Whether you’re concerned about too much screen time or your kids need a safe way to work off their excess energy, the Great Outdoors often provides the solution. But since playgrounds and team sports are still a bit too risky in many areas of the world, it’s often safer to stick close to home. While 70% of households have an outdoor living area, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your backyard was designed with the youngest members of your household in mind. And although experts recommend you reapply stucco paint to your home’s exterior every five years, that’s not the only outdoor improvement you might want to make. If you’re looking to promote enjoyable activities outside for your children, here are a few awesome ideas to help you create a green space that’s fit for all ages.
Start a Veggie Garden
Arouund 90% of real estate agents encourage homeowners to invest in landscaping before selling their homes. But there’s more than one way to create a gorgeous garden. During the pandemic, many families embraced the idea of sustainability by putting their spin on victory gardens (first made popular during World War II). Not only can a vegetable garden provide fresh and nutritious produce for your family to enjoy, but gardening is also a great activity for kids. It provides them an opportunity to be physically active, to learn about the life cycle, and to foster a sense of responsibility and pride. There are also plenty of plants that are easy enough to grow without much expertise, so this is something even young kids can participate in.
Make Use of Your Trees
If you have some large trees on your property, you can use them as a starting point for some kid-friendly features. Tree houses are always a magical addition, allowing kids to use their imagination while giving them a nearby place to go when they need a little escape. You can even build your treehouse so that some swings or a slide become part of the design. If you’re not able to go all out with a treehouse, a large tree can be a great place to build a round bench for relaxing in a shady spot or a DIY fairy garden.
Play Around in the Sand
What child doesn’t enjoy playing in a sandbox? They’re easy enough to build with some basic wood slabs, but you can also turn a sandbox into a fun hideout with some creative additions. Make the shape into a tent or a sailboat by adding some sheets or position the sandbox next to a flowerbed for a beautiful backdrop.
Find a Way to Cool Off
Although summer is winding down, your backyard is an ideal place to stay cool when temperatures heat up. You don’t have to install an inground pool, either. Get an inflatable version, make your own splash pad, or make a space with soft grasses and turn on the sprinklers. If you need to buy sprinklers and have them installed, companies like Sunrise Irrigation & Sprinklers are there to help. Also, be sure to add plenty of shade in the form of trees and shrubs so your kiddos can stay cool even when they aren’t in the water.
Creating a kid-friendly backyard can be a great way to keep your kids active while they stay home. Using these ideas as inspiration, you can make your outdoor space a lot more fun for everyone.
