35 Family-Friendly Backyard Designs

Turf can double as a kid’s play area as well as a court for games that people of all ages can enjoy — like bocce ball. “Having that turfed space is a really nice way for the family to let the kids be able to play and run around and then still have a clean space for entertaining and adult time,” says Scott Frankel, co-president and principal of Frankel Building Group + Avea Pools.

A treehouse is a place for kids to call their own and become immersed in their own little worlds. “To encourage imaginative play, I like to create a cozy clubhouse up high that gives kids a real sense of getting away from it all,” says treehouse and play structure designer Barbara Butler. “I think it’s important for the clubhouse to be different than the family home — more of an outdoorsy cabin, more fun colors and features.”

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned plank-and-rope swing for adding simple charm to your yard. They’re also ideal for smaller yards that might get overcrowded by a large play structure. Design by Mom’s Design Build.

Fire pits are perfect spots for quality family time, whether it’s cooking s’mores or just warming up cold hands. For DIYers, making a festive fire pit is as easy as purchasing a fire pit kit and encircling it with colorful Adirondack chairs. Design by Jenna Sue Design Co. and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

Kids are great assistants when it comes to making pizza, from beating dough to putting on toppings. What makes it even more fun? Doing it alfresco. A pizza oven is a worthwhile addition for families who love dining outdoors, especially when they get burned out on barbecuing. Design by Mom’s Design Build.

A basic swing set is great — but integrating extra features like climbing nets and walkways will really keep the kids busy for hours. Designer Barbara Butler likes to encourage physical play as well as imaginative play when she designs play structures. “I create lots of ups and downs, with a variety of challenges with some easier to accomplish than others,” Butler says. “I concentrate on making ‘loops of play’ to keep kids running around, and I avoid creating dead ends – a balcony with no exit, for example.”

Growing your own edible garden is a great way to get kids outside and nurture their appreciation for where food comes from. Plant seeds with your kids and encourage them to check in on the plants for signs of growth. When your fruit and vegetables finally ripen, kids will love picking to their heart’s content. Landsburg Landscape Nursery in Minnesota designed this vegetable garden within an enclosure, giving it an even more kid-friendly “secret garden” appeal.

Add an element of fun to alfresco dining by introducing a swing to the table. This pergola is home to a traditional dining table, plus a pair of swings to keep the kids happy and busy at mealtime. Design by Yellow Brick Home and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

This “rope net hangout” from designer Barbara Butler can be enjoyed on multiple levels. Kids can test their coordination skills by crawling across the net or put their strength to the test by swinging across gymnastic rings. If they’re feeling mellow, they can also lounge on the net and just daydream.

Sandboxes are a great sensory lab for kids who love digging, sifting and burying. This clever design from Ryan Duebber Architect integrates a sandbox into the covered deck with movable panels to conceal it when not in use.

Any backyard swimming pool is bound to keep the whole family entertained during the hot summer months, but this incredible pool takes it up a notch with special features for everyone to enjoy. There’s a tube slide and a rope swing for the kids, plus a relaxing hot tub and covered lounge area for the adults.

Fish ponds are a great way for kids to witness wildlife up close and learn about natural ecosystems. Younger kids will enjoy feeding the fish and, in some cases, watching them grow. Koi pond design by AguaFina Gardens.

Turn your backyard into a biker and skater paradise by installing your very own half-pipe or ramp. While most ramps are above ground, this subterranean ramp from SuperRamp Technologies has a bowl shape in order to preserve the aesthetics of the landscape. This is one backyard feature that both kids and adults are sure to enjoy equally.

Young kids find joy in the simplest activities, such as following a winding garden path. The stone pathways in this meditative garden are lined with a reflecting pool, riverbeds and various stone artifacts to catch a child’s fancy. Design by AguaFina Gardens.

If your kids enjoy watching American Ninja Warrior, they’ll love having their very own ninja warrior course in the backyard. You can download a ninja warrior blueprint online or purchase a ninja warrior kit. This kit from Hammacher Schlemmer includes a 50-yard nylon line with obstacles to test your kid’s strength and endurance, from rings and knots to a spinning wheel.

Splash pads have all the appeal of a sprinkler and so much more, making them the ultimate addition to your arsenal of backyard distractions. Splash pads can offer a variety of water features to pick from, whether it’s water cannons, fountains that spray from the ground or buckets that dump water on your kid’s head.

When it's time to take the party outside, this outdoor deck can accommodate the whole crew. Built-in benches and wooden stools ensure everyone has a place to sit, while string lights and a flat-screen TV add to the ambience and entertainment factors. Design by Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri.

A padded and pillowed trampoline sheltered with a shade sail is not only perfect for sky-high jumping, but also for lounging and laughing with friends when it's time for some R&R. Design by Chip Wade.

On one end of the backyard, parents can relax on the dining deck under a curtained pergola. On the other end, kids can play for hours on handmade seesaws. Design by Chris Lambton.

Consider placement when adding a play structure to your backyard – you want to be able to keep an eye on your little ones while they’re having fun outside. Built just off the deck, this treehouse lets parents watch over their kiddos while lounging in the comfy sitting area.

Licensed contractor Chip Wade transformed this suburban backyard into a tiered entertaining space with a fire pit, game lawn, grilling area, lounging cabanas and mobile, indoor-outdoor couch that slides on a track.

This "kids only" backyard space features a hammock, hopscotch steps and a pint-sized chalkboard for endless hours of fun. Design by Chris Lambton.

Adding a hanging chair to your backyard is an easy way to create an enticing place to read, nap or daydream. This oversized chair offers enough room for two people to snuggle or one to lounge.

Chip Wade created an outdoor deck and patio that's fully equipped for warm-weather entertaining. This family-friendly space includes a fire pit, dining area, kitchen, outdoor chess and places to play basketball and volleyball.

Consider adding custom features to your deck or patio to make it fun for the whole family. This one-of-a-kind deck offers a built-in slide and climbing wall for the kids, plus a pergola where the adults can relax or entertain.

When the sun sets, nothing is better than an outdoor flick on a huge projector screen. Gather friends and family for a movie everyone can enjoy. And don't forget the popcorn!

An outdoor tumble mat gives the homeowners' three daughters the perfect place to play and exercise in the backyard, while the parents can sit back on the nearby entertainment deck. Design by Chip Wade.

This tiny backyard isn't just kid-friendly, it's pet-friendly, too. Landscape designer Chris Lambton created a space devoted to competitive yard games and fetch with Fido.

Ignite your little one's imagination by building a fun backyard playhouse that's all their own. Tucked among trees and foliage plants, this former garden shed was converted into an adorable child-sized getaway with shuttered windows and scalloped trim.

A more natural play area can spark kids’ imaginations and encourage them to get in touch with their surroundings. In this backyard, a fort and swing are nestled amongst the trees to create an idyllic, inspiring play zone.

An open grassy area near an outdoor fire pit is ideal for spreading out a picnic lunch and starting up a game of croquet. Design by Betty Lou Phillips.

No need to haul the whole family to the mini-golf course – schedule tee time anytime with an at-home putting green. This one by Mom’s Design Build is nestled between an outdoor kitchen and fire pit for an all-around family-friendly backyard.

Bring new life to an old wooden rowboat by letting your child become captain of the backyard. In just half a day, you can create your own rowboat sandbox.

Landscape designer Jamie Durie created the perfect spot for lazy outdoor lounging with a hanging daybed and a mesh hammock that swings between two trees.