Backyard Enhancements to Make Staying Home More Fun for Your Kids

It's not easy to keep your kids entertained, especially when you can't leave the house. As we use self-isolation to battle COVID-19, it's more important than ever to find ways to stay busy. Plus, it's spring, so why not spend some time outside? Luckily, there's a ton of ways to spruce up your house and yard so that you can have a little fun!

Take a look at these ideas.

1. A DIY Slip 'N Slide 

When it's warm, children love to play with water. You can set up a sprinkler, but you could do one better – a homemade Slip 'N Slide. You don't need to spend over a hundred dollars to have an excellent afternoon. After you find an open spot, you'll need to grab a few essential materials to build the water slide. You may already own some, so you should be able to save money. 

After you create the DIY Slip 'N Slide, ask your kids to put on their swimsuits. They can take turns – and even hold a race if they want! Be sure to clear out the area beforehand so that no one injures themselves.

2. A Movie Theater 

If you and your family love to watch movies, here's a suggestion. You can build an outdoor movie theater with some simple tricks. First, you'll need a projector – these days, many budget-buys work perfectly. For a screen, drape a white sheet across a flat wall. If you don't want to purchase a new device, you can hook up a laptop to a monitor. After you've decided on a screen, you can get cozy. 

Place blankets and chairs on your lawn. Add string lights for a comfortable atmosphere! Don't forget to serve snacks and drinks, either. When the weather's warm, spend a night outside under the stars with your favorite films.

3. A Playset 

A backyard playground can occupy children for hours on end. You can buy a simple playset with swings and slide, or build a structure and add whatever your kids enjoy. Make sure to choose age-appropriate activities so that your children can learn properly. Playgrounds provide many educational opportunities when designed correctly. 

Your kids can develop their social, physical and cognitive skills with the right tools. You could even add a sandbox to promote sensory play. If you make a DIY Slip 'N Slide, place it at the bottom of another slide for even more speed! Ask your kids what they'd like and go from there. They'll love their new playset for many years to come.

4. A Butterfly Garden 

If your kids never made a butterfly feeder at school, now's a perfect time to build one. You and your family can enjoy the great outdoors as you create a beautiful garden. After you find an open space, clear out any grass and lay down nutritious soil. Once you're ready to plant, consider flowers like milkweed and hyssop. These perennials attract butterflies through nectar, which they drink almost exclusively. 

Soon enough, you'll have a gorgeous garden that's filled with butterflies. As you wait for your flowers to bloom, you and your family can learn how to manage a garden – which serves as an awesome hobby.

5. An Obstacle Course 

If your backyard has a decent amount of space, you can create a terrific obstacle course. Set up different stations so that there's a variety. You can use any supplies that you have handy. For example, you could use a cable and a few trees to create a zipline. You could also use hula hoops to mimic a tire run. Then, put on a fun race to see who can get through the course first. 

An obstacle course isn't permanent, so you can change your layout whenever you want. Feel free to incorporate activities that aren't so physical, like puzzles or word games. Then, every child can build on their skills and learn many more.

6. A Theater Stage 

Children love to perform! You can nourish their imaginations with an outdoor theater stage. Find an open spot and build a sturdy platform. As for materials, a set of plywood beams works best. You could also try wooden pallets if you don't want to commit to a permanent fixture. Feel free to let your kids paint the structure so that they can design it. Before you let them play, make sure that it can hold your weight. 

Then, use cloth material to create a stage curtain with a clothesline. Ask your kids to sing, dance and joke on their new stage. You could even try a family talent show and vote on a winner to earn a prize.

Use These Ideas to Create an Awesome Outdoor Space 

When you're stuck at home, boredom can come on far too quickly! Use these ideas to create a fun outdoor space that you and your family will love.