This is a collaborative post: The easiest and safest way for kids to enjoy the outdoors is in their backyard.
If you cleverly design your outdoor space with your children in mind, then they can have an area to develop their gross motor skills, be creative and relax with their friends. Read on for nine kid friendly backyard ideas.
8 Kid Friendly Backyard Ideas
Maximise your outdoor play space
If you have a small backyard then maximizing your available space will make your outdoor area more attractive. You may have to get creative by using vertical space so the children’s play area does not take up the entire yard.
You can use chalkboard paint on a blank wall for the kids to practice their art or install a climbing wall. You can also incorporate temporary structures when it is playtime, like a tent or kiddie pool on a hot day.
Install a Play Structure
For larger backyards, a play structure is a childhood staple. Think of a swing set or monkey bars. A zip line may cost a pretty penny, but if you have the space it can be a great activity for the whole family to enjoy, especially older kids.
An outdoor play kitchen is also a great idea for kids of all ages. You can install the play kitchen in your garden shed or in a corner of the garden under the trees.
Just make sure that the structure is age-appropriate, but can still grow with the children.
Choose a suitable groundcover
If you want to get your hands dirty then look into ground cover options to get some DIY backyard ideas.
Rubber Tiles
Rubber playground tiles can be found in different colours and form a good base around play structures so that your children don’t get hurt.
Artificial Grass
A paved backyard can benefit from artificial grass as it dedicates an area to the kids (and pets) for imaginative play.
Incorporate their Favourite Sports
If you have sporty children then your kid-friendly backyard can be used to promote a love of these sports. Artificial greens are great for practising hockey, golf or football, while a paved area and a hoop are ideal for basketball.
You can also use natural turf as a sport and play area for soccer, rugby or even staying fit with at-home workouts.
Include a Sandbox
Those who live near the beach can vouch for how happily kids dig in the sand. If you cannot take your kids to the beach each day then constructing a DIY sandbox is an easy way to keep the children entertained.
You can also purchase plastic or wooden sandboxes that can be placed in the garden, ready for playtime.
Build a Castle or Treehouse
Kids love having their own space in the garden where they can enjoy active play and have secret club meetings.
By building a space for kids to call their own you will acknowledge your kid’s need for privacy. They can use the space to play or relax and read.
Create a Space Dedicated to Relaxing
After a long day at school or sporting events, a child may just want to come home and relax. Children relax in different ways, and there are so many great ideas that you can incorporate into your garden to help your child unwind.
A dedicated creative nook with books (in a weatherproof shelf of course), art supplies, a picnic table and musical instruments or toys will allow your kids to enjoy these activities while enjoying the outdoors.
Let Kids Play in Nature
One of the easiest kid friendly backyard ideas is to incorporate the nature that is already there. Nature has so many health benefits, and we can make play areas out of these nature-based delights.
Cut tree trunks can be used as seats or crafting tables. Trees with long and sturdy branches can be used for rope swings. A hammock – DIYed or bought from a specialist hammock store – can be tied between two trees.
Muddy areas can be used to make mud pies. There are infinite fantastic ideas to incorporate nature into your childrens’ playing.
Final Ideas
Whether you live on a farm or in a townhouse, there are so many backyard ideas for kids. If you are designing the yard, make it an entire family project.
Your kids will thank you for valuing their ideas, and you can rest assured they will enjoy the space they helped to design.