Quote Originally Posted by skauwt View Post
a small 4 inch (100mm) round fence post from any diy store or sawmill should work for you and you could have a few at various lengths and weights for kids at different sizes ,

you may have to sand and tape up the end to avoid splinters but would look authentic enough for the kids and shouldn't be too heavy
probably the best suggestion so far-- in the USA/Canada these are sometimes referred to as "peeler poles/posts" and you can pick 'em up for a couple of bucks at your local Lowes, garden center, or Home Depot.