Kid-Friendly Backyard Design: Safe & Fun Outdoor Spaces
We love to create beautiful and ambient outdoor areas. However, a backyard should be more than just beautiful–it should be a safe and inviting environment for children to play, explore, and learn. Whether you’re designing a new outdoor area or making improvements to an existing yard, these tips will ensure you create a kid-friendly yard that encourages your little ones to explore all they want.
Choose a soft, safe ground cover
Kids love to run, jump, and tumble as much as they can–in short, kids play hard. Ensuring your ground cover is comfortable and safe for hardcore playing is essential in keeping your little ones safe.
Consider artificial turf: Turf is soft, low-maintenance, and mud-free. Not only a safe option, but it minimizes the mess that mud and grass creates. Utilizing artificial turf can even eliminate allergens.
Rubber mulch: A cushy, eco-friendly option for play areas. This mulch can allow your little one to play hard on a cushy and safe area with very low maintenance–what more could you want?
Wooden or bark mulch: Perfect for playgrounds and larger play areas, bark mulch is safe and sometimes a fun sensory addition for children. However, keep in mind bark mulch must be replenished periodically.
Incorporate fun and safe landscaping features
With kids’ tendency to play hard, all landscaping features must be safe and comfortable for each kiddo. Whether you’re looking to add new features or update existing ones, each feature must take into account your little ones.
Smooth-edged hardscapes: Avoid sharp edges and jagged stones on walkways or patios. Hardscapes can be a fun and beautiful addition to any outdoor area. However, with children in mind, make sure all patios, paths, walkways, and more have smooth stones and edges.
Kid-friendly plants: Opt for non-toxic, soft-leaved plants like lavender, sunflowers, or ferns. Kids love to explore–by opting for non-toxic plants, your kids can even interact with the plants around them (and maybe even learn something new!).
Shade solutions: Use trees, pergolas, or shade sails to protect kids from harsh sun exposure. Pergolas and shade sails can be a wonderful addition to a yard but can also be an essential feature in keeping your little ones safe and out of the sun.
Create defined play spaces
Designating different zones in your yard can create structure and balance, allowing for all ages to enjoy the outdoor area. With different zones attributed to different types of play, kids can play the way they want, while parents can enjoy some relaxation.
A play area: The most traditional area for play, incorporating a sandbox, climbing structure, or swing set is a great option for children. Make sure to choose a soft and safe ground cover.
A creative corner: The outdoors is an ideal environment for encouraging creativity. Establishing an outdoor chalkboard or craft station is a great method for encouraging creativity.
A nature corner: A garden or butterfly habitat can encourage exploration and curiosity in your little ones. Even a sensory bin made of rocks or other natural materials can encourage little hands to engage in sensory play. Combining play and learning can be fulfilling for both you and your child.
Prioritize fencing and boundaries
Children’s love for exploration and play can sometimes go too far. Keeping an eye on them can be difficult when multitasking or just when searching for a moment of relaxation. A secure yard gives parents peace of mind while kids play.
Install a sturdy fence: A sturdy but safe fence can prevent wandering and keep both pets and children safe.
Use gates with child-proof latches: Child-proof latches can add an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Many latches are easy and accessible, keeping your yard low-maintenance while keeping your child safe.
Hedge or natural barriers: Bushes or natural barriers are both aesthetically pleasing and can offer privacy and safety. However, keep in mind natural barriers need regular maintenance.
Ensure proper lighting and visibility
Good lighting makes a yard much safer for evening play and family gatherings–it keeps everybody safe, not just children. Not only does lighting provide safety, but it can transform your outdoor space into a cozy, inviting space all hours of the day (and night).
Motion-sensor lights: Helps to illuminate paths and prevent trips. A low-maintenance option, motion-sensor lights are only on when needed, preserving energy.
Solar-powered garden lights: The most eco-friendly option, solar-powered lights are decorative and environmentally conscious.
String lights or lanterns: Either DIY or professionally installed, these lights add a magical touch to any outdoor space. They provide both safety and ambience.