Landscape Ideas for Back Yards for Kids

Playset

• Adding a playset to your backyard landscape is usually the best way to keep younger kids entertained. You can find simple playsets that feature swings and a slide, or choose a setup with additional features, such as monkey bars. However, to create the most elaborate playground area in your back yard, look for a playset with specialty features, such as a spiral slide, trapeze bar, swinging rope, climbing wall or attached playhouse with a ladder or bridge entry. Many home improvement stores carry a selection of backyard playsets that come in several different materials, such as wood, vinyl or metal. Choose a material that will blend with the rest of your landscape, and consider putting down wood chips around the playset to mark off the area for your kids.

Sports Surface

• If your children are too old to play on swings, they may appreciate having an area of the yard dedicated to their favorite sport. You can install a concrete surface to create a half basketball court, where your kids can practice jump shots. A permanent hoop is a long-term investment, so you might opt for a portable model that you can put away if you need to use the surface for another purpose. If your kids are volleyball fans, dig out an area of the lawn and add beach sand to create a court. Other sports areas that your kids might enjoy include a badminton, shuffleboard or putting green area. If you have a larger back yard, you can even think about adding a tennis court.

Pool

• In the summer, both younger and older kids appreciate having a pool as part of their backyard landscape. If your back yard is large, an inground pool might be a worthwhile investment. Choose the shape and style that best fits the rest of the landscape, and add features such as a slide or diving board. You can also build an attached pool deck, where you can host barbecues and picnics. If your yard is small or you do not have the budget for an inground pool, an aboveground pool is an alternative. While not as easy to customize as an inground pool, aboveground pools come in various sizes and shapes, so you should be able to find a good option for your yard. You can even opt for a large inflatable pool that you can put away each winter.

Garden

• Your backyard landscape might already include a garden that you tend. However, kids, too, enjoy planting seeds, watering them and watching their plants grow. Creating a special garden area for your children is a good way to teach them about science and nature. A vegetable garden is ideal for children. Many vegetables are easy to grow, including potatoes, peppers, corn and pumpkins. Your kids may also get a kick out of eating the crops that they’ve grown, and the plants are a colorful addition to your yard.