Children like to play outside and spend their free time doing some fun outdoor activities. Having a backyard that’s suitable for them is what every grandparent would want, and you need to think about how your outdoor area suits your family. Not only is this space great for your grandchildren, but it can also be an oasis for their parents and space to relax in the sun all summer long. That’s what makes these long afternoons more enjoyable and serves as a great area for creating new family memories. There are many little projects you can try out in order to come up with the best design and enjoy spending time with your family.
A playground is a must
Think about your childhood and how badly you wanted to have a playground in your own backyard. Although you may think that this is an expensive project, there are some affordable options you can try in order to make your grandchildren happy. The classic play set consists of a swing set, a slide, and a small house. If you’re handy with tools and know your way around wood panels, this can be a great project for you and help you save a lot of money. Just keep in mind that your grandchildren will probably be thrilled with the most basic playground setting just as long they have their own corner in the backyard.
Vegetable and herb garden
This is something the whole family can benefit from and you can use this space to teach your grandchildren some facts about food as well. Since the sustainable movement is making its mark in almost every part of our lives, eating sustainable food is probably the most important thing to look out for. Think about foods and vegetables you can grow in your backyard and try to avoid using pesticides. No matter how old your grandchildren are, you can create separate containers and allow them to grow their own food. Children learn mostly through play and this can be a great way to teach them to have responsibilities and see how the process of growing food actually works.
Outdoor hangout area
With all different things going on in the backyard, you’ll need a designated area where you’ll all be able to relax. If the weather’s fine, you can even organize some family meals outside and enjoy your free time. Start by adding some comfortable furniture pieces and give your outdoor seating area the love and attention it deserves. That’s why you need to look out for the weather conditions and figure out a way to secure your furniture. To provide additional comfort, add commercial shade sails that will add that pleasant feel to your small oasis.
A small water feature
Having a pond or a pool is not a stamp of luxury homes and you don’t have to go big – even a small water feature will create a totally different feeling in your outdoor area. If you have small grandchildren, having a big pool may not be the best idea because you’ll have to think about safety measures. On the other hand, creating a fountain is something all grandparents love because the sound of running water can be soothing, and children of all ages will enjoy playing with water on hot summer days.
A hidden nook
Whether it’s for the parents who enjoy reading, or for grandchildren and their secret projects, a small hidden nook in the corner of your backyard is what you need. This is something you can install in a minute by using old wood pallets with pillows in order to create comfort. Add a small table with storage space where you can keep additional pillows and blankets to stay warm and cozy. To make it more outdoor-friendly, you can add a mosquito net to be able to enjoy lazy days and nights without worrying about these annoying creatures. Lastly, add some lighting, and think about using LED bulbs, which are more suitable for outdoor use.
Always keep in mind that you need to take all your family members’ wishes into consideration and include all of them into the design. After everything is done, you’ll be able to enjoy your new space and create new family memories.
This guest post was graciously provided by Emma Joyce, an interior design enthusiast from Sydney. She loves spicing up living spaces and finding new ways to keep up with the latest trends.