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around in the backyard. It can be a place for adventure, imaginative play, and a child\u2019s first introduction to sports. Whether you just moved into a new home or you’re simply preparing your yard for a new arrival, there are certain steps you can take to ensure that your backyard is kid-friendly and appropriate for hours of fun.<\/p>\n
The most important consideration is safety. Ideally, your yard should be fenced in to keep pets or little ones from straying too far from home.<\/p>\n
– Make sure your fence posts are secure and nailed in completely. If you are using a chain link fence, check for holes or gaps, and make sure the fence isn’t pulled up around the bottom.<\/p>\n
– Carefully inspect your yard for weeds like poison ivy or poison sumac, and dispose of it properly and thoroughly.<\/p>\n
– Use an organic weed-killer, or if you decide to go for something stronger; be sure to keep the little ones out of the yard until it dries – about 24 hours or more. Try spraying after they go to bed on a school night to remove temptation.<\/p>\n
– Sprinkler heads and holes can be a tripping hazard, so keep the grass low enough that they are easily visible.<\/p>\n
Once your yard is relatively injury-proof, you’ll want to enjoy it with your family as much as possible. You can play a lot of tag or hide and seek, but eventually you’ll need to stop for a snack.<\/p>\n
– Some home renovations now include an outdoor kitchen. Complete with mini-fridge, range, and sink, you can cook a family meal among the birds and flowers. Many businesses offer do-it-yourself outdoor cabinet<\/a> systems that are completely weather-proof\u2014designed to look perfect after snowstorms, direct sunlight, or even drenching rain.<\/p>\n – Create amazing memories for your children by making dinner together under the stars and enjoying a moonlit picnic.<\/p>\n Kids can play for hours with a football, a jump rope, or just a few sticks for dueling. However, to make the perfect backyard you’ll want to design a play space just for them.<\/p>\n – If you have the trees and the construction know-how, consider a custom tree house. It can be as simple as a raised platform between three trees, or you can go all out with a rope ladder, walls, and a roof.<\/p>\n – If your yard is of a grassier and open persuasion, your kids will enjoy a traditional swing set or playground. Play structures can be purchased as a set to be installed, or piece by piece to create your own individual play place. Incorporate slides, ladders, monkey bars, or even a ship captain’s wheel and telescope.<\/p>\n By creating a safe and kid-friendly backyard, you make a space you can enjoy with your children for years. Encourage outside activity and exercise, and don’t forget patio furniture for yourself, so you can watch your children play.<\/p>\n Photo credit: ssdg4773<\/a><\/font><\/p>\nPlay areas<\/h2>\n