Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Your garden doesn’t have to be an uninspired – if aesthetically pleasing – part of your home. A carefully maintained lawn and bunches of pretty flowers can make for a tranquil area, but not one that’s particularly fun or creative.
Are you looking to inject some excitement into your outdoor space? Whether you are trying to create a land of imagination for your children or a place for yourself to enjoy a few hours each evening, this guide is here to get your creative juices flowing.
Below are some helpful tips and tricks for adding fun to your garden.
Create a den
A den is undoubtedly fun. By creating a garden hideaway for your children, they are provided with their own space within nature where they can relax and indulge in their imagination.
There are also various approaches you can take with a den. Even if you’re operating on a tight budget, you can simply use a waterproof sheet, a sturdy rope, and some tree branches, and you can put together a tipi that will give your kids a charming hideout. Add a couple of cushions and throws for extra coziness.
A more extravagant option would be to build a cabin or treehouse. This type of space helps to take the den experience to the next level, allowing your children to have a private space outdoors where they don’t feel like they’re being watched!
Toys and games
To make your garden a true playground for your children, you need a healthy collection of outdoor toys and games. The good news is there’s an endless selection of options available in that regard. Below are a few popular choices:
- Climbing frame
- Slide
- Inflatable pool
- Swingball set
- Trampoline
- Sandpit
The incorporation of these toys and games can be stepped up to a level beyond just having them sit around in the garden. As an example, you might decide to install an in-ground trampoline that is level with the ground and creates a safer bounce zone for your children.
If you’ve got enough space and at least a couple of mature trees, another way to enhance the adventure would be to add a zip line.
Add an art station
Adrenaline levels don’t have to shoot up for you and your children to have fun in the garden. If you’re seeking something a little more chilled, a suitable option would be to incorporate an art station.
Whether this is a temporary set-up or a dedicated space, an art station is an excellent way to encourage people of all ages to express their creativity. With all of your art and craft supplies out in the garden, you can also avoid the usual mess when painting indoors!
For a quality art station, think about adding an easel and a large quantity of art supplies. The more paints, pens, crayons, brushes, etc. that are available, the more creativity and experimentation possible.
Feed the birds
If you want to bring some life to your garden, one recommendation is to install a bird feeder in your garden. It’s low maintenance, it supplies you with something to watch out for, and it is enjoyable for the whole family.
Once your feeder is up and ready to go, all you have to do is add some fresh water and food. Then it’s a case of sitting back and waiting for the birds to show up. Starlings, blue tits, sparrows, blackbirds – you never know what type of bird will make an appearance.
Pro tip: install the bird feeder in a place where you can watch from indoors. Whether you’re lounging in the living room or washing the dishes in your kitchen, the sight of these birds can help you to relax and fully appreciate nature.
Outdoor movie theater
This isn’t as extravagant as it might initially seem. The only real investment you need to make is in a projector – and these aren’t that expensive in this day and age. Then it’s a case of finding a clear surface – you can throw a white sheet on a wall or fence – and you’re good to go.
Grab a couple of blankets, a few big pillows, some string lights for around your makeshift screen, and you have a great setting for a family movie night in the garden.
Don’t forget to keep everything tidy
When you’re having fun and creating memories, it’s easy to overlook the aftermath. That aftermath: a cluttered, unsightly garden. If toys and furniture end up strewn around your yard, this is going to quickly see your positivity drop. A messy garden will also make you less inclined to venture outside.
Fortunately, you don’t have to put in too much effort to keep the space nice and tidy. A Keter deck box will do the job. Effectively a toy chest for your garden, a deck box provides you with a sturdy, convenient place to store all of your outdoor belongings. They’re also not an eyesore – in fact, they can pack in plenty of style and tie into your garden’s design.
With a deck box in place, it’ll only require a couple of minutes at most for you to pack away all the toys and accessories and have your garden revert back to a tidy, attractive space.
Ask your family
Following all of the above advice is fine. Hopefully, you have scored a few helpful ideas that will transform your garden into a fun-filled haven. However, there’s one important aspect you shouldn’t forget before you start changing up your outdoor space: consulting your family.
Everyone in your household should have a say in how the garden is designed. This is particularly the case if it’s being revitalized with your children in mind. Ask them what they’d most like included in the garden. Do you they want a goalframe to play soccer? Maybe their desire is a trampoline? Perhaps a sandpit would be more to their tastes? Whatever the case may be, their feedback can be imperative in the approach you take with your garden.