If you have children and you’re also lucky enough to have a backyard, you’ll want them to be out there as much as possible. Fresh air is good for children (it’s good for adults too), and with screens being such a prevalent part of everyone’s lives, it’s good to get away from them to play and learn in other ways. So, making the most of your backyard is a good idea. Yet it can be hard to know how to do that in the right way, especially if you’re not someone who spends much time out there yourself. Here are some of the things you should try to include in your backyard if you have children.
Good Fencing
Before we talk about the things that will benefit your children in terms of fun and play, it’s important to mention fencing. You’ll want your backyard to be safe, and although a lot of the time you’ll be supervising, as children get older, they won’t need you quite so much, and you might feel confident enough to let them be outside by themselves. Equally, you want to know that they are safe and private in the yard, and that no one can get in who isn’t meant to be there. That’s why good fencing is important.
Using something of high quality such as Traditional Company estate fencing is a good idea. In that way, you can be sure of security, safety, and the fact that your yard will still look good. Make sure this is installed first, and you can feel much more comfortable using your backyard to the fullest.
Play Area
Nature is amazing, and it’s good for children to play in the trees, on the lawn, and so on. However, although this is good, it’s also good to have a dedicated play area with a jungle gym, slides, swings, a sandbox, and other fun toys and activities. In this way, you can give them their own space where they can play and have as much fun as they want, either by themselves, with you, with siblings, or with any friends they might ask over for a playdate.
Depending on how much room you have in your garden, this play area could be any size, as long as it’s safe and you don’t overfill it because, if there is too much stuff in the area you have, it will be difficult to use. Perhaps you and your child can even design the area together if they’re old enough to have a say in it.
Playhouse
Even if you don’t have room for many toys and games, try to find room for a playhouse. Sometimes children, even very young children, just want to be by themselves, and this is the ideal place for them to do that. The playhouse can be filled with books and art supplies – just no screens – and have comfortable chairs and even a table to place snacks and drinks on.
Make sure the kids know this is their space and they can be as private as they need to be in it. It will make them feel very grown up and have a lot more confidence in themselves as a result.
Shade
No matter what you put in your backyard to keep your children happy, occupied, and out in the fresh air, it’s crucial to consider shade. You’ll need to ensure there are some shady areas for them, and perhaps even design their playground so that it’s in a shady spot. After all, if they intend to spend many hours out there playing, the last thing anyone will want is to suffer from sunburn, dehydration, or sunstroke.
Shade can be found under trees or, if natural shade can’t be used in your backyard, large patio umbrellas might be a good alternative, or even an awning installed permanently on your home.
