I frequently expressed the desire to live in the area where my children and their friends would want to hang out. It is happening now that my kids are getting older, and it occasionally results in more than 20 youngsters playing in our backyard.
I truly adore it and have realized that I need to make sure there are plenty of items that encourage outside play and movement as summer approaches. Although it is still under construction, our backyard has become one of the primary gathering places in our community and is keeping the kids quite occupied.
Our backyard is a favorite by my children and their friends, so I assume we are doing something right!
Backyard Ideas for Summertime Outdoor Play
When coming up with backyard design ideas, we had a few standards:
- Sports and equipment should encourage active outside play and imagination.
- Ideally, any exercise would also be beneficial for enhancing strength or balance.
- Families and groups of friends might participate in games together.
- Every purchase in dollars would result in hours of entertainment.
Our “epic” backyard was developed after we discovered more than a dozen designs for backyards that fit these requirements. It contains:
Ideas for a backyard Equipment
Even if some of life’s most enjoyable experiences are free, some carefully chosen equipment may increase the enjoyment of a garden. These pieces of outdoor furniture have produced long-lasting fun at home.
1. Trampoline
The trampoline we purchased for our kids last year for Christmas has played a central role in the backyard. Trampolines can be controversial for safety reasons, but I am a big fan because bouncing strengthens bones and increases lymphatic flow. I recently noticed after spending half an hour leaping that they are a fairly decent kind of workout!
We have this trampoline and to keep things as safe as possible, we have the net around the top and also a net around the bottom so that kids can’t wander below. We also restrict the number of kids who can jump at once and closely monitor them while they are bouncing.
2. Slackline
Another popular backyard activity is the slackline. I enjoy attempting to perfect this tightrope and trampoline combo. It bounces slightly and wiggles so it helps learn balance and patience! Start by holding onto a training line, then progress to walking without the need for support.
3. Ninja line
An advancement on the Slackline and the current popularity among older children. The American Ninja Warrior-inspired Ninja line resembles a cross between a Slackline and monkey bars. It is a hanging rope line with numerous hanging obstacles to hang onto, such as rings, bars, and even rope balls. In full candor, my kids can finish it while I still can’t.
4. Treehouse
Our treehouse has been the focal point of our backyard for years, and I’ve previously detailed our intentions for it. The kids enjoy it and I love that they spend time climbing, camping, and developing games up there.
5. Climbing wall
The climbing wall in the treehouse was simple and affordable to construct. On a board, we put these rock climbing grips on the treehouse’s one side.
6. Bikes
One of my best childhood memories is riding my bike around our neighborhood, and I like the fact that my kids now take the same delight in it. We had Cruzee balancing bikes for our tiny ones. And when she was 4 years old, learned how to ride a two-wheeler in 10 minutes since she had previously mastered the balance component.
7. Swingball or the Tetherball
Another memory from my youth! Both tetherball and swingball are a tonne of fun for youngsters and excellent for improving hand-eye coordination. We have a moveable set that is fantastic since it can be moved around and stored during the winter. The adjustable height makes it suitable for a range of ages in the home.
8. Cornhole
One of the activities that gained popularity at football tailgate gatherings is cornhole. Both adults and children like it. For hours of entertainment, these cornhole boards may be painted in the team colors of your choice.
9. Capture the Flag
Another popular game in our community captures the flag with a few entertaining variants and official rules. Go old school and play with some bandannas as flags and a rope to split an area in two for “sides.” This glow-in-the-dark version that operates outside after dark is a favorite of our older children.
10. Swinging Spider
Kids like to swing and play on it for hours. It should be strong enough to hold the heavyweight. The swing in our yard can accommodate adults to have fun, in addition to welcoming all of our children at once.
11. Laser Tag
Another entertaining game to play after dark is this one. The kids and my spouse enjoy playing this game after dark and racing around with our laser tag weapons. I have to confess, it seems like a lot of fun, and I want to join in!
12. Fort building
One of the earliest children’s games and is still attractive for many good reasons. Fort construction turns out to be important for brain development during childhood. These “special spaces” that children create can be created inside, outdoors, or even in their beds, according to research. Children learn creativity, problem-solving techniques, and so much more via the construction of forts.
As parents, we often don’t need to do much to encourage fort construction other than giving our kids some free time and some basic supplies like old blankets, sheets, and wood. What kids can think up with is astounding!
13. Jumping Ball
My older children like playing this game. It is a lot of fun since it is unexpected and is ideal for practicing lateral movement, agility, and hand-eye coordination. Additionally, you need not to store any heavy nets or stakes to store. Additionally, it may be transported to a park or the beach.
14. Infection
Another beloved children’s game in our community. My understanding is that it resembles a reverse tag. As “it,” one person first pursues the other children. Once a child is tagged, the youngster becomes “it” and assists the original tagger. This keeps going until every youngster has been tagged. The next round’s “it” will be chosen by the last youngster to be tagged.
Kids Need to Play Outside, That’s All!
There’s nothing like having a creative garden to entertain the kids, but you don’t have to try to duplicate Disney World. Giving children the chance to play independently and unsupervised outside is important.
Additionally, it doesn’t mean you as a parent are doing anything wrong when your children eventually declare, “I’m bored.” In actuality, it benefits them. According to research, becoming bored is a normal aspect of looking for new things to do and might even inspire the next great idea. Therefore, encourage them to discover something fresh to accomplish outside. In this regard, parents should set a good example by scheduling time for activities like going for a stroll, a hike, a bike ride, or playing a game of laser tag.
Youngsters must spend time outdoors being active. Kids will gain from anything your backyard has, to offer and feel happier, more at ease, and sleep better as a result.
