If you have kids, they probably love to play outside when the weather is nice, or even when it isn’t. However, sometimes it might seem like you can’t have a fun backyard without filling it full of toys, which can get cluttered and messy.
Here are some fun and simple ways to make your backyard a fun place for your kids to hang out:
1. Get a Trampoline
Trampolines are one of the most popular items you can get. Kids and grownups love them, and they are great exercise. In the summer, you can put a sprinkler under it to create a mini bouncy splash pad; you can also use it for star gazing, or as a way for the kids to go “camping.”
If you’re worried about safety, you can get a netted enclosure to keep kids from falling off. Or, if you don’t mind something a little more permanent, you can dig a hole and have a sunken trampoline. Sunken trampolines remove a lot of the risk factors, and they also make it so you don’t have to move your trampoline every time you mow the lawn.
2. Make Chalkboard Walls
Kids love to draw on the sidewalk, but why stop there? You can use chalkboard paint on your fence to create a huge canvas for your children to draw, write notes, or color to their hearts’ content.
If you don’t have a fence or you don’t want to spend a lot of money on chalkboard paint, you could just buy an old chalkboard and hang it up along your fence. A designated art zone in your yard can encourage creativity.
3. Put Up Some Hammocks
While kids love to swing, swing sets can be a pain. Most of them are too small or too big, and they seem to break fairly easily. Hammocks are a fun and easy alternative, especially since they don’t take up a lot of room and they’re less common.
If you have big trees, a hammock will be easy to put up. If not, you can use poles or posts to put yours up. If you want an even easier fix, try a chair hammock—they only need to be attached in one spot instead of two, which makes them easy to put up.
4. Make a Dirt Pile
Every kid loves making a mess, so why not indulge them? Instead of a sandbox, which can attract cats and ants, among other things, leave a patch of dirt free in your yard. Consider it a play zone, where your kids can make mud pies, dig holes, play with their cars, or plant a garden of their own.
It’s also a good idea to provide some old tools, including old silverware, that your kids can use. If you don’t provide them with something, you may find your good silverware missing. For extra fun, you can even cut up some PVC pipe so your kids can build tunnels and bridges.
