Creating An Outdoor Space Where Kids Love To Be

Advancements in technology changed children's interests and activities, making them spend more and more of their time playing video games and sitting in front of screens of some sort watching YouTube shorts and TikTok Reels.

In this article, we’re going to talk about how we can influence the behavior of our kids – for the better.

Spending time outdoors isn’t just something we should aspire to (fresh air, vitamin D, bonding with nature), but it’s actually essential for our health. For kids, spending outside promotes physical activity, imaginative play, and social inclusion. 

Surely, parks and playgrounds are not bad, but for those fortunate enough to have an outdoor yard or deck, this offers the greatest opportunity for turning it into a space for fun children's activities. It doesn't take much space to create a corner open play area that’s comfortable and safe. 

We’ll try to highlight what we think are the most important characteristics that will ensure a living paradise for children in an outdoor family space.

1. Children Safety First

First and foremost, we have to provide safety to our kids. So adjusting the surroundings to keep them safe would be the first thing that we should be doing. If the kids are still little and you have elevated decks, then you should definitely install safety rails and even consider adding doors to prevent any accidents/falls.

Vertical posts with small gaps are ideal since kids cannot squeeze through – and we all know that this is something a child will do sooner or later because it looks like a fun thing to do. An added safety option is using soft paneling to cover the entire fence. 

For flooring, the best kind of material is non-slip surfaces, carpets, or even artificial grass, as it appears very natural, and prevents accidents.

As there are sharp edges, dents, etc., sand and seal them down. Or you can get one of those soft rubber corner protectors which you can attach to each corner, and then when the kids are older, you can remove them without causing any damage.

2. Comfort and Shade

We'll start with the bigger things, which are umbrellas, pergolas, and awnings, it's up to you to prioritize. The sun is important for your health, but in limited amounts, so choose depending on the space you have and whether that corner will be permanent or you will “activate” it as needed.

For comfort throw in soft pillows (waterproof, trust us) and rugs to make floor play as comfortable as possible. Include the children when you choose patterns and colors, after all, it's their corner to have fun.

3. Fun Play Area

You can also divide the children's space into several zones depending on the age and interests of the child. One part should definitely be creative, so add a drawing board or (if you can) a cool option is a chalk writing wall. You can also add a sensory table with water or sand, and a small armchair, and a bookshelf that’ll serve as a reading corner will not hurt either.

For those who are a little more active and want an adrenaline rush, a mini climbing wall with a soft surface or a small polygon with obstacles is perfect.

4. Storage and Organization

And to keep everything from getting out of hand, we need to make sure that everything has its place. Smart solutions are the best solutions. Although it sounds like a cliché, it really is, and the best example is a bench with built-in storage – comfortable and useful. As additional storage, add waterproof boxes or carts with shelves that are practical for bringing in and taking out toys.

5. Extending Outdoor Fun With Lighting

Let's add a little magic, not only to the children's corner, but to the whole deck. Lighting is necessary first for safety, but also for the atmosphere, and that is how you will extend your stay outdoors. Lanterns and string lights are ideal for a magical atmosphere, and solar lamps are energy efficient and provide quite good lighting. 

And something that children will find especially interesting are pebbles that glow in the dark and toys with LED lights. Remember those climbing walls and polygons? And you can add LED lighting to them to make the space even more interesting and attractive.

6. Multifunctionality for the Whole Family

Let's balance things out a bit. Of course, the primary function of the deck is not a playroom, but if you already provide yourself (the adults) with a place to relax and hang out, have friends over, and have a friendly BBQ. And children should have their own space to do their own things; things that interest them.

There are really a handful of foldable and multifunctional furniture that can help you realize your ideas. And in order to make our “little people” feel important when it comes to dinner, you can insert a small table with chairs for them. It will be more pleasant for them and for you.

If you’re just starting the whole process of building an outdoor space, then we suggest you search for a “deck builder near me” online in order to find a local contractor who can make this deck idea of yours a reality. This’ll help you right from the get-go to have a space for you, but also insert a part that will be reserved for the children. 

All you need to do is to clarify what you want and the contractor will advise you on how to best achieve this. Also, think about adding some fun amenities for the kids (e.g., climbing frames, houses, or other fun stuff). 

Professional help is always useful, not just because they know what they’re doing, but rather because they’ll be able to give you insights and ideas to enhance your original concept; things that probably wouldn’t even cross your mind.

Conclusion

A deck that’s well-designed can be the very heart of your home. A place for family gatherings, a corner for relaxation, grilling, and reading, but also a place for kids and their games.

Focus on safety and then fun. The best way to achieve this is to create designated areas/zones for various activities (kids, dining, BBQ, relaxation, etc.), all created according to one's taste. As a finishing touch have some interesting lighting installed, place a few decorative plants, and voila, you’re all ready to have fun (safely)!