Our Backyard Play Space for Under 5's Unstructured Play

When the weather is nice, the kids and I spend most of our time outdoors, in our backyard play space. Quite often we’ll be out from the time they are dropped off in the morning until afternoon nap-time.

I’d like to share some of our favourite backyard play ideas with you today.All About Play Spaces 

BUILDING A DIY FOREST PLAY SPACE THAT YOUR LITTLE ONES WILL LOVE. 

Playfulness is central to how we all grow and learn. It’s what allows us to connect with others and let our imaginations flourish. But as we get older, play becomes more and more a luxury rather than an integral part of daily life – taking a backseat to professional and financial obligations and other dull but necessary evils.

Like the name would suggest,  playspaces are for all things clever, silly, quirky, and fun for all ages.

From the whimsical forms of Hope Marie to the creatively deceptive simple activities of fitness, recreation, and discovery that endlessly run through my brain: we want to inspire great playspaces that "toy" with the mind and unlock mental and physical muscles many of us have not stretched since childhood. Exhibiting nature this way will: artists also show us the power of play in revealing systemic injustices, subverting gender expectations, and confronting the absurdity of our political and ecological realities.

1. Pick a spot that looks inviting and versatile
for play options. 

Something that shouts, ‘explore me’! Think of your child’s interests, heroes, influences, things they love, etc. They should influence your vision and choices along the way. But you also want it to remain safe to the wildlife as well. Watch them use and play in the space the way it is naturally, so you don’t alter or move something that they enjoy.

2. Clear the space as needed.

Removing tripping hazards, prickly thorn bushes and sharp rocks will help to encourage play and keep everyone safe.  Be aware of who may already live in that space.  For example, If there was an active birds nest, I wouldn’t touch this space.

3. Invite your expert explorers to check out the area. 

Watch them investigate the area. What are they drawn to? How do they use the space?

4. (After watching your little experts in the area) fix, change or add, where needed. 

You don’t want to eliminate all challenges, but there’s nothing wrong with adding a few things here and there to help the kids to enjoy the space.  For example, I added a step stone when I noticed my littlest explorer struggling to climb up in to the ‘entrance’.

5. Define the space. 

Logs, branches and rocks work well as ‘walls’ and wood chips are excellent for ‘floors’. Old windows and mirrors are fun too once the glass is removed.

6. Add multi purpose open-ended materials. 

Pots, pans and kitchen utensils are great. Bowls, cups, rocks, natural wood blocks, scoops etc.

7. Make it creative and adventurous. 

You are setting up an ‘invitation to play’ (as you would in the classroom if you’re an educator, Just on a larger scale and likely a little messier) A telephone, a clock, a small table and even a sink -makes the area feel like ‘home’.  I also love to add items that sparkle and shine. Items that look like they aren’t typically meant for play. Special, interesting and unique – just like the little people who will be enjoying them.

8. Keep the area safe for wildlife and your kids. 

Watch for new hazards as the area changes through the seasons.  Wasp nests, thorn bushes, broken branches etc.

9. Follow your child’s lead -discover their Interest.

If you created a space to be a ‘house’ and they have decided that it’s a ‘diner’ – go with it! Add a cash register, menus and a take-out window. Kids have the greatest ideas, and it will be fun to watch the area grow and evolve. It can be a nature science lab, wildlife hospital, home or cabin, school, gym, animal food factory, fire or ranger station, train, or automotive repair business, ecology/save the planet bureau and more.

10. Play WITH them! 

Get your hands dirty. Eat the mud cakes! As a mother of 5 (ages 13-1) one thing that I know for sure is that time flies and there will be a point (*sniff sniff*) where they won’t ask you to sit and play anymore!  Enjoy these moments!

Planning your Outdoor or forest play area

Designing a children's outdoor play space doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, I'm trying to make a real effort on the blog to include easier, natural activities.

Also, if you live in an urban environment with no backyard, a lot of these can be found/done at your local park or community garden! Here are ten things that can make a child's outdoor play space all that more special:

1. A SECRET PLACE

Kids need somewhere they can breathe, be alone and feel free. What makes a place secret? Make it their size, construct "walls" and have it in a slightly obscured location. Whether it's a clubhouse or just a sheet draped over some tree limbs, the main idea is to prompt them to create a world of their own. Boys like calling it a club or hide out.

This is one of my favorite things ever. I would even wear olive and brown colors as camouflage. Our family’s rule was if it isn’t nailed down then we could use it. I liked cheese cloth dyed in mud. My mom kept my secret she would leave it under my pillow.

via Magic Onions

More Great Ideas:

• The Five Minute Fort via My Crafty Spot

• Make a Live Willow Den | We are buying our willow whips here

• Giant Nest (ambitious, but had to include because it is amazing!)

2. A WATER FEATURE

Where there is water, there is fun. Enough said.

Homemade Water Wall via Happy Hooligans

More Great Ideas:

• Nature Soup via Meri Cherry

• 10 DIY Sprinklers (I couldn't pick just one) via Fantastic Fun and Learning

• How to Make a Giant Outdoor Water Bed via My Frugal Adventures

• Easy Waterplayby the Picklebums

3. MUD GLORIOUS MUD

Whether it's mud pies or just digging for rocks, kids need to get dirty! I know that our mud kitchen was my daughter's favorite part of our outdoor play area this past summer. And if you really want to pair this activity down just give the kids some dirt and a bowl - trust me they will find their own wild materials.

Designing an Outdoor Mud Pie Kitchen

More Muddy Ideas:

Make Mud Paint! via Learn Play Imagine

The Great Dinosaur Stomp via My Small Potatoes

30+ Ideas for Kids to Play in the Dirt via Hands On As We Grow

Mud Kitchen Essentials (this is a wonderful, comprehensive post) via abc does

4. SOMETHING TO CLIMB ON

As parents of all young children know, climbing is a natural instinct. Trees, stumps, rocks - they all present an opportunity for our kids to test their limits and go higher!

via Little Eco Footprints

More Great Ideas:

Don't feel like installing, cutting or building anything? Have them go climb a tree!

Tire Climbing Tower via Blessings Overflowing

DIY Slackline via Pail and Pipe

Triple Wide Climbing Ladder (Buy it here)

5. SOMETHING TO GROW

For us, gardening is one of the fundamentals, and plays a unique role in our daughter's outdoor space! It may seem daunting, but there are some really easy ways to set up a growing area.

via Keep it Simple Sister

More Great Ideas:

Create a Sensory Garden via DIY gardening

You Grow Girl (My favorite resource for container gardening!)

Make a Fairy With Your Kids via See Jamie Blog

Designing a Sensory Garden via Gardening Know How

Make a Raised Bed in a Kiddie Pool via Southern Plate (with this one, I would put down a liner between the pool and the garden so the plastic chemicals don't leach into the food.

6. A PLACE TO CREATE

I always feel so much more creative when I'm outside. It is such a bonus to have an area where the kids can write, make art, music and even put on plays for each other. It doesn't matter if it is as simple as making mandalas on the ground with natural items, art and nature just go together!

Painting With Eggs on Canvas

More Great Ideas:

20 Amazing Outdoor Music Stations via My Nearest and Dearest

Make an Outdoor Puppet Theater via Koko Designs

Giant Outdoor Weaving Station via Seasonal Gnome

Paint Filled Eggs on Canvas via Growing a Jeweled Rose

7. SOMETHING TO SWING ON

I'll never forgot the rope swing in my grandparents' yard. It was such a simple design, but whenever any of my siblings or cousins mention those years, that swing is always in the picture. Swinging is blissful and every child deserve a chance to feel the wind against their face as they propel themselves towards the sky.

via sk8swing

More Great Ideas:

7 Dollar DIY Rope Swing via Budget Blonde

Skateboard Swing via Little Bit Funky

Kid's Backyard Tire Swing via Popular Mechanics

Airplane Swing Tutorial via Whitney's Workshop

8. OPEN-ENDED MATERIALS

Spontaneous, unorganized play is the foundation of a child's time spent outside. In the spirit of the adventure playground movement, I like to have loose items and material available for my daughter to create with. They have no set "purpose" except for her to imagine, build and create with.

Loose Parts Play via In The Playroom

More Great Ideas:

Loose Parts Play via Inside Outside Indiana

Theory of Loose Parts via Let the Children Play

Handy Idea for Storing Loose Parts for Play via Let the Children Play

Homemade Tree Blocks via An Everyday Story

9. SOMETHING THEY CHOOSE

I've definitely been guilty of getting caught up in my own ideas and forgetting to ask my daughter what she really wants. Making sure our kids have a stake in the project can connect them to their space. Some things I'm trying to ask her are:

What's your favorite thing to do outside?

Do you like this here?

What color should we paint this?

Do you want to name your clubhouse?

Is there anything special you want to bring outside from your room?

Are we missing anything?

Does your family want to go collecting materials with you? 

Make An Outdoor Pretend Play Area

Kids love to pretend to cook and serve food, so why not take that idea to the next level with an outdoor eating area, complete with a table, stools and everything you need to have the perfect pretend (or real!) meal outside. Use the same space as a makerspace if you can.

Maker zone” in the natural playground 
(Loose Parts Area)

This one might cause you to scratch your head. What’s a maker  or tinkering zone?

Generally, it’s a space devoted to tinkering, creating, constructing, and engineering. But it can be a creative or Mud Kitchen if your kids would prefer that.

To help spur on your little builder, offer baskets, bins, crates or piles of twigs, pinecones, vines, bark, leaves, acorns- whatever you have on hand in your ecosystem. I’d suggest also placing a flat work surface nearby, either on the ground or elevated slightly to function as a table. Be prepared for lots of creations given as “gifts” throughout the day!

Mud & Creative Kitchens

A mud kitchen is another great addition to your natural backyard playground. Outfit a child-sized work space with bamboo cutting boards, ladles, little wooden bowls and utensils, etc. If the weather turns cold, your mud kitchen can easily be converted into a snow kitchen. (And if you want other ideas for winter activities, I’ve got you covered!) 

SANDY PIT

Just like Roo from the Hundred Acre Wood, little children need access to a sandy (or just plain dirt-y) pit for digging. I’m not just talking about your typical sand box. While those are great for small projects, I’m talking “rip up the sod and dig to China” levels of digging. Give your kid a variety of tools so they can switch up their digging with raking, hoeing, or weeding, too. My favorite sandboxes are created a theme and have a play tent or sun shelter. 

SOMETHING FOR THE BIG KIDS

Trust me, you don't want to leave this one out! It's wonderful to interact with our children, but the truth is sometimes they just need to get lost in the moment without us. This past summer we installed two hammocks and it instantly transformed the children's play area into a mixed-use space that we all love to be in. Remember it’s cooler in the wooded area because its shaded. The more comfortable you are, the longer they can play in that oxygen rich environment that is so good for their health.

So, these are on the author's list, I challenge you to make your own lists based on your child's interests.

I am so excited over this challenge.  Lets do this Little Makers style!

Fun and Easy Backyard Play Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers:

Sprinkler fun

We have our snacks on the deck, and our lunch on a big blanket under the trees.  The kids love eating their lunch outside, and I love how easy clean-up is when we’re done.

Fun Lunch Idea for Toddlers and Preschoolers:

I normally pile a tray up with sandwiches, drinks, fruits/veggies/cheese etc and carry it out to the blanket under the tree, but today I’m loading up ice-cube trays with veggies, cheese, berries, plain pasta and cubed ham. Each child will get their own tray filled with finger-foods to carry to the picnic blanket.

Picnic under the trees

Outside is where we want to play when the weather cooperates. Winter is too long to not make the most of the nice weather when it’s here. There’s a ton of fun to be had in the yard, and the kids like it best when we keep the play simple and unstructured.

This fence is great for chalking on or painting with water.

In the fall, we come up with all kinds of cool and creative ways to play in the leaves.

We have our basic outdoor art supplies like chalk, spray bottles, homemade finger-paints, paintbrushes etc,

And a huge collection of beach stones that we do all kinds of things with.

Water play is always a huge hit.

and we muck around making concoctions…

…and the kids love any kind of muddy activity. Below, the kids are troweling bricks with mud, and stacking them.

Check out our mobile mud pit!

Our homemade water wall provides hours of entertainment

We are fortunate to have a good-sized back yard, and our neighbourhood backs on to a ravine and forest.  The kids refer to this area as “the jungle”. In the spring, before the undergrowth gets too high, we spend a lot of time exploring, hiking and “rock-climbing” in the jungle.

The playhouse , the tire swing and the sandbox are where the children spend most of their time, playing make-believe, getting messy, and having good-old-fashioned fun.

On a hot day, a rubber boat filled with water at the bottom of the slide provides a whole day of fun.

So many hours are spent here in our sandbox, digging, building, working together, and problem solving.

We are also blessed to have a pond in our backyard.

It’s small but it provides us with countless hours of entertainment, and opportunities for learning.

The children watch the fish and get excited when they discover that the fish have had babies.  They learn about life-cycles as we watch tadpoles develop into toads every spring, they scoop out algae, they hunt for snails, and they observe the birds and dragonflies that come for a drink.

The pond is a wonderful feature of our yard; I’m so thankful that we have it.  It’s a place to splash your feet on a hot day…

…or to sit and quietly reflect with a friend.

Thanks so much for touring “our big backyard” with me.  It’s actually been quite a nostalgic little journey for me.  Please feel free to share pictures of your own outdoor play-space with us.  I’m always looking for new out-door play ideas, and I’d love to see how your little people spend their days!

Create a fun and exciting backyard playground for your child or your daycare for free or for few dollars!  You don’t need expensive toys and fancy equipment to have an outdoor play area that will thrill your kids.  These inexpensive ideas for a backyard play space will make your yard the funnest place in the neighbourhood.

The far corner of the backyard draws the children in like a magnet.  It’s the play area in our backyard that’s entirely dedicated to the daycare kids, and it’s where the  most care-free and magical moments of our day take place.

The old-fashioned simplicity of our outdoor play area makes it an enchanting place for kids to play, explore and learn.

There’s our play-house, and sandbox, which are popular for sure, and there is a myriad of other inexpensive play features that entertain, challenge and engage the kids for hours every day, all year long. It’s these play features I’m going to tell you about today.

Having an extraordinary outdoor play space doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

You may be thinking “But, how much does it cost to create a backyard playground like this?”

Well, that’s the beautiful part!

Aside from the playhouse and sandbox, which my husband built, most of the play features in our backyard cost next-to-nothing. In most cases, I’ve used items from around the house, thrift-shop finds, and various bits and pieces from nature to create this outdoor play area for the kids.

Tight-ropes, pulleys, water walls, balance beams…  all just pennies to make, provide countless hours of fun and learning.

They spark the imagination,  challenge gross motor skills and coordination, and encourage critical thinking and creativity.

Be sure to grab our printable list of 100 Fun Things To Do At Home This Summer too! Your kids will never be bored again!

Ready to have the funnest backyard on the block?

18 Genius, Free Things to Add to your Backyard Playground

Click the links or photos below for the full instructions for each play yard feature.

Mobile Mud Pit

Want a mud-pit without sacrificing your lawn?  Click here to check out our mobile mud-pit!  Easy set up, easy clean up, and you can tuck it away at the end of the day.

Alternatively, you can buy this mud pie kitchen on Amazon.

Play Logs

If you know anyone who’s having a tree cut down, see if you can score some play logs!   They’re one of the most versatile and popular features in our backyard.  Click here to see ours in action, and to find out more about them.

No space for logs? Check out these balancing buckets for indoor and outdoor use.

Pool Noodle Abacus

A backyard “abacus” is simple to make and provides lots of fun and learning. The toddlers love this one.  Click here to learn more about our pool noodle abacus.

Repurpose an old white board

Got a white board that’s too marked up to use anymore?  Move it outdoors!  The kids got a couple of seasons of outdoor art out of this white board that was headed for the trash.  Here, we’re painting with mud on International Mud Day.

Backyard Balance Beam

A few scrap pieces of wood make a toddler balance beam for a budding, young gymnast.  It provides hours of pretend play and exercise and I can tuck it out of the way at the end of the day. Click here to see more of our outdoor balancing activities for toddlers and preschoolers.

A Rope and a Bucket

Without question, this simple contraption is one of the best things I’ve ever added to our backyard play area.  The kids play with it all  year round.  Not only is it great for strengthening muscles and coordination, it also fosters team work, critical thinking and cooperation.  See how I rigged up our Bucket & Rope Contraption here.

Homemade Water Wall

I made this water wall out of recyclables 4 years ago, and the kids are still playing with it.  It’s provided them with hours and hours of fun and learning over the years.  See how I made our water wall here.

Tire Swing

Our tire swing is another one of the most loved features in our back yard.  An old tire, hung horizontally is perfect for one or for a bunch of kids to gather on.   If your vehicle is due for new tires – perfect!  If not, check with a local garage or service station.  They may happily donate one to your backyard project. (photo only/no link)

Kids Clothesline

I rigged up this simple toddler clothesline years ago.  Secured tightly so it’s not a safety concern, it’s just at the right height for the kids to use.

Our clothesline provides lots of opportunity for pretend play, and it’s great for teaching life skills, and developing coordination and fine-motor skills.  Read more about our clothesline activities here.

Rocks and Stones

We’ve picked up loads of rocks and stones and even pebbles at the beach over the years.  The children always have access to the rocks and stones in the yard, and they play with them daily.  They’re kind of our backyard version of the building block – completely open-ended, they can be whatever the kids want them to be.  See 10 ways that we use our stones and rocks here.

Sand Wall

Much like the water wall, our sand wall is also made entirely out of scraps and recyclables. It’s positioned in our sandbox, and it’s provided loads of entertainment over the years.  Read about our sandbox and sand wall here.

Artificial Flowers

Pick up a bunch of artificial flowers at the dollar store or at a thrift shop.  Ours played with every single day.  The kids hold “weddings”, they decorate the playhouse with them, they “plant” them in the sandbox.  Not a day passes that these don’t get used in some creative manner.  Check out one of my favourite artificial flower activities here.

DIY WATER TABLE/SENSORY TABLES 

Water tables are awesome, but there was no way I was going to spend big money to get one when you can make your own so easily.  I pull one of these together almost every day when the weather is nice.  A storage bin set a top a bench or patio table or even an overturned (larger) storage container are all you need for all your water and sensory activities.  If you don’t have storage containers, no worries – a child’s wagon also doubles as a water table for a group of kids to gather around.  You can check out the way we use it for our water activities here.

Backyard Tight Rope

Best thing ever!  This is right up there with the tire swing and the rope and bucket contraption.  We’ve had our toddler tightrope set up in the yard for years. The kids use it every day, all year long even when the snow practically buries the bottom rope.  It’s the best for coordination and gross-motor development.  I’m not kidding when I say our tightrope has provided hundreds of hours of fun for kids from ages 1-7 over the years.  Read all about it, and see how to make your own here.

Hoses and Funnels

A couple of old pool hoses (or vacuum hoses) pushed through a chain link fence provide hours of fun and learning.  Pop a funnel (or the top section of a water bottle) into the top each hose, and little ones will be kept occupied and entertained for ages.  Read all about our hose and funnel runs here.

Thrift Shop Coffee Table

One of the best but least expensive investments I ever made for my daycare was this thrift shop coffee table.  I got it for 6 dollars at a second-hand shop a couple of years ago, and we use it every day.  In summer, it’s our backyard activity table, in winter it’s our art table in the craft room.  Big enough for a crowd to gather around and water and paint spills don’t matter at all.  See it in action here.

DIY Water Slide

For the price of an inexpensive camping tarp, you can give your kids a whole day of wet, water, slippy-slidey fun! !  We’ve been doing this for years here in my daycare, and the kids never tire of it.  See how to make your own waterside here.

Add “running water” to your outdoor play space

Lastly, my inexpensive trick for adding a source of running water to your child’s backyard play area.  A camping jug!  They're in abundance at the second hand-stores around here, so if you don’t have one of your own, you can probably scoop up a used one for a couple of bucks!  See some of the ways we use ours here.

And there you have it!

18 inexpensive, super-fun, super-cool things you can add to your outdoor play space this summer!  Your kids (and your neighbours’ kids) will love you for it!

How to Create a Backyard Playground in the Trees

I made this backyard playground in the woods behind our house and the kids love it!

Our new house has about an acre of woods and, from the very beginning, the kids have loved going back there to explore! My husband has been creating a series of trails so they can ride their bikes and he installed a zipline right after Christmas, but I wanted to add some more fun activities back there! Our kids are ages 6-12 so they’ve sadly outgrown the days of a basic backyard playset, but I knew there were still some playground staples they’d enjoy! Here are the three projects I tackled for our backyard playground: swing set, monkey bars, stepping stumps/ game area. Full materials list at the end of this post!

DIY Backyard Swing

Because the cost of lumber is a real consideration nowadays, I wanted to make use of the dozens of trees that we already have in our yard! (Note: I looked up whether any of these projects would damage the trees and read that a healthy tree should be able to handle a couple of lag bolts going into it!) For the swing, I planned to install a sturdy header board between two trees that I could hang a swing from. Because trees can move, a consideration when installing a header is how to keep it from shifting or, even worse, breaking as a result of tree movement. This ‘bracket’ is something I found that will help prevent this. I’m using pressure treated lumber for this project since all of this wood will live outside and I want it to hold up in the elements.

To build the bracket, I’m working with a 2×6 board and cut one piece into a 5.5″x5.5″ square and another piece closer to 14″. With a 3/8″ spade bit (just smaller than my lag bolts), I drilled holes in both pieces of pressure treated lumber.

To install the bracket onto the tree, I had to pre-drill with the same spade bit. Trees are HARD so you will NOT be able to install a lag bolt without pre-drilling. (Ask me how I know….) Drilling into the tree took some time. I had to slowly move the drill bit in and out and definitely needed my impact driver. A hammer drill might have worked even better but mine is electric so not great for the woods. Before pre-drilling and installing the lower lag bolt, I made sure my bracket was lined up and level!

Once I pre drilled, I used a ratchet to install each lag bolt with a washer between the lag bolt and the wood. I left all my lag bolts a tiny bit loose and tightened them after I had installed the actual header. 

I’m sure there is a better solution for this, but… this worked!  I knew that the brackets needed to line up so that when I went to install a long straight board, it would fit into the bracket on either tree. I ran a length of rope between the two trees and ‘pointed’ my brackets along that line to make sure they would line up with each other.

I used this swing set hardware and this swing. The brace screwed into the header with carriage bolts. As you can see, I used two pieces of 2×4 pressure treated wood on either side of the header to accommodate the carriage bolts included with the swing hanging hardware, but… I definitely could have grabbed shorter carriage bolts at Home Depot also. 

DIY Backyard Monkey Bars

Similar to the sewing, I’m using two trees between which I installed monkey bars. Unlike the swing, I needed to build a bit more of a frame to create the necessary width for these monkey bars. I started by installing two 24-inch lengths of 2×6 pressure treated wood into my trees. Before screwing them in place, I attached those joist hangers and pre-drilled for the lag bolts just as I had for the swing. The deck braces will support the weight of the pressure treated 2x4s that will ultimately be the framework for the monkey bars.

I used the same rope to make sure the boards on either tree were lined up and level and used basic exterior screws to hold the board in place so I could have enough leverage to ratchet the lag bolts tight.

I measured the space between the deck supports before cutting down my 2x4s just to be safe. The 2x4s slide right into the braces and then I supported with exterior screws through the braces themselves but also added a sturdy GRK screw through the support beam on the tree into the end of each 2×4 as extra security.

The monkey bars screw into the top of the 2x4s and are spaced 12-inches apart. All of the kids can just barely reach the monkey bars but I had to bring over a stump for our youngest to reach! I love that they can all play on the same thing and hopefully grow into it!

Stepping Stumps

We inherited a bunch of tree stumps in the woods so I decided to make use of them for the playground. (If you don’t happen to have a pile of stumps in your yard, check out places like Facebook marketplace of Craigslist as folks are often looking to give their stumps away for free!) These stumps are pretty sturdy, but I wanted to prevent them from toppling over and hurting one of the kids. I used the same spade bit as I had for the lag bolts and drilled a hole into the middle of each stump on the bottom. This was slow going and I suspect a different drill bit might have worked better but I worked with what I had and managed to pre-drill about 8 inches into each stump. I forgot to photograph this next step, but you can use your imagination and picture me huffing and puffing, but I hammered a 24-inch length of rebar into each stump.

To install the stumps, I cleared out the brush underneath and tried to find a place without any buried roots or stones so that the rebar would sink down into the dirt. Again, please close your eyes and picture me huffing and puffing as I lift and drop these stumps over and over. To stabilize them, I added dirt underneath and then jumped up and down on each one and then backfilled around them a bit more.

As an added bit of fun, I primed and painted the top of each stump and added a tic tac toe grid. Painted landscape rocks will serve as the game pieces!

I love that these few additions to our outdoor space give the kids more options for independent play in our yard. Listening to them make up games or challenges on the new play equipment is a delight as a parent! I also love that because I used wood and basic materials, these play areas almost blend into to our wooded backyard! 

Materials

• 1/2″ Lag Bolts (this is a link to the 6″ lag bolt I used for the monkey bars, but I used an 8-in one for the swing)

• Pressure Treated Lumber

• Ratchet

• Spade Bit

• Impact driver

• Swing

• Swing hanger hardware

• Monkey Bars

• Deck brace

• GRK screws (you can buy them individually in the store!)

• Rebar

• Primer

• Paint sample pots

How to Design a Kid-Friendly 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.”

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What Are Natural Playgrounds?

A natural playground is more natural and sustainable than a conventional playground where most of the materials used consist of metals, paint (which can contain all kinds of things like ethylbenzene, lead and more), crumb rubber, and other materials that contain toxic compounds and negatively affect our kids’ health.

Natural playgrounds—also called neutralized playgrounds, nature playgrounds, nature play spaces, or playscapes—are playgrounds that utilize what can be found in nature to encourage play, learning, development, exploration, curiosity, and discovery.

These playscapes can either be all-natural, leveraging the textures, elements, and sensory experiences found in nature, or they can consist of a combination of some man-made parts (using sustainable, repurposed, recycled, and eco-friendly materials).

Typically, the nature play “equipment” isn’t as structured as conventional playground equipment.

Natural Materials to Consider for Your DIY Natural Playground at Home

There are lots of natural elements you can use when creating your backyard natural playground!

Nature itself:

• Boulders

• Logs

• Ponds

• Streams

• Meadows

• Trees

• Shells

• Tree stumps

• Bamboo pieces

• Acorns

• Pine needles

• Bark

• Seed pods

• Pinecones

• Sticks

• Leaves

• Rocks

• Grasses and straw bales

• Branches

• Vines

• Non-toxic sand

• Flowers

Sustainable and repurposed materials:

• Rope

• String

• Wooden planks

• Cardboard

• Crates

• Canvas, tarps, burlap, and fabric

• Wheelbarrows

• Bags

• Ribbon

• Kitchen tools – pots, muffin tins, spoons, rolling pins, etc.

• Planters

• Buckets

• Garden hose

• Educational toys

• Old canoes

• Wooden storage boxes

• And other everyday items in your home, or what you can buy at thrift stores or backyard sales

Best Natural Playground Backyard Ideas Your Kids Will Love  

This post is all about natural playground backyard ideas for a fun backyard space. 

If you believe that nature is the best playground then you will fall in love with the nature backyard playground design ideas on this list! 

If you are dreaming up a unique backyard play area where your kids have a mud kitchen, a simple gardening area, rock walls, and sandboxes to dig in then you made it to the right place. 

From working with kids I have found myself on many playgrounds that basically all look the same.

Why not switch things up and include imaginative play areas, play structures made from natural materials, and plenty of areas to climb and explore? 

This list is full of inspiration to create a backyard playground that will help your kids deepen their connection to nature and save you a few bucks as well! 

How to design a nature playground + benefits

A nature playground or natural playground is a play space for kids (adults can play too!) that uses natural items from the earth to encourage exploration, a deeper connection to nature, and creativity.

To build a natural playground in your backyard include ideas from these themes:

• Natural materials: Rocks, stumps, boulders, twigs, bamboo, logs etc. can be used for balancing, building play structures, and climbing.

• Natural play spaces: Mud kitchens, gardens, sandboxes, gravel areas for trucks,

• Imagination station: tree houses, fairy gardens, gnome gardens, and play areas for story creation and games.

• Explorative play spaces: Create areas that mimic natural spaces. Include things like rock walls/climbing walls with ropes, hills, tunnels made from branches, areas to climb, slides etc.

• Eco-friendlyfocus: try to use recycled materials, upcycled materials, native plants, natural items from your yard and locally made products from community members.

Benefits of natural playgrounds:

Still not convinced you should turn your backyard into a mini national park?

Here are some more benefits to consider!

• Connection to nature: the more time kids play outside and play with natural elements the more they will appreciate and respect it.

• Budget-friendly: Regular play structures and playgrounds can be really expensive! Instead, DIY your playground with repurposed items and natural materials.

• Encourages mindfulness through the senses: develops their sensory skills and helps them tap into the present moment with natural textures and colors, sounds (DIY instrument area), and scents from growing flowers.

• Confidence in physical abilities: climbing, balancing, swinging

Many of these projects use repurposed old materials like pallets, tires, and wooden crates, making them not only fun but also environmentally friendly. Making these low cost or free additions to your yard.

Don’t wait any longer – start making your kids’ dream playground with these incredible homemade playground ideas today!

Unique Natural Playground Backyard Ideas

Rock garden explorations and/or a small world play site using raised garden bed tub of river rocks

One of my favorite childhood memories is walking through cold riverbeds on a hot day and collecting different rocks and treasures I found along the way.

Recreate this experience by using a raised garden bed (or old water table) and filling it with beautiful rocks, stones, and gems. Strainers, cups, fountain attachments on your hose, small brushes to clean rocks, and painted rocks can make this area more exciting.

Voulosimi 12 LBS River Rock Stones                                                           $25

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This 12-pound pack of river rocks includes a wide variety of natural colors and shapes but they are all lightly polished to make them appear as smooth as possible. Use them along paths, in pots, and more.

Music garden or a sound sensory garden

Tap into the senses and get your little one to tune into nature sounds. Add a DIY birdhouse up in a tree to attract birds or squirrels to this area.

Use old pots, pans, and spoons so they can create their own rhythms and beats or mimic those of nature. You can even attach old PVC pipes to a wall to create a DIY xylophone. Use sticks for a mallet!

Use a thick piece of bamboo and fill it with pebbles. Secure the other side and you will have your own rain stick!

Upcycled skateboard for a swing or old tires as a DIY swings

Grab that forgotten skateboard from the garage or pick one up from the thrift store to create a DIY swing.

They can sit on their bottom or stand up on their feet to practice their balance for skating, skateboarding, surfing etc.

Sanded wood or an old tire work great as a DIY swing as well!

Hammock hideout for a kid-friendly relaxation space

Pick two strong trees in your backyard and throw up a hammock! Your kids will love to swing in them, read a book and older kids may even take an afternoon nap in them.

I have been obsessed with my ENO hammock for the past 10 years. From all of the adventures I have taken it on it has remained intact, hasn’t faded, and has no holes. It’s portable, you can easily wash it, and dry it in the sun.

Pro tip: Get the double nester optionso that all the siblings and/or neighbor kids can enjoy it together.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock - Lightweight, Portable, 1 to 2 Person Hammock - for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Travel, a Festival, or The Beach - Plum/Berry

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A-frame playhouse or treehouse older children will love to hang in

Create a simple or extravagant playhouse they can make memories in.

A-frame structures are much easier to build than a full-on treehouse in a tree. You don’t have to add a platform or flooring underneath the walls. The grass or dirt is fine, and you can add stumps for seating areas.

A few outdoor string lights for late evening playtime are the perfect finishing touch. I love these solar-powered outdoor string lights. They have a vintage look, and the fact that they are solar-powered ties perfectly with your natural playground goals!

Beams S14 Bulb Solar LED Weatherproof Outdoor String Lights, 27 feet, Black

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DIY backyard playhouse ideas using natural materials

• Willow tree dome (willow tree branches are super flexible)

• Stick and branch hut

• Log cabin stacking logs to form walls

• Clay and cob playhouse (mixture of clay, sand, straw, and water)

• Stone and log fort

DIY play structure with a climbing wall feature

This play structure is genius! I personally would add more barriers to the sides on the top of the stump for safety but I love the blend of climbing and sliding that it brings. Depending on the height of the tree stump, this play structure could be great for all ages.

Of course, this isn’t completely natural but close enough!

Use a pack of colorful climbing holds to screw them into the stump. They’re the perfect size for kids’ feet and I love that they are nice and bright for safety.

This pack comes with the hardware you need to install the rocks to a tree stump, wall, or tree house!

*A great alternative to this is a rope ladder! You can make one from rope and pieces of wood.

TOPNEW 32 Rock Climbing Holds Multi Size for Kids, Adult Rock Wall Holds Climbing Rock Wall Grips for Indoor and Outdoor Playground Play Set - Includes 2 Inch Mounting Hardware

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DIY mud kitchen for an imaginative natural playscape -Painted Rock Food

Playing with mud is a quintessential part of childhood. I used to love pretending it was food, making stews with mud and flowers, and building mud houses as a kid.

Set up a mud kitchen with these items and I’m sure your kids will make you plenty of “delicious recipes” (;

• work surface to cook (paint a stove top on!)

• cooking utensils (ladles, spoons & spatulas)

• pots, pans, and dishes

• water source (nearby garden hose or fill up water jugs)

• play sink or bucket to wash the dishes

• personalized kitchen signs or menus

• laminated recipe cards

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Simple natural play areas like hopscotch stumps

Get your kids to practice their jumping and counting skills all in one. You can slice up an old tree to make each disk. Then paint numbers onto each surface.

You may want to put a walking stick nearby if your child is still working on their balance.

Sandbox race track or construction site for free play

If your kids love all things with wheels you have to include this in your backyard!

Use sand to create a DIY race track or construction site for them to dig in and race their cars in. Don’t put too much sand in this area so that the trucks can still glide across easily.

You can use rocks or a bamboo fence to keep this area contained. Bamboo is great for building because it’s affordable and makes perfect race track walls.

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Gravel play area for a construction zone

If you’re not a sand person, no worries, stick to gravel! You can pick up a bag of gravel at your local garden shop or collect rocks outside to create a natural play area.

It has similar benefits to a sandbox but the rocks are easier to contain. Even a small 3×3 section in your yard is the perfect amount of room for a gravel construction zone.

Don’t forget to add in some toy trucks made from recycled materials!

Add in some large rocks or logs to keep the rocks contained and for seating.

Green Toys Dump Truck in Pink Color BPA Free, Phthalates Free Play Toys for Improving Gross Motor, Fine Motor Skills. Play Vehicles

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Sand pit inside a repurposed item

Go on a treasure hunt to local yard sales and thrift stores to find items that can be upcycled to create unique sandboxes.

Here are some items I think would make a great option for DIY sandboxes:

• An old boat like a canoe

• Metal or plastic tub

• Kiddie pool

• Fill an old toddler bed frame with sand

• Create a mini sandbox using an old dresser drawer

• Tractor tire

*Don’t forget to sand and seal rough or broken areas. Add a tarp under the sand to keep it contained and add a piece of wood or tarp to cover it for when it’s not in use!

DIY natural playground design

I hope this list made you super excited and inspired to transform your backyard space!

Don’t feel pressured to use every idea on this list. Even a few of these ideas are a great way to bring your current backyard play area to the next level.

If you don’t live in a super rural area, these ideas are an easy way to encourage your kids to spend more time outdoors, try new things, and appreciate nature!

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From constructing a backyard beach to making a customizable clubhouse, these homemade DIY playground ideas ensure hours of outdoor play while fostering your child’s development and imagination.

DIY Backyard Playground

If you’re looking for an affordable and fun way to give your kids a playground, this DIY project is the way to go! With just a few basic tools and materials like pressure-treated wood, metal posts, and a slide, you can build a backyard playground that lasts.

Plus, the step-by-step guide makes it super easy, even for beginners. Our kids love it, and it’s a fraction of the cost of commercial options.

DIY Wood Playground

Starting with the idea of a DIY playground, the project evolved from a simple cabin design to include a second floor, a swing, and a slide. Using CAD for planning, the structure was built with pine wood, steel anchors, and basic tools.

Over time, the playground will adapt and grow, with future additions like a rope ladder or monkey bridge to enhance the fun and functionality.

DIY Backyard Play Structure for Kids

This DIY play structure stands tall at 9 feet, designed with a solid, sloped backyard in mind. From carefully planning the layout to digging post holes deep enough to avoid frost heaving in Michigan, every step was carefully thought out.

The project used materials like 2x6s, Quick-crete, and pine decking to create a sturdy deck, slide, and ladder. With a few YouTube tutorials and hands-on work, this backyard playground was built to last and be fun for the kids.

DIY Treeless Tree House Playground

If you’re looking for a backyard project that combines function with fun, this elevated fort is the answer. Designed with ease in mind, this simple structure makes use of common lumber sizes to minimize waste and cost.

It’s built to last and offers endless possibilities for your kids’ playtime adventures. Whether it’s a castle, rocket, or pirate ship, this fort can transform into whatever their imagination desires!

How to Make a Tire Swing

This project is perfect for lazy summer evenings and is eco-friendly. Here are the steps to make a tire swing:

1. Clean the tire: Before painting, ensure that the tire is clean. Use a dry rag to brush off any dirt.

2. Add color: Use outdoor spray paint to add a splash of color to the tire. Apply two coats of your preferred color. In this instance, a cheerful aqua blue was used, providing a lively contrast to any garden.

3. Hang the tire: After allowing the paint to dry overnight, use a clove hitch knot to hang the tire from a sturdy branch.

This tire swing is not only an enjoyable activity but also promotes recycling and repurposing.

It adds an exciting splash of color to your garden, making it the perfect playtime addition for kids. Bring lively colors and fun-filled swinging into your summer with this creative project.

Creative Rainbow Paver Hopscotch

This hopscotch pathway is perfect for using up a pile of garden pavers and keeping your lawn in good shape. The side yard, often wet and soggy, is an ideal location for this project as it provides a solid and dry surface to walk on.

To create a classic hopscotch layout with a rainbow color scheme, begin by laying out a protective sheet and spray-painting the pavers in bright colors of your choice.

Add numbers to the pavers using leftover latex paint and a foam brush.

Once the pavers are dry, arrange them into the hopscotch pattern and you’ll have a fun-filled, eye-catching feature in your backyard that both children and adults will love!

This project is simple, affordable, and takes only about 30 minutes of your time.

Here are some basic supplies you’ll need to get started:

• Garden pavers

• Protective sheet

• Spray paint in bright colors

• Leftover latex paint

• Foam brush

With your creativity and these supplies, you can make your own colorful hopscotch today and add a delightful touch to your yard!

Build Your Own Treehouse

This easy-to-build design uses scrap wood and basic hardware tools, making it a perfect project for any DIY enthusiast.

The treehouse comprises a sturdy frame, a leveled deck, and a natural wooden staircase, providing a safe and engaging play space for your kids.

The structure is kept low and light, ensuring peace of mind for parents. Plus, it can be customized to suit your child’s imagination, making it a playful addition to your backyard that your kids will love.

Not only is the treehouse a fun play space, but it can also serve as a launch pad for a home zip-line!

Customizable Clubhouse for Kids

This unique project is based on a basic platform and offers endless customization options to suit your children’s personalities and preferences.

Constructed from durable materials, this clubhouse is a long-lasting feature that provides endless fun for your little ones.

Start by unleashing your creativity and let this design inspire you to create a magical place for your children. Use tables, bullet points, and bold text to organize your ideas and make your project planning easier.

Remember, this isn’t a strict guide, but a starting point to spark your imagination.

Start your project today and create unforgettable childhood memories for your kids.

How to Build a Backyard Beach

To get started, clear the 7ft by 7ft area and dig four holes for the PVC pipes. Insert the pipes into the holes and secure them with cement.

Then, spread landscaping fabric over the area, making sure to secure it tightly.

Once the fabric is in place, pour sand onto the area until it reaches your desired depth. If you want to add a playful element, consider painting the PVC pipes and creating an awning from duck cloth.

Not only will this backyard beach provide endless fun for your children, but it can also double as a pool. Simply add water and enjoy a refreshing dip on hot summer days.

Homemade Pallet Mud Kitchen

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable way to encourage your child’s creativity and imagination, consider building a DIY outdoor mud kitchen.

With just three pallets, a washing-up bowl, 10cm screws, sandpaper, and some basic tools, you can create a magical play space that will provide hours of entertainment.

To get started, simply drill and sand the pallets to remove any rough edges.

Then, attach them together to form the base of the kitchen. Add a washing-up bowl for a sink, and source additional accessories like oven trays and utensils from a budget store. You can even paint the kitchen to add a personal touch.

Not only is this project a great way to bond with your child and encourage their creativity, but it’s also an affordable alternative to expensive playsets. 

Handmade Outdoor Playhouse for Toddlers

With a few everyday items and common tools, you can construct a toddler-friendly, durable, and simple-to-build playhouse that will become an invaluable addition to your home.

DIY Backyard Gymnastics Bar Without Concrete

This custom-made gymnastics bar is a great way for children to play, exercise, and develop their motor skills. Plus, it requires no concrete or costly equipment!

The design of this backyard jungle gym bar is carefully planned to ensure the bars are sturdy and rotatable, adding extra fun for the little gymnasts.

The strong flanges used in construction provide a safe and secure exercise zone for kids of all ages.

1. Reinforce the hole with treated lumber to prevent erosion and maintain the shape of the hole.

2. Create a sturdy retaining wall using materials such as cinder blocks or bricks to withstand natural elements and prevent soil from collapsing into the hole.

3. Use leftover materials such as pavers for footings and gravel for drainage to make the process more cost-effective. 

DIY Outdoor Play Roads for Kids

It’s easy, inexpensive, and sure to provide hours of entertainment for toddlers and preschoolers.

To get started, gather materials such as sidewalk chalk, paving stones, wood, or cardboard scraps.

Arrange the materials into a small roadway, creating curves and turns for added excitement. Next, draw dotted lines down the center of the road with yellow chalk to add a touch of realism.

This simple yet creative activity stimulates children’s imagination and encourages outdoor play. Plus, it gives parents a chance to relax and enjoy some downtime while the kids play.

Climbing Wall and Cargo Net

Consider building a homemade climbing wall and cargo net using solid cedar 2x6s. This DIY project is perfect for small backyards and folds flat for easy winter storage.

The A-frame design of the structure allows for two engaging components. On one side, a rock wall with 1×6 cedar boards for mounting climbing holds provides a challenging and exciting activity for kids.

On the other side, a cargo net made from ropes intricately woven through eyebolt anchors in the frame offers a unique and stimulating experience.

Crafted from durable materials, this play structure is guaranteed to provide hours of fun for your little ones.

And at under $400 CDN, it’s an economical alternative to expensive plastic playsets.

Easy DIY Tree Swing for Kids

Looking for a fun and easy way to enhance your backyard? A DIY tree swing might just be the perfect addition! With just a few simple materials, you can create a sturdy and charming swing that both kids and adults can enjoy.

To get started, gather some leftover wood planks, braided nylon rope, wooden beads, and metal rings.

How to Make a Color Block Sandbox

Infuse a splash of color and endless fun into your outdoor space with this innovative color-block sandbox DIY project.

You can convert a Furinno 3-Tier Bookcase into a playful sandbox with careful planning. This sandbox serves as an aesthetic delight and a unique play area for your little one.

Make Your Own Splash Pad

With just a few supplies from your local hardware store and a pre-existing concrete pad, you can create a fun and affordable summer hotspot for your family and friends.

For around $40, you can gather the necessary materials, including PVC pipes, pipe couplings, elbow fittings, a slip tee, and a ball valve.

The setup process is simple and takes no more than 20 minutes. Plus, you can adjust the water patterns and spray heights by moving the PVC joints or adjusting the water spigot.

This personal water park not only provides endless entertainment for kids and adults alike, but it’s also a great way to repurpose an unused space.

You can customize the splash pad to fit your backyard’s dimensions and make it as simple or elaborate as you’d like.

Make a 5 Minute Backyard Teepee

Bring some enchantment to your garden by constructing your very own DIY backyard teepee.

This beloved summer activity is a cherished memory for many, and it provides an exciting playground for your kids to explore.

Using 6-foot bamboo stakes, a king-sized sheet, jute, and clothespins, you can create a beautiful and nostalgic structure that is sure to impress.

To assemble your teepee, begin by driving the bamboo stakes into the ground.

Then, bind the stakes together at the top with jute, and finally, drape the sheet over the structure, securing it with clothespins. The simplicity of this process only adds to the charm of the finished product.

Once complete, your teepee will serve as a magical escape for your children, allowing them to let their imaginations run wild.

They can read books, do puzzles, or simply relax and enjoy the summer air. The cozy interior can be made even more comfortable with the addition of a blanket and cushions.

DIY Mud Kitchen In One Weekend

This project offers toddlers and preschoolers a dedicated outdoor space for messy activities, encouraging sensory play, interactive play, and the development of fine motor skills.

Using budget-friendly materials like wood, pallets, pavers, and a sink and drain filter, this unique kitchen can be easily relocated in the yard for a refreshing new look.

Adding some vibrant flowers creates a vibrant and inviting space that your children will love.

Not only will they enjoy countless hours of creative play, but they’ll also love seeing their seedlings grow alongside their mud concoctions.

This engaging project is more than just a mud kitchen – it provides endless learning and fun.

Make Sandpit With Integrated Bench Seats

Constructed with treated timber, this sandpit is durable and weather-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor use.

The sandpit includes a lid to prevent rain and neighborhood animals from getting in and a weed mat lining to keep the sand in place while allowing for proper drainage.

Building the sandpit is a time-consuming but straightforward process that involves cutting, painting, and assembling the treated timber.

Once complete, fill the sandpit with washed river sand, and your children will have a new and exciting play area.

When not in use, the integrated bench seats provide a comfortable seating area, making this sandpit a functional addition to your outdoor space.

DIY Playset Step-by-Step Instructions

Building a DIY backyard playground is an excellent way to encourage your kids to play outdoors and have fun.

This project is designed for safety and durability, and it’s straightforward to build. Here are the step-by-step instructions to build your custom-made playset:

1. Choose a location in your backyard that is flat and has enough space for the playset.

2. Start by digging four holes for the 4×6 posts, making sure they are level and secure.

3. Place the posts in the holes and fill them with concrete. Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours.

4. Attach the 2×6 planks to the posts to create the base frame of the playset.

5. Build the 2×4 deck and attach it to the base frame with bolts.

6. Install the exciting slide and the swing set to the deck.

7. Make sure all bolts and screws are tightened and secure.

All materials for this project, including high-quality lumber and a UV-protected slide, will cost just above $1000.

This creative DIY project encourages outdoor play and brings a fun and engaging space into your backyard. The playset is built to last, so your kids can enjoy it for years to come.

Making a Tetherball Pole Using Old Tire

Summary

You can create a fun and safe playground for your kids with some DIY ideas. Start by selecting a suitable location and measuring the area.

Then, choose the equipment you want to include, such as swings, slides, and climbing structures. Use durable materials like wood, metal, and plastic, and ensure that everything is securely anchored to the ground.

Finally, add some soft surfaces like rubber mulch or sand to cushion falls. With these DIY playground ideas, you can provide your kids with hours of outdoor fun and exercise.

Outdoor Steiner-Waldorf Tips for Nature Playspace 

#1

Tip: Integrate natural elements like trees, rocks, and water features to create an engaging and sensory-rich environment.

#2

Tip: Use open-ended play materials such as logs, sticks, and stones to encourage imaginative play and exploration.

#3

Tip: Create defined areas for different activities, such as a storytelling circle with tree stumps or a garden space for hands-on learning about nature.

#4

Tip: Incorporate seasonal themes and activities, such as planting flowers in the spring or collecting leaves in the fall, to connect children with the rhythms of nature.

 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.

Summary

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.