Fun For All

With a bit of planning and a dash of creativity, you can create magical play spaces for kids of all ages.

- Karen Booth

The value of outdoor play and time spent connecting with nature should never be underestimated. Young children and toddlers learn physical skills and develop the senses by touch, taste, experimentation, climbing and observing. A garden that provides spaces for play, both physical and imaginative, is ideal.

Of course the goal is to design gardens that look good and meet the needs of adults while being child-friendly. “During the initial design process, we discuss at length the family structure, what each needs and their common interests,” says landscaper Nick McCarthy of Urban Escape. “And we look at the site and any issues it may pose. For example, with small kids you want to minimise level changes, making them gradual, and maximise the amount of flat usable area.

“The next step is to provide play areas that can engage the children — fun, colourful spaces that will captivate them, make them feel part of the garden and give them a sense of ownership of the space. The idea is to make being in the garden more inviting, interesting and rewarding than sitting in front of the television.”

WHAT TO INCLUDE?

“Play, plant, potter and learn — there’s very little that kids can’t do if you’re strategic with your outdoor areas and properly consider the layout and features of your space. There are lots of ways to make outdoor areas fun for children, while also nailing the design elements,” says Matt Leacy, co-director of Landart Landscapes.

There are myriad ways to engage a child and encourage physical activity. For some, a cubby house, tree house, climbing frame, swing, sandpit, trampoline or paddling pool (or some combination of these) will be on the must-have list. “You might also consider a chalk board constructed from recycled wood and painted with a chalkboard paint, which you can get in just about any colour,” says Matt.