How to set up an outdoor natural playground in your backyard

Are you planning to set up a little playground? That’s a great decision! Building natural spots to play is definitely one of the best ways for your children to connect with nature and learn how to appreciate and respect the environment. Moreover, studies show that kids who spend time on the playscapes rather than usual playgrounds can play longer, get engaged quicker, and become more creative.

According to PDPlay, there are many reasons parents prefer natural playgrounds. ‘These playgrounds replace plastic and other man-made products with natural materials. Studies have also shown that children’s play and development is enhanced in a natural setting and that children spend more time at play in natural playgrounds than traditional ones.’

Let’s start with a definition

When technology meets a natural environment and fun, that’s the playscape. It’s a modern way of creating an area for children using only natural elements, such as pieces of wood, water, plants, stones, trees, and more.

The idea contains both, environmentally friendly materials, and the child-nature connection that helps the kid understand the importance of the mother nature, as well as improve their motor skills and imagination. Below we pointed out how to set up a natural playground in your backyard.

An important thing you should do as a parent is to ask your children for their own preferences. You can create a playscape with a theme, such as a pirate ship, an Indian teepee, or a jungle treehouse. Base your ideas on kid’s dreamy playground. Maybe they will be more willing to help you in this case?

Wood

There are endless options when it comes to creating a playscape with wood. You can use these material pieces to make furniture, wooden house, obstacle course, and more. Tree rounds could make great climbing structures, you can also make good use of larger branches and turn them into real Indian teepees. Make some space for a bonfire area so you can spend evenings all together in the backyard, making food and having fun.

There are many inspirations for the natural playground. Try to stay cohesive and fit the stuff with your current garden arrangement. You don’t need to have a great space to make a play spot for your kids. Use the flowers and trees you already have and fit your wooden elements to it. It will visually look great and allow children to use the entire garden area.

Water

Water is definitely the simplest element you can add to your natural playground and it is not a pricey investment. You can make a pond, a water table, or a water mound; everything can be appreciated and used by children. Don’t be scared of the dirt; kids love to dig in the mud. By allowing them to feel free while playing, they can explore and interact more with nature. Getting dirty is a part of the fun.

Consider making a mud bucket or dig a hole where your babies can make their mug bath. There are many options; I’m sure your children will willingly help you with creation. If you want to avoid muddy footprints in your house, place the bucket with soap and water in the garden to clean up after the play.

Plants

Bring your children into the wild! Placing various plants, long grasses types, and colorful flowers can create a dreamy area to play for your kids and make a great-looking garden. A natural outdoor playground filled with flowers can teach your little ones colors and lifecycles of many lives in the backyard.

Trees

I bet every kid is dreaming about a fairy tale treehouse. Both building it and playing with it have a lot of benefits for the whole family. First of all, you can bond with your kids while constructing the treehouse. Different stages of the building can teach your children problem-solving and teamwork skills. Being involved with house building activities shows kids how important it is to respect the environment and makes a better connection with nature.

Sand

Another idea of setting up a natural playground is the sand. You should use an old wagon or a bucket and create a sandpit where your children can feel like by the seaside. Playing in the sand can teach your kids creativity and social skills. Moreover, digging and exploring is simply a fun activity! Let your kid feel free in the backyard and connect with the environment.

The bottom line

Setting up an outdoor playground is a great challenge for your creativity because it allows you to make whatever you want by using natural materials. The only thing that can limit you is your own imagination. Ask your children to brainstorm and plan the best playscape with you. Remember to make sure the construction is stable and safe for your kids.