6 Budget-Friendly Ways to Make Your Backyard More Fun for Your Kids

Your home should be a sanctuary for all family members, including your kids. The home’s outdoor space is one of the most appealing and versatile areas, but it can often lack appeal and function for the younger members of the household. In today’s modern world, it can be tough to get kids away from screens and into the backyard to enjoy nature and family time. There are a few budget-friendly backyard options you can turn to that will entice family members of any age. If you’re looking for some attractive and fun outdoor features for your kids, you’ll need to know your options first to plan more efficiently, advises Mabry Property Management.

Themed Gardens

Landscaping and gardening, depending on the approach, can be very cost-effective ways to spruce up your outdoor space. You can start with any size project you’d like, and there are many types of gardens to suit a wide variety of tastes, including families with young children. Bird and butterfly gardens can help your kids learn about natural wildlife in the yard. A secret garden can provide a fun area for play or reading. Sensory gardens can help kids flex their brain muscles while learning about nature and the human body. Provide some places to sit and relax, such as benches, chairs, or even a spacious tree stump. You may want to consider allowing your kids to choose various plants, decor, or birdhouses to get them more involved. Create natural pathways connecting the garden to help make the area more accessible; you can use budget-friendly gravel, stepping stones, or mulch for this. Bulk gravel or mulch is very affordable, especially when you use local suppliers and compare costs. You can start online with search terms like “mulch near me” to trigger results from local suppliers. Creating a fun, beautiful, and educational garden with your kids is a great way to get them playing outside.

Designated Play Area

Depending on how old your kids are, a play zone exclusively for them can be a great way for them to abandon screens and get fresh air. Play areas can span a wide variety of budgets for all families to enjoy. Simple sandboxes or hopscotch courts can work in a pinch. You can also build or buy a playground set to keep them entertained. A strong tree limb and a rope swing can be very affordable, too. Spruce up the area with surrounding gardens or landscaping for some curb appeal as well as enrichment. Safe ground cover can mitigate issues if there are any falls. You can start a play area project by asking your kids what they might enjoy; visit some parks or stores with playground sets to see what they flock to.

Summer Splash Party

While building a pool isn’t exactly cost-effective, kids love the water, especially in the summer. You don’t need to pay a ton of money for a fancy pool area if it’s not feasible for you, however. Above-ground pools come in all shapes and price ranges, which can be easier to afford than an expensive in-ground pool. Alternatively, splash pads, sprinklers, slides, and inflatable water toys can beat the heat of the summer months while kids have a blast. Most of these toys are easily put away in a compact space when you’re not using them, too.

Clubhouse or Treehouse

It can be incredibly enriching for kids to have a special spot to read, indulge in hobbies, spend time with friends, or play games. A secret, exclusive area can entice and thrill kids to go outside. A clubhouse or treehouse is great for this. Not everyone has the budget for a treehouse, but you can create a clubhouse on any budget with a simple storage shed and some creativity. Plan the space with your kids for some inspiration; a reading nook or craft center are some popular and fun ideas. You can build your own shed or find some prefabricated options at local hardware stores.

Edible Garden or Farm

If you’re looking for more beneficial ways to educate your kids, an herb garden or farm can work wonderfully. You can teach your kids about growing their food and how to use fresh ingredients in the kitchen. If you have the time, budget, and space, you may even want to add a chicken coop or a few goats. Edible gardens are fine on their own, though, and they can encourage kids to become more involved with the environment. Composting areas will help expand their knowledge, too. Bring your kids on a trip to a plant nursery to pick out some plants, trees, and seeds for your small farm.

Sports Zone

If you have kids who are passionate about sports, consider creating a designated play zone dedicated to sports. Tennis or volleyball nets, hopscotch courts, baseball diamonds, and basketball hoops don’t cost much money or take up much space. You can teach your kids about sports, help them practice, and keep them physically fit. Creating baseball diamonds or nets from scratch can help you save even more money. A storage shed or garage can help store smaller items like balls, bats, and racquets.

Conclusion

Spending time with family outdoors is a great way to get kids to prioritize more than their screens. Connecting with nature and getting some fresh air can improve a child’s mental health, immune system, and more. From playgrounds to poolsides, there are plenty of options to adapt your outdoor space to your family’s desires. The best way to know what they might enjoy is to spend time with them and ask. Shop together for several options and have open discussions about what they may want to do. You’ll also want to create a realistic budget to see what you can work with. Local suppliers and builders may give you some great deals; be sure to call many options to compare quotes. With some time and dedication, you can create the outdoor space of your family’s dreams.