Creating a Kid-Friendly Backyard

Landscaping your backyard lets you maximize your space, creating an attractive and inviting outdoor area. If you are a parent, it is important to keep your kids in mind while designing your backyard. Children love to play outside, so make your backyard a place that is fun and safe for them, while still attractive for adults. The following tips can help you design a kid-friendly yard.

Focus on Safety

Your children’s safety is a top priority when designing your backyard. Scraped knees are expected, but take steps to minimize the risk of injury. Walk around your yard and look for areas that are possible danger zones for children, then find ways to address the problems. Your yard can be made safer by putting a fence around it, and by fencing any bodies of water like a pool, pond, or water fountain. Choosing non-slip surfaces for decks, patios, and walkways reduces the risk of slips and falls. Flowers are another possible safety issue that is often overlooked; avoiding varieties known to attract bees helps minimize stings.

Keep a Lawn

A large area of grass is perfect for kids to run around and play on. It also provides an area for them to get wet during the summer with a play pool or sprinklers without damaging plants. Choosing a sturdy grass, such as Bermuda or Kentucky Bluegrass, helps your lawn withstand lots of use.

Choose Plants with Care

Many common plants are toxic or poisonous, so choose plants for your backyard carefully. Irises, daffodils, calla lilies, azaleas, holly, oleander, and more are dangerous for both children and pets. Check with a local nursery to make sure plants are safe before adding them to your yard. It is also a good idea to avoid prickly plants, like sago palms and cactus, which can cause injury if children fall into them or grab them.

Make a Secret Place

Set aside an area as a hideout for your children, whether it is a secret garden, a treehouse, or any tucked away space. Kids love these places, and they are a great way to encourage imagination. Make it as simple or elaborate as you like, just make sure it’s safe and comfortable. 

Put up a Bat House

Bat houses make an exciting addition to your yard, and they are easy to make or purchase. Install them in trees or around your house and yard, then sit outside in the evening with your kids to watch the bats fly around chasing insects. Not only do you get to do something enjoyable with your children, but your yard will have fewer insects too.

Grow a Children’s Garden

Gardening with your kids is a great way to spend time together, and teach them about how things grow and where their food comes from. Pick easy-to-grow vegetables that your children like, and experience together the excitement of watching your food grow from a tiny seed. As an added bonus, many children are more likely to eat their vegetables if they help grow them.

Designing a kid-friendly backyard takes a little creativity and planning, but creating a space where everyone is safe and having fun is worth the time and effort. Keep in mind that The Lawnsmith knows the importance of safety in regard to your lawn and family. Do not hesitate to ask us about our products and services and the precautions we take to ensure your lawn is safe AND beautiful!

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