How to Make a Kid Friendly Yard

The backyard can be the source of hours of entertainment for children away from the television, computer and video games. But not all backyards are enticing for children. This article will give you tips on how to make a kid friendly backyard without spending a lot of money.

Instructions

1. Plant flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Kids are usually interested in insects and animals. Exposure to these creatures provides a learning experience about life cycles and the care of living things. There are many low cost plants that one can choose from. Salvia, pentas, purple coneflower and various native wildflowers are all good choices for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Many of these plants can be purchased partially grown or as seeds and do not require a lot of water or care.

2. In the early Spring, clear out an area in your yard by digging up grass or simply loosening the soil. Then either broadcast your seeds or dig holes for the plants. Make sure to read about how much space each plant will need to reduce overcrowding, and be sure to choose plants that do not need a lot of water or special fertilizer.

3. Hanging a bird feeder from a tree can provide hours of entertainment for young children and adults alike. Birds are an animal we do not often get a close view of, so hanging a bird feeder can give children the opportunity to see birds in a new way. Parents and children can also have fun identifying the birds that come to visit, thereby providing an educational experience.

4. Get a sandbox. Sand provides a sensory experience (the sense of touch), a science lesson (what happens when you add water?) and a way for children to be creative by building sandcastles or other structures. Most children love to play in the sand and it can be a good way to entice children outdoors. Most varieties of plastic sandboxes are inexpensive, but they can easily be built using wooden railroad ties or landscape timbers. If you opt to build one, do not put a bottom on it; when water is added, it will become soggy and rot. Also be sure to get or make a cover if you have cats nearby, as they enjoy doing their bathroom business in the sand and that can be a health hazard to children.

5. Plant some vegetables and fruits. Watching something grow from a seed or tiny plant and then harvesting the fruits or vegetables it produces can be very satisfying for children. Growing edible plants also teaches children about how to care for living things and provides them with lessons about where the food we eat comes from. You can simply plant a couple of vegetables or construct a large garden depending on the amount of work you want to undertake and money you want to spend.

6. Plant two trees each year. Trees provide shade, making yards more comfortable for children to play. But they are a long-term investment, as they do not grow quickly and can be costly. Planting two trees per year (until you have reached your space capacity) is an affordable way to get trees into your yard. Research what trees do well in your area, and try to stick with native trees, as they will have less problems with disease and pests. Your local nursery can usually advise you on which trees will grow well and may be able to suggest fast growing trees.

Tips & Warnings

• Some more expensive items that will make a yard more attractive to children are playhouses and playscapes. Some do-it-yourself stores will carry kits for each of these items, but you should expect to spend around $300.00 each--more if you purchase them already assembled.