Outdoor Play Structure

Family Roundup: Building a Garden for Safe Outdoor Play

I bet some of your happiest memories of childhood are of having fun outdoors. Growing up on Bainbridge Island, I loved playing in the tree house my father built me, helping to care for our large garden, swinging on my tire swing, climbing trees and exploring the woods surrounding our home.

When my husband and I moved to our current home on the Eastside eight years ago, I wanted to create a safe and engaging “outdoor play space” for our children. We’ve transformed our backyard over the years. We added garden beds and planted trees with the help of an arborist and added a play structure. Over time, our backyard has become the safe and engaging play area I envisioned when we first moved in.

If you are also thinking of transforming your yard this summer into a “outdoor play room,” perhaps adding a play structure or a garden bed, here are some tips from experts on what to keep in mind so your kids stay safe while making happy memories and learning about nature.

Plan A Garden That Will Be Fun For the Whole Family 

Bill Bowlus is owner of Redmond based  Living Earth Landscapes  and the father with his wife Jennifer of two kids. He has over 30 years experience creating gardens and outdoor spaces that are beautiful, "outdoor family living rooms." He encourages clients when planning their yards to plan to provide areas for children that are “safe, visible areas to have fun in and be kids.”

When planning gardens, he suggests creating raised garden beds, which make it easier to ensure soil safely and to weed. You can give your kids their own bed to plant and care for. “Kids must have success to remain engaged,” observes Bowlus, so help them pick plants that are easy to care for and fun to grow. Among his recommendations of plants for kids; cherry tomatoes, summer squash, lettuce and peas. Scarlett Runner Beans can make grow big enough to make a tepee to play in. 

Bowlus uses environmentally friendly methods to discourage pests. He lines garden beds with hardware cloth to keep out moles. He says to talk to your kids about “good bugs” and environmentally friendly ways to discourage the bad ones. “You can attract lady bugs and other beneficial bugs by planting host plants and leaving some areas wild. Parsnips and carrots gone to seed can attract hordes of lady bugs.” 

Make it easier on yourself when you have kids and pets also by thoughtfully laying out your yard and garden, says Bowlus. “Make it easy on everyone to avoid damage to beds. Keep delicate plants out of harm's way. Use raised beds and pots. Plan for a good traffic flow. Everyone will cut across points and separating beds, so round corners or provide access paths. Remember that form follows function.

Save on Outdoor Play Equipment KidWise PlayLand KidCenter #4 ...

KidWise PlayLand KidCenter #4 – Commercial Playground Structure (Outdoor Play Equipment) The Kids Center #4 is a fun commercial playground structure for Pre-Schools. This cool new play system includes a slide, multiple game panels, a roof and a climber all in one adorable unit! Kid Center 3 is an easy to assemble and affordable unit for your Pre-School! This bright and colorful unit is made of a heavy duty plastic that includes UV protection for years of use!

Building Outdoor Play Structures

The backyard playground, recreational landscapes & play structures

The Black & Decker Complete Outdoor Builder, From Arbors to Walkways: 150 DIY Projects

Introduction to early childhood education

Child care design guide