Pre-Summer Backyard Blitz: Week 8 – Invite the Kids Outside
10 ideas to get kids to bounce, swing, slide, climb and dream this summer, while rediscovering their great backyard
Sick of kids hiding inside, updating social media and looking at cat videos? Summer is a perfect time to rethink your backyard by introducing new elements that will keep youngsters, tweens and teens in the great outdoors. Everything from sandpits and swings to trampolines and timber forts are all on the market. Get inspiration form the ideas below, to help you discover what will work best in your backyard.
2. Sandpit
A sandpit is a popular play area for youngsters, and the easy option is to purchase a plastic clam-shaped unit and fill it with sand. Another possibility, as seen here, is a built-in unit that can eventually be converted into a vegetable patch. Most importantly, a sandpit needs to be covered at night or you’ll wake up to some unpleasant smells from wandering cats.
A sandpit is a popular play area for youngsters, and the easy option is to purchase a plastic clam-shaped unit and fill it with sand. Another possibility, as seen here, is a built-in unit that can eventually be converted into a vegetable patch. Most importantly, a sandpit needs to be covered at night or you’ll wake up to some unpleasant smells from wandering cats.
3. Swing
What’s more relaxing and idyllic than swinging under a large tree? This wide swing is so inviting, and it can easily fit two or three kids on the seat. If your son or daughter keeps pleading for one, make sure there’s enough room for a friend. You need about a 2.5-metre clearance between the swing and the hanging structure on both sides.
More swinging ideas
What’s more relaxing and idyllic than swinging under a large tree? This wide swing is so inviting, and it can easily fit two or three kids on the seat. If your son or daughter keeps pleading for one, make sure there’s enough room for a friend. You need about a 2.5-metre clearance between the swing and the hanging structure on both sides.
More swinging ideas
4. Playhouse
While a tiny cubby house creates a perfect play zone for youngsters, it can be revitalised as your child grows. Starting as a place for your little one to explore and learn, it can later be converted into a hangout area for tweens – an ideal place to get away when their friends drop in. Or, as your tiny tots eventually turn into teens, the playhouse could work as a quiet study room, followed by a parents’ mini-office after the kids move out.
While a tiny cubby house creates a perfect play zone for youngsters, it can be revitalised as your child grows. Starting as a place for your little one to explore and learn, it can later be converted into a hangout area for tweens – an ideal place to get away when their friends drop in. Or, as your tiny tots eventually turn into teens, the playhouse could work as a quiet study room, followed by a parents’ mini-office after the kids move out.
5. Timber fort
Be prepared – nearly every kid on the street will be hanging out in this impressive fort! Usually made of cedar, forts consist of pre-made panels that can be bolted together. However, if that’s a little intimidating as a DIY project, hire a handyman to install it. The natural properties of cedar resist mould and termites, but a coat of oil keeps the timber supple all year ’round.
Make a kid-friendly garden look good
Be prepared – nearly every kid on the street will be hanging out in this impressive fort! Usually made of cedar, forts consist of pre-made panels that can be bolted together. However, if that’s a little intimidating as a DIY project, hire a handyman to install it. The natural properties of cedar resist mould and termites, but a coat of oil keeps the timber supple all year ’round.
Make a kid-friendly garden look good
6. Cricket pitch
Is your child going to be the next Donald Bradman or Shaquille O’Neal? Or maybe they just enjoy a weekend game in the garden with family and friends. A great idea to support this healthy habit and encourage your child’s interest is to replace your lawn with a synthetic grass court. It looks realistic, it’s affordable and long lasting. Even better, there’s no mowing, watering, weeding or fertilising. All you need to do it enjoy it!
Is your child going to be the next Donald Bradman or Shaquille O’Neal? Or maybe they just enjoy a weekend game in the garden with family and friends. A great idea to support this healthy habit and encourage your child’s interest is to replace your lawn with a synthetic grass court. It looks realistic, it’s affordable and long lasting. Even better, there’s no mowing, watering, weeding or fertilising. All you need to do it enjoy it!
7. Herb and vegetable gardens
There’s nothing more satisfying for kids (or the rest of us) than helping nurture herbs and vegetables. They can dig the beds, choose and plant seedlings, test the soil, water and tend the plants, and eventually, harvest them. When they finally get to taste a sun-warmed tomato fresh from the garden, it’s an amazing moment to treasure.
There’s nothing more satisfying for kids (or the rest of us) than helping nurture herbs and vegetables. They can dig the beds, choose and plant seedlings, test the soil, water and tend the plants, and eventually, harvest them. When they finally get to taste a sun-warmed tomato fresh from the garden, it’s an amazing moment to treasure.
8. Above-ground trampoline
Backyard trampolines leapt to popularity about 15 years ago when safety netting was introduced. Parents were ecstatic; after growing up with broken wrists from falling off the edge, and finger burns from slipping through the springs, there was now a way to enjoy these great toys safely. Before buying, look for a trampoline made of quality materials for longevity.
Backyard trampolines leapt to popularity about 15 years ago when safety netting was introduced. Parents were ecstatic; after growing up with broken wrists from falling off the edge, and finger burns from slipping through the springs, there was now a way to enjoy these great toys safely. Before buying, look for a trampoline made of quality materials for longevity.
9. In-ground trampoline
Not only do kids love the walk-on, walk-off option, parents also love the design of built-in trampolines as it’s more visually appealing. Current ranges are made of a woven mat with a weatherproof rubber undercoat and quality padding. To save time, various trampoline companies offer full installation, which can take up to four days depending on soil texture.
Not only do kids love the walk-on, walk-off option, parents also love the design of built-in trampolines as it’s more visually appealing. Current ranges are made of a woven mat with a weatherproof rubber undercoat and quality padding. To save time, various trampoline companies offer full installation, which can take up to four days depending on soil texture.
10. Swimming pool
Having a swimming pool in your garden is a great way to keep your kids cool and active during the summer months. It also provides a fun place for them to hang out with friends at home. Just make sure that it’s also a safe place by ensuring your pool safety measures are in line with your state’s regulations. A pool clean-up before summer is also essential. It takes time but it’s worth it for the amount of enjoyment you and your family will get out of a pool.
TELL US
How have you made your garden a fun place for your kids to play? Let us know in the Comments, and feel free to send us photos too.
MORE FROM THIS SERIES
Week 1 – The Big Clean-Up
Week 2 – Outdoor Furniture Update
Week 3 – Preparing the Pool
Week 4 – Keeping Your Garden Green
Week 5 – Update Your Outdoor Lighting
Week 6 – The Perfect Shade
Week 7 – Colour-in Your Outdoor Zones
Having a swimming pool in your garden is a great way to keep your kids cool and active during the summer months. It also provides a fun place for them to hang out with friends at home. Just make sure that it’s also a safe place by ensuring your pool safety measures are in line with your state’s regulations. A pool clean-up before summer is also essential. It takes time but it’s worth it for the amount of enjoyment you and your family will get out of a pool.
TELL US
How have you made your garden a fun place for your kids to play? Let us know in the Comments, and feel free to send us photos too.
MORE FROM THIS SERIES
Week 1 – The Big Clean-Up
Week 2 – Outdoor Furniture Update
Week 3 – Preparing the Pool
Week 4 – Keeping Your Garden Green
Week 5 – Update Your Outdoor Lighting
Week 6 – The Perfect Shade
Week 7 – Colour-in Your Outdoor Zones
Let your child’s imagination run wild by introducing a secret hideaway, be it a tee-pee, tent or just a few sheets hung under the clothes line. A healthy lawn is a perfect ground cover, but if that’s not an option, make sure you add picnic rugs, outdoor towels and cushions.
Tented havens for kids