Kids need a safe place to play, run around or just hang out with other kids. And a very ideal place to incorporate fun, play and learning activities is the family backyard. When Mum is busy hanging out clothes or doing some gardening, the kids too can enjoy some fun in the backyard.
So how can parents generate some backyard fun for kids? Here are some great ideas that parents can use to create a playground in the home garden.
Build a Secret Garden
If the family is blessed with a big backyard, add some magical elements to the garden, suggest Carol Fallows and Shayne Collier, co-authors of A Common Sense Guide for Australian Parents [Murdoch Books, 2004]. For instance, a garden with a secret or surprise element will appeal to all kids.
“Create a ‘stepping stone’ pathway with timber logs cut into one-inch thick slabs. Make sure there’s a surprise at the end of the pathway, such as a garden with a gnome or fairy statues,” they write.
Set up a Backyard Playground Equipment
The family backyard will look like a mini playground if backyard playground equipment are set up there. Most units come with swings, monkey bars, slides and other climbing features and will keep the kids amused for some time. However, safety is a big issue. As such, Fallows and Collier strongly suggest that parents buy only playground equipment that comply with safety standards.
If there is a large tree in the backyard, parents can also consider making a swing out of an old tire that is hung with strong ropes from a solid branch. This old-fashion swing is popular with kids anytime, anywhere!
Plant a Vegetable Plot
Try to choose a sunny plot with good drainage where kids can experiment with planting vegetables. This activity is fun and helps children to learn about crops and harvest. “For young children, there is something marvelous about going out to the garden and bringing in a basket of lettuce, spring onions and tomatoes that they helped to grow,” writes Tim Seldon, President of the Montessori Foundation and author of How to Raise an Amazing Child [Dorling Kindersely, 2007].
To let children plant greens, Seldon suggests that parents provide them with child-sized gardening tools. Child-sized baskets are also useful for children to hold fruits and vegetables that they have plucked and collected.
Add a Sandpit in the Backyard
Kids love to play in sandpits too. They can build sandcastles or anything they fancy. And unlike backyard playground equipment, sandpits are much cheaper to build. So if there is enough space, add a sandpit in the backyard. However, be sure to keep the sandpit as clean and dry as possible. Also, cover the sandpit when it is not used.
Construct a Cubby House
Kids just love pretending to have their own little house. So a cubby house or play house is great in the backyard too. Parents can let their children help when they are assembling the cubby house. This provides a sense of ownership and encourages kids to take better care of their cubby house.
There are so many interesting ways to start backyard fun for kids. To create a playground in the home garden, build a secret garden, set up backyard playground equipment, plant a vegetable plot, add a sandpit or construct a cubby house. Once some of these become a reality, the kids will be able to have hours of fun in the backyard.
Those who find this article useful may also like to read Backyard Safety for Kids, Backyard Lessons for Kids and Backyard Birthday Parties for Kids.
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