
8 Easy Backyard Playground Ideas You Can Try Now
If you’re looking for ways to make your backyard more fun and exciting, look no further! In this article, we’ll discuss eight different backyard playground ideas that are sure to keep your family entertained for hours on end.
From a simple sandbox to assembling Swing Set Parts, we have you covered. So read on and get ready to turn your yard into the ultimate outdoor paradise!
1. Sandbox – the classic playground fixture
A sandbox is a great backyard playground staple that kids of all ages can use. All you need is a few bags of sand and some toys; your little ones will be entertained for hours.
And if you want to take things up a notch, consider adding a small pool to your sandbox for even more fun!
How to set up a sandbox:
- Choose a level spot in your backyard for the sandbox.
- Place the sandbox on top of a tarp to help protect against moisture and weeds.
- Fill the sandbox with sand, using as much or as little as you like.
- Add toys and enjoy!
2. Water Park – A must-have for summer days
Who says you need a pool to have water fun? With a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a water park that the whole family will love!
Set up sprinklers or hoses around the perimeter of your yard and let the kids run through them. Or, if you want to get really creative, consider making DIY slip-and-slides out of tarp and water!
How to set up a backyard water park:
- Find a level spot in your backyard for the water park.
- Set up sprinklers or hoses around the perimeter of the designated area.
- Turn on the water and let the kids have fun!
For DIY slip-and-slides, set up a tarp on a level spot in your backyard. Spray the tarp with water and let the kids slide away!
Safety tip:
Be sure to watch the kids while playing in the water park to prevent accidents.
3. King’s Carousel – Spin and smile!
Level up your backyard swing set by adding a DIY carousel! This fun backyard playground idea is sure to be a hit with the kids.
All you need is a few pieces of PVC pipe, some rope, and some imagination. Simply attach the PVC pipes to your swing set frame and add rope handles. Then let the kids take turns spinning around!
But if you’re not into DIY-ing, you can always check out Playground expedition’s selection of Playground Spinning carousels.
How to set up a backyard carousel:
- Attach PVC pipes to your swing set frame.
- Add rope handles to the PVC pipes.
- Let the kids take turns spinning around!
- Or, check out Playground expedition’s selection of carousels.
Safety tip:
Make sure the carousel is securely attached to the swing set before letting the kids play.
4. Mud Kitchen – a messy backyard playground idea!
If your kids love getting dirty, a mud kitchen is the perfect backyard playground idea! This backyard staple is great for imaginative play and can be easily set up with some old pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils.
Don’t forget the mud! You can either use store-bought mud or make your own by mixing soil and water.
How to set up a mud kitchen:
- Find a level spot in your backyard for the mud kitchen.
- Place pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils on the designated area.
- Fill a container with mud and place it in the mud kitchen.
- Let the kids have fun!
Note: Mud kitchens can be quite messy, so be sure to have a hose or water source nearby for cleanup.
Safety tip:
Be sure to supervise the kids while they’re playing in the mud kitchen to prevent accidents.
5. Climbing Wall – a backyard playground idea for the adventurous
Is your kid always climbing on furniture or trying to scale the walls? If so, a climbing wall is the perfect backyard playground idea! You can either build a DIY climbing wall or purchase one from a playground equipment company.
The main idea is to have a wall or structure that the kids can climb on, with different levels of difficulty. You can also add handholds, footholds, and other features to make the climbing wall more challenging.
How to set up a backyard climbing wall:
- Find a level spot in your backyard for the climbing wall. This can be made from a backyard fence or a free-standing structure.
- If you’re building a DIY climbing wall, attach plywood sheets to the designated area. Add handholds, footholds, and other features to make the climbing wall more challenging.
Safety tip:
Make sure the climbing wall is securely attached to the fence or structure before letting the kids play. If you’re building a DIY climbing wall, be sure to use sturdy materials that can support the weight of the climbers.
6. Swing Set – Swing into backyard fun!
Swing sets are a backyard playground staple and for good reason! They’re great for imaginative play and kids of all ages can enjoy them. If you don’t have a swing set, you can easily build a tire swing yourself or purchase one from Playground Expedition. They have commercial swings, tire swings, and even swing parts.
How to set up a backyard swing set:
- Set up the swing set in a level spot in your backyard.
- If you’re building a DIY swing set, use sturdy materials that can support the weight of the climbers.
- Attach swings to the swing set frame.
Safety tip:
Make sure the swing set is securely anchored to the ground before letting the kids play and see the benefits of playground interaction!
7. Sensory Garden – a backyard playground idea that’s good for the mind and body
Sensory gardens are a great backyard playground idea for kids of all ages. They provide a calm and relaxing space for imaginative play, while also stimulating the senses.
Sensory Play is important for kids because it helps them develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills. You can easily create a sensory garden by adding some plants, flowers, and herbs to your backyard.
Herbs are a great addition to any backyard sensory garden. Not only do they smell great, but they also provide a variety of textures for the kids to explore.
Some of our favorite herbs to add to a backyard sensory garden are: lavender, basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme.
How to set up a backyard sensory garden:
- Find a spot in your backyard for the sensory garden where it will get plenty of sunlight.
- If you’re adding plants, flowers, and herbs to your sensory garden, be sure to choose ones that are non-toxic and safe for kids.
- Place the plants in the designated area and water them regularly.
- Add different textures and materials to the sensory garden for the kids to explore.
Safety tip:
Be sure to supervise the kids while they’re playing in the sensory garden to prevent accidents. Also, keep an eye on the plants and make sure they’re not being eaten or damaged.
8. Teepee or Playhouse – turning the backyard into an imagination paradise
Teepees and playhouses are a great backyard playground idea for kids who love to pretend. They can be used as a fort, castle, pirate ship, or anything else the kids can imagine.
You can either purchase a teepee or playhouse from a playground equipment company or build your own. If you’re feeling handy, you can even make a teepee from recycled materials.
How to set up a backyard teepee or playhouse:
- If you’re building a DIY teepee or playhouse, use sturdy materials that can support the weight of the climbers.
- Attach the walls of the teepee or playhouse together.
- Attach any poles or supports to the teepee or playhouse.
Safety tip:
Test the stability of the teepee or playhouse before letting the kids play. Also, be sure to firmly anchor the teepee or playhouse to the ground to prevent it from tipping over.
Final Thoughts
In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever for kids to get outside and play. backyard playground is a great way to get the kids off screens and into the fresh air.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to backyard playgrounds. The sky’s the limit! Just use your imagination and have fun!