TRY THIS: Make an Outdoor Playspace for Kids

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Today I am sharing how to make an outdoor playspace for kids. Summer is awesome because the kids are home from school and you can ease up on the structure and scheduled activities.  And….summer is hard because the kids are home from school all day and all structure is out the window and they keep telling you they are bored.  Ha!  We have such long winters here that I want our kids to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air as much as they can.  It’s good for them–and for me–to spend time playing outside every day.

Over the years, we’ve done a lot to improve the appearance of our yard.  Lately, though, I’ve been considering some projects we could tackle that would make our backyard just as appealing to the kids as it is to the adults.  With our own kids running in and out as well as frequent youthful visitors, I think it would be smart to invest a little effort into installing some features that they can enjoy.

 I’ve found some really great ideas online.  Even if they won’t all work in my yard, you might see something you want to try in your yard.  Let’s play!

TRY THIS: Make an Outdoor Playspace for Kids

Reading Nooks

Summer Reading Nook at Vintage Revivals – adorable way to encourage your children to pick up a book and enjoy being outside at the same time.

Giant Outdoor Chalkboard at Tiny Sidekick – kids love to draw with chalk!  Gotta love this idea if you don’t have a paved sidewalk or driveway for kids to put their chalk art.

Bring the Beach to your Yard

Make a Backyard Beach at Sunset Magazine – a “sandbox” that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike!  Keep this in mind for drought tolerant landscaping.

Beanpole Teepee at Joyful Toddlers – combine the love of gardening and imaginative play by training runner beans up a play structure.  Fun and delicious!

DIY Backyard Kerplunk Game at All Parenting – kids love it when you take a small game outdoors and turn it jumbo size.

Waterpark in your backyard

Water Play Wall at Tinkerlab – water play is always fun and this option has the added bonus of being something the kids can enjoy safely without life jackets or adult supervision.

Hula Hoop Hideouts at The Craft Nest – easy to make and simple to store, these little canopies are a fun option for a sunny afternoon in the yard.

Outdoor Race Car Track for Kids at Better Homes & Gardens – another simple project that can provide hours of fun without taking up much yard space.

Outdoor Movie Theater Tips at Giver’s Log – everything you need to know for enjoying a night at the movies in your own backyard.

Make an Outdoor Playspace for Kids

Children’s Playhouse at The Handmade Home – along with how-to details for this adorable structure, you can see all the variations creative readers built for their own yards.  This is a post packed with ideas if you are thinking about building a backyard playhouse!