The yard is often the most neglected space of a home. And it certainly can get overrun by toys, weeds, and er… dog poo quickly. But it can easily be a wonderful place for adults to enjoy as well as a space for your kid’s imagination to flourish. And we believe there is plenty of room for both no matter the size of your outdoor space. Check out our ideas for a beautiful and well-designed family-friendly garden below.
Create a lounge section
Create a lounge area for relaxing and keeping an eye on your kiddos while they play. Having a comfortable and well-laid-out area to relax will be perfect for play dates and catching up with other adults while the kids run free in the backyard. And it can be a spot to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine or two (we don’t judge) after the kids are asleep.
Choose a large outdoor sectional or sofa with chairs that have cushions that will withstand the wear and tear of the elements and are stain-resistant to those summer popsicle drips that are bound to happen.
You can even mount an outdoor projector screen opposite the lounge for movie nights under the stars. Just make sure to have plenty of blankets and pillows on hand for snuggling.
Fire Pit Ring
Perhaps there is nothing more beautiful and enjoyable for everyone than a fire ring. On those chilly nights, you can make s’mores and spend time as a family around the fire. It also makes for a great place to roast hot dogs on skewers. Time around the fire makes for great memories.
Opt for a smokeless pit or a propane fire ring if you’d rather keep the campfire smells to camping. Circle the pit with benches or chic folding chairs for a place people will want to gather.
Garden Boxes
If you’re someone who loves to garden, then consider adding a small garden box or two. There are plenty of easy plants to grow if you’re a beginner such as tomatoes, zucchinis, and herbs.
You can even get your kids involved in helping you take care of them! A garden is also a great way to teach your kids about where food comes from and the process of growing it. Having a garden with kids is so rewarding and educational. Start from seed or buy small starter plants at your local nursery.
Grassy area for play
Even having a small patch of grass can go a long way to facilitating play. If you have a dog make sure to immediately clean up after them. Nothing is worse than trying to enjoy a nice day outside and stepping in dog poop.
If you’d rather not own a lawnmower or have the maintenance, artificial turf has come a long
way in the past few years and there are many realistic-looking options to choose from.
Play Gym
Play gyms used to only come in bulky and overly bright options but if you want to keep your space feeling minimal and modern, there are now some great-looking options that your kids will love.
Tree Swing
Hanging your own wooden swing or tire swing is a great option if you’re limited on space but still want a classic option for outdoor play.
DIY Clubhouse
If you’re feeling crafty, you could also easily make your own play gym or convert an unused shed into a clubhouse. Simply spruce it up with some power washing and fresh paint; add a cute sign and commence the adventures. Or even create a garden room where you could put all the kid’s fun things to do out there, like a dartboard, air hockey, and pool table! Be a fantastic space for the kids to have their friends over. Take a look at Hawksbeck Garden Rooms for some amazing garden rooms to be inspired for your garden.
Modern Tree House
If you have the right space and a strong enough tree, consider investing in a modern treehouse. There are so many designs available. You can even add a slide or rock wall. The options are endless!