The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on how we live our lives. It has especially affected children, including their education and how they socialize.
Many play areas have reopened following stay-at-home orders. The CDC issued guidance on visiting play areas safely.
Yet there's an easy way to control a play space, sanitizing surfaces and avoiding crowds. Turn your backyard into a playground!
Keep reading for our five best tips for building a playground in your backyard.
1. Put Safety First
The grass isn't the only surfacing you can use to make the space safer for your kids. Think about wood chips, which are great for absorbing the impact in a fall. Rubber surfacing provides the same benefit but it's also slip-resistant, making falls less likely.
Pay attention to the space between the playground toys. Is there enough clearance around the swings? Does the slide end somewhere safe?
Look for grips on ladders, handles, or grips that are powder coated or textured. This makes it harder for hands to slip. Choose wooden elements made from woods like cedar, which resist mold and decay.
2. Give Kids Variety
There's more to a playground than a swing set. If you have space, add more elements to give them more choices. It also means you can help them develop different skills.
A sandbox is a great way to add opportunities for sensory play. Jungle gyms or other climbing apparatus are a good way to improve strength and agility. Install slides within these sets where you can.
Invest in outdoor storage to keep their toys in one place.
3. Make Space for Creativity
Not all kids want to run around or clamber over things. Make quieter or more creative kids welcome with activities for them.
Think about installing a chalkboard for their artistic output. Give them a sandbox so they can build sand structures.
A sturdy outdoor crafts table can also encourage them to develop their craft skills.
4. Choose Customization
Where possible, add features that are customizable. This lets you tailor the play space to your child's preferences.
It also means you can keep changing the features to keep the playground exciting over time. You'll also be able to alter features as your child grows so they won't outgrow their playground.
5. Build In a Private Space
You want your backyard playground to be a safe space. That doesn't mean physically—your child needs space to explore their identity.
Give them 'private' space so they can carve out some time to themselves. It can be a cute reading nook, a treehouse, or a play den. You'll know exactly where they are but they can feel free to be more imaginative.
Make Building a Playground Easy
Follow these steps when you're building a playground and your backyard will be a kid's haven in no time.
Remember, to put safety first and regularly check and clean the equipment. After that, you can let your kids enjoy their new play paradise.
Want to have a backyard that's the envy of your neighbors? Check out our garden articles for more tips and advice.
