How to Create Play Areas for Kids in Large Backyard
Playing outside is important for the health and well-being of children. Creating inviting and interactive places for kids to play is the best way to get them outside. If you have a large backyard, the possibilities are endless. Children love to play in small or secluded spaces and in an environment that lets them use their imagination. Designing and building such an area does not necessarily require professional building skills or a large budget. In fact, your kids can probably help you create special places just for them and their friends with materials you already have that will have them eager to get outside and play. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
- Long supple sticks, such as bamboo or willow
- Sand
- Stepping stones
- Lumber
- Rope
Instructions
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Creating Play Areas in a Large Backyard
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Sketch a picture of your backyard on blank paper to scale. Use 1/2 inch to represent each foot of actual yard space. Draw in any existing buildings and plants, including sheds, trees, shrubs and garden areas, also to scale.
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Circle areas on the paper that would be appropriate for play areas for kids. Use existing plants and buildings to help guide you. Draw small areas for play, perhaps hidden behind a building, or among shrubs with some paths leading to and from the other play areas.
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Include your children in the design process by asking them what types of games they like to play outside, and what kinds of materials they like to play with.
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To make inexpensive play areas, start by gathering branches, old stakes or fencing. Secure them in the ground in a six foot circle, or a curved line. You can start the makeshift fence near the side of a shed, or from the trunk of a large tree. Weave other small supple branches between the larger branches to create privacy, or plant climbing plants. Spread a layer of mulch or put a sandbox behind the fencing and some small chairs. Place stepping stones or mulched path leading away from the play area to a play structure or a tree swing suspended with rope.
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If you have a larger budget, purchase or hire a carpenter to make a play structure, tree house or fort in your yard. Make sure the materials blend with your landscape. Plant a tree or a few shrubs near the play structure to provide additional hiding places and shade, and to maintain a natural feel. Create other areas for free play around the backyard, and connect them to the play structure area with winding paths. Place some large tree stumps, a small pond or boulders near the path to encourage play.
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Tips & Warnings
Good play areas blend well with the style and other features of your backyard and enhance the overall look of your yard.
Be sure to follow all precautions for safety of any commercial or homemade play structure.
Build your play area in a safe and visible part of your yard.
