I’m very much the type of person that hates spending a large sum of money on something that looks like we could make it ourselves. Sometimes that really doesn’t work out for the best and we end up buying it in the end anyway. But we made this play gym for Kate and although it’s not as fancy as some of the really expensive ones, she loves it and I’m happy with it. Here’s how we did it…

Here are the supplies I bought.

1 piece of wood, 1/2” x 8’ and got Justin to cut down down to 4 24” pieces and cut the ends at a 20 degree angle.. that step is optional but I love that it sits flat on the floor.

1 2’ dowel rod

2 3/4 washers + screws (my screws were 2” long)

Wooden beads + rings from Hobby Lobby

I ended up buying some silicone beads/toys that I was intending to make but I couldn’t find the silicone toys and beads at a reasonable price so I just bought it assembled at Ole Tyme Pantry.

You will also need a drill to predrill the holes.

I used a gray paint (the color I used was some leftover Dolphin gray paint that I found in my Mom’s garage) and painted about 8” up, using masking tape to get a good line.

You will need to pre-drill the legs at the top and both ends of the dowel rod then take the screws and assemble it. Don’t forget to hang the toys on the rod before securing both ends. After you’ve assembled the top part you’re ready for the next and final step…

Drill a hole just big enough to get your string though, attach a bead and make a knot to secure it. You’ll do this on the outside of the outside leg, and the inside of the inside leg to make so you can still fold it. This step brings so much security to this thing. I also made this hole just a little above the paint line as you can see above. You can put it anywhere you’d like.

DIY Wooden Play Gym for Baby