How do you make a nice garden for your children? 5 tips for a child-friendly garden

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 23, 2023

How do you make a nice garden for your children?

Gardens are great for letting children play and explore safely. That is why it is important to design a child-friendly garden. Pay attention to safety, enough space, playground equipment and elements such as a sandpit or water feature.

Let's look at how you can get this done.

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What makes a garden child-friendly?

As a parent, you want your children to be able to play safely in the garden. That is why it is important to take safety into account when designing a child-friendly garden. For example, pay attention to sharp edges, poisonous plants and dangerous heights. Make sure there are no potential hazards for children to get hurt. A rubber surface underneath playground equipment (the best for the garden reviewed here) can, for example, help prevent falls.

Enough space to play

Children need space to play and discover. Therefore, provide a garden in which they can move freely. For example, a lawn offers enough space to run and play. A corner in which they can discover and experiment is also a good addition to a child-friendly garden.

Playground equipment and other elements

A child-friendly garden cannot do without play equipment. Consider, for example, a swing, slide or climbing frame. Just make sure these devices are safe and age-appropriate for your children. In addition, other elements such as a sandpit, water feature or ball can be a nice addition to the garden.

Pay attention to the details

When designing a child-friendly garden, it is important to pay attention to the details. Consider, for example, the height of the playground equipment and the colorful shapes of the plants. In addition, it is important to take into account the healthy development of your children. A garden in which they can discover and play is good for their motor and social skills.

Advice and tips

If you want to buy or design a child-friendly garden, there are a number of guidelines that you can take into account. For example, you can ask advice from a garden expert or other parents. In addition, there are many tips to be found on the internet. Do you have doubts about certain aspects of the garden? Please read carefully first and ask for advice if necessary.

A child-friendly garden is a nice place where children can play and discover safely. By taking safety, space and playground equipment into account, you can create a garden in which your children will enjoy staying.

Why a child-friendly garden is a good idea

A child-friendly garden offers children the space to play outside and enjoy nature. This is not only fun, but also good for their development. Children learn a lot from nature and can therefore concentrate and relax better.

Parents need to pay less attention

When children play in a safe and child-friendly garden, parents don't have to pay as much attention. They can let their children play with peace of mind, knowing that the garden is safe and that their children are enjoying themselves.

Children learn through play

A child-friendly garden offers children the opportunity to learn through play. For example, they can discover how plants grow, how to plant seeds and how to care for animals. This is not only educational, but also fun!

Pets like it in a child-friendly garden

Pets, such as chickens, enjoy being in a child-friendly garden. They have more space to move around and enjoy the natural environment. In addition, children can learn how to care for the animals, which is good for their development.

A child-friendly garden is easy to create

A child-friendly garden does not have to cost a lot of money and is easy to build. There are many garden ideas to suit everyone's needs and budget. In addition, free guides and advice are available to help parents build a child-friendly garden.

A child-friendly garden offers comfort

A child-friendly garden can offer children comfort in difficult times. It is a place where they can relax and feel safe. In addition, they can explore and play in the garden, which can help them process emotions.

In short, a child-friendly garden has many advantages for both children and parents. It offers children the space to play, learn and explore, while parents can relax and enjoy the natural environment. Creating a child-friendly garden does not have to cost a lot of money or work and offers a place that everyone can enjoy.

What does and does not belong in a child-friendly garden?

Children love to play and explore outside. It is therefore important to choose safe playground equipment that suits the age and size of your child. For example, wooden playground equipment is very popular and looks beautiful in the garden. Make sure there are no splinters or sharp edges. Rubber tiles under the playground equipment provide extra safety in the event of a fall.

Water and depth

Water is fun to play with, but it can also be dangerous for children. A small pond or water bowl is fine, but make sure that the depth is not too great and that there is always supervision when children are around. Also, make sure there are no holes or other potential hazards for children to fall into.

Sandpit

Having an sandbox (here we have some very good models) is a nice place for children to play and discover. Choose a sandbox with a lid so that no cats or other animals can get into it. Regularly check for pests and replace it sand when needed.

Planting

Choose plants that match the size of your garden and that do not grow too high. Colorful flowers and plants are fun for children to discover and can also contribute to a healthy environment. Please note that some plants can be toxic to children.

Other tips

• Make use of nooks and crannies where children can retreat and play their own games.
• A lawn is nice for children to play on, but it doesn't have to be very big. A small space is often enough.
• Be mindful of the weather. Provide shady areas and protection from the rain.
• Chickens are fun to have, but keep in mind that they can also cause holes in the lawn and children can sometimes be too rough with the animals.
• Start small and gradually create more space and play equipment. It doesn't have to be perfect all at once.
• Keep the garden safe and check regularly for any hazards.

A garden where children can discover and play

If you want to make a garden for your children, it is important to make sure that the garden is safe. Make sure there are no sharp edges or dangerous objects that children could hurt themselves on. In addition, it is important to provide sufficient shade and protection from the sun. Also make the garden cat-free so that your children can play safely without being disturbed by cats.

A discovery garden for children of all ages

A discovery garden is a garden in which children can play and discover. It is a garden where children can learn about nature and the world around them. A discovery garden can be used by children of all ages, from babies to teens. It is important to adapt the garden to the age of your children, so that they can use the garden optimally.

Provide sufficient incentives in the garden

A discovery garden must contain sufficient incentives to stimulate children to discover and play. Think of different types of plants, flowers and trees. You can too placing toys in the garden (great ideas here), such as a sandbox, a slide or a swing. You can also place animals in the garden, such as birdhouses or a pond with fish.

A versatile garden that is easy to maintain

A discovery garden should be versatile and easy to maintain. Choose plants that require little maintenance and that thrive in the area where you live. In addition, it is important to choose a garden that suits your needs and those of your children. For example, a raised floor or a box can be useful if you are short on space, while a large open floor offers more room to play.

A nice environment to learn and enjoy

A discovery garden is a nice environment to learn and enjoy. Children can learn about nature and the world around them through play. In addition, it is a place where they can enjoy the outdoors and nature. It is important to maintain the garden regularly and to provide plenty of toys and other attributes that children can use to play and discover.

Never stop developing the garden

A discovery garden is never finished. It is important to keep developing the garden regularly and adapting it to the needs of your children. Think, for example, of adding new plants, toys or other attributes. As a result, the garden remains interesting and challenging for your children and they will continue to play and discover.

Provide enough shade in the garden for your children

If your children are playing outside, it is important to make sure they are not in direct sunlight for too long. Children are more sensitive to the intensity of sunlight than adults and can burn easily. In addition, too much sun exposure at a young age can lead to skin cancer later in life. Creating shady spots in the garden is therefore very important.

How can you create shadow?

There are several ways to create shade in the garden for your children:

• Set up a parasol: A parasol is an easy and quick way to create shade. Make sure that you choose a parasol that is large enough to cover your children's playground and that you anchor it well so that it does not fall over.
• Use a roof: if you have a little more time and budget, you can choose to have a roof built. This can be a standing canopy or one that attaches to the shed or house.
• Hang up a shade cloth: a shade cloth is a nice alternative to a parasol and can be hung in different ways. The advantage of a shade cloth is that it allows light to pass through and still pleasantly cools the playground.
• Place a canvas frame: A canvas frame is a quick and easy way to create shade. For example, you can place the frame between two trees or between the fence and the wall.
• Make use of natural shade: if you have a large tree in the garden, that is of course a perfect place to create shade. Please note that the leaves of the tree are not poisonous to children and that there are no cats in the tree.
• Take a look at the possibilities of plants: some plants, such as the platanus acerifolia (roof plane), have large leaves that provide a lot of shade. You can also cover a willow fence or pergola with climbing plants for extra shade.

What should you pay attention to when creating shade?

• Make sure the shaded areas are large enough to cover your children's play area.
• Place the shaded areas in a strategic spot between the playground and the sun.
• Make sure that the shaded areas are protected against wind so that parasols do not blow over and shade cloths do not flap.
• Take into account the position of the sun during the day so that the shaded areas provide shade at the right time of day.
• Place a table and chairs under the shade so that your children can eat and drink there too.
• Make sure that the shaded areas do not become too clammy by hanging a mosquito net, for example.
• Make sure there are no insects in the shaded areas that could sting curious children.

Create a playground for your kids by making room for a lawn

A lawn provides children with a safe and natural place to play and explore. It is an easy way to create a playing field where children can move freely. A lawn also has a number of important benefits for children, such as:

• It gives children the chance to play outside and enjoy the natural environment.
• It helps children to develop through play and movement.
• It offers children a place to relax and unwind.

How do you make a lawn child-friendly?

Make sure that the lawn is not too close to the edge of the garden, so that children do not accidentally get into the bushes or sand. Make the ground around the lawn as level as possible so that children do not trip. If you have a water element in the garden, make sure that the lawn is not too close to the water.

A raised border or a box can help to demarcate the lawn and prevent children from accidentally walking off it. Also make sure that the soil under the lawn is firm enough for children to play on safely.

If you have a sandpit in the garden, don't place it too close to the lawn. Also make sure that the sandbox can be covered so that cats cannot dig in it.

How do you lay a lawn?

If you are laying a new lawn, it is important to prepare the soil well. Remove all old sod and weeds and make the ground as level as possible. Then rake the soil well and remove all stones and other hard objects.

When the soil is ready, you can start sowing or laying sod. Sow the grass evenly and make sure it is well covered with soil. Water the grass well and keep misting it regularly until it is well rooted.

If using sod, lay it in a pattern that matches the shape of your yard. Make sure the sod fits snugly and press firmly. Water the grass well and keep misting it regularly until it is well rooted.

Additional tips for a child-friendly lawn

• Place any playground equipment at a safe distance from the lawn.
• Do not use pesticides or other harmful products on the lawn.
• Keep cats away from the lawn by using a cat repellent, for example.
• Let children explore and play on the lawn themselves, but stay close to keep an eye on things.
• Make the lawn more interesting for children by, for example, placing a colored ball or other toys.
• Don't stop designing your garden once the lawn is established. There are many more options to make your garden child-friendly.

Paving in the child-friendly garden: what you should pay attention to

Paving is an important part of a child-friendly garden. It provides a safe and stable surface on which children can play and run. Moreover, paving can be a nice addition to the appearance of the garden. But there are a number of things that you should pay attention to when laying paving in a child-friendly garden.

Make the right choice for the location of the paving

Think carefully about where you want to lay paving. It is important that there is sufficient space for play areas and greenery. For example, choose a terrace where you as a parent can sit while the children play. Or create a separate children's play area with paving where they can cycle, scooter or play with toys. Also make sure that the paving is not too close to the edge of the garden, so that children cannot accidentally run out of the garden.

Choose the right material

The material you choose for the paving is very important. For example, choose sand as a surface in the sandbox, but also for paving around the sandbox. Make sure that the sand is not too deep and that the bottom of the sandbox is raised so that the sand cannot blow away. Choose a smooth tile that does not slip easily when wet. Rubber tiles are also a good option, as they are less hard than stone tiles and therefore less painful if children fall. Preferably choose lighter colors so that the paving does not get too hot in the sun.

Provide a versatile environment

A child-friendly garden must contain many stimuli in which children can discover and play. Paving can help with this, but it is important that there is also sufficient space for greenery and other elements such as water and playground equipment. So make sure that the paving does not take up the entire garden and that there is enough space for other elements.

Consider the needs of different ages

A child-friendly garden should be suitable for children of all ages. Therefore, consider the needs of different age groups when laying paving. For example, it is nice for babies to lie on a soft surface, while older children like to play on a hard surface. Also, make sure the paving isn't too big for young children so they don't get overstimulated and don't know where to stop playing.

Be careful with cats and other animals

Cats and other animals can relieve themselves on the pavement. This is not only dirty, but can also be dangerous for children. Therefore, make sure that the pavement is easy to clean and that there are no small corners where cats can do their business. Also take into account the placement of the paving in relation to the place where the neighbors' cats like to come.

A wooden sandpit for children: build it yourself!

A sandbox is a nice addition to a child-friendly garden. Children can play in it and it is good for the development of their motor skills and creativity. A wooden sandpit also fits nicely in a natural environment and has a warm appearance. The advantage of a wooden sandpit is that you can make it completely according to your own wishes, taking into account the dimensions, shapes and wishes of yourself and your children.

Step-by-step plan for making a wooden sandbox

To help you on your way, here is a step-by-step plan for making a wooden sandbox:

• Determine the desired dimensions of the sandpit and saw the beams to size.
• Sand the beams well so that they are splinter-free.
• If necessary, treat the wood with a stain or paint for a longer life.
• Secure the corners of the sandpit with screws.
• Place weed cloth on the bottom of the sandpit and secure it with nails.
• Fill the sandpit with play sand, for example a maximum of 20 centimeters high.
• If necessary, place a lid on the sandpit and make sure it is firmly attached.
• Make benches on the sides of the sandpit and/or a roof over the sandpit.

A refreshing water element for hot summer days

A water element in the garden is not only fun for children, but also has many advantages. It provides cooling on hot summer days and attracts animals such as frogs, dragonflies and birds. In addition, it can provide a healthy and safe playground for children to explore and develop.

What should you take into account when placing a water element?

It is important to ensure sufficient safety and balance when placing a water element in the garden. Please note that young children should always be supervised when playing in and around water. Also make sure that the water element is not too deep and that there are no sharp edges or edges where children can touch their fingers. In addition, it is useful to consider what shape and size the water element should have and how it fits best with the rest of the garden.

What options are there for a water element in the garden?

There are several possibilities to create a water element in the garden. Below are a few examples:

• A small pond or cistern
• A water wall or fountain
• A watercourse or stream
• A water feature or sculpture

How to make a safe and fun water element for kids?

To create a safe and fun water feature for kids, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Provide a firm and stable surface on which the water element can be placed
• Place the water element in a place where children can easily reach it, but make sure it is not too close to other dangerous places in the garden
• Place a small box or similar next to the water element so that children can climb on it to explore and play in the water
• Give children the opportunity to learn how to handle water by, for example, making toys such as boats, fishing nets and buckets available
• Make sure there is a good balance between the water element and the rest of the garden, so that it does not draw too much attention and there is still enough space for other activities
• Take into account any effects of the water element on the ground and the environment, for example by ensuring adequate drainage and preventing flooding
• Make the water element as natural as possible, for example by using natural materials and growing plants around the water
• If you already have an old pond or water feature in the garden, make sure it is well maintained and adjusted where necessary to make it suitable for children
• If you create a new water element, let it soak in before letting children play in it

Be careful with plastic

If you choose a water table, make sure you choose a sustainable option. Many water tables are made of plastic and that is of course not good for the environment. Therefore choose a water table made of wood or another natural material.

Provide a wonderful sandbox

A sandpit is a classic in the child-friendly garden. But did you know that you can also combine a sandpit with water? By putting a small layer of water in the sandbox, your children can mess around and play with sand and water. A delicious combination on a hot day!

A climbing wall near the water

A climbing wall is a fun addition to your garden, especially if your kids enjoy climbing. But what if you put a climbing wall near the water? That makes climbing extra exciting and challenging. Please note that you always supervise closely when your children play near the water.

Prevents driving to a swimming pool

With a child-friendly garden with water, you no longer have to drive to the swimming pool every day. Your children can enjoy the water at home and you no longer have to stress about packing the bag with swimming gear. A delicious way to save time and money!

Maintain good relations with neighbours

A child-friendly garden with water can also ensure a good relationship with the neighbors. For example, you can build a large pond with the neighbors that you can all use. This way you all have a wonderful place to enjoy the water and you can work together to maintain the pond.

The benefits of a child-friendly garden with water

A child-friendly garden with water has many advantages. Below you will find some of these benefits:

• Your children can enjoy nature and the water in their own garden.
• You no longer have to drive to the swimming pool every day.
• A child-friendly garden with water can ensure a good relationship with the neighbors.
• It brings versatility to your garden and gives your children the opportunity to explore and enjoy nature.
• It provides a good balance between playing and relaxing in the garden.

Conclusion

If you follow the tips in this article, you can create a fun garden for your children that they will love to explore and where they can play safely. It is important to ensure safety and to provide enough space for discovery and fun.

If you apply these tips, you will see that your children have a nice place to explore and play.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.