We started building a natural backyard for the kids this week! We have a fallen tree in one corner of the yard great for climbing. We also built a covered sandbox, which is necessary because we have a number of stray cats that hang around. Other elements I’d like to include are a playhouse, climbing logs, building/block area, mud kitchen, water table and a small garden. Here are some of my inspiration pictures!
The biggest project will be a playhouse, which the kids have wanted forever. Since it’s hot here I’d like it to be relatively open, but not too open because we get a lot of rain. The spot we’ve designated for the playhouse is a decent size, so I love the idea of adding a balcony!
via Chrissy Powers
I like the big, open roof on this one for ventilation, as well as the sweet window flowerbox.
via Cup of Jo
It’s very hot and sunny here so I’d like to have a lot of shade. I’ve purchased these sun shades in the past and I like them because they will keep the backyard open and airy while still providing shade.
My kids are always collecting things in nature like shells, twigs, leaves, rocks etc. and I’d love to have a place to organize it all for their art projects.
via pppreschool
natural blocks via theenchantedtree
Olive is pretty uncoordinated, so something that encourages her to work on her balance like these logs have always been on my wishlist. I’m hoping we can get our neighbors to donate their fallen trees!
A mud kitchen of course!
A water feature is a must.
Finally my kids love gardening so I’d like to set up some type of small raised garden that they can tend to.
via hearthsong
This is what the space currently looks like. We’re fencing the area in, mostly to keep our many dogs inside the yard.
A fallen tree we’ll keep as part of the space. That white wall is where the playhouse will go.
I’m so excited to bring this to life. I think the kids will get endless hours of unstructured, imaginative play from it!
blogger / apricot / 275 posts
love these ideas
pomegranate / 3225 posts
Wow, this is amazing inspiration! Def going to copy you!
pomelo / 5866 posts
I really like the nature organizer and am interested in the sunshades. Do you know an affordable and reputable way to purchase them?
admin / watermelon / 14210 posts
@808love: I live in the Philippines so I buy them here, but see that they are available at Home Depot!
wonderful olive / 19353 posts
Love all the inspiration ideas you have for the kids! Another reason why I miss having a decent size yard. Can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!