It might seem much more difficult to get your kids to spend time outside than it did ten or twenty years ago. Technology has made games, television, and social media the standard for kids. Here are some home features that can make your yard just that much more tantalizing for your kids.
A Treehouse
Kids love adventure. Or rather, they love feeling like they are on an adventure–without actually having to worry about the exhaustion that comes with real exploration. With a little bit of help, a child’s imagination can do all of the heavy lifting, cultivating the potential for hours and hours of healthy playtime. A treehouse is one kind of tool that works wonderfully for this.
Having a designated space to play and to call their own helps kids get excited about being outside. If you don’t have a massive tree in your yard, don’t worry; there are variations you can do, like a tree platform or simply a semi-permanent fort.
A Pool
A pool is a popular option for several reasons. If you live in a climate where it gets hot over the summer, a pool is a fantastic way to engender social gatherings. People want to be able to relax by the water. It’s hard to beat a pool when it comes to cooling down!
Kids especially will love to have pool parties and to spend time with friends splashing around and playing games. Swimming is even a great way to exercise. You should always make sure to have the right safety precautions; a pool fence prevents children from falling in when they’re unsupervised.
A Trampoline
If you have a larger, flat yard, this option is ideal for you. Trampolines are a simple but effective way to have fun outside. If it’s big enough, a wide trampoline is one of the best ways to play games with friends–throwing and dodging balls or frisbees, or trying to bounce each other as high as possible. In recent years, safety has become more of a concern, but there’s no reason you can’t also take precautions. This is another situation where a surrounding net would be perfect.
Your yard is going to be better for some ideas than others. Owners of smaller yards might struggle to find the right options for them. Do your best to be creative and work with what you have, and your kids will come to appreciate your effort.
Did you enjoy this article? Here’s more to read: What to Know Before Your Kids Swim in the Ocean
