While we might be tempted to stay inside, cosy and warm throughout the cooler months, outdoor play is essential for the wellbeing of our children. Outdoor play promotes physical activity, offers sensory-rich experiences, and helps children adapt to a range of different climates. If you’re looking to encourage your children to play outside more frequently, having a clear, child-friendly garden space is a great solution.
Clearing Space in Your Garden
The first step to creating your outdoor play haven is to clear space in your garden. Having a clutter-free garden ensures that your children will be safe and unlikely to encounter any unforeseen hazards.
When clearing out your garden, start by identifying and removing any unwanted or hazardous furniture and other garden items. Work your way through the garden, keeping a close eye out for any sharp objects, broken equipment, or any other debris that could pose a risk to children playing in the area.
To dispose of your waste, consider enlisting some help for garden clearance in London. This will ensure that all waste is disposed of in an eco-friendly manner, while saving you time and hassle.
Creating Play Zones
Now that your garden is free from any potential hazards, it’s time to transform it into a play haven for your children to enjoy. Work with the natural layout of your garden to maximise space and suit the unique interests of your little ones.
Outdoor toys such as kitchen sets, sandpits, and water features are excellent sensory-rich experiences for your children to enjoy. They also promote creative thinking and use of the imagination.
An important aspect to consider when designing your garden play area is how you are going to protect the space from the elements. A rain shelter will offer you the convenience of being able to play outside no matter the weather, and can also offer some protection from the sun during the warmer, sunnier months.
Selecting Child-Friendly Plants
Cultivating an environment where your children can connect with nature is paramount to a successful garden play haven. When selecting plants for your garden, there are several factor to consider:
Non-Toxic Varieties
It is absolutely crucial to only plant flora that is non-toxic and safe for children. Some of the common flowers you should not plant in your garden include foxglove, nerium oleander, hyacinth, and daffodils. These are all toxic if consumed and can cause severe poisoning.
Sensory Appeal
Plants that have sensory appeal will keep your children exploring and entertained for hours on end. Choose plants that engage multiple senses — fragrant flowers, textured leaves, and vibrant colours create a sensory-rich experience for your children.
Easy to Maintain
It’s also in your best interest to grow low-maintenance plants. This will make gardening activities enjoyable and manageable for both you and your kids.
Conclusion
Transforming your garden into a family-friendly play haven starts with decluttering the space and removing any unused items or potential hazards. The next step is to trim overgrown plants and clear pathways for safe exploration, investing in child-safe outdoor furniture and plants. By incorporating vibrant colours and playful elements to your garden, you’ll help stimulate creativity and the use of the imagination.
We hope this guide has inspired you to create a fun and interactive outdoor environment in your back garden. Good luck, and happy outdoor adventures!
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.