Having a place to play in the yard, garden, or patio is ideal for both parents and children. Not only does it give them a way to get rid of their excess energy but to practice necessary physical and mental skills in an area that is under your supervision. Here are three great choices to make your outdoor space a wonderland for young kids that are convenient for mom and dad too.
Playhouses
A playhouse is in a child’s eyes is like having their very own home or clubhouse. It can be a place of imagination and hours upon hours of fun for both young boys and girls. Many actually really look just like a smaller version of a house with porches and window shutters.
A playhouse is also a much safer option for a child who wants a tree house as you won’t have to worry about them falling out. Playhouses come in all shapes and sizes which is something to think about as a parent. Many moms and dads want to provide their children with a place to play but don’t want it to overpower the rest of the yard or garden.
If that is the case simply choose a smaller house. You can build your own if you are handy and can even use old items from your actual home to do so. Kits are a much simpler way to go for the average person and are easy to find online.
A more expensive option is having one custom-built to your exact specifications. Many storage sheds particularly plastic ones can make for a perfect playhouse as well. Whatever type you do choose your child will love it.
Sandboxes
Sandboxes are another easy way to provide children with never-ending enjoyment. A simple plastic shovel and bucket when used in a sandbox will amaze toddlers to no end. Add a few toys for kids who are a little older and they will play to their heart’s content.
Parents often choose these because they don’t take away from the look of the yard since they can easily blend in and are low to the ground. You can build your own box by making a square border from wood and adding sand that is about twelve inches in depth. Play sand is the best way to go particularly if it does not contain silica.
Plastic sandboxes are even easier to deal with since they come with a cover which you need to keep animals and water out, and often have fun shapes or are made purposely not to stand out like the best-selling one shown below.
Make sure you place your box in a spot where your child will not be in the direct sun for long periods of time, but it should have some sunlight to make sure that the sand itself stays dry and clean. Many boxes will come with roofs or canopies to block the sun themselves. It would also be wise not to put the sandbox right next to your house.
Placing it a little further back will help the sand to come off naturally on the way to the house so you don’t end up with a sandy mess inside. Having a hose nearby will allow your child to add some water to their sandcastles and creations to make them stay in place which always helps.
Trampolines
While a little more obtrusive than a sandbox, and a bit more dangerous too, a trampoline is another item that kids just always go nuts for. These can be especially great for youngsters with high energy as they can be quite a challenge to use for more than a few minutes at a time without having to take a break.
With the right safety precautions and adult supervision, trampolines can be a ton of fun. A much safer way to use one is to install it over a hole so that the mat is level with the ground. This can eliminate falls from high up. It also can be much more pleasing to the eye as it won’t block any views in your yard.
Safety nets are also a smart idea to prevent kids from falling off and trampolines without springs will help to reduce the chance of injury as well while still allowing for enjoyment.
If your child likes playing house, building in the sand, or jumping to excess, one or all of these options may be right for both you and them. Just be sure to follow the tips above for maximum safety and of course enjoyment!
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