If you have kids, you probably want them to have fun and spend lots of quality time outside their four walls. At the same time, however, you might be worried about the safety that your garden provides.
If you’re looking forward to converting your garden into a child-friendly retreat, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve collected some of the best ideas on how to make your backyard a kids’ paradise without sacrificing safety.
From building a deck to installing a swing set, check out our many tips on how to turn your garden into a safe haven below!
Install a Swing Set
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to encourage your children to spend more time outdoors and stay physically active, installing a swing set in your garden is the right decision.
Make sure to invest in a quality swing set that won’t get damaged easily and will keep your kids safe while playing. Some other outdoor features you might also want to look into include:
-Sandbox
-Slides
-Monkey bars
-Climbing walls
-Trampoline
-Clubhouse
-Picnic table
-Trapeze bar
Build a Deck
Kids love decks just as much as adults do. Building a deck will allow them to spend more time outdoors, both when playing and doing homework for example. In addition to that, it will give you an opportunity to spend more time with them and watch over your children as they play.
Make sure that the materials you select for your deck are child-friendly and non-slip. For safety purposes, the deck should be constructed by a licensed professional.
Lay Artificial Grass
While real grass offers plenty of benefits, it may not be the right solution for your kids’ playing area. Unlike the real thing, artificial grass is durable and hard to destroy, making it great for kids trampling all over it.
Additionally, you won’t have to worry about the kids slipping on soggy and muddy surfaces. This might help prevent injuries and pesky stains.
High-Quality Fence
If you have children, it is important to find a garden fence that offers safety and security. Children running around the garden every day need something sturdy to prevent them from running off into the nearby roads or other neighbors’ gardens.
A high-quality fence will give you peace of mind and won’t get damaged easily, reducing the risks of leaving your kids susceptible to injuries from broken panels or splinters.
Child-Friendly Flowers
Small kids have the habit of putting any object in their mouths and, with your household chores waiting, it is difficult to track their every movement. For that reason, it is vital to be aware of dangerous flowers not safe for children.
Yew, Philodendron, and Lily-of-the-Valley are among garden favorites that should be avoided. These plants are poisonous and can irritate the skin and eyes. It is better to opt for child-friendly flowers such as daisies, lavenders, and sunflowers.
Child-Specific Spaces
When redesigning your garden, designate specific areas for your children to spend time in. From making space for games such as basketball or football, to creating a sandbox, your garden will be a great place to keep your kids entertained and occupied.
Lock Up the Garden Tools
While it may sound like a no-brainer, it is sometimes easy to forget the obvious. Keep any potentially dangerous garden tools locked away from the kids.
Final Word
There are many reasons why you should give your garden a total makeover and make it more child-friendly. Spending more time outdoors has been proven healthy, and kids love it. Depending on the size of your garden and your preferences, there are numerous options to choose from. Build a nice deck, install a swing set, or play around with the layout to make sure your child stays safe and has fun!
Kevin Jefferson has gone through an extensive home renovation with his son, which he has both thoroughly enjoyed, and dreaded every morning. He is now the proud owner of half his dream house (the other half has been waiting for spring). You can read more of Kevin's work at PlainHelp.