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How to Make a Wigwam for Kids

Native Americans had several basic housing structures in former times, including longhouses, tepees and wigwams. Wigwams are usually dome-shaped houses made from sticks and tree bark. While wigwams may vary a bit in size or materials used, the basic concept is generally the same. Creating a wigwam for a child is basically the same process as creating one for an adult, except that it doesn't have to be as large. For this reason, children's wigwams are usually faster and easier to make.

Things You'll Need

Rake or hoe
Hammer
Stake
Willow whips
Twine
Old blanket or sheet

Instructions

- 1
  Clear the area that you plan to build your wigwam on. Remove all sticks and stones. Smooth the area out using a rake or hoe.
- 2
  Choose the center point of your wigwam and drive a stake into the ground.
- 3
  Cut a length of string that's equal to the radius of your wigwam. For instance, if you want to create a wigwam with a base diameter of 8 feet, the string should be 4 feet long. Attach this string to the stick in the center.
- 4
  Stretch the string out as far as it goes. Hold the string while moving around in a circle, and dragging a stick in the dirt behind you. This will create your wigwam's perimeter.
- 5
  Punch holes 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart around the circle by hammering a stake into the ground. Each hole should be 6 to 9 inches deep. Skip one hole to create the wigwam entrance. This should leave a 3- to 4-foot span with no holes on one side of the circle.
- 6
  Insert the willow whips into the holes that you've created. Pack dirt around their bases to keep them sturdy, if necessary. Remove the center stake, as it's no longer needed.
- 7
  Bend the willow whips in toward the center of the wigwam. Tie them together using twine. This should create a rough dome shape, along with an entrance.
- 8
  Weave more willow whips horizontally in between the willow whips that are now your wigwam walls. This will create added support.
- 9
  Throw a blanket or sheet over the top of the wigwam to cover it. Normally, wigwams use tree bark or cattail mats as their exterior, but because this wigwam is for children, and is only for fun, a blanket or sheet will do just fine.

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