backyard

  • FAVORITE GEAR, GIFT GUIDE, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, PARK

    Best Outdoor Swings For Kids

    From simple and small to complex and engaging, there are so many options out there for kids’ swings. However, not all swings are equal and there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a swing for your kids. Finding the best outdoor swing for kids can be challenging. Luckily for us, Illinois mom of three, Meghan Garriott has tested a ton of them out and put together a great list of the best outdoor kids’ swings. This is the perfect post to help you find the best swing out there for you and your family based on your needs, your budget, your space, and the ages of your kids.  Best out door swings for kids

    Popularity of swings

    Undoubtedly, a swing is one of the most common pieces of play equipment at the park and in backyards, and for good reason. The benefits of swinging and having a swing aren’t just physical. Swinging can help regulate emotions and help the brain! There are many types of swings out there for every person and every situation. This post not only covers why swings are great (and super beneficial for kids), but also contains a round-up of the best (and most fun) outdoor swings for kids that you need to try. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Benefits of swings for kids

    Physical benefits of swinging:

    Swinging is a full-body activity and can benefit every part of the body, from the brain down to the toes. Your arms and legs are used to help propel you, and your core is constantly engaged to keep you in place. Not only are your muscles activating, but your heart gets a great workout while pumping your arms and legs.  

    Swinging on a swing addresses both fine motor and large motor. Holding onto the chains or ropes of the swing can improve fine motor and dexterity, while the pumping of the legs and arms benefits gross motor and coordination. 

    Mental benefits of swinging:

    Because swinging is a full-body activity, it takes a lot of brain power and coordination. Many different parts of the brain are used to facilitate rhythmic and fluid movements like swinging. The inner ear helps tell our brain where our body is in space. The motion of swinging help develops and improve children’s body awareness. This leads to improved coordination and balance.

    Swinging also increases blood flow to the brain, which can improve focus and attention for hours after. If you ever have difficulty focusing on a project, or if your child has difficulty focusing on homework, try going outside to swing for a bit and then coming back in. You will likely do better and be more productive after swinging!

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Emotional benefits of swinging:

    The rhythmic movement of swinging is calming and relaxing. Being outside and swinging can bring added relaxation and peace. Swinging is usually a simple activity that kids can learn very easily and at an early age. Being able to do this activity independently can be a source of pride for kids.

    Because swinging can be done alongside others or with the help of others, it can also be a great bonding experience between adults and kids, or kids and their peers. Taking turns on the swings encourages generosity and thankfulness, leading to feelings of happiness and contentment. The rhythmic movement of swings can be very calming for children of all ages but can be especially useful for those with sensory processing disorders.

    Swings help get kids outside 

    Outdoor play is known to have benefits for the mind AND body. Just like wanting to be outside, swinging comes naturally to most children, when given the opportunity. A swing is an easy way to spend quite a bit much-needed time outside in any condition or location.

    Check out these other Items that Promote Outdoor Play.

    Boy in red pushing boy in yellow on a yellow swing

    Choosing the right location for your swing

    The good news is that you don’t have to have a huge space to have a swing. There is a swing for every location.  Whether you’re by the water, in the woods, in the backyard, or on the porch, there is a swing that fits your needs.

    A rope swing can fit in a small area on a small branch, while a large climber swing will need a lot more room and more sturdy support. Some swings go forward and back, while others swing from side to side, so you’ll want to check to ensure you have enough room in each direction. The area around the swing should Be designated just for the swing, with no walkways or other play equipment too close by.

    Some swings are great at holding up to the outdoor elements, but others may need to be taken down during rain and wind. This is important to keep in mind as chose your swing spot.

    Three children on red swings - how to choose the best swing for your kids

    Where (and how) to attach your swing

    If you don’t already have a swing set to attach a swing to, this metal swing frame is a great place to start. For a nice sturdy tree branch, this tree swing strap is easy to install and holds up to 2,000 lbs. A slackline is another great place to add different swings if a tree limb or traditional swing set isn’t accessible. 

    Swing safety for kids

    There are a few precautions that you’ll need to take when enjoying a swing, but also some safety concerns to think about before buying one. All swings come with weight limits, it’s important to follow these to prevent injuries. 

    It’s also a good idea to have specialized seats with straps, support, and a seat belt, to ensure safety for children under three years old. Little kids and children under 5 should have close supervision while playing on swings.

    Make sure your swing or swing set is regularly maintained. Check for weak spots in the wood, broken or open links in the chains (so little fingers don’t get pinched), and ensure all straps are secure at each use. Ensure that any adjustable ropes or chains are correctly positioned for the size of your children. 

    Child swinging on yellow swing at sunset

    Best simple outdoor swing for small spaces 

    Disc swing– A disk swing is great for small spaces and easy storage. You can stand on the disc or sit on the disc, making it feel like a classic rope swing (with a bit more support). It’s a hit with both big kids and toddlers. This disc swing even has platforms for climbing up the rope. It has a 220lb weight capacity. 

    2-in-1 bounce swing with hanging rings – If you don’t have enough space for multiple swings, this swing is perfect. You can hang From the rings, bounce on the swing or sit and swing. The bar allows you to switch from one to the other easily. 

    The classic belt swing seat– A belt swing seat is small, durable for outdoor conditions, and uncomplicated. Belt swings are classic swings that can be used in so many ways, depending on the age (and creativity) of your kids. Its weight capacity is 250 lbs. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Best large area swings for kids

    Climber swing– If you have a lot of room and some little monkeys who love to climb and swing, this would be a hit! This climber swing comes with its own frame! It’s a great choice for a fun backyard swing for kids. 

    Tent swing– A tent swing is a hideout and a swing all in one. Some are even waterproof with lights (although, be aware that they should not be left up when not in use). My kids love playing in their tent swing at night with flashlights. 

    Hoopla Ring Swing – Just like a circus swing! This swing is round with a seat and handles to hold onto. It can spin and swing in all directions.

    Child looking out of a hanging tent swing

    Best set of swings 

    Swingsets are a great option for your family, if you’ve got the budget and the space for them. There are so many different options and types of outdoor swing sets out there, from wooden swing sets to classic metal swing sets, to obstacle course-type swing sets. Here are a few of the best swing sets for kids. 

    Steel swing set – This heavy-duty swing set allows for multiple different types of swings, is durable for all weather conditions, and has foam-covered poles for safety!

    Ninja course swing set– With this set up, you can mix and match different types of hanging swings, sit swings, and standing swings! Basically, it’s a new and improved monkey bars in your own backyard. Some available options to add are trapeze bar swing, monkey wheel swing, rope ladder, and a twister swing. These handle swings are great for developing and improving upper extremity strength, range of motion, and dexterity! This set is great for older kids because it is more engaging!

    Child swinging from one handle to another

    Best outdoor swings for babies 

    Safety and comfort are key when looking for an outdoor baby swing. Having a high back for neck and trunk support is important. Straps or a harness are a must to keep babies secure. 

    1st Little Tikes Snug and Secure– This classic is one of the most popular and best outdoor baby swings. It has safety features such as adjustable straps and a high supportive back. Fits children from 9 months to 4 years. 50lb weight limit. 

    Baby bucket swing– A bucket-type swing is the best toddler swing for younger children. This type of swing is usually seen at parks and playgrounds and is a popular choice for young children. It is very durable and can withstand sun and rain. Easily add this to an existing swing set. Not as adjustable as other baby swings 

    Character baby swings– Baby swings shaped like cars, trucks or tractors let your child drive and swing at the same time. It has adjustable straps and a high back for good neck and trunk support. This swing has thin plastic and can crack, so be sure to take it down when not in use. 
    Baby in a green tractor swing

    Best tire swings 

    Tire swings are so nostalgic and classic. I grew up swinging on a tire swing at my grandparents’ house. Tire swings are great because you can sit on them, stand on them, or sit inside them. Tires can also be positioned up and down, or crossways. You may be able to find an old tire from your local farmer or mechanic, but here are some more fun options That might not be as greasy and dirty.

    Pony horse tire swing– This pony/horse swing is a fun and creative take on the tire swing. Customizable! 

    Classic tire swing– This tire swing is durable for outdoor conditions. The tire is positioned in a sideways position. It’s great for multiple children. Comes in different colors. 
    Boy on tire swing panning effect

    Best swing for multiple children 

    Saucer swing– These large round swings are great for multiple kids and for adults to sit on as well. Older kids will love this swing as much as the little ones. This swing has a high weight limit and is moderately durable in outdoor conditions. 

    Web swing– This circular webs swing is shaped like a giant spider web and is a great option if you have multiple kids. It lets multiple kids sit, lay down or stand with lots of places to hold onto!

    Vortex Spinning Ring Swing– This large multi-level swing spins while it swings. Think teacup spinning ride at the state fair. Can hold 4 kids and up to 300lbs but needs lots of room to move!

    Baby on a web swing

    Best tandem swings 

    Expression Swing– This swing allows children and adults of all ages and abilities to enjoy swinging along with a caregiver or friend. 

    Glider swing– With this glider swing, kids sit back to back, and using both arms and legs, they have to work together to swing. This swing is durable for all weather conditions. Great for siblings! Weight capacity of 150lbs total 

    Boat swing– This fun swing is shaped like a boat, making it great for two riders to face each other and feel the wind in the sails. Weight capacity is 200 lbs. Due to the thin material, take this swing down when not in use. 

    Hoop swing – This awesome hoop swing fits 2 riders and can hold up to 300 lbs. The stainless steel frame is durable and should last for years of fun and outdoor play. 

    Two children on expression swing smiling
    Expression swing

    Best standing swings 

    Standing swings are not only fun but are the best for encouraging high-level strength and coordination! Unlike a regular swing, stand-up swings give your kids a new way to swing and usually move all over the place! 

    Surf swing– Surf the wind! This Swurfer Swing allows children to stand and shift weight from side to side. This swing required a lot of open space laterally and may not fit well on traditional swing sets. Weight capacity is 150 lbs. It’s great for older children that want to swing high and fast and love a challenge.  

    Standing swing– This standing platform swing is a great option for big kids. It’s square-shaped with indents for your feet. This swing allows forward and backwards movement while standing. 

    Boy on surf swing swinging to the side
    Surf swing

    Best hammock swings for kids 

    Signature Yellow leaf Hammock– This hammock is durable for all weather conditions but light and easy to pack up and take camping. It is designed not to flip, making it safer for children to get in and out of. It can be hung from many different spots and has a 400lb weight capacity.

    Hammock Chair Swing– A swing with pockets! For books or rocks, it has pockets to store things in while kids relax. It offers a little more cushion and support than a traditional hammock but has all the laid-back relaxation. 

    Girl In hammock swing eating apple
    Photo credit @sara_mcarty

    Inclusive swings for kids 

    A swing is a great tool for all abilities. Swinging gives vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation. The movement can help soothe and calm a child whether they are overstimulated or seeking more input to feel regulated.   Using the full body to swing activates muscles on each side of the body equally, which can help improve strength balance and coordination. Swinging can be a fun and engaging tool to address things like weakness, tone, sensory processing disorders. And kids love it. 

    Little Tikes Inclusive Swing– this swing has a high back/neck support, sturdy 3 point harness and high grade plastic. Weight limit of 250lbs. The downside is it is more expensive.

    Deluxe swing seat– This highback swing seat has leg support and secure straps. It has a weight capacity of 200lbs but can come in smaller sizes as well. 

    Portable Swing Chair– sitting still is hard, when kids need sensory input in the go this portable swing chair is perfect! It is great for camping or sporting events 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Best porch swings 

    Family Wooden Porch swing– Take some time to sit back and enjoy the sunrise or sunset while sitting on a porch with your family. It’s such a great way to start it end the day. This porch swing is durable and customizable!

    Porch swing with stand– If you don’t have a sturdy porch or don’t have a porch at all, you can still enjoy the outdoors with this swing that includes a stand. This large and sturdy swing is perfect for sitting and relaxing in the yard, as well. 

    Photo credit @sara_mccarty

    Get to swinging!

    Having a swing at home has endless benefits. Swinging is enjoyed by many ages and many abilities. This activity can provide hours of endless fun for the whole family while encouraging physical activity and emotional bonding. You can never have too many types of swings.

    What kind of swing is your kids’ favorite?

    About the author

    Meghan is a country-living mom of 3 kids in rural central Illinois. She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion for capturing her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors has been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    Meghan’s RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • CAMP, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, RECIPES, SUMMER

    Tips for Backyard Camping with Kids

    Camping with kids is so much fun, but it’s also so much work! If you’re intimidated by venturing out for a camping trip with your kids or just want a fun way to spend a few more hours outside together, why not give backyard camping a try! Today, Creative Team member Meghan Garriott, Illinois mom of 3 is here with us sharing some brilliant and creative tips and tricks to make your backyard camping with kids adventure a success!

    {This post contains affiliate links.}

    Tips for backyard camping with kids

    Backyard camping with kids

    Camping is a great way to get outside, enjoy nature, and spend some quality time unplugged. Camping with children can be tough and intimidating, though. Especially if you’re new to camping. Trying to remember to bring everything they need, keeping them entertained, and cooking food they like to eat can be stressful and overwhelming.

    Camping with kids is worth it, but it is a lot of work. If you have multiple children the amount of work and difficulty level can multiply quickly. However, we have a great solution that will be less work, less hassle, super fun, and get you and your kids prepared and excited about a camping adventure!

    Let me introduce you to backyard camping. Backyard camping is just that…camping in the backyard. It’s a great way to ease into real camping or just a great way to get outside and enjoy nighttime nature without the hassle of packing up everyone and everything. If you’re just getting started with camping, want to see how your kids will handle it or just want to spend an evening under the stars (with all the amenities of home nearby), backyard camping is going to be perfect for you!

    playground activitiesImage credit: @meghangarriott

    How to pick your backyard campsite 

    When setting up your campsite in your backyard, there are a few things to consider:

    1. Cooking and eating (campfire and table/chairs)
    2. Sleeping arrangements (tent or other)
    3. Activities or games (enough space to play)

    You don’t need a ton of space for backyard camping, but you’ll want to have a designated space for each of these things, if possible. All three of these designated areas can vary greatly depending on where you live, the size of your yard, and what you plan to use for each. 

    Eating, sleeping and spending time outside are the quintessential elements needed for a camping trip. You don’t have to get fancy with any of them, but try to incorporate them to give yourself and your kids a genuine camping experience. Below are some ideas you can use to plan your camping trip in the backyard. 

    Tents in backyardImage credit: @sara_mccarty

    Backyard camping food 

    A big part of the camping experience is the food. The great part about backyard camping is you don’t have to pack up all that food first and haul it to your campsite. You don’t have to worry about coolers and ice and bring everything you need to cook. You can be a little more creative with your camping food with your refrigerator so close.

    If you have a place in your backyard for a campfire or a small fire pit, we highly encourage you to use it for your camping meals! That will help give you an authentic camping experience and help you gain confidence in what you’ll need to cook when you’re on a camping trip away from home. Plus, it’s super fun for the kids! It’s definitely not every day they get to cook over a fire! If you don’t have a fireplace or a fire pit using, the grill at home is another good option.

    Some of our family’s favorite campfire foods include the classics like s’mores and hotdogs.  We also love some more creative creations like grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwiches, “cinnamon bears”, and campfire pizzas. Foil packet dinners are always fun. I’ve included some kid-friendly camping recipes below!

    We have a great article about involving kids in the fire-making process. And another on tips for outdoor cooking with kids, which will tell you how to get your kids involved in food prep and meal planning for your camping trip. 

    Child with Marshmallow on a stickImage credit: @meghangarriott

    Creative campfire recipes

    Here are a few of our family’s favorite campfire recipes and treats. None of these are too complicated and you can get as creative with them as you want and to your family’s taste. I hope you’ll try a few of these recipes out at your next backyard camping adventure!

    Grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwiches

    To make grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwiches we use a campfire pie iron. Use two slices of buttered bread. On the inside of one slice use about 2 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese, on the other slice use your favorite fruit jelly or jam. Use the pie iron to cook them just like you would a regular grilled cheese about a minute or so for each side.

    Then enjoy a delicious and easy grilled jelly and cream cheese sandwich. This can be a great breakfast option or a dessert option. This can also be made over your backyard grill if you are not using a firepit.

    Cinnamon bears

    “Cinnamon bears” are a family favorite that I made with my family camping while growing up. These use a loaf of French bread, butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a roasting stick. Cut the French bread into thick slices. Dip the sides into butter then into a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Put it on the stick and roast over the fire till the sugar caramelizes. This was always our go-to breakfast growing up!

    Cast-iron skillet pizza

    The last creative camping dish you should try during your backyard camping trip is cast-iron skillet pizza. A cast-iron skillet is a great Multi-use tool for camping and for in the kitchen. Check out this recipe for the cast iron skillet pizza. If pizza isn’t your thing check out this list for a ton of fun cast iron camping recipes.

    Foil-packet meals

    Foil packet meals can be anything you want them to be! These can be made ahead of time and placed on/in the fire to cook. We usually do some combination of meat and veggies, tossed in seasoning and maybe a dab of olive oil. We’ve done everything from steak strips with Brussel sprouts to freshly caught trout with lemon and broccoli. 

    Child by campfire - how to camp in your own backyard with kidsImage credit: @sara_mccarty

    Backyard camping sleeping arrangements 

    The great thing about sleeping outside in your backyard versus a traditional campsite is it probably has less wildlife (and fewer bugs), so your outdoor sleeping options are a little broader. When considering the different sleeping arrangements for backyard camping don’t overthink it. Kids will likely be excited to sleep with whatever you give them because it is fun and exciting just to be sleeping outside!

    And while you may have fewer bugs in the backyard than out in the wilderness, it’s still a good idea to spray whatever you plan to sleep in with some bug spray or permethrin to keep mosquitoes and ticks away.

    Image credit: @sara_mccarty

    Backyard tent camping 

    Tents range in size, rooms, and difficulty to set up. If you are camping in your backyard to prepare for a larger camping trip it’s a good idea to set up your tent at home first. And even sleep in it! This way, you know what you are doing once you get to an actual campsite, and you know all the tools and gadgets you will need once you are away from home, how much space you have inside and the way you want to set everything up. This step is great for helping build your confidence if you’re a new camper.

    If you aren’t preparing for a camping trip away from home and are just backyard camping for fun, any kind of tent will do. Homemade tents built out of sheets or tarps can be a fun activity and learning opportunity for kids. Or you can even set up camp in the kids’ clubhouse or make some kind of fort. 

    Backyard campsite - setting up a tent in the backyardImage credit: @thimbleandtwig

    Hammocks

    Tents are not the only way to sleep outside! If you have some trees or poles to use, hammocks are a super fun and comfortable option for backyard camping and really allow you to enjoy the night. We recommend the hammocks with mosquito netting so you don’t get eaten alive overnight! 

    If opting for hammocks, you’ll want to make sure the kids using them overnight are older and are able to get in and out of them easily on their own. Hammocks may not be an appropriate option for young kids to sleep in overnight. 

    Boy in hammock - backyard camping with kidsImage credit: @wonderclubexplorers

    Sleeping bags

    Don’t have a tent or a clubhouse or a hammock? Never fear! Sleeping bags can be used alone on the ground – they’re not just for use inside a tent. If you live in the county or in a smaller town with minimal light pollution, sleeping in a sleeping bag underneath a full sky of stars is magical.  If you lay long enough and pay attention to the sky on a clear night you will likely even see a few shooting stars!

    Sleeping bags come in lots of fun options, with different thicknesses, and tend to roll up and pack up nicely and easily for kiddos. We recommend a lightweight sleeping bag if you’re camping in the summer months. If you don’t have sleeping bags though no worries.  You are just steps away from the house when backyard camping, so it is easy enough to throw some blankets and pillows outside to use as well. 

    Another perk to being in your backyard is having easy assess to electricity. So if you want to be extra comfy while sleeping outside you can blow up a nice big air mattress to put in your tent. This is often what my husband does when camping in the yard with my kids. You can also use a blow-up pool raft. 

    backyard hammock camping with kidsImage credit: @sara_mccarty

    Set the mood for backyard camping

    A tent and a campfire are probably enough to really make it feel like camping! But if you want to get extra creative and really set the mood, stringing lights, setting out tiki torches, or just using some lanterns is a fun way to bring light to your backyard campsite. Since you’re just at home perfection can go out the window. You can string up some old Christmas lights or some rope lights. If you don’t have those, tiki torches are a great way to keep bugs away and give off some added campfire glow (you can even get citronella torch fuel).

    While you’re putting up lights or lanterns, don’t forget about the playset or tree house if you have them! Even though the children may play on these playsets every day, playing on them in the dark with some fun lighting will bring new life to them and give them something fun to do after the sun sets. 

    Playset lit up at night - backyard camping tips and ideasImage credit: @meghangarriott

    Backyard camping games and activities 

    And speaking of fun things to do when you’re backyard camping, now is the time to break out the slackline, glow sticks, sparklers, and flashlights for some fun games! 

    Slackline

    During daylight hours, one of our kids’ favorite things to do on a camping trip is to play on the slackline. We always bring our slackline on camping trips and set it up for the kids to play on. Sometimes they’ll spend hours walking on it, bouncing, playing games, challenging each other. It’s a great screen-free way to keep them entertained. 

    Glow sticks

    Glow sticks are fun, but when kids are decked out in glow bracelets and necklaces, they are also a great way to be able to see your children as they run around in the dark! Last summer we found a glow stick ring toss game that entertained the kids outside for quite some time. You could easily make your own glow stick ring toss by making rings out of some sticks and sticking a few straight in the ground.

    Flashlight tag

    Another fun and classic evening game is flashlight tag! Every house I’ve ever stayed at has had different flashlight tag rules. So grab your flashlights (or headlamps) and your running shoes, make up your own rules, and get out and play!

    Catching fireflies

    Here in the Midwest, our favorite backyard activity is catching fireflies. This activity can be reserved for dusk, before you break out your glow sticks, sparklers, and flashlights. If using a mason jar to collect and observe, try turning it upside down to better see them, as the lightning bugs like to fly upwards. Try to make sure you release them after 15 minutes so they can find their mate and continue making more lightning bugs for future fun!

    For more on lightning bugs, we’ve got a whole post dedicated to Fun with Fireflies. 

    Boy holding mason jar with lightening bugs - backyard camping activities for kidsImage credit: @meghangarriott

    Backyard camping freedom 

    Taking kids on the road for a camping trip can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming. But, when you bring camping to your own backyard a whole new world can open up. Your options for food, fun, and sleep are so much greater, which can allow the whole family a little more fun with a lot less stress. Backyard camping is a great way to gauge your family’s interest and ability to go on another camping trip a little further from home. Happy camping!

    What are your favorite backyard camping tips?

    About the author

    Meghan is a country living, mom of 2 boys in rural central Illinois (with a baby girl on the way). She is a Physical Therapist Assistant by trade but spends most of her time outside with her family. At home, she has large flower, herb, and vegetable gardens to tend to and 3 large dogs to play with. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and helping her in-laws show and raise livestock. Photography became a hobby while in isolation after her oldest son’s bone marrow transplant. It has since become a passion to capture her family’s daily life. Throughout her family’s journey with rare disease and transplant, the outdoors have been a safe space for the whole family to grow, learn, and thrive.

    You can find more from Meghan online in the following locations:
    Instagram: @meghangarriott
    RWMC posts: Meghan Garriott

  • INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Creative Backyard Play Spaces for Kids

    We’re all spending a lot of time at home these days. And while that’s fine, we need to make sure a significant portion of that time is outdoors. Kids need outdoor playtime and the good news is that they can usually make the most of whatever outside space they have. This could be anything from a backyard, to a doorstep, a rooftop, a balcony, patio, or driveway. Today, we have the amazing Jemma of Thimble & Twig, London teacher and mom of 4, showing us how to make creative backyard play spaces for kids that encourage play and time outside!

    The importance of time outside

    Time outside is so beneficial for little ones, as is unstructured free play. Combining playtime and outdoor space means that kids can learn as they play.  Outdoor play can help kids to become inventive, explore, and learn about the world around them. While they’re inventing and playing games with siblings or friends, they are improving their communication skills, learning about compromise, and how to negotiate. There are so many amazing benefits to unstructured free play outdoors.

    However, not everyone has an outdoor space that encourages unstructured free play. Your outdoor space may not feel inviting to kids or inspire their imaginations. But, it doesn’t take much to change that! With a few simple changes or updates to your outdoor play area, you can create a space that encourages open-ended unstructured playtime and sparks your child’s imagination.

    creating outdoor play spaces for kids

    Creating outdoor backyard play spaces

    Below, we’ve listed a few creative backyard play spaces and areas that you can incorporate into your backyard, patio, deck, balcony or any outdoor area. These can be interpreted and reinvented in a number of ways, based on your space, budget and age/interests of your kids. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on your outside space to make it more kid-friendly. A lot of the ideas below can be created cheaply or at no cost at all.

    outdoor play areas for kidsBackyard spaces for kids to climb

    Climbing space

    A climbing space is a great activity and form of exercise which uses every muscle in the body, and many, many parts of the brain! Climbing is awesome for children’s minds, bodies, and coordination. Kids love climbing, so it’s a good idea to include some sort of climbing space in your outdoor play area.

    A climbing frame is amazing, but you could equally create a great climbing space out of old tree trunks, wood pallets or old chairs. If you have a strong wall in your garden or a fence, let your kids climb on it. Allow tree climbing or set up a rope climber. You could also use these climbing holds to create a climbing wall along a fence or the side of your house! 

    backyard play space sandpitbackyard play space for digging

    Digging space

    Digging helps kids get immersed in imaginary worlds – they can pretend to dig to Australia or make sandcastles and fairy houses. The physical act of digging can strengthen hand muscles (needed for holding a pencil and handwriting) and improve hand-eye coordination.

    Try to include a simple digging area in your outdoor play space to make your garden fun for kids. You could include a sandbox with buckets and shovels or a muddy digging area with toy cars. Set up a garden area where the kids can plant veggies and help dig up the weeds. Give them an area to dig for worms or look for rolly-pollies. 

    Water Sprinkler Games

    Water space

    The best parenting advice I ever received was to “just add water” whenever kids were getting antsy or grumpy! If ever my son is feeling restless, I give him a squirty bottle of water and send him water the flowers! This simple task turns into a game and unstructured free play, which can occupy him for hours!

    It makes sense that kids would love any kind of water space in a garden or backyard. You can start with a bucket of water and some pots and pans for mixing and stirring. Give them a hose and let them wash their toy cars (or your car!). Set up a water table or fill up a plastic sandbox with water. Add a kiddie pool or a sprinkler. Make an easy water wall out of plastic recycling – kids will love the pouring action! Add some funnels and this would be great for the hot summer months ahead! If you need more inspiration, see our favorite water games here!

    growing a vegetable garden with kidsbackyard play space for gardening with kids

    Growing space

    Another great element of a kid-friendly backyard is a space where kids can experiment with growing their own flowers, fruits and/or vegetables. Give them some compost (or let them help with the composting process), a few pots, dirt and seeds and let them loose planting. Talk out your plan, but let them decide where to plant and position their pots.

    If your kids plant the seeds themselves, they’ll be much more likely to care for the plants. Give them a hose or a child-sized watering can and they’ll be prepped to love on their garden! If you’re feeling more adventurous you could add a vegetable or fruit garden. You can check out our post for ideas for the easiest and best kid-friendly vegetables!

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    Small world space

    Kids love a space to have imaginary made up adventures with their toys. Tiny things fascinate kids, so a “small world” space it’s a great thing to add to an outdoor area. Depending on what your kids’ likes and interests are, there are countless ways to tailor a small world space just for them. There are some brilliant ideas in this Fairy Garden post and we have a great post on creating a dinosaur garden for kids.

    If your child is into cars, trucks or trains, you could create a small space with roads where they can play. Using simple masking tapes or washi tapes – you could create a whole town for them to play with their cars! If your kids are into tractors, create a space where they can dig and create with their toy diggers, which will help develop their imaginations. Or using water and sand you could create a small world beach area with toy fish and sharks. The possibilities are endless!

    chalk board in gardenbackyard creativity play space for kids

    Creative space

    Incorporating art into the outdoors makes so much sense. It’s less messy and much easier to clean up for a start! Spread out a sheet and let your kids go wild with paints. Put the paints in a spray bottle and let them squirt or turn mud into paint (just add food coloring to mud) and let them play! Set up an outdoor chalkboard or an easel for them to draw to their heart’s content. Another easy way to let kids get creative outdoors is to give them a cardboard box to paint on! If you have a fence, try using washable chalk or chalk paint and when they’re finished with their masterpiece, they can wash it away with a paintbrush or the hose. No fence, just use the chalk on the sidewalk or the driveway! It’s a classic and well-loved kid-friendly activity for a reason! 

    outdoor mud play area for kids

    Muddy space

    Kids love nothing more than getting muddy and playing with mud is a great textural sensory activity. If possible, give your kids a little patch in the yard to dig in. No dirt? Get some potting soil and fill up a kiddie pool with it! Add some simple shovels, pans and bowls with mud in to mix and stir. You can create a mud kitchen with pallets if you want a more permanent place for kids to be able to mix, create and make potions. Or there are plenty of mud kitchens available on the market. My kids love making concoctions and creations in their mud kitchen! Check out our mud kitchen post for tons of ideas of mud kitchen recipes and potions. Or this post has 7 awesome & fun ways to play in mud.

    mud painting for kids

    Amazing backyard play spaces for kids

    These are the basic elements for creating some super fun backyard play spaces for kids in your own yard that will encourage outdoor unstructured free play. Adding elements like these to your space will provide a safe and secure outdoor play and learning area for kids close to home and keep them entertained. Hopefully, this has given lots of creative play ideas for garden and backyard spaces to make them truly exciting for kids. Try adding a few of these and they’ll want to play outside all day long!

    About the author

    Jemma lives in London, England with her husband and kids. Her all-time favorite thing to do is take photos and capture memories of her family. She’s on a mission to ensure parenthood doesn’t rush by so quickly by creating mini family outdoor adventures and hopefully some big adventures too, one day! She’s a mum to four and an English teacher to many. She loves sharing her passion for storytelling, adventures, and nature crafts on her blog and here. 

    Find more from Jemma in the following locations:
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