Planning and creating engaging outdoor play areas is a wonderful way to get kids to play outside. With a moderate budget and easy to source materials, you can create a haven for your little ones. Outdoor play areas draw kids to explore, experiment, and extend their play. The following are tips for creating a play area your kids will love.
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Allocate space for active play
Kids love having space to move and play in. Toys and other resources, encourage them to stay physically active. Active play promotes physical health and the development of motor skills. While house hunting, look for houses that have backyard space. These are ideal for active play. While comparing the mortgage rate from various lenders, ask about the 75 ltv mortgage rates .
Think beyond running and include; hopping, jumping, pushing or pulling, climbing, sliding, swinging, balancing, throwing, kicking, bouncing, or catching. Swing sets or slides can be permanent fixtures or include movable parts. Repurpose an old tire and some wood to create a balance beam.
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Messy, sensory play
Sandboxes, pools or mini gardens are great additions to any play area. They support essential brain development that happens when children engage all their senses. Other than sand, water or mud, you can add bubbles, pebbles, balls, grass, leaves, shells, flowers, etc.
This doesn’t refer to painting or drawing only. Search for ways to add music, art experiences, challenges, and problem-solving opportunities to the play area. Add a chalkboard that they can draw on or an area they can paint.
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Imaginative play
With a playhouse or fort, the potential for pretend play is enormous. Whether it is a hideout, salon, home school, etc. the children are free to pick the one they want.
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Interaction with natural elements.
Have a space that is safe for children to interact with natural elements. Involve them in taking care of your garden and teach them to take care of the plants and animals that live there. With a magnifying glass, they can explore the outdoors promoting interest in the natural world.
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Allocate free time
Let your kids have some time to themselves. They can engage in free, unstructured play alone or with others.
Here are some ideas for outdoor play areas to try.
- Outdoor kitchens – these are great for role-playing, imagination, problem-solving, and group games. Repurpose old cookware and let your kids play with them.
- Obstacle courses – with old tires, wood chunks, planks, and stumps you can create an obstacle course for the kids to play in. The stumps can be used for building activities or as a table for tea parties. Add a net to introduce a climbing challenge.
- Forts and playhouses – these secret spaces can be large or small, tucked away from the main stage of the play area. Build a tree fort or fence an area off with some plants to separate it from the rest of the play area.
- Sandboxes – you can buy or make one. Remember to change the sand once a year.
Building a kid-friendly outdoor play area takes time, patience, and some elbow grease. No matter what ideas you have in mind, the safety of your kids is a priority. With these tips, you can turn your backyard into a play haven for your kids.
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