Coax Your Kids Off The Playstation With A Family-Friendly Garden

[Pic Credit: Pixabay]

We all want our kids to spend more time outdoors. Fresh air, vitamin D and running around are all good for their physical and mental well-being. But we all know how hard it is to coax them outside. You can make this process a lot easier by transforming your garden into a fun, family play area.

Security

The most important consideration is to ensure your family’s safety. A privacy fence installation is a good way to start this process. It will shield your family from prying eyes and provide a safe perimeter for your home. You don’t have to worry about kids running out into the street after stray balls etc., and you can keep strangers from entering.

Safety

With the garden secure, your next task is to make the area safe. Remove any tools and machinery that could be harmful. Lock them away in the shed. Also, remove any weed killer, paint, or other chemicals and ensure they are also secured.

Check play areas carefully for broken glass, sharp twigs, and any other garden debris. Look for anything that could cause a tripping hazard or any items that could cut tiny hands and knees.

Make sure that any areas containing water are carefully fenced off. This includes swimming pools, troughs, or even buckets and containers, which can be extremely dangerous for toddlers.

[Pic Credit: Pixabay]

Create Zones

If you have the available space, create zones. For example, you could have an area with a slide and swing set, an area for ball games, and an area for adults to relax in. Some children enjoy gardening, and it’s always good to get them interested in this from a young age. If possible, create a small bed or some containers for them to plant seeds and watch them grow. Ensure play areas are close to the house so you can keep an eye the kids, even if you’re inside.

A Space For Adults

The garden is for everyone. Think of it as an extension of your home, and a place for the whole family. So ensure there are areas where adults can sit and chat. Invest in some comfortable garden furniture and provide some shady areas. A gazebo is ideal as it provides shelter from the sun and will allow you to sit outside when the temperature dips.

Allocate areas for flowers and plants that won’t be ruined by play. If you’re new to this, do some research and read some gardening books to find the plants that will thrive in your area.

[Pic Credit: Pixabay]

Toys

Depending on the age of your children, and their interests, garden toys can be entertaining. Some kids are happy with a cardboard box and will invent their own magical kingdoms from their imagination. Others may need some stimulus. Swing sets are popular with kids of various ages. And for the little ones, consider a playhouse farmhouse which will entertain them for hours on end. Most kids love dens. You don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy toys. Many items can be bought cheaply or picked up second-hand from eBay and local thrift stores.

Having an allocated space for your kids to play and run around outside, will encourage them to spend more time outdoors. Apart from safety and security considerations, there are no rules. Use your creativity to create an area the whole family can enjoy.