8 fun ways to make the most out of old tyres

Tyres are a great resource that can be recycled and reused to create many different things. They can be picked up cheaply at recycling centres or car scrap dealers. They can then be refreshed and updated to create some great resources!

Here are 8 fun ways to recycle old tyres

Tyre swing

Tyres make a great swing for children! Simply attach some strong rope or chains to either end of a large tyre and securely attach to a large, sturdy tree. You can use a drill to make holes in the rubber, then thread the rope through. The children will love to experiment sitting and lying on the tyre, whilst swinging back and forth.

Planters

Tyres of all sizes make a good home for plants and flowers. They can brighten up a garden by creating a planter. Simply set the tyre down in the correct place and add the compost and plants to the centre. The children will be able to enjoy helping to water and care for the plants. Smaller tyres can be attached to a wall to create a lovely hanging basket effect.

Obstacle course

A range of different sized tyres positioned on the floor can create a fun obstacle course. This will develop the children’s physical skills allowing them to hop and jump into each tyre. The tyres can be used to create a pathway or can be set out groups for the children to explore. Stand some large tyres up for the children to crawl through too!

Tub chairs

Tyres create a great seating area for children to sit and relax. Adding a couple of tyres to your story corner can make it look inviting and cosy. Simply add lots of materials and large pillows to the inside of the tyre to make it comfortable, then encourage the children to jump in and listen to a story.

Storage bins

Tyres can make interesting storage bins in the outdoor environment. Simply lie a large tyre on its side, then attach another one or two (depending on how big you want the bin) on top using a strong adhesive. Now you can use this as a storage area for some outdoor resources. To brighten the bin up you can use some brightly coloured spray paints to decorate.

Sand pits

A large tyre can be used to make a sand pit for the children to explore. Just lie the tyre on its side in the desired place and fill the middle with sand. Children will love this low access sand pit and will be able to explore the sand with lots of friends able to fit around the edges to.

Small world

Tyres can create a great area for small world play. Simply add some compost and natural material inside and add some small world animals. The children will love exploring the natural materials and recreating stories using the animals.

Racing tracks

Tyres are a great way to recreate a race track in the outdoor environment. Cutting a tyre in half can create hills for the children to push cars up and over. You can use chalk on the floor to join the ‘hills’ up and make a large track for the children to race on.