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Little Kids Picnic Table

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toddler picnic table plans
Difficulty
Intermediate
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Build your own mini sized picnic table with our free plans.  This toddler or preschool sized picnic table is one of the most popular plans. Due to the simple design, easy building instructions, and perfect sizing for littles, thousands of these tables have been built! We love this table as a gift too!

RELATED: We also have a big kids picnic table plan, and an adult sized one too!  

 

Collections
Ana's Adirondack Collection

This adorable picnic table is sized perfectly for two-six year olds.  It is lightweights and easy to carry indoors and outdoors.  You can paint or stain it fun colors.  For indoor use, you can add a solid top (it makes a great indoor play table too!)

First version of this picnic table built 13 years ago

 

We love this picnic table and have made it many times - it's the perfect birthday gift!  

For older kids, we recommend the bigger kids picnic table plans, as this plan is more rugged and built using 2x lumber.

 

 

How to Build It - Ana White Picnic Table Video Tutorial

 

Watch this super quick video tutorial to help you visualize how to build this picnic table.

 

 

Dimensions
kids picnic table plans
Small size, can fit in doorways and lightweight. Suitable for about 4-6 toddlers

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x6 @ 6 feet long
  • 3 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 - 1x2 @ 3 feet long 
  • 1 1/4″ self tapping star bit screws  (about 50)
  • interior/exterior wood filler
  • 120 grit sandpaper
  • exterior appropriate wood stain
Cut List
  • 5 – 1×6 @ 31″ (Tabletop and Seat Pieces) 
  • 2 – 1×3 @ 17 1/2″ (Under Table Supports) *
  • 1 – 1×3 @ 26 1/2″ (Center Support) 
  • 4 – 1×3 @ 22″, both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, long point to short point measurement, ends ARE parallel (Legs) 
  • 2 – 1×3 @ 35-1/2″ (Seat Stringer) *
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 14-12", both ends cut at 45 degrees off square, long point to long point measurements, ends are NOT parallel (Cross Supports)

*Ends are clipped at 45 degrees to soften edges, see in diagrams

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Miter Saw
Power Sander
General Instructions

General Instructions. Work on a clean level surface and use proper safety precautions. Check for square after each step. Predrill and countersink all screws.

Instructions

Step 1

Cut the ends of the tabletop supports back at 45 degrees as shown to soften edges.

Attach the center tabletop support to the two ends to make an I shaped support system.

Adjust for square, meaning the outside corner diagonal measurements match - this is to ensure your project is a rectangle and NOT a parallelogram.

Step 2

Lay two of the 1x6 boards on top, with even 1-1/2" overhangs on ends and flush to outsides.

Screw down with two screws per joint.

Center the third tabletop board and screw down, also add a couple screws to the center support.

Step 3

Flip over and attach the legs to the outsides of the aprons with two screws per joint.

Step 4

Flip over.  If your table is wobbly, make sure the surface it is setting on is level.  If still wobbly, unscrew one of the legs and rotate slightly, until the wobble is out.

Use blocks to set the seat stringer and attach to the insides of the legs.

Step 5

With the table setting flat and no wobble, attach the cross supports inside as shown.

Alternative - add a second 1x3 @ 26-1/2" centered on the seat stringers (as shown in some photos)

Step 6

Attach the seat boards to the tops of the seat stringers with two screws per joint.

Step 7

Finishing. Fill screw holes with wood filler, sand and finish as desired.

For more help with outdoor wood finishing, go here.

Project Type
Table Plans
Dining Table Plans
Toys
Kids Tables and Chairs
Outdoor Projects
Picnic Tables and Outdoor Dining
Room
Kids and Toys
Outdoor
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

lulublu (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 01:30

Oh I am so excited to see this! My littles are probably nearing the top end of the age range for this, but I can't wait to build it anyways!!!

The Bailey's (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 02:44

Yay! I am so excited! We are in an apartment right now, but will soon move to a place with more room and a.....garage! This will defintely be one of my first projects, although I am a little intimidated by the diagonal cuts! Think I can talk the guys at HD to help me cut, or do they only do straight cuts???

Curried Cupcakes (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 02:49

This is adorable! I have so many things from your site i want to build I don't know where to start! Thanks for posting this. I can't wait to see it in a full size version.Thanks again!

Melody (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 03:05

YES! This came at the perfect time! I was just looking for table plans yesterday! This will do quite nicely. Thanks again, Ana!

Brittany@Superwoman (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 03:28

I'm so excited that you branched out into outdoor furniture! Though I have to admit, I already have plans for a kids picnic table in a woodworking book.

LK (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 03:44

Yay for Ezekiel Bread!!! Great warmed up with natural hazelnut butter. Mmmm. I'm making this picnic table for my little girls for sure!! Bring on summer!

By the way, I'm new here. I'm really inspired by the site and am in the process of working (around the hours I have my daughters and the other hours I work) on my first project. Exciting!

Jen @ Sunshine… (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 04:39

Haven't been able to decide what project to start on first and then I saw today's post. Just came from the lumber yard and can't wait to spend the day on this!

Cammi (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 04:44

Ana - you are AMAZING! I can't wait to start some of these projects today! I'm headed to Home Depot... Pics coming soon!

aimeewrites (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 06:34

This is GREAT!! You constantly amaze me.

Request: A larger size, appropriate for elementary school-aged kids, but smaller than the adult-sized ones. My boys, especially my 10yo, would knock their knees on this.

Twiddle Thumbs (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 06:44

Very cute!
I just sent this link to my husband to see if he's up for a little companionship type weekend project with me.

Holly (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 07:18

Fabulous! I hope this is just the start of many other outdoor projects. . .spring is in the air, and I could really use some outdoor/patio furniture! Ooh, and maybe some planter boxes for the front porch too? :)

Celia Marie (W.) B. (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 07:46

Yay!! I have so many projects I want to do and this is going on top of the list! Thanks so much.

Lesli (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 07:50

I can't wait to try this! I was waiting for a project that seemed easy and fast, and that I could paint a funky color. I think I might make this be our date night this week. Thanks!

Mary (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 08:03

I love it!!! I am going to use my leftover paint from Audrey's bed for my picnic table! It will be great for our campground!

Meagan (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 08:37

I'm your 4000th follower!! Yeah!! I love love love your blog! Can't wait to get started on some projects!

Jamie (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 08:40

YAY!! This looks like the perfect weekend project. The weather is getting warmer and the kids would love to be able to eat on the porch.

wicker picnic … (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 09:01

That is a lovely picnic table. It's spring time, the perfect time for picnics. Thanks for sharing this and I'm sure a lot will benefit from this post.

Tracy (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 10:14

This looks like something I can handle! My sister and I are going to tackle it together, but I want to "amp it up" a bit since my kids are on the tall side. I'm going to use 1x8s instead of 1x6s, and I'd like to make it a touch taller...aside from longer supports holding the top together, can I just add length to the legs and call it good? LOVE your site!

Melanie (not verified)

Tue, 03/23/2010 - 12:45

This is one thing I might be able to make during nap times! I have been looking for plans... thanks.

Ben and Katie … (not verified)

Wed, 03/24/2010 - 04:16

I am going to make this my first project! I have been wanting something like this for my kids. Thanks so much for the plans. I love your blog and all of your plans!!

Mrs. Smartie (not verified)

Wed, 03/24/2010 - 06:32

Would it be possible to add a back to the bench? Would you suggest doing this? Might be good for the younger kids. Your blog is so awesome-thank you!!!

Heather (not verified)

Wed, 03/24/2010 - 09:51

I love this! I was just looking at the Little Tykes table at Walmart last week - $70!!! This plan is much cuter!!!

Amy (not verified)

Wed, 03/24/2010 - 11:00

Would it be difficult to make this in an adult size? What changes would need to be made? Thanks for your help!

waline family (not verified)

Wed, 03/24/2010 - 13:25

I am so excited about this project that I showed it to my 5yr old daughter and told her, "mommy is going to build you your own picnic table", and she told me "you don't know how to do that"! So thanks to your easy plans to follow I am pretty confident I can do it and eager to prove myself to my daughter! :) wish me luck!

mamasweetk (not verified)

Thu, 03/25/2010 - 23:37

I am so excited to build this picnic table for my children. If it goes smoothly, I might build one for my niece's birthday next month!! My list of projects that I want to build is getting longer!

Sapphire Sweetheart (not verified)

Fri, 04/16/2010 - 06:21

Oh my goodness! I absolutely LOVE it! We are moving to an apartment on a lake and this will be perfect for my little guy and new friends!

Jodi Pilling (not verified)

Sat, 04/24/2010 - 07:36

I made this picnic table this week for my little girl. It was my first attempt at using power tools. This plan was very easy to follow and I LOVED building this table. It turned out so cute. Thanks for the plans and for the inspiration!

Wes Kerr (not verified)

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 06:47

Wish I could have done it for $15 but the plans worked out great. I'll have to wait a few days until the humidity drops here to get it finished but it's built and my little girl things it's wonderful.

Marty (not verified)

Sat, 05/01/2010 - 10:44

I just built mine this past week. My 4 year old daughter was helping me. I didn't tell her what we were making but after laying out the top she knew exactly what it was. I knew then that I could finish and she'd be happy! I am so very excited with the end result and LOVE IT!!! (my neighbor came home while we were painting and though that we had bought it as is... then he thought that it was a kit I bought. NO, NO, NO!!)
THANK YOU

Kate (not verified)

Mon, 06/21/2010 - 09:01

We could SO not find decent wood that cheap at Home Depot. The only wood near that price had huge nasty chunks out of every piece. I was so sad! I'm calling the next closest place 'cause it's at least 30 min away.

Kate (not verified)

Sun, 07/04/2010 - 20:12

Just made this out of old pallet wood. Only had to change a little to make it work. I can't wait to paint it!! =) It's gonna be bright and happy! =)

SAP (not verified)

Tue, 07/13/2010 - 17:51

OMG. I just found your site and have fallen. in. love. My husband is getting his Master's in woodworking and I am so excited to build some of these thing with him. THANK YOU for all the great photos and plans - can't wait to put something together!!

JessiHarri (not verified)

Tue, 08/10/2010 - 13:13

Just built this today with a girlfriend for her 1 year old! It turned out perfect and the plans made it simple! Thank you so much for making these free! Love it!

Alicia (not verified)

Tue, 11/16/2010 - 10:57

this picnic table its next on my list. my husband and i are super excited to build this for our son.
thanks Ana.

Desi (not verified)

Wed, 11/17/2010 - 08:23

My husband and I are going to make this picnic table this weekend for our niece for her Christmas Present! I love it!