loft Playhouse
see post:  County Roads Gas Station Playhouse

County Roads Gas Station Playhouse at Posh Tots

Fill'er up with friends, laughter, smiles and lots of imagination! Your little one will have hours of fun in this incredible gas station that's just their size. Station features a covered porch, five operable windows and skylight, wood slat shutters, two gas pumps, and working service doors. The interior offers a tire rack and tires and the station's sign can be personalized with your child's name. Recommended for children ages 2-10. 

see post:  A Boy's Dream Loft Playhouse

A Carousel in the Garden - Amusing Amusements

What?  You don't have one in your garden?  Why ever not?  Surely it must be the latest fashion.  My son and I love passing this home.  We never know what to expect.  A few months ago there was a camel, standing and chewing away.  This merry-go-round jogged a memory of a catalog I used to get.  The highest priced item was a hand painted, real working carousel that you could maintain in your back yard.  For a mere $1,000,000.00 you could have the ultimate playground.  I had a peak around and found a site with a slightly used, good condition, 2-story carousel for only $350,000.00   I'm thinking 'what a deal'....(?)  Vintage is so in.  In any case, they are lovely to look at and they do tend to bring out the child in all of us.

see:  A Boy's Dreamloft Playhouse

A Boys Dream Loft Play House

Extravagant outdoor structures to gawk at.

Dream Tree Loft Play House available from

Click on picture for information and pricing on this custom Loft Play House

Take a retreat in your own backyard with this elegant rendition of a classic tree house. Kids will love the multiple levels and long list of custom play options, while parents will love the aesthetic appeal and subtle design details. Features include a Plexiglas window wall, corbelled bay window with decorative mullions, bay window seat with custom handmade cushions, scenic deck and balcony, and peek-a-boo windows with decorative leaf motif. Playhouse is handcrafted using high quality finished hardwoods (almost 90 cedar) and features a warp- and splinter-resistant recycled composite deck. Cedar shingle roof is waterproof, and the structure is weather and termite treated. Upper tree house footprint measures 5 x 6, deck area measures 10 x 10. Design Consultant available to discuss custom options and shipping information. 
Click on picture above for pricing and further information.

Click on picture for further information and pricing

Red Beards Revenge Pirate Ship Playhouse

Children will love role playing in this handcrafted pirate vessel. Ship comes complete with captains quarters, upper and lower decks, and a handcrafted crows nest for spotting trouble on the high seas. Captains quarters has enough room for 3-4 seated adults and features leatherette-cushioned benches that double as sleeping bunks, a working door, waterproof recycled composite roof and ample storage space. Other features include 17 windows and peepholes, cannonball-riddled mast and rigging, carved wolf figurehead and ornate helm and rudder. Ship is constructed with the extensive use of mahogany and steam curved poplar planks and features a distressed paint finish. Features Douglas fir structural subflooring with warp- and splinter-resistant composite decking and Douglas fir structural framed walls. Please speak to a design consultant to discuss custom options and shipping information.   Click on picture for further information. 

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