We all know that kids need an outlet to take out their energy, but it’s not always easy to find the time or the space for them.
A play area in your backyard is a great way to entertain children and give them a place to burn off energy and if you’re thinking about designing your backyard play area, check out these eight tips for creating a successful one!
1. Choose a location for the play area
When choosing a location for your play area, you should consider the following:
– What is the purpose of this area? (i.e., is it for running around, sitting down to play?)
– How much space do you have? (The area should be large enough to contain the child’s movements)
– What activities will take place within this area? (i.e., playing with chalk, playing with balls, picnics)
– Will the play area, be secluded from you? (if not, make sure there will be enough room for kids to play)
– Where will the children go to when they’re not playing? (The play area should be next to a safe area such as your house, garage, or backyard)
2. Create a rough sketch of the space you have available
A sketch will help you determine the best design for your play area based on the space you have, and also it will show you what design best fits the yard. You could get some ideas for the design by using Pinterest or other image search tools.
3. Decide on your play area’s size and shape
– Smaller is better (when it comes to playing areas for kids). Keep them small enough that the child won’t run out of room! Think of a space large enough for children to move around freely but not so ample that they might feel intimidated by it.
– A square or rectangle is the most accessible shape to work with, but if you have an oddly shaped backyard, that’s okay too! Just be sure to take into account the limitations of your yard when deciding on a shape. There should be three feet of free space on all sides of each piece of equipment for children to play safely.
You can make smaller yards work for a play area. Position the play equipment strategically so that children have space to move and don’t bump into one another while they play.
4. Determine which equipment is needed
There are many kinds of backyard play areas, so it’s essential to determine which equipment will work best for your space and kids.
– Swings
– Slides
– Sandboxes (with or without roofs)
– Bicycles and ride-on toys (i.e., trikes, wagons) can be used in the backyard when close to your house.
– Tools, wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, or other items required for certain types of activities (for example, tools if you’re building a sandcastle). You can also store them near the play area to make them easy to access.
– A climbing wall is an excellent way to keep your child active and is a good idea if you have limited space for a play area.
5. Create a budget and stick to it!
The last thing you want is to get started designing your backyard play area and then realize that it’s more than what you can afford. If something comes up, don’t be afraid to scale back; there are plenty of ways to save money if needed, like changing the design, replacing worn equipment, and buying used items.
6. Think about how much use the play area will get
Your backyard play area will be more enjoyable for you and your kids if it’s something that they can use without getting too tired or bored. It would be best to choose activities that everyone in your family will enjoy, such as playing with balls, building forts, and playing on the swings.
7. Consider adding seating spaces to help parents relax while watching their children play.
You can add a bench or two around the play area, so adults have a place to sit and supervise their children. This is also helpful when older siblings play with younger ones; it gives them a place to sit when they need a break from running around. If you want, you can even add in some pillows or a blanket to have a spot for picnics.
8. Consider installing a water feature such as a fountain or pond
Water features are a great addition to backyard play areas. They add a nice touch, and they can help your children stay cool on hot days. And, of course, they also add some nice ambiance to the yard at night when it’s lit up. A pond or fountain might be just what you need to complete the play area’s design.
9. Make sure that all of the equipment is safe
Ensuring that your backyard play area has safe equipment is the most important thing on this list!
Make sure that the surface under the equipment is safe and easy to clean
Concrete, mulch, softwood chips or bark, and sand are common surface materials for play areas. Ensure the ground beneath is completely covered to prevent injuries and clean up any spilled food, drinks, or other substances.
Safety is the most important thing when it comes to children. Ensure you inspect each piece thoroughly to ensure no sharp edges, exposed bolts, or protruding screws. Cover sandboxes in child-resistant covers when they’re not going to use it, so that little one can’t get to them without an adult.
After following these steps, you will be able to create an engaging play area for your kids that is safe and well-designed. You can also save money by using recycled materials! Happy playing!