Family DIY Ideas for Outdoor Play

DIY Mud Kitchen for Kids

This simple DIY mud kitchen for kids is the perfect solution. Creating this easy outdoor activity gives kids all the fun and joy of a traditional mud kitchen.

‎Kids don't need fancy to have fun · ‎Supply List · ‎The reaction to the DIY mud..

DIY Ice Table for Kids

Try making an ice table sensory bin. This simple sensory activity is perfect on warm sunny days when kids need a little boost to get outside.

How to Make a DIY Water Table

Create a DIY water table for big kids using PVC pipe and a storage container. This DIY project will keep kids playing and entertained.

Make a Creation Station Sensory Bin

You've got to make a creation station sensory bin! A quick and easy toddler and preschool STEM activity, building and creating with recycled …

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Cheap Outdoor Ideas for Kids:

Fun, Creative, and Budget-Friendly Adventures All Year Long

Outdoor Ideas for Kids: Fun Activities to Spark Creativity

If you are looking up for kids and their entertaining activities whether amusing, interesting or inexpensive, this article will guide you through. It includes straightforward instructions to inspire imagination and engage children. Also, it includes plan setups that incorporate imagination that can be done in any season. From stylish playdate backyards to summer and birthday celebrations, there is complete coverage on them all.

Exciting Things to Do Outdoors for Kids of All Ages

Design a backyard adventure zone with vibrant climbing walls, oversized swings, and oversized games for young children. A weatherproof carpet, shaded canopies, and ample space for comfy creativity with obstacle courses and storytelling areas enhance comfort. Safe and dynamic in area, the mixture of bright decorations and natural materials is welcoming. Investing in customizable cubical playsets aids in adjusting the setup as children develop.

Outdoor Activities for Kids That Keep Them Engaged

Set up a mini art station or a sports field outside with easels for painting, portable soccer goals, and hopscotch mats. Use bright and washable colors that make clean-up easy after messy activities. Fostering an environment for children to do both creative and physical activity stratifies their energy levels throughout the day. I would suggest integrating sports and crafts stations to accommodate various energy levels and moods.

Creative DIY Outdoor Ideas for Kids to Try at Home

To make a DIY crafting area more appealing to children, all that’s needed are a few folding tables, chairs, and even bins or boxes containing tools such as paint, recycled materials, and the natural items like stones or leaves. For easy and proper clean-up after sessions filled with messy activities, cover the working tables with waterproof cloths. I personally encourage children to partake in real imaginative projects and this is their chance to get messy for no reason at all. Great outdoor creativity spaces check that box.

Fun and Easy Outdoor Ideas for Kids to Enjoy Daily

Set up a warm kids backyard soft lounge chairs, oversized outdoor pillows, and a small picnic table where kids can draw, snack, or play games. The arrangement should be simple, adaptable, and suitable for day-to-day use. Creating a relaxing zone for children to lounge, enjoy, or munch outside is quite extraordinary. Personally, this type of arrangement is exceptional for unplanned daily activities.

Cheap Outdoor Ideas for Kids That Won’t Break the Bank

Design a budget-friendly play area using old pallets for fort building, cones for obstacle courses, and junk for the arts and crafts section. Fill the day with trying to complete easy nature scavenger hunts to combine art and nature. Low-budget options like this transform a small backyard into a huge imagination playground. From what I’ve seen, kids appreciate the fun, not the cost—so low-cost definitely doesn’t mean boring.

Backyard Outdoor Ideas for Kids: Adventures at Home

Add a climbing wall, a pergola with a shaded reading area, and a mud kitchen to your backyard to create a multi-zone adventure park. Put outdoor rugs and weatherproof beanbags between the action zones for lounging that kids will love. It’s amazing what can be done with smart design; the backyard can become a central hub for endless new things to explore. I always recommend activity and rest areas to be balanced to keep the energy flowing throughout the space.

Outdoor Summer Ideas for Kids: Sunshine and Smiles

Create a small water park area with sprinklers, inflatable slides, and snack areas for easy outdoor kids summer activities. Use bright colored beach umbrellas and pool floats to spice things up. Setups like these open the doors to fun, free-spirited activities, and joy-filled unforgettable laughter summer days. Adding in safety mats around wet areas is a great addition for safety, from my side.

Outdoor Winter Ideas for Kids: Snowy Fun Adventures

Craft a whimsical winter wonderland complete with sledding hills, twisting snow maze pathways, and a tucked away DIY hot cocoa stand in the corner. Use fairy lights or string lights along with handmade signs to add to the festive spirit. Winter outdoor setups combine thrilling fresh-air exploration with fun seasonal activities. Personally, I love taking breaks with portable, battery-powered heaters.

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Creative Outdoor Ideas for Kids That Inspire Imagination

Create a fantastical outdoor zone with nature exploration kits and paintable art walls integrated into castle themed playhouses. Combine the elements of wood, stone, and banner fabric to evoke sensory interaction. Designs like this foster boundless imagination and multi-activity storytelling in kids. I often recommend changing small details every season to maintain motivation.

Simple Outdoor Ideas for Kids to Enjoy Every Season

Set up a basic sandbox, hopscotch trail, and a picnic corner that works year round in any backyard. You can add seasonal decorations like pumpkins in the fall, flower pots in the spring, and fairy lights in winter. These simple arrangements stand ready to be changed for every season, adapting wonderfully to seasonal activities. From my experience, simple doesn’t mean boring; it means set for spontaneous fun.

Easy Outdoor Activities for Kids for Instant Fun

For the kids to have instant fun with no planning needed, set up an open lawn area with mini soccer nets, hula hoops, and giant bubble kits. You should also keep a stocked ‘grab-and-go’ basket filled with jump ropes, balls, and chalk. Kids can have access to easy setups that allow them to dive straight into the activities made available. In my experience, leaving out some spaces turns out to spark the most spontaneous activities.

Spring Outdoor Ideas for Kids: Fresh Air Adventures

Smile, it’s finally Spring! Put out the beanbags and bunting for storytime to prepare the flower planting zone and nature scavenger hunt path. Remember to place the flower and pastel decorations as well. The kids will be ecstatic when they get to explore nature as it blooms and planting flowers. The best part, in my opinion, is placing the bunting and seeing the child smile when they see their first flower bloom.

Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Kids to Celebrate Big

Make your childs birthday unforgettable with our outdoor ideas by setting up themed tents, vibrant seating, as well as DIY activity stations like bracelet making or cupcake decorating. To sustain high energy levels, incorporate balloon arches, fun lawn games, and a festive snack table. Outdoor parties give boundless space to let children’s imaginations run wild. In my opinion, a flexible outdoor theme like ‘rainbows’ or ‘jungle adventure’ works best for kids of all ages.

Outdoor Party Ideas for Kids: Memorable Moments Outside

Create a celebration garden with cozy outdoor rugs, picnic tables, and an area for dancing to fun ‘kiddie’ music. Don’t forget giant Jenga sets and beanbag tosses. A perfectly planned outdoor party combines the best of rest and active entertainment, creating unforgettable moments for kids, and adding elements of beauty to the celebration. I suggest adding seating in the form of blankets, chairs, and benches so children can pick their spots.

Scavenger Hunt Outdoor Ideas for Kids: Ready, Set, Explore

Design a multi-tiered scavenger hunt containing secret clues, challenge cards, and small rewards throughout the yard and garden. Set up checkpoints where participants can complete tasks such as hopping on one foot or singing silly songs. Scavenger hunts provide physical activity alongside problem solving, and creativity during the day. Personally, I believe any children’s scavenger hunt is more fun with a theme, like pirates or nature explorers.

Outdoor School Activity Ideas for Kids: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Come up with an outdoor expansion for the kids zone that includes science exploration kits, storytelling tents, math hopscotch, and more. Elevate education with movement and interactive maps and drawing boards. Learning outdoors changes the monotony of lessons while making activities relaxed and enjoyable. In my experience, having very active participation keeps students focused.

Christmas Outdoor Ideas for Kids: Festive Fun in the Fresh Air

Arrange warm seats around a firepit and invite guests to enjoy some hot chocolate. Provide snowflake decoration stations with all the supplies they need and set up a carefully decorated tree in a corner. To add a sprinkle of festive spirit, line the paths with fairy lights and inflatable decorations. Families can partake in outdoor Christmas activities which leads to laughter and brings them closer together. One tip: to keep the energy high, prepare easy holiday-themed games such as “Santa’s Relay Race”!

Fall Outdoor Ideas for Kids: Crisp Days Full of Play

Design a fall wonderland with areas for jumping in leaf piles, painting pumpkins, and running through hay bale obstacle courses. String up rustic wooden signs, add plaid blankets and apple cider stands to augment the seasonal atmosphere. Setups for outdoor activities in the fall offer the best of the fresh air, bright foliage, and cozy fabric textures all at once. Personally, I’ve found parents really enjoy taking spontaneous photos with children during fun fall themed days, so always have pumpkins on hand!

Outdoor Photoshoot Ideas for Kids: Capturing Precious Memories

Add a corner to the photoshoot garden illuminated with soft fairy lights, rustic swings, oversized flower props, and pastel-colored backdrops. Set up a dressing station to stoke children’s imagination during their turn at the shoot. Outdoor photo sessions beautifully capture magical moments of childhood. I suggest trying to capture photos during golden hour to highlight the soft and magical glow.

Backyard Treasure Hunts for Parties

Host a treasure hunt with hidden toy chests, pirate flags, and treasure maps distributed to children. Prepare “clue islands” around the yard. Combined treasure and pirate-themed hunts bring excitement of activities together with a ton of party fun. I always tell guardians to make map riddles straightforward for all age groups.

Conclusion

Nothing sparks creativity and zeal like outdoor activities for kids, and there is no better way to create childhood memories. Be it a birthday and Christmas party, or a school project, the possibilities are endless when fresh air meets imagination. 

25+ Water Games for Kids

As the temperature rises and the days get longer, keeping kids entertained and cool becomes a top priority for many parents. Water games are a fantastic solution, providing relief from the heat and endless fun. These games can transform any ordinary summer day into a delightful adventure, offering kids a chance to splash, play, and make the most of their vacation time.

From thrilling water balloon tosses to creative races and DIY activities, here are several water games that are perfect for your summer festivities, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday bash, or just a lazy afternoon in the backyard.

These clever water games and activities will have everybody cooled down and perked up faster than you can say "cannonball!"

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More Slip, More Slide

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Store-bought Slip ‘n’ Slides are often too flimsy to last long and too small to give kids the thrills they want. Leave all that behind by making your own from plastic sheeting coated with baby shampoo! It’s easy, affordable, and guaranteed to satisfy even the most daring of kids. 

Water Balloon Piñata

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Candy is dandy, but water is sweeter—particularly when it’s hot outside. Cool down with a water balloon piñata! Simply fill some water balloons, string them between trees or poles, or suspend them from an elevated structure, like a set of monkey bars. Visit Scrap Happy Heather for more about this project. 

Related: 10 Lawn Game Trends for Backyard Fun

Ocean to Go

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Not lucky enough to live near the beach? Bring the beach to your backyard by making a water blob. Use two thick sheets of plastic sheeting and a roll of duct tape to create a giant sack that you can fill with a garden hose. Food coloring and glitter will make it even more enticing for your little mermaids and mermen. Get the full instructions at ClumsyCrafter.com. 

Related: 11 Outdoor Living Products That We Tested and Loved in 2023

Water Arms Race

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The only way to make a day playing water games more fun is to add a little friendly competition. String small, single buckets between trees or poles in your backyard, making sure the strings are taut (one bucket and string per team). Teams then have to move their bucket from one end of the string to the other using only the water from their water guns. This game is sure to have all participants soaked by the end of the line. 

Water Balloon Dodgeball

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Make dodgeball summer-friendly by using water balloons instead of balls. Less painful than regular dodgeball and much more fun, this version of the old standby will have laughter ringing through your backyard as long as the sun and water last. 

Related:10 Lawn Game Trends for Backyard Fun

H2O-me Run

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Another modified summer classic is this watery baseball-basketball hybrid that focuses on throwing and blocking. Each child is given a bat to defend a ‘goal’ bucket from incoming water balloons, resulting in plenty of splashes. 

Related: 9 Creative Ways to Build a Backyard Hangout

Water Balloon Toss

The Water Balloon Toss is an all-time favorite, engaging children in a game of skill and fun. Partners start close together, tossing a water-filled balloon back and forth, moving further apart with each successful catch. The anticipation of the balloon popping adds a layer of excitement, ensuring giggles and shrieks as the inevitable splash comes.

To keep the game interesting, introduce rewards for the longest toss without breaking the balloon or for the most creative catch. This simple game helps children develop hand-eye coordination and teaches them about gauging distance, all while they’re having a great time.

Source : Pinterest

Sponge Relay Races

Sponge Relay Races bring a burst of energy to any gathering. Teams race to transfer water from one bucket to another using only a sponge. It’s a perfect combination of speed and strategy as players squeeze every drop of water they can into the target bucket. This activity is not only exhilarating but also a great way to foster teamwork and communication among young players.

To increase the challenge, set up multiple stations with different tasks involving sponges and water, and watch as kids dash and splash their way through the course. It’s an excellent way for them to cool off and use up energy, making it a win-win for both kids and parents.

Slip and Slide

Setting up a Slip and Slide is one of the easiest ways to bring excitement to your backyard. All you need is a long piece of plastic, some soap, and a hose. Kids love the thrill of sliding down the slippery surface, especially when you add a small pool of water at the end to splash into.

Ensure safety by securing the plastic firmly on a grassy slope without rocks or sharp objects, and supervise younger children to prevent collisions. Adding elements like a race to retrieve objects at the end of the slide or team competitions can make the activity even more engaging.

Source : Pinterest

Water Gun Tag

Water Gun Tag turns a classic game of tag into a wet and wild adventure. Armed with water guns, kids run around trying to “tag” each other with a stream of water. The game is dynamic and exhilarating, encouraging children to think strategically about where they run and how they aim.

The game can be varied by using different types of water guns, from small squirters to larger blasters, depending on the age and preference of the children. It’s a great way to keep kids active and cool simultaneously.

Source : Pinterest

Eco-Friendly Water Bombs

houseofhepworths.com

If you’re concerned about the ecological impact of latex balloons or worried about latex allergies, water bombs are a great alternative. Made from common kitchen sponges, they are eco-friendly and reusable, and they deliver the same wet wallop as traditional water balloons. Better yet, they’re an easy DIY. HouseofHepworths.com has a great tutorial. 

Related: 10 Lawn Game Trends for Backyard Fun

Pool Noodle Race

A Pool Noodle Race uses cheap and cheerful pool noodles cut in half to create makeshift race tracks. Kids use squirt guns to propel a small ball or toy along the track, racing against their friends. This game is fantastic for teaching principles of force and motion in a fun, interactive way.

Set up multiple tracks for team races, or use different colored noodles for a bright, festive look. This game encourages children to use their ingenuity and water skills in a competitive, enjoyable setting.

Source : Pinterest

8. Rainy Day Races

Who says rain should stop the fun? With Rainy Day Races, children can embrace wet weather by jumping in puddles, racing boats down streams, or simply enjoying the rain. This game teaches children to appreciate all types of weather and find joy in outdoor play, regardless of conditions.

Organize races with small, handmade boats in gutter streams, or see who can make the biggest splash in a puddle. These activities are not only enjoyable but also provide children with a sensory experience that celebrates the natural world.

Source : Pinterest

Water Limbo

Water Limbo uses a stream of water from a hose as the bar in a game of limbo. Children have to bend backward and navigate under the water stream without getting soaked. Each round, lower the stream to increase the difficulty and fun.

This playful twist on limbo challenges kids’ flexibility and balance, providing plenty of laughs and cool splashes. It’s an ideal game for hot days, combining physical activity with refreshing water play.

Sponge Bullseye

Sponge Bullseye involves drawing a target on the ground or a large piece of cardboard and giving kids water-soaked sponges to throw at it. Points are scored based on where their sponge lands, turning a simple game of toss into a fun competition.

This activity is excellent for younger children as it helps develop their motor skills and understanding of aim and force. Plus, the water from the sponges ensures they stay cool while playing.

Source : Pinterest

Frozen T-Shirt Race

The Frozen T-Shirt Race is a hilarious challenge where kids race to unfold and wear a frozen t-shirt. This game is perfect for hot days, providing a fun and unique way to cool down. It also offers plenty of photo opportunities as kids struggle with their frozen shirts.

Make it competitive by timing each participant or offering a prize for the first one to don their t-shirt. This game is guaranteed to be a memorable part of any summer day, filled with laughter and chilly fun.

Water Relay

Organize a Water Relay with a variety of challenges involving water. This could include carrying a leaky cup over their heads, filling and transporting buckets of water, or pushing water balloons with a spoon. Teams compete to finish first, making it a wet and wild race.

This relay is not only exciting but also a great exercise in teamwork and strategic thinking. It’s an engaging way for kids to cool off and enjoy some friendly competition.

Source : Pinterest

Pool Noodles

Joust In the Pool Noodle Joust, children use pool noodles to try and knock each other off balance within a designated area. This game is great for older children and teens, offering a fun way to engage in light-hearted combat.

Make sure to establish safety rules and monitor the play area to keep it fun and injury-free. This game can be a highlight of any pool party or summer gathering.

Source : Pinterest

Water Sponge Tag

Water Sponge Tag transforms the traditional game of tag by using a large, soaked sponge as the tagging tool. It’s a great way to ensure everyone gets wet and has fun in the process.

This game is particularly good for younger children, combining the excitement of tag with the refreshing twist of water. It’s easy to set up and can be played in any outdoor space.

16. Beach Ball Blaster

Set up a Beach Ball Blaster game where children use water guns to push beach balls across a finish line. This game tests their aiming skills and provides a fun challenge that’s perfect for teamwork.

Organize individual or team competitions, and watch as kids strategize the best way to get their beach ball across the line first. This game is a fun addition to any pool party or water-themed event.

Source : Pinterest

17. Water Obstacle Course

A Water Obstacle Course can include anything from a slip-and-slide to a sprinkler dash or a kiddie pool crawl. Time the participants or let them compete in teams to see who can complete the course the fastest.

This versatile game can be customized to include various water challenges, ensuring that every child is engaged and enjoying themselves. It’s a fantastic way to keep kids active and cool.

Source : Pinterest

18. Aqua Dodgeball

Aqua Dodgeball incorporates soft, water-soaked balls in a game of dodgeball, adding an exciting, splashy element to the game. This version keeps players cool and adds a new level of challenge as they dodge the wet projectiles.

Ensure the playing area is safe and that softer balls are used to prevent injuries. This game is sure to be a hit, bringing energy and excitement to any summer day.

19. Water Balloon Bowling

Set up Water Balloon Bowling with balloons as pins and a beach ball as the bowling ball. This creative twist on traditional bowling is perfect for kids who like a little target practice mixed with the chance for a splash.

This game is not only fun but also helps kids practice their aiming and throwing skills. It’s perfect for all ages and can be set up in any open space.

DIY Water Slide

A DIY Water Slide made with a tarp, some baby shampoo, and a hose is an easy way to bring the thrill of a water park home. Kids can enjoy hours of sliding fun, which is perfect for group playdates or family afternoons.

Make sure to supervise the activities closely, especially with younger children, to ensure everyone plays safely and enjoys themselves.

Source : Pinterest

Catch and Duck Water Balloon Game

Catch and Duck Water Balloon Game adds a fun twist to playing catch by integrating the option for players to yell “duck!” instead of throwing the balloon. If “duck” is called, the intended catcher must quickly duck to avoid getting splashed.

This game provides a great mix of anticipation and surprise, making it a delightful way to keep kids on their toes and entertained.

Source : Pinterest

Conclusion

These 21 water games provide perfect ways for kids to beat the heat while staying active and engaged. Each game offers something different, from high-energy activities to creative challenges, ensuring there’s something for every child to enjoy. Remember, the aim is to have fun and stay cool, so set up these games at your next summer gathering and watch the kids splash their way to a memorable summer!

How to Design a Kid-Friendly Play Garden That’s Actually Stylish

This design duo turned a basic backyard into an interactive paradise for play.

When you think about kid-friendly play spaces, you might have a vision of faded plastic slides and a mishmash of objects that tend to scream loudly of clutter. Unfortunately, a sophisticated landscape that seamlessly becomes one with the surroundings is not the first thing that comes to mind. Trust me, as a mom with a 4-year-old I know the struggle is real, but Sara Brunelle and Katie Smith of Lu — La Studio are changing the way we think about these play spaces. In fact, it’s their main design focus with their studio name being short for Ludic Landscape (“ludic” meaning play). 

In their debut West Coast project, Sara and Katie were tasked with creating a backyard space in Santa Monica for two young girls to run, climb, hide, and explore. Together they created layers of plants and climbable structures that pull together an organic play experience that is as fabulous as it is functional. A slide, climber, scramble, and discovery path are all part of the mix along with a rich, wild garden. By using choice plantings to knit the space together, it elegantly holds a multifaceted outdoor space that everyone in the family can enjoy. Every element in this space is an invitation to interact no matter your age. 

Looking to add a bit of interactive enjoyment to your outdoor space? No kids necessary, because these tips below are perfect for pet parents and grown people alike. Here’s to adding a little curiosity and moving our bodies more when we step outside our doors.

There are different areas for play in the backyard.

1. Create Separate Spaces 

Lu — La Studio believes play should be integrated into the landscape and that plants are the perfect tool to build those outdoor rooms or spaces (like centers inside a preschool room). Think of a low pruned hedge as an entrance leading into a secret space behind a larger shrub with masses of soft textural grasses used as a boundary. When taking height, texture, and color into consideration, plant-defined spaces can feel flowy and less confined.

When it comes to implementing the interactive components, Sara and Katie advise that “play pockets could include a small nook that is used as a ‘house,’ an area with logs or boulders for balance and climbing, and a small stage for dramatic play.” Additionally, these playful pockets should be connected by a circuit of paths that offer children choice on how to explore a space. When it comes to materials, the team tends to use clusters of plants intermingled with logs as a way to transition into different zones or whenever ground materials change.

The backyard’s slope blends in seamlessly with the plants and boulders.

2. Use Slopes to Your Advantage 

Don’t think of elevation changes as a challenge. Slopes and topography of any kind can not only add visual interest, but they are also an opportunity for play. For this particular project, a wide center slope was restructured, making it an integrated element with a seamless flow from the upper and lower lawn. Here are Lu — La Studio’s tips for tackling (and creating) plant and play filled inclines in any backyard:

Make it a hillslide

It doesn’t have to be high! It can be as low as 3 feet. But it does have to be steep. A slide is set at a 50-degree slope so you will likely have to make your hill steeper to accommodate it. Holding a 50-degree slope is tricky and this is where boulders come in, which not only hold the slope in place but create challenging steps that make for a good climb.

Boulders and logs become places to climb.

Add pathways

Depending on the steepness of your site you may need to gently orient the path in a switchback parallel to the hill to make sure you don’t scour the slope. Use stepable plants, such as thyme or sedges, that can take light foot traffic. Allow large soft textural grasses to create the boundaries of the pathway.

Planting on a slope

Planting can help retain the grade and prevent erosion. We like to use a matrix of grasses and groundcovers. Depending on the steepness, hedges and evergreens can be used at the steepest points to hold the slope and define no-go zones.

Prep

The angle of your slope can be pushed and pulled to be steeper or more gentle. Once you settle on a grade, prep your soil and install any necessary drains. While planting will hold the grades in place, adding boulders or retaining walls can also hold steep spaces. Keep height in mind when adding these structural elements so they might also be functional as resting places to sit.

There are many pockets of plants to explore in the garden.

3. Perfect the Plant Palette

When choosing plants for play it is important to think about how they can both create space and bring in character. The duo encourages you to think less about how plants can decorate and more how they can be experienced. And they add that they “love a secret garden, a place that feels a little overgrown with clearings of hidden spaces to explore. These spaces are both beautiful and evocative and speak to the playful spirit of both children and adults.”

For Sara and Katie, it’s not always about specific plants, it’s about how you use them to create mystery and secrets within the garden. They suggest starting with “a grass or sedge and then seed in some plants of interest. For scents and softness, think native salvias, herby perennials,  and flowering shrubs.” They also note succulents, which are great for adding structure, but just make sure to choose an agave that doesn’t have teeth to keep the playing field poke-free.

A few choice plants for consideration:Sesleria autumnalis

• Salvia apiana, Salvia mellifera

• Stachys byzantina

• Eriogonum fasciculatum, Monardella villosa

• Agave attenuata, Calliandra californica, Diplacus puniceus

Plenty of opportunities for climbing and exploring in the space.

4. Size Doesn’t Matter

Thinking you need an expansive plot to pull this off? Not the case! The duo encourages you to try implementing playful points no matter the backyard. “The scale of the spaces that children feel comfortable in are different from those of adults,” they say. “Scale it down, bring it in. Offer children tight spaces that make them feel held and that are clearly just for them.”

Sara and Katie add, “a good interactive play garden inspires exploration and builds on extent by offering destinations. A crop of boulders or a scramble of laying logs arranged together can be a great element for climbing, balancing, and hiding/seeking. Changing out and adding elements through the seasons will add intrigue and renew the sense of exploration.”

Keep Reading:

• family friendly design

• Garden Basics

• Garden tips

• Landscaping

• Outdoor Living

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