A backyard is a blank canvas for many exciting and immersive outdoor retreats. If you have kids, you can even include them in your backyard renovation plans. You can renovate a backyard to include amenities and gardens for all ages. Backyard renovations can enhance curb appeal and property value as well. Kids will remember how much fun they have in a backyard even as they grow up. Some homeowners may need to realize there are many ways to include a play-positive, kid-friendly backyard without ruining the aesthetics.
Landscaping
Landscaping can boost property value, curb appeal, and enrichment for your outdoor space. Fortunately, landscaping can be designed in infinite ways, many of which can be fun and exciting for you and your little ones.
Secret Garden
A ‘secret’ garden is usually hidden from plain sight in some way, requiring the visitor to enter a vined tunnel or hedge maze to view it.
A secret garden can be a lot of fun for kids to discover and play in. Vines, hedges, tall flowers, and trees can disguise a small, intimate garden from the outside view. Vine-covered archways or tall hedges can create a ‘secret’ entrance for kids. A secret garden can also make a beautiful, secluded relaxation space for adults!
Butterfly Garden
Butterflies are losing their natural habitats quicker than ever. A butterfly garden provides a peaceful space for butterflies to feed and fly. Kids can learn much about insects and butterflies through a butterfly garden that offers beautiful, vibrant flowers. Butterfly gardens should have flowers that butterflies can feed on (nectar flowers) and protection from predators and the elements.
Japanese Garden
Some of the most elegant and peaceful gardens are Japanese-themed. Japanese gardens typically involve water features, rock paths, bridges, sand gardens, stone statues, and native Japanese plants such as cherry blossom trees. These features can make ideal peaceful escapes for adults and a fun area for kids to explore and learn.
Edible Garden
Growing your food is one of the most rewarding cooking and eating methods. You can include an herb, fruit, or vegetable garden to bring your own ingredients to the dinner table. As a bonus, kids can learn how to grow and harvest kitchen ingredients. You can start a small farm or a simple herb garden—there’s no wrong answer here.
Hedge Maze
Hedges provide privacy and seclusion from neighbors, busy streets, or the outside world. Additionally, they can be practically any shape, size, and arrangement. A hedge maze is arranged as a labyrinth where the hedges provide path dividers, hiding the entrance and exit from view. Hedge mazes are fun to solve and offer an exciting location for play and fun.
Swimming Pool
Exterior home renovations include adding a swimming pool. Fun for all ages, swimming pools provide exercise, relaxation, and a way to cool down in the warmer months. Pools can come in various shapes, sizes, and installation methods, making them ideal for any home size. Above-ground pools are more cost-effective but more susceptible to damage. In-ground pools are more permanent and durable, boosting property value, but have a higher price tag. Remember that pools can be expensive to operate and require regular hands-on maintenance.
Playground
No child-friendly backyard is complete without a play area. A playground typically features swingsets, slides, monkey bars, and more. Kids love playgrounds, and
a well-kept playground may even increase property value. You can include plant life and hedges to blend the playground into your yard better.
Treehouse
A treehouse is a shelter or clubhouse built directly into a treetop. These shelters make grand clubhouses or play settings for kids to enjoy. Aesthetically, treehouses can be intriguing and beautiful features in a backyard. Some treehouses are even large and intricate enough to serve as an escape for adults, too!
Summer House
A summer house is a European-style cottage in the middle of a garden, serving as a place to enjoy the scenery around you. Many summer houses are built as relaxation or reading spaces while enjoying the garden. Like a treehouse, kids can use summer houses as a playhouse and clubhouse, making them fun for the whole family.
Sports Courts
Many backyards include sports courts such as tennis courts, golf courses, basketball courts, or even baseball fields (we’re looking at you, Field of Dreams!) A sports court on your property can be a great source of exercise for you and your kids. You can even teach your kids a thing or two about your favorite sport.
Conclusion
There are many ways to engage you and your kids in a backyard, from swimming pools to secret gardens. It can be wise to involve your kids in the planning phase to get a feel for what they might enjoy if they’re old enough. Most renovations, such as summer houses, swimming pools, and butterfly gardens, are excellent for all ages.
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