Keeping the kids entertained can sometimes be a mission impossible. Kids are full of energy, love to play outside and do all kinds of activities. If you have a backyard, you’re on the right path to creating the perfect playground for them. There are plenty of outdoor games they can play alone or with their friends. Besides having fun, they also develop motor skills, improve their hand-to-eye coordination, strengthen their bones and muscles and boost their confidence by conquering new obstacles and challenges every day.
Bounce Out With a Trampoline
Having a trampoline in your backyard can be fun for the whole family, not just your kids. It’s the perfect way to get some exercise, increase your heart rate and have a good time. But choosing the right one can be tricky. There are some factors you should consider before buying one. They’ll determine its size, shape, weight limit and positioning. You can buy a super-fun, high-quality 10-foot tramp, or a larger one, either way, you’ll have a great time.
The first thing to consider is the trampoline’s shape. Round one is the classic and most popular choice. You can easily enclose it with a net and it evenly distributes the weight on all springs. The only disadvantage is that the best bounce is in the middle and this can cause injuries if there are more than 2 people jumping.
A rectangle trampoline gives you space for more people and your kids can practice tricks and jumps much easier. Plus, the bounce is more stable and will keep them in one place. But this uneven shape means that one side may stretch faster than the others. Oval trampolines are great if you have multiple kids. They can safely jump and practice their tricks without colliding.
Many people consider this to be the safest design because it doesn’t have sharp edges or exposed coils. And last but not least are the octagon or polygon trampolines. They can be your option if you’re limited in space. They’re stable, and the kids will have more control and a higher weight capacity. Their only disadvantage is the setup, they can be more complicated to put up.
Consider how much space you have for a trampoline. Keep in mind that the space around it should be clutter-free and easily accessible. Consider the kids’ ages as well. A smaller one will do if they’re little, but they grow so it may be better to buy a bigger trampoline. The weight limit is also something to consider. If you can, always go with a higher weight limit, just to be safe.
The Simple Sandbox
The sandbox is so simple, yet very versatile. Kids love to get messy and play with mud, water and sand and this backyard toy has it all. They come in so many shapes, sizes, designs and styles, you’ll find something to fit your space for sure. They’re usually made of some type of wood or plastic. The plastic ones are lighter and smaller and perfect for limited spaces. They also don’t have any splinters.
Wooden sandboxes are usually square or rectangular. Some models have a bottom and some don’t. There are also sand and water tables that can be more interactive. You can even build the sandbox on your own. It can be a simple DIY project you’ll be proud of. A sandbox can be a great entertainment centre until your kids reach the age when you can buy them a 10-foot tramp and have even more fun.
Keep Them Moving With an Obstacle Course
An obstacle course is a dream come true for many kids. The challenge of passing each obstacle and getting to the finish line is a great achievement. But before buying or building one, you should consider the available space you have. If your backyard is big, you won’t have trouble setting it up. Also, look for any natural features such as trees or boulders and potential safety concerns.
Obstacle courses have several key components that will make it awesome and super fun. Hurdles are versatile and challenging. The kids will leap, hop, crawl or jump to get through them. Next are agility rings. They’re great for building endurance and improving foot-to-eye coordination. The bear crawl is another muscle strength that also helps with coordination.
You can also include hop sacks and hula hoops and make it a timed race to see who can spin more in 1 minute or how many hops they need to get to the finish. Adding balance beams will help them become more focused, and climbing over a wall will make them stronger and more agile. You can add many other elements you think your kids will like.
Keep it Cool With a Pool
A pool is always a good idea no matter if you’re a kid or an adult. If you don’t have the space for a big, in-ground pool, you can always get an inflatable one. Your kids can go chill and stay cool after jumping on the 10-foot trampoline for a while. These pools come in many designs, shapes and sizes. Choose according to the number of kids that will be using it and their age. The older the kids, the bigger the pool.
Many pools have extra features such as slides and ladders. You can also buy them some accessories such as floaties, buckets or water guns. Make sure you choose a sturdy and thick material that won’t get easily scratched or cut during playtime. Remember to provide some shade as well. Keeping the kids in the sun for long can be a problem.
Swinging With a Golf Set
Encouraging kids to play any kind of sport is a good idea. Golf may not be the one to get their heart rates racing, but it has many other benefits. A small golf set can help them develop hand-to-eye coordination, improve their focus and stability. It’s also low risk so there won’t be any injuries. They’ll also create friendships and bond with their playing buddies.
These sets are often made of plastic and have several components. It includes a golf cart that often has 2 wheels, 4-6 golf clubs in different sizes and colours, a few golf balls, a putting mat and a few practice holes. Some of them have flags or other extra features. Overall, playing golf is very beneficial for the kids. Plus, you’ll get some alone time while they’re having fun all day.
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