The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer… and that means it’s time to get outside! This summer, I’m sure we’ll spend plenty of time at local parks and playgrounds, as well as all the local “reservation” land. There have been requests to go fishing and biking. And our schedule already has its fair share of bbqs and parties already lined up. But—in my mind—the lazy days of summer are defined by the simple hours spent outside exploring in your own yard. It’s my goal this year to make the backyard a place of enjoyment for all of us. A space we want to spend time in, and one that can grow with us.

Our current backyard is one that I’ve loathed for years. While it’s very large and fenced… it offers no shade, no patio, and a very small deck. (That’s off the second floor… so a constant heart attack for me as the boys barrel up and down it.) But how lucky am I to have a huge yard in which to hang out?! So, this is the year I plan to embrace it. I’ll put to use the odds and ends that we have in storage, and I’ve also compiled a wish list of items I would love to add. (Wish being the key word here.)

Going into the planning, we had certain parameters. Things we knew we did and didn’t want. Obviously—in a dream world—I’d have my large deck, my covered patio, and my outdoor kitchen. But, last I checked, my bank account wasn’t going to be able to swing that… and at some point, doing takes precedence over dreaming. A quick inventory of the basement and outdoor storage area confirmed that we had:

  • A sandbox
  • Plastic adirondack chairs
  • A mayan hammock (that we receive eons ago and never hung)

It’s a starting point, right? We also decided that Pint-Sized Picasso would receive a water table for his second birthday since he hasn’t met a faucet, fountain, or puddle he hasn’t loved.

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Then it was time to start thinking about what we wanted to add into the mix. Right off the bat we knew we couldn’t afford any major improvements such as a larger deck or a patio. But we could afford slate pavers… so we laid out a small 6×8 area to act as a landing area. In the end, it will probably only house the sandbox and water table… but at least there is a defined space. We also knew that we didn’t want a swing set. I realize that it’s almost sacrilege to say that, but I feel that they are soooo expensive, and never as much fun as what the playgrounds have to offer. And neither of my boys like the traditional swings! They both fight over the tire swing and the “ball” swing at the park! So no major improvements, and no swing set.

Now that we had the basics covered… it was time to  add the fun in! Or at least dream about some fun options.

1. A climbing wall. Granted, this is something the two year old will have to grow into… but still. It’s pretty sweet and totally feasible. (Or so my handy guy says.)

2. It feels as though I’m living in a three-ring circus most days, so in an effort to embrace it… I’m thinking of incorporating a slackline into the plans. Mini has already been exposed to these, and it’s just a matter of time before “Me Too” (aka Pint-Sized) wants in on the action as well. Strung up low to the ground, they are a safe alternative to the balance beams you find at the playgrounds.

3. Yes, I said no swing set… but that doesn’t mean I don’t think a tube slide would be awesome. Remember that really small, second story deck I mentioned?! What a cool mom I would be if I had this as an exit option… no?! (In case you are wondering… the deck is a foot too tall, so I’d have to do some magic of some sort.)

4. I know, I know… I just said we have no trees in the backyard. Which makes me really, really sad since I’d love this twist on the tire swing. It also makes me really sad since I’d love this hugglepod for myself!

5. The one request I hear again and again at this house is “Can we have a fort!?” Why yes, yes you can. I like the look oof the wooden one above… But in a “money is no object” dreamworld… I’d have this “Hobbit Hole” in the backyard before you could say, well, “Hobbit Hole.”

6. I’m already seeing pictures pop up on Instagram of folks in their community pools. Those don’t exist where we live (which is so sad since I lived at the community pool growing up!) so we’ll have to do the best we can here. It’s almost a no-brainer to include some sort of kiddie pool in this list.

And, since sometimes the simpler it is, the better… I’ll make sure to have an assortment of:

7. Sidewalk chalk… I’m guessing that slate pavers accept sidewalk chalk like driveways do!?

8. Bubbles and bubbles!

9. Balls of all sizes.

And, in my world… it’s not really a make-over unless you are DIYing some part of it. I have hopes to make this colorful hopscotch, a backyard boat similar to this one, and maybe… maybe… this tricycle car wash.

For my fellow non-city dwellers… What’s on your backyard wish list?!