Create Outdoor Play Areas for Children

Integrating natural components into an outdoor space where children can play and get in touch with their surroundings can be a simple or elaborate landscaping proposition depending on your property. This example by King Landscaping features a creek bed with river stones that can channel water through your yard while also serving as an idyllic zone for reflection and self-discovery.

Children have active imaginations and can create their own form of play and art with nothing more than sticks, rocks, mud or other natural elements found in their outdoor landscape. Take, for example, this trio of kids who are entertaining themselves with something as simple as a tree log.

Swimming pools and other deep water features can pose a threat to the safety of unsupervised children but this mini rock quarry design from Kane Landscaping incorporates a waterfall and pond into the natural environment with an emphasis on shallow water. Despite appearances, the pond is only two to three inches deep and an ideal space to float boats, skim rocks or feed goldfish.

A simply designed but well constructed tree swing is always a hit with children and can be easily added to any wooded play area such as this bucolic setting.