Trying to design outdoor playscapes in your backyard can be quite the challenge! Finding the balance between something that looks aesthetically pleasing but also is fun for your kids is probably the hardest part about making a play area in your backyard. Not to worry, in this blog post, we will show you some fun and unique outdoor playscape areas that will still make your backyard functional for your kiddos without taking up all of your backyard space.
As someone who has a baby who is about to start walking any minute, I am mentally preparing for my backyard to be turned upside down with swing sets, baby slides, and toys everywhere! We have a very small backyard that we also like to entertain and host parties in so we want to make sure we have a special place for the kids to play in without disrupting our entertainment area. So I searched Pinterest high and low for the best outdoor playscapes that I could find that would let the kids play and explore in style. I am here to share those ideas with you along with some nature inspired play areas that you can easily recreate in your home.
In this blog post, we will show you everything you need to know about outdoor playscapes. Whether you are just looking for outdoor playscape ideas or want to create an outdoor playscape for toddlers, we have different ideas that you can copy for your backyard. We will also share with you the best outdoor playsets and some tips to help you make your backyard look and feel amazing for the whole family.
This blog post is all about outdoor playscapes.
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Are Outdoor Playsets Worth It?
You don’t necessarily need to have a playset to create a fun playscape, however outdoor playsets are worth the investment to develop your child’s physical endurance and let their creativity shine.
What To Consider Before You Design Your Outdoor Playscape
- Size: Make sure the size of your play area make sense with the size of your backyard and that all of the toys and components will fit properly. Be sure to measure the area you plan on putting your playset in before you purchase anything.
- Safety: Be sure that whatever outdoor playscape you decide to build or create is safe for your child before they use it. Be sure to add seat belts to swing when applicable and ensure the surrounding area around their playground is safe in case of falls.
- Budget: Swing sets and playgrounds can get pricey, so make sure that you check for sales and set a clear budget before you shop.
Best Outdoor Playsets
Here are some of the best outdoor playsets we recommend and why:
- GORILLA PLAYSETS FIVE STAR II SPACE SAVER SWING SET: This playset is ideal for small backyards because of its space saving layout. Gorilla playsets are one of the most popular brands because they are high quality and can be customized to your child’s liking.
- BACKYARD DISCOVERY CANYON CREEK SWING SET: Canyon Discovery is a known and trusted brand for swing sets that you can find in stores and online. They have many fun features for your kiddos and the adults will appreciate the easy assembly.
- KIDKRAFT COZY ESCAPE PLAYHOUSE: KidKraft is an amazing website with a variety of kids toys, activities and swing sets. You can find a good quality and budget friendly playset that is customized to your child’s liking and needs.
Best Outdoor Playscapes
Now, let’s dive into the best outdoor playscapes that we have found online!
1. Outdoor Playscape For Toddlers
When it comes to designing outdoor playscapes for your toddlers, consider creating safe and colorful spaces in your backyard for your little one to explore and get creative. In this cute outdoor play area idea, they have created a cute little town on the perimeter of the backyard with playhouses that have different paths leading up to them. This creates a fun and safe playing area for your little one that doesn’t take up too much space and looks aesthetically pleasing.
TIP: Opt for wooden play houses to create a more natural look in your yard. You can even paint them to match the aesthetics of your home or in fun pastel colors for your little one.
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2. Family Backyard Layout Idea
One of the most important components to consider when deciding the different play zones in your backyard is the layout that you want. Before purchasing anything in your backyard it is crucial to make a plan and map out your space.
In smaller yards take advantage of any fences or walls and use them as an opportunity to help create a border to your play area. Be sure to think about some age appropriate activities that your children would enjoy now and in the future. Ask them for their input so that they can get excited about their new play areas too!
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3. Outdoor Playscapes For Older Kids
Create a fun and space saving kids haven by making two levels of play area for your kids to play in. Make your double deck interesting by incorporating slides, nets, fun seating, and a playhouse area.
4. Open Ended Play Idea
How amazing is this open ended outdoor play area for those messy little boys that just want to play in the dirt and make a mess. To recreate this easy and all natural playground in your own backyard, start by gathering some tree stumps together and staggering them in a fun pattern. Create some hills with dirt and top them with sod to make them blend into the rest of the backyard.
TIP: Encourage your kids to play outside by bringing their favorite toys outside with them.
5. Outdoor Playscapes From Natural Materials
Playscapes are all about using elements from nature and encouraging messy play with sand, dirt, leaves, and other fun gifts nature brings us. A fun way to encourage play time outside is to incorporate water and sand by making fun water tables from recycled items.
6. Aesthetic Outdoor Playscapes
Remember that outdoor playscapes don’t have to stick out like a sore thumb, they can actually look aesthetically pleasing and compliment the grown up furniture and look of the backyard. Items like playhouses or picnic tables are perfect for the kids like enjoy playing house with their siblings.
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7. Creative Outdoor Playscapes
If you want a really easy outdoor playing area that doesn’t cost much to create, try out this budget friendly boat track. To recreate this fun play zone, all you need is a brick wall, fence, or even a dug out portion of grass for you to secure a large gutter onto. Just fill the gutters with water and buy some fun boats and your kids will be entertained for hours!
8. DIY Outdoor Playscape
Create a fun and unique playing experience in your backyard with this DIY mud kitchen playscape idea! To recreate this fun outdoor space, take an old wooden bench and hang some shovels, rakes, and fun water toys on it. Don’t forget to create a spot with a bucket to act as your “sink” for your kiddos to mix their mud in.
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9. Campsite Inspired Outdoor Playscape
Make a cozy nook in your backyard for your children to play camp and embrace the wilderness. Create a simply wooden tent underneath a tree or shrub to make your kiddos feel like they are having a full camping experience in their very own yard.
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10. Outdoor Playscapes With Tree
A playscape is all about blending in with nature and embracing the fun that you can have in outside with everything that is around you. By using a tree as the focal point for your play area, your kids can play in the shade and learn more about nature. In this outdoor playscape idea, they built a deck around the tree that has a rock wall, slide, steps, and even a pole to slide down from.
11. Outdoor Playscapes On A Hill
Instead of thinking of the hill in your backyard as a disadvantage, use it as part of your outdoor playscape area! A hill can actually be the perfect opportunity to place a rock wall or slide so that your kids can safely come up and down the hill in a fun way.
12. Space Saving Outdoor Playscape
When it comes to creating a playscape in a small backyard, take advantage of the vertical space you have such as a wall, fence, or the side of your home. These areas can be filled with different play spaces like this fun chalkboard.
13. Outdoor Playscape Design Idea
We absolutely love this outdoor play area’s design and functionality. The playset and the trampoline have their own section against the fence that is separated by a paver edge. By defining the space with some hardscape, the kids know exactly where their dedicated play area is and where to make all of their messes.
TIP: Make sure the ground around the swing sets is soft by using items like rubber mulch, sand, or outdoor mats.
14. Outdoor Playscapes With Garden Beds
Teach your kids the importance of caring for their very own garden by incorporating a play area in your raised garden beds. By adding some fun seating and a cute clubhouse your kids will feel inclined to explore and play in the garden more.
15. Very Small Outdoor Playscape Ideas
If you only have a small section in your backyard that can be used as a play area, consider building a small jungle gym to encourage exercise and spending time in the outdoors. If you have an existing pergola, trellis, or climbing wall, you can simply hang a fun swing and a rope to turn it into a playscape area.
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This blog post was all about outdoor playscapes.
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