If you’re like many people, the second summer starts, your whole life shifts outdoors. The sun is shining and you, your pets and your kids are exploring outside in the yard. But do you have a kid-friendly landscape back there?
The right kid-friendly landscape ideas can transform your property into a dynamic, engaging, and beautiful environment where children thrive and adults relax.
At The Site Group, we know the best landscape is one that evolves with your family’s needs and offers appealing aesthetics and functionality. We specialize in creating integrated outdoor experiences you can maintain for years to come, even after the kids grow up.
Here are six kid-friendly landscape inspiration ideas for the summer and beyond.
Summer is a Great Time to Make a Kid-Friendly Landscape Investment
With kids consistently at home and gravitating towards outdoor activities, you may think the summer is too late to be considering a landscape change. That’s not the case. The summer actually provides excellent market research. You can watch how your kids play, what they gravitate towards, where problem areas are.
Is there a creek at the corner of the yard? Are there thorny rose bushes in your garden? Do you have rusty fences or furniture? Are there shaded areas for when they’re tired? Can their imaginations run wild?
Ask yourself these questions the next time the kids head outside. Then, make some observations to see what’s important to you for your new landscape. Do you want a space that can shelter them in a summer storm so they don’t have to trek muddy shoes inside? Or maybe a three-quarters-covered kind of clubhouse that can also serve as storage for the deck? Maybe a cozy outdoor living room with plenty of cushions for kids but features like a grill for adults.
Your kids will intuitively move around the yard how they want; you just have to track them and plan accordingly.
Once you’ve scoped out the yard and know how they move through it, then you can start dreaming about your ideal landscape design. The Site Group specializes in translating these observations and aspirations into tangible designs that meet the demands of modern families.
Create Play Zones With Hardscaping
Gone are the days of standalone, brightly colored plastic play structures. Contemporary kid-friendly landscaping integrates play elements into the natural flow and design of the backyard. Designating several play zones with integrated hardscaping keeps your landscaping feeling harmonious and cohesive.
A custom-built playhouse or treehouse can be the centerpiece of your many playzones. Incorporate a paver walkway out to the playhouse from your paver patio to make the playhouse feel integrated into the rest of the landscape. Make sure you have soft, natural-looking surfaces like engineered wood fiber or premium artificial turf for the inevitable tumbles your tots will take.
A swingset can sit further away from the paver patio (for maximum swinging-height potential.) Reserve some greenspace next to the swingset for a natural resting place after the kids get off the swings. These zones can be bordered by attractive, slip-resistant pavers or natural stone walkways that double as tricycle paths or define areas for active games.
Built-in elements like low retaining walls on the edge of the yard can serve as seating for adults supervising play, or as platforms for imaginative games. The key is durability and aesthetic harmony.
Turn on the Waterworks
Water play is a cornerstone of summer fun for children. Designate a sprinkler zone with plenty of grass for safe running. In lieu of a pool, you can opt for a custom-designed splash pad with integrated, programmable jets for varying patterns and heights. This can be surfaced with non-slip, aesthetically pleasing materials that dry quickly. Or you could create a little stream with rocks and boulders of varying textures for kids to dip their toes in.
If you go the pool route, surround it with a paver patio that will be cool on little feet in the summer heat. Opt for in-ground lighting for safely traversing the patio. Edge the whole perimeter with lights, too. This helps connect your pool and patio area to the rest of the yard.
For a naturalistic approach, bubbler fountains can be a more minimalist option. Safety features like perimeter fencing that blends into the landscape and advanced filtration systems can be added, too.
Gardens for Play and Learning
A garden designed with children in mind can become a playroom and a classroom. Establish raised garden beds on your deck or patio that are accessible for little hands, and fill them with child-safe, edible plants. Think strawberries, cherry tomatoes and herbs. Integrate a “pizza garden” with basil, oregano and peppers on a corner of the lawn itself.
Beyond fruit and vegetable plants, incorporate landscaping with diverse plant textures (lamb’s ear, dusty miller), vibrant colors and fragrant herbs (lavender, mint) to engage all senses. Design winding paver pathways through these gardens, leading to hidden seating nooks or whimsical sculptures or even small water features. A dedicated butterfly or pollinator garden can introduce children to local wildlife and ecosystems.
Deluxe Outdoor Living Rooms
The modern luxury home blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living. An expansive outdoor living room these days can include anything from a gourmet outdoor kitchen to a built-in fireplace or fire pit, and comfortable, weather-resistant furnishings. These can all be designed with kids in mind, too.
Imagine a spacious covered patio or elegant pergola that extends to an adjacent, screened area for safe, high-energy fun. Throw in some Adirondack chairs, kid-sized picnic tables, outdoor furniture with cushions and you’re melding both age groups. These are places where entertainment and activity can overlap for everyone. Or maybe you’re envisioning a serene green lawn that doubles as a play surface. Kids can kick soccer balls and play tag on a soft surface that is also aesthetically pleasing.
A playhouse might be nestled just beyond the main entertaining space, allowing children independent play while remaining within parents’ eyesight. This amenity is also practical, as your kids can utilize it even when summer has long gone. The key is sophisticated zoning that caters to adults’ relaxation and children’s activity without compromise.
Nature Play Trails and Adventure Paths
If you’re worried the wooded areas in your backyard are too restrictive for your kids to enjoy, don’t. You can integrate the natural organic textures of the trees, shrubs and more with the rest of your backyard, so your kids can explore to the very edge of your property. Design a series of winding nature play trails using natural materials like wood chips or stepping stones, or use pavers in the same pattern as your paver patio.
These paths can lead to “secret” clearings, perhaps with a rustic log bench or even trickling water features. Or add a small concrete bench and a little library for a tranquil reading nook. Incorporate climbable boulders, secured logs for balancing or even a living tunnel crafted from woven willow branches.
For older children, a well-designed, sturdy zipline or a natural rock-climbing wall could offer thrilling challenges. These features encourage imaginative play and physical development within a natural setting.
Dedicated Sports Courts or Activity Lawns
For active families, a dedicated sports area can be a game-changer. This could look like a meticulously maintained natural grass lawn big enough for impromptu soccer games or frisbee. Designed with the right drainage and irrigation, this lawn will never get muddy spots or dead grass.
Or maybe you want to create a multi-sport court with a high-quality, cushioned surface for basketball, pickleball or tennis. A sophisticated mini-putting green, complete with multiple holes and subtle contours, can provide hours of entertainment for all ages. These areas can be strategically placed to minimize visual impact on formal garden spaces while maximizing utility.
Ready to Create Your Family’s Outdoor Legacy?
The summer months are an ideal time to transform your property into a kid-friendly haven every member of your family will appreciate. With children home and the desire for engaging outdoor spaces at its peak, there’s no better moment to embark on a large-scale landscape project that enhances both lifestyle and property value.
At The Site Group, we are poised to bring your most ambitious kid-friendly landscaping ideas to life.
Let’s talk about what we can do for you. Not ready to hop on the phone? Read over our Dream Backyard Checklist to get more inspiration for your own dream backyard landscaping project.
