Take care of plants in the yard for a great place to play. Photo by Irene Davila
Being outside is a special part of growing up. It’s something every child has in common because the outdoors presents a unique opportunity for their creativity and imagination. There are woods to explore, swimming to do and lots of games they make up on their own. Playing around outside is something you should encourage your kids to do, but that’s challenging if you don’t think they have a safe outdoor space to use.
Backyards come in all shapes and sizes, some more kid-friendly than others. It just depends on where you live. Bad backyards will have lots of weeds and plants that take up space. Wild animals may frequently visit, or it could flood easily whenever it rains. These are common issues people face with their backyards, which means that there’s an answer to your problem. To make your backyard more play friendly, check out these tips and see which ones are right for you.
1. Take Care of Your Lawn
This is a must if your kids are going to play outside. Taking care of your lawn creates an inviting space, not just for your kids to play in but also for guest entertainment. Create a yard care routine so you can have the best outdoor play space. Mow the lawn, pick up any yard waste like branches and trim back overgrown shrubs. Your kids will be more inclined to play outside if they see a space that’s been taken care of.
2. Invest in Playground Equipment
Almost every parent comes to a point in their lives when they have to decide whether or not to buy playground equipment for their kids. With all the playground sets available online, it can be easy to choose the best backyard playground equipment for your home, but they can also be expensive. For parents who are trying to save money, there’s also the option to make your own playground. Whether you buy online or do it yourself, make sure your decision is best for how your kids want to play. Don't forget the area under the playground, even on residential play equipment, as falls to the hard ground are a major source of injury for kids at play. There are many playground surfacing options to reduce the severity of an impact from a fall.
3. Be Proactive About Bugs
Outdoor play is often interrupted by the presence of bugs, which makes kids want to go inside and discourages them from going outside again. Doing things like hanging up ziplock bags of water to repel flies and spraying your kids with mosquito repellent is one way to tackle bugs, but those are not your only solutions. Before your kids go out next, read up on a guide to backyard bug management so you can prevent possible future bug infestations.
4. Solve Problems Before They Arise
If your kids like to play basketball or baseball, think about installing a fence so no one runs into another neighbor’s yard or into the street. Set up a shady area for your kids to relax if it gets too sunny. This will prevent sunburns and dehydration. You can also prepare backup activities for if they go outside and get bored. Stock up on chalk if you have a concrete driveway or things like water balloons for extra fun.
Backyards don’t always come in a way that’s play friendly, but that doesn’t mean your backyard is stuck the way it is forever. Do some lawn work to clear up a play space and make sure that everything is safe for kids to walk over or explore. Expect bug issues and know how to handle them, and always have backup entertainment ideas ready for when your kids get bored.
By implementing these easy tips, you’ll have your backyard transformed into a fun space for kids to enjoy. They’ll want to be outside all day long and might even invite some friends over to create lasting memories. See which tips are best for your yard and then get working!