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Build the Ultimate Backyard Space for Your Kids Using These Tips

October 3, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Boys enjoying a pool

This article is one of many informative pieces of content available at Dad of Divas.

Building a major backyard installation is a great way to bring the family together, especially if your kids enjoy sports or other outdoor activities. The key to a successful project is creating a plan that meets all of your needs so you can prepare a realistic budget, prepare for any unexpected problems, and ensure that the installation is as safe as possible. Start by looking for resources that will help along the way and learning all you can about the tools and materials you’ll need; you can use this guide to get a headstart.

 

Choose the right project for your family’s needs

If you have the space in your backyard for a major project, choosing the right installation means figuring out how to optimize that area as well as how to make it as safe as possible for the kids. Think about the kind of installation your family would use the most, as well as how much you’re willing to spend; sports lovers might enjoy a basketball court, while thrill-seekers would love a go-kart track. Live in an area where the weather is warm year-round? Consider installing a wave pool or a large water feature complete with diving boards and slides, or put in an outdoor movie space that’s covered from the elements. Just keep safety in mind when you’re choosing a project.

 

Make the lighting a priority

Whether you’re going to install a dirt bike track or a pool, it’s essential to make lighting a priority and to find the right kind for your specific needs. Different projects will require their own lighting solutions, so it’s a good idea to do some research by reviewing industry case studies on outdoor lighting. These case studies will give you more information about how to illuminate large outdoor spaces as well as indoor arenas, meaning you can use these details to make an informed decision. The right lighting can make a huge difference for your family when it comes to safety and the ability to enjoy the installation throughout the year; take a look at some LED stadium lights that really illuminate the area to get an idea of what your project might require.

 

Learn more about your responsibilities to the city

No matter what kind of project you choose to install, it’s essential to make sure you’re well-informed when it comes to local laws and which licenses are required. Hiring the right contractor will help, but you should also read up on regulations and find out what your rights and responsibilities are where things like pool barriers are concerned. This is because ensuring the safety of your neighbors is just as important as ensuring the safety of your family. You’ll also want to call the local number for info on where gas lines are located before digging commences.

 

Consider how the installation will affect your home’s value

Of course, every home is different when it comes to property value, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’re going to be staying in the home for a good long while before you get started with such a major backyard project. This will ensure that your family gets as much use out of the installation as possible and that you have time to make changes before putting the home on the market, if necessary. Some projects will add to your property value more than others, so do some reading on all of your options if you think selling may be in the cards sooner rather than later.

 

Installing a major backyard project can be costly and time-consuming without a good plan, so take your time with the preparations and hire the best team to help you bring your ideas to life. Make safety a priority by adding backyard lighting and doing research on your responsibilities before you break ground; this will give you peace of mind as well as ensure that the project is done right.

 

Have a parenting question for Chris Lewis? Get in touch at Dad of Divas today.

 

Photo via Pexels

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: backyard, fatherhood

How To Keep Your Kids Entertained In Your Backyard

March 13, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

How To Keep Your Kids Entertained In Your Backyard

Come rain or shine, kids enjoying playing in the backyard and entertaining themselves. You should be encouraging your kids to get outside in the fresh air and away from the PlayStation controller, so make your backyard as appealing as it can be. Think about adding some new features to it or giving it a new lease of life, so that your kids want to get outside and stay outside. Playing outside is good for the health of your kids, so keep them interested in being in the backyard for as long as possible. Entertaining your kids needn’t be expensive as long as you can think outside the box, and come up with some new ideas for engaging them.

 

Make A Budget

First things first, stick to a strict budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and don’t exceed that amount. Always try to save money where you can and look for the best deals online. If you overshoot your budget then for options to fund the shortfall. You could fall back on the option of borrowing cash, or getting a credit card and paying back the money later. Consider your options before going ahead with your backyard plans and get more info. on how to finance your backyard plans. If you’re struggling to come up with the money, then think about selling some pieces that are already in your backyard and have seen their best days. Alternatively, go through your house and sell any items that you no longer use or don’t get enough use out of.

 

Plan Your Garden / Backyard Design

If you want to add new features to your backyard, you’re going to need to work out where they’re going, how much space they’ll take up and the best items to get. You need to consider drawing up a plan of action to help you bring your design together. A thorough plan will help you keep on track and aware of how much you’re spending. Once you’ve drawn up your plan, show it to your kids and have them give you your opinion on it. Ask your kids what they want from the backyard and incorporate their desires into the design. This backyard is to keep your kids entertained, so they need to be able to have their say.

 

Get A Swimming Pool

Consider getting a pool in your backyard and letting your kids swim and splash about it during the summer. A pool is going to be most appreciated when it’s warm outside, so think about getting one before the summer months. You don’t have to buy a pool from new, as this could set you back a pretty penny. Instead, browse online for second hand or ex-display pools if you want to save some money. If you have young kids, then having a paddling pool will give just as much fun. Always be vigilant when your kids are playing around water and keep them in your sight.

 

Build A Treehouse

Treehouses have long been a favored backyard design among kids, so think about getting one for your backyard. Don’t worry if you don’t have a tree from which to build it, as you can construct a shelter off from the ground which gives a similar effect. Treehouses provide great fun for your kids and they can keep them entertained for hours on end. Building a treehouse sounds far more complicated than it actually is. You don’t have to construct a fancy one, you can build one from recycled wood and corrugated iron. Your kids’ safety needs to be your main priority when you’re building a treehouse as injuries can easily occur when playing outside. Make sure that you make a soft landing space at the foot of the build and lay down woodchips or pieces of rubber. Treehouses provide your kids with their own place to enjoy, play games, and relax. Kit the treehouse out with some sturdy chairs, cushions and a blanket or two. This provides the ideal space for your kids to retreat to and a read a book in silence.

 

Let Them Grow Their Own Vegetables

Most kids love getting their hands dirty so hand over some of your backyard to them and let them grow their own vegetables. Make the prospect of getting involved exciting by allowing them to choose their own produce and pick which seeds they want to grow. You can make this space entirely theirs and let them plant other small flowers and herbs, for example. Divvy up parts of your vegetable patch and allow your kids’ imagination to run free. This is a good way of educating your kids about responsibility as you should let them be in charge of watering their plants and covering them from pests like slugs and birds. Letting your kids grow their vegetables is a great way of making them aware of where their food comes from and the importance of having a healthy diet rich with plenty of fresh vegetables.

 

Give Them Some Chalks

Hand your kids a packet of colorful chalks each and tell them to draw and write on whatever surface they choose. Make sure your kids are aware that inside of the house if off limits and the chalks can only be used outside in the backyard. Your kids will hardly believe what they’re hearing as they go about scribbling across every item they possibly can. Set some limits if you don’t want it to get too out of hand and tell them not to decorate your freshly washed car or the cat in chalky scrawling. Draw up a hopscotch in chalk and a target ring. Fill a bucket with water balloons and let your kids take aim at the target. Chalks are a cheap and easy way to entertain your kids, so think about sourcing a packet or two.

 

Get An Outside Pet

Think seriously and carefully before getting a pet for your kids, and be prepared for the likelihood that you’ll be caring for it when your kids don’t want to go outside in the rain or when they’re away. Before getting a pet, you should explain that they are a full-time commitment and you expect your kids to give their time to looking after it. Make sure your kids are excited and enthused about getting an animal so that they won’t interest quickly. Guinea pigs and rabbits can live outside, providing they’ve always got access to exercise and somewhere to shelter and are safe from predators; you will need to get a strong and sturdy hutch for the outside pet, so that foxes and other predators cannot break in and kill the animal.

 

A Climbing Frame

If your kids enjoy being active, then consider building a climbing frame for the back backyard. There are many designs of climbing frame, so research how each works and ask your kids which ones they prefer. You can either build your own or have one installed into your backyard. Building your own can be fun, and you can decide how you want it to look. There’s a rustic charm in home-built climbing frames, so don’t dismiss the thought of creating your own using wood or metal. Again, safety is paramount, so lay down a soft landing pad at the foot of the frame. Don’t forget to warn your kids of the dangers of playing on the frame when it’s wet.

 

Install A Pond

Water features are a peaceful element to your backyard so you’ll enjoy having a water feature even if your kids don’t. Having said this, however, your kids should enjoy keeping fish in the pond. Give your kids some say in what fish they’d like to keep and take them along to the pet shop to choose. Your kids can get involved in feeding the fish, treating the water and testing it for algae levels. If your kids love science, then these elements will certainly appeal to a budding scientist. If you have young children, then ensure that the pond is covered over at all times as any open water poses a drowning risk. If your kids are under 5, then consider waiting a few years until they’re older to get a pond.

 

Arts And Crafts

Arts and crafts are a simple way of getting your kids thinking creatively and for a low cost. Your kids can enjoy playing with cardboard, pieces of felt, and glue outside on the backyard table, and it’s easy to keep them entertained for hours this way. Simply set up the workstation and give them the supplies. You can make cards or party invitations, for example. Get some ideas from the internet, and think about making the designs with your kids. You can easily spend an entire afternoon playing with your kids and creating bits and pieces outside on the lawn or patio too. Bear in mind that the clean-up job after an afternoon of crafting isn’t going to be a sight for sore eyes however it’ll be worth it after seeing your kids have fun.

 

Filed Under: fatherhood Tagged With: activities, backyard, father, fatherhood, outside

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