The backyard can be a paradise of adventure and activity for children who play outside. Unfortunately, many children may experience boredom if the yard isn’t equipped with some sort of backyard children’s play area. For children that are between the ages of six to 12 tree houses or forts may be an excellent choice to keep them occupied. Children will have an unlimited amount of fun and the variety of games and activities will never seem to end. 
photo credit: eMuse Tess Heder

The process of making and designing a tree house or fort is an actively you and your children can plan and create together. But first you have to decide if you have the room in the backyard and the proper tree. If all your trees are small and not as stable as they should be you can still build a house or fort on the ground.

The first step in designing or building a tree house or fort is to look at popular tree house plans or fort designs. This will help you decide the structure that will best suit your backyard area and what supplies you will need. The local library or Internet will have many fort and tree house designs and tips for your backyard project. 

Once you have decided on the tree house or fort that you would like to build, you will need to make a list and purchase the supplies needed for the project.  These supplies may include wood, screws, roofing, and tools. You should be able to purchase the supplies that you need from your local hardware store or online.

By including your child in the building process or its planning, the fort or tree house becomes a family event and will carry many memories. Also by letting your child make some of the final decisions such as color and accessories the anticipation of the new play area and play equipment will help make this area your child’s private oasis.
photo credit: CasaLuMa

And when finalizing the play area you may wish to add a bench, picnic table, tree swing or sandbox for the younger children. Your children’s backyard play area will keep them busy and happy for many years to come. And in later years when the children have matured you could add a camping area for entertaining and campouts.

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Creating different areas in your backyard turns an ordinary backyard into a backyard oasis, which will suit the needs of all family members. And it’s important to remember the children in the family. Creating an area that is your child’s own private paradise where they can play for hours alone or with friends will add to their happiness and yours. And if properly planned it will not take much space.
photo credit: jessicafm

There are several considerations that you need to plan for in the backyard children’s area: age of children, safety and space.

Space

How much space do you have available for a children’s play area? And can one space double for two purposes? A picnic area might also work for a sandbox, children’s pool or small swing set. For older children a picnic area will be a perfect place for entertaining by adding a fire pit or trellis for privacy from the rest of the yard.

If you have a larger area you may consider a permanent fire pit or outdoor room or a tree house. Larger area also can be used for family games such as baseball and yard games. No matter what plans you create one concern is the child’s safety.

Safety

Play equipment and pools require supervision. Certain play sets have round edges that could hurt a child and wood products can lead to slivers. Plastic is often considered safer, particularly for small toddlers. Cost is often a consideration so your plans may include equipment that serves several purposes or that you build yourself.

Unfortunate accidents can even happen in the smallest of pools so if you have a pond, water fountain or pool, keep an eye on the children. Children enjoy playing in water but make sure they are safe and supervised.

Children’s ages

Young toddler can often have a small space with a few plastic play equipment toys just off a patio or porch. They will be within close view at all times. A sand box will also add hours of entertainment for a young child.

For children that are a little older, more advanced play equipment, a tree house or camping gear will add outdoor activities for child to enjoy. You might even consider a small pool or water games that use a water hose.

Older children are often happier with an area to rest and entertain. A pool, deck, patio and an area for privacy will keep them happy for hours. When I was growing up many of my favorite times were spent by the fire pit. We would sit around the open flames late into the night listening to music with a group of friends.

And if you have space, an area for basketball, baseball, racquetball or other games that the family or friends could all participate in are ideal for the older child.

Whatever plans you make to create a backyard children’s area, the best plans are to start small and create with the child’s age in mind and of course the cost of projects. One day when your child is grown they will look back and remember many happy times.

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