Parents are constantly trying to come up with ways to enrich their kids-it's a bonus when the approaches don't involve screen time. An excellent way to improve your home's value and entertain your kids without a smartphone is to spend time in the backyard. You can treat your backyard as an extension of your kids' playroom; you just have to get creative. For complex projects or comprehensive backyard transformations, working with a professional landscape architect can help you maximize your space and create a cohesive design. If you're unsure about which upgrades to make to your backyard to get your family excited, it's a smart first step to learn about the most popular and exciting options.
Miniature Farm
Urban farms are on the rise due to the increasing cost of groceries and the growing popularity of eco-friendly lifestyles. Kids will love growing their own food and planning a garden with you. Involve them in the harvest, and they can help you cook using ingredients you've grown together. Choose some crops that you and your kids may love to grow, including any fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables. They may even encourage your kids to eat their greens more!
Playgrounds
There's nothing more exciting to kids than their personal play space. A swing set, slide, and climbing bars can get your kids outside and active, instead of on their screens. There are numerous playground options available for all yard sizes and style choices, as well as pre-built sets if you don't want to put in a lot of extra work. You can browse these plans and sets online or in hardware stores near you. When you've chosen your playground, you'll want ground cover that can absorb falls with minimal injuries, such as rubber or smooth pea gravel. Buy materials in bulk for the best prices. I sourced some gravel delivery near me that is perfect for playgrounds. Ask your kids what types of play equipment they'd be interested in. Select a size that strikes a happy medium to accommodate your children as they grow.
Swimming Pool or Water Play Area
Pools are incredible amenities to provide enrichment, physical activity, and outside time for your family. Children can learn to swim, play, and have fun in the water. If you have a family dog, they may love the pool just as much. Unfortunately, pools can be expensive, even when opting for the more affordable above-ground options. There are many affordable water play options available instead, including slip 'n' slides, splash pads, and more. Evaluate your budget and see what might work best for your backyard and lifestyle.
Treehouse or Clubhouse
When you provide a fun area for your kids to gather and use their imagination, they'll spend a lot more time in the backyard. A treehouse or clubhouse can become an exclusive amenity for the kids where they can play to their hearts' content. Clubhouses can easily match the style preferences of your home as a bonus. They won't take up much space so you can dedicate the rest of the yard to other purposes. Involve your kids in the construction so they can help, choose the layout, and get excited! Similar to playgrounds, preconstructed options are available for you to choose from if needed. All you need is a level section of the yard or a sturdy tree that can hold the weight of the structure.
Bird and Butterfly Garden
The backyard is one of the first places your kids will encounter wild animals and observe how they interact with the world. You can increase the presence of friendly animals, such as birds, butterflies, and bees, by planting a butterfly garden. Many flowers, such as Black-Eyed Susans, roses, and sunflowers, attract pollinators that benefit the local ecosystem and help plants flourish. Your kids can learn about how pollinators work and how to attract them when they help you plan an interactive butterfly garden. You can also include other plants that engage their senses and increase their interest in the outside world. Butterfly gardens are also extremely beautiful year-round, helping you boost curb appeal and home value.
Sports Courts
If you want to bond with your kids through healthy competition and a shared passion for sports, consider incorporating a multifunctional sports court that your kids can enjoy. Lay a concrete or rubber foundation where you can play various sports, such as football, softball, or baseball. Your kids may even develop a desire to join their school sports teams! Sports courts can be marked for each sport using washable sidewalk chalk. Start slowly if your kids don't know the rules yet; you don't want to discourage them before they even begin! Add a removable basketball hoop, volleyball net, or goal posts as needed for more immersion.
S'more Bonfire or Fire Pit
It's hard to find a child who doesn't love s'mores, even if you swap the ingredients for healthier alternatives. The open flame style of cooking allures kids, and they get to indulge in a sweet treat they've made all by themselves. Bonfires or fire pits also allow for a cozy and relaxing evening outside with friends and family. A fire pit can help your kids maintain a safer distance from the flames while still enjoying its warmth. These come in all shapes and sizes, and you can even create your own if you prefer. Include a s'more station or outdoor kitchen for easy preparation and entertainment.
Conclusion
Before choosing backyard upgrades to help your kids balance their screen time, involve them in the planning process. Ask them about features they'd like to see, and help them compare options. When you involve the whole family in these decisions, your kids are more likely to enjoy them. The backyard is an often underutilized play space for kids; when you put your heads together, you can create an engaging oasis that's the envy of the neighborhood.
Leave a Reply