Terri Ramsey Beavers Once upon a time, your backyard was your private relaxation oasis, but since children are here, this space is less about relaxation and more about playing. However, you don’t have to watch your kids destroy your space and bury it in plastic toys. There are ways all generations can enjoy your backyard with these few design tips.
Consult the kids
Most parents want the best for their kids, so they automatically invest in the biggest playset for the backyard they can find. But what if your kid dreams of playing football or catch outside instead? You’ll block all the space for running around! It’s better to put your feelings aside and ask your kid what they like to do and how they like to play. This way, your investment will be worth every cent and your kid will feel much more cherished and respected at home.
Cover it in grass
No matter if you’re opting for a backyard playset or a nice open space for running around, both you and your kids need softness. Artificial grass is your safest bet because it will be soft and look perfect all year round. And you won’t have to patch up damage or waste time on mowing every week before your guests arrive for a nice backyard summer dinner. Edge your lawn with granite so you can always have plenty of space to entertain as kids run around.
Make it safe and private
If your kids love to spend time outside, make sure to keep them safe from intruders, traffic and animals with a good fence. It’s very easy to find quality fencing products that will provide you with sturdiness, privacy and protection from noise. This way, even if you move an eye from your kids while they play, you can rest assured they are safe in their space, plus, enjoying your morning coffee is much more peaceful too. To make the fence more fun for the kids, hang a chalkboard for drawing and writing and you will always have a different design in your backyard.
Provide a sandbox for tactile play
Younger kids will definitely benefit from a covered sandbox. These are a great addition to any backyard because they provide a lot of tactile play in a safe environment. Plus, a sandbox can be made quite small, which means it can be a perfect weekend project for you that won’t cost too much or take up too much space. Just make sure to choose a design with a sunroof to provide sun protection and keep the sand dry.
Add a swing
Here you can keep both kids and adults happy—add a hanging seat to your patio. It’s easy to make this type of swing with just an old bench and some solid chains. Splash some fun paint on it and your weekend project is done. And if you have a big and sturdy tree in your backyard, you can use it for a proper swing everyone can enjoy as well.
Create a backyard camp
Camping is a great family activity, but you can’t always take a few days off to go into the wild. In that case, you can bring wild to you and create a backyard campsite. Pitch a nice tent in a level place in your yard, create a safe place for a fire pit and add a few campground must-haves like a marshmallow-simmering station. If your climate allows, you can enjoy camping all year round and have many sleepovers in a tent as a family.
Go all-in with a treehouse
If you’re not running away from a big project, it’s important to know that a treehouse is the dream of every kid. It provides kids with not only a place to play and exercise their creativity and motor skills, but it also gives kids a way to deal with change. However, today’s society is obsessed with safety, so you don’t see treehouses that often anymore, but if you have a solid tree and money to pay an expert, your kids can have a 100% safe treehouse in no time.
If you follow these tips, you will have a backyard that’s kid-friendly and relaxing for adults. All generations will love to spend time in your backyard and enjoy all the gifts of the cozy outdoor space.