Jump to:
For many families, the back garden is set up for adults to relax and enjoy themselves, but needs a little something more to make it enjoyable for the kids. Here are the best ideas from our garden experts to encourage your children to embrace the outdoors at home and engage in all-important play.
1. Invest in a playhouse for kids
A playhouse in the garden gives kids a dedicated space for imaginative play. It also adds a bit of character to your backyard, especially if decorated with a theme.
Our BillyOh Annex Log Cabin Playhouse is an example of a perfect play space. This is a 2-storey unit with a clearance under the bunk of 3’3” and a top bunk hatch of 1’9”, which toddlers can fit through.
Parents can fit inside, too, making it easier to keep an eye on them, especially around the bunk area. It complies with the British Standards (BS) EN71 for your peace of mind.
Painting can also be done on the tongue-and-groove boards. Check these playhouse decor ideas for more!
2. Get a corner sandpit
A little sand won’t hurt, like a sandpit. It’s a great way for kids to work on their touch skills and explore textures. Movements like digging, scooping, and pouring also help with their motor skills.
Tip: Add a canopy to keep them entertained while staying shaded. Opt for an adjustable one that can be raised, lowered, and rotated for better sun protection.
3. Get a slide
Slides are a great addition to your kids’ small garden play area, giving them something more to enjoy. If your garden has a slope, you could use that to your advantage with a long slide.
Alternatively, attach one to a raised tower playhouse for hours of fun, such as this Mad Dash slide in forest green. It’s safety-tested for kids and made from UV-resistant plastic.
4. Get a trampoline
A trampoline is a fantastic addition to the garden, and it’s known to help kids keep fit. There are loads of bounce-themed games they can play, and challenges they can set themselves. Just prepare for them to demand you watch their latest acrobatic trick.
The best part? Adults can use it, too!
5. Chalkboard on the fence
Get creative with playtime by adding a chalkboard to the fence. If you’re feeling handy, you can frame the board with old wood and finish it off with some spray paint. Then throw in a bucket of colourful chalks!
6. DIY music wall
Grab household items and a few percussive instruments to create a music wall. Use things like an old xylophone, bicycle wheel, spatulas, plates, and container caps. Fix them to the fence, and your kids will have their own musical sensory garden.
7. Hopscotch stepping stones
This oversized version of the classic game is easy to make. All you need are concrete pavers, colourful paints, and a steady hand.
Use colours like red, blue, green, orange, yellow, or even black and white to make it pop. Arrange the stones on the lawn or mulch, and let the game begin.
8. Tyre play area
Tyres can be quite handy when crafting a creative garden play area for kids. For instance, arrange a set of tyres in a cone-like shape to define a backyard space in the corner for the kiddos.
Alternatively, use them to build a small agility course for some ninja-style fun. Or, line a few with cushions, and voilà—instant comfy seating!
9. A teepee hideout
A teepee makes a cosy spot for a hideout, perfect if you want something different from a regular tent. Usually made from canvas, it offers shade and takes up less space than a playhouse.
You can buy one ready-made or have a go at building your own. This DIY green bean teepee is a fun twist and easy to assemble.
10. Backyard bike ramp
A homemade ramp using pallets adds a bit of challenge to bike riding. Kids can cycle up, turn, and try to stay steady, making pedalling a lot more fun.
Stack a few large tyres at the base to create a curved, bumpy slope. Or, for a more solid build, use beam supports like the one shown below.
11. Use artificial grass
When it comes to garden play areas, nothing beats artificial grass. Compared to a natural lawn, it’s more durable and enables kids to play without mud and dirt.
Best of all, it offers a cushiony spring to help absorb shock and minimise the severity of fall injuries. And as for the parents, the maintenance work and cost are lesser. A win-win!
12. Go up with a treehouse
For a child, there’s nothing more magical than a treehouse. If there’s no tree, build a raised platform for your kids to have imaginative ways to get up and down.
Add a rope ladder and slide for extra whoopee moments. Monkey bars will also do if you’re feeling a bit ambitious.
13. Get a swing
Not only does swinging be fun, but it also develops the sensory system, which then benefits kids. As they learn how the swing moves and how they can sit on it and make it move, their sensory system grows.
A simple garden play idea indeed but with amazing perks. Have it DIY-built using old timber, or invest in a swing set.
(Image Credit: Public Domain Pictures)
14. Pirate’s ship playhouse
Set sail for fun and adventure by having the kids hop aboard the pirate ship playhouse! Have a look at this one with simple panel construction with red painted detail.
Using wood materials, you can build one from scratch or get creative with cardboard – the more, the bigger it can get.
15. Gardening booth
Grow their love of gardening by giving them a dedicated station for it. Prepare a mini potting table, kid-sized wheelbarrow and garden tools in a canvas bag.
Encourage them to grow a pizza garden, starting with planting tomato, basil and pepper. Like playing, gardening provides engaging, moderate exercise.
16. Don’t skip the trampoline
If you can’t think of anything fun to add to the backyard, you can never go wrong with a trampoline. Trampolining has a lot of physical benefits for kids and adults alike.
And there’s just something about jumping around on one – simply, hours of fun for the whole family! Enjoy jumping together and playing card games there.
17. Paddling pool for summer
Paddling pools are a must for hot days, and your garden should have one for the kids at least. A small pool is ideal for first swimmers, though you can opt for water slides for the older ones.
Either way, it can keep the kiddos cool, well-entertained, and active in the summer. If you want to join the fun, consider an inflatable hot tub.
18. Climbing frame addition
Climbing frames help children to play imaginatively and to be creative. Almost every playground has it, and adding one to your outdoor space only makes sense.
Go for a small frame set to suit your humble plot. For DIY, you can attach the structure to an existing playhouse to create a jungle gym.
19. The space hopper zone
Have you heard about these space hoppers? Basically, they’re rubber balls with handles, allowing one to sit on them without falling off.
Enter the space hopper race, which is an excellent outdoor game idea. Leave some space in the yard, line up the space hoppers, and draw a starting and finishing line on the lawn or ground.
20. Up the challenge with a climbing wall
It’s fair to say that most parents wish their children had more focus, concentration, and patience. With rock climbing, kids can hone these skills through time on the wall.
Climbing is a great outdoor activity, and putting up a climber doesn’t take up too much space in your yard. This sport also builds fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. All these besides the fun and games!
Round-up
This list proves that a garden, no matter the size, has the potential to be more. In this case, it’s a play haven for the kids, ensuring they have the best leisure outdoors – no gadgets involved.
Your children will soon be raring to go into the garden! And what’s a garden play area without a playhouse? Check out our awesome range of kid’s playhouses.
