When you have kids, everything changes. Your priorities shift, your sleep schedule goes out the window, and suddenly your house isn’t just for you anymore. It’s also for your little ones. And one of the most important things you can do for them is to create a safe and healthy environment to play right in your backyard.
Kids need plenty of playtime, and it’s crucial for their development. But many kids these days are spending more time inside, where the air quality might be worse than outside. According to the EPA, “indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air.” And that’s not good for anyone, especially for kids who are still growing and developing.
That leaves you with the outdoor area as the ideal playground. However, homeowners must ensure that it is safe for playing, making these home improvement ideas critical.
Creating Kid-Friendly Flooring
When you have kids, it’s essential to make your backyard safe for them to play in. That means putting down some unique flooring that won’t cause them to trip and fall. Concrete can be dangerous because it’s so smooth, but adding a layer of sand or some other soft surface can help keep your kids safe while they’re playing. You might also want to create a few raised garden beds instead of having a plain yard. That will give your kids something fun to explore while they’re outside.
Most homeowners go for sandboxes to ensure that kids are safe. Playground sand is often soft enough to protect against falls, but it’s also rough sufficient that kids can build castles and other fun structures.
Providing Safe Amenities
A plain outdoor area might be enough to keep kids safe during playtime, but it might not be enough to make them want to go outside to play. They might want to interact with household items. When they are energetic enough, you might not be able to prevent them from going indoors and playing with potentially hazardous household items. Fortunately, you can install outdoor amenities to associate playtime with that area.
A low-depth swimming pool is perfect for kids, as it helps keep them safe while they’re swimming. And if you don’t have room for a pool, a playground is a great alternative. It provides plenty of opportunities for kids to play and explore.
Basic gardening is another great way to keep kids entertained. Adding a few trees, bushes, and flowers can give kids something fun to look at and explore. Ensure that any plants you choose are non-toxic and safe for kids to touch.
Ensuring Proper Drainage
The weather can be a significant factor in the health of kids. When it’s hot and humid, kids can quickly become dehydrated. And when it’s cold and wet, kids can catch a cold or the flu. Poor drainage can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause asthma and other respiratory problems in kids. That’s why it’s so important to invest in good rain gutters to keep your backyard correctly drained.
When it comes to keeping kids safe while they play, nothing is more important than making sure they have a place to escape bad weather. And adding roof extensions can help make that possible, even on days when the weather isn’t ideal.
Roof extensions can provide extra space for kids to play, perfect for when the weather is terrible. And if you take care of your gardening duties, you can also avoid leaving puddles around that could cause kids to slip and fall. Rain puddles can attract pests like mosquitoes, so keeping them under control is essential.
Installing a Fence
A fence is a perfect way to keep kids safe while playing in the backyard. It can provide a barrier between the street and your yard, keeping cars and other hazards out. And it can also give you some privacy from neighbors and passersby. But when you’re installing a fence, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
First, make sure that the fence is tall enough that kids can’t climb over it. Second, choose a material that won’t rust or rot. And finally, make sure the gate is secure and can be locked when necessary. A chain-link fence is an excellent option because it’s solid and durable. But if you want something a little more attractive, a wood fence can be a great choice.
Establishing Rules
Even if you’ve created a kid-friendly environment in your backyard, it’s still important to put them under supervision. There are plenty of hazards kids can encounter, like chemicals in the garage or tools in the shed. And it’s also important to establish rules, like staying away from the pool when it’s not supervised or not going into the street. With a little bit of preparation and supervision, your backyard can be a safe and fun place for kids to play.
The Bottom Line
Turning your backyard kid-friendly doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. By taking a few simple steps, you can create a safe and fun environment for kids. And with a little bit of supervision, you can rest assured that your kids will be safe while they play.
