Transform Your Outdoor Space: Tips for Creating a Back Yard Retreat
Do you dream of spending more time outdoors, but your child constantly complains about the weather or lack of activities? As a mom of two littleones and a designer that has specialized in k-12 and pediatric design, I understand the challenges parents face in creating an inviting and functional outdoor space. In this post, I’ll share my top designer tools to help you transform your outdoor area into an environment of relaxation and play.
We've often discussed the importance of spending time outdoors, even if it's just 10 minutes a day. I've also provided tips on incorporating natural elements into your home for those times when life gets in the way. You can find those blogs and tutorials here: Design Tips for Parents: Increasing Wellness and Happiness.
Today, I'm going to show you the design tools you need to extend your outdoor time, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy while your children play.
Tip 1: Evaluate How You Enjoy Your Indoor Spaces
Consider how you prefer to spend time inside your home. For example, are you the type of person that loves sitting at the dining table, creating that connection through engaging conversations over meals with your littleones? Perhaps you do enjoy doing that, but you more comfortable in the living room, watching your children play while you read a book, watch the fireplace, or your view from the window? Reflecting on this can guide the setup of your outdoor space.
I have many clients and friends that when I walk into their outdoor spaces, they have gorgeous outdoor dining table they rarely utilize, it's a struggle for them to bring their meals back and forth and on top of that is taken over the entire space, so their children don't really have an area where they can practice their skills and have fun.
Additionally, dining room furniture is not really designed for you to sit for longer periods of time. It is designed for you to sit and enjoy your meal and then off you go. So think about that when you are redoing your outdoor space. Maybe move that table to the side maybe move it to a different room and create a space where you can bring a sofa or maybe a chair and a table where you can sit and relax and watch your children play.
Tip 2: Create a Play Space for Your Children
Your children's play area doesn't have to be large or complicated. First, think about the ages of your children. For babies, a simple blanket where baby can be protected from any other solid surfaces and practice some tummy time, and a few sensory balls and toys to practice their skills is all you need.
For toddlers or preschoolers, a mini table with access to water, dirt, and other natural materials can provide endless entertainment. You don't need to spend much—just a table and a few tools can keep your child happily occupied, learning from nature and play while you relax and enjoy your space.
Tip 3: Outdoor Toys and Natural Elements
While outdoor toys can enhance the play experience, there are three essential elements to enhance your outdoor play space that can keep your children engaged in outdoor play:
Access to water, especially if it's a toddler or a preschooler and what I like to do is on a bowl you can give them a little bit of water for them to play and also so that they can replenish their own water and feel even more empowered and watch how they learn as they get older
Access to dirt
Baskets for their natural elements like pinecones, sticks, rocks and such.
Tip 4: Gardening
Gardening is one of the best activities to do with your children outdoors. It not only strengthens your bond and creates that connection and lasting memories, but also teaches them about where our food comes from and how to grow something. Look out for an upcoming blog with tools for gardening with children.
Tip 5: Control the Temperature
To make your outdoor space comfortable in various weather conditions, consider these tips:
Hot Weather: Adding misters to an umbrella or patio cover can lower the temperature by up to 10 degrees. Placing a rug on concrete can also create a more comfortable, cooler surface, especially important if you have a children constant walking barefoot.
Cold Weather: Blankets and ceiling mount heaters is what I mostly recommend, to keep most of your horizontal surfaces safe and open for children to safely run around. The most important tool is dressing appropriately. In an upcoming blog, I'll share tips on keeping your children warm while playing outside during colder months. After years of my children attending forrest school, I’ve learn several things that can will help you.
Tip 6: Additional Outdoor Toys.
Our favorite outdoor toys include shovels, squeeze bottles, and trucks. Squeeze bottles are particularly fun, allowing children to "paint" with water on various surfaces. They are perfect for summer play, along with other water-related activities and natural materials.
Transforming your outdoor space into a place where you can relax while your children play is achievable with a few thoughtful adjustments. By creating a comfortable seating area, a designated play space, and incorporating natural elements and weather controls, you can extend your time outdoors and make lasting memories with your family. Embrace the beauty of outdoor living, and let your space become a sanctuary of relaxation and joy for everyone.
Written By: Andrea Meats
