Outdoor Fun for Everyone: Backyard Ideas for Kids

Here are some of our favorite backyard ideas for kids — as well as some backyard ideas for teens — that will have them ignoring their handheld electronics and hitting the great outdoors in no time.

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to create that backyard that your whole family will enjoy. Here are some of our favorite backyard ideas for kids — as well as some backyard ideas for teens — that will have them ignoring their handheld electronics and hitting the great outdoors in no time.

Hula hoop hangout

Whether they’re diving into their summer reading or chowing down on an afternoon snack, your kids will love hanging out in their very own hula hoop hideouts.

Beach scene

If it’s not feasible to take the family to the beach every week in the summer, why not create your own beach scene backyard play area? We’re not talking about simply adding a tiny crab-shaped sand box to your yard. Rather, create an area that’s complete with a pool, Adirondack chairs, a canopy and, of course, sand. Your kids will be in playtime heaven.   

Zip line

Make your yard stand out from the crowd with one of our top home playground ideas: a zip line. The best part? Kids of all ages will enjoy it. (Just be sure it’s safe for kids and kids at heart!)

Game stop

Want your backyard to be the neighborhood hot spot? Simply put an outdoor spin on traditional games, such as glow-in-the-dark soccer bowling or lawn Twister.

Outdoor theater

And speaking of hot spots, have you ever watched a movie outside? Especially one that’s playing while you’re swimming in a pool? Warning: You’ll have neighborhood kids knocking on your door nearly every night wanting to join in on the fun. The projector and screen are a bit of an investment upfront, but we think they’re well worth the cost. As far as the rest of the accessories go? Simply lay out some picnic blankets, toss some comfy pillows and blankets on top (if you’re not going the pool route) and crunch away on some homemade popcorn. In fact, you don’t even have to worry about cleaning up the kids’ spilled food after the flick — leave that to the squirrels.

Hideaway house

If you’re short on space but handy with tools, consider thinking outside of the box — or house, rather — and creating a just-my-height play area under your deck for the kids.

Tight rope

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best ones, right? No play area for kids in backyards is complete without a tight rope. Believe us. It’s incredible how many hours of fun two sturdy pieces of rope can bring.

Tire swing

And when it comes to a DIY playground, you can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true tire swing. Especially if you have a couple of little ones that can ride on it at the same time!