Backyard Play Gym

 

Summer is here and the backyard will become a haven for activities and games for children. And as the summer moves along the children may tire of their toys or need a break from their routine.

You can easily construct a backyard play  gym that will add different activity to their schedule.

Ideas for a Backyard Play Gym

You could place plastic tubes around the backyard for children to climb through. Add interest to playing in the tubes by having some open with light showing thought and other dark, which would resemble a cave or other mysterious places.

Fabric tubes are another option for your backyard gym. These should be placed on grass or sand so children won’t hurt their knees when crawling through them.  By changing there location and placing some together and others apart you can create new adventures and games for the children to play.

Include a small climbing structure. I have used wooden crates stacked on each other or placed on their sides. Make sure this structure is not very high and is secure and will not move or tip over. It’s also best to locate this structure on wood chips, mats or a soft grassy area.

You may find if you use a larger create that the children turn it into a mini cabin or fort area.  Supply cloth or an old blanket that they can use to create an awning or canopy from the crate to a tree or another crate.

Blankets and clothesline can also be used for a makeshift tent or fort. Children have a wonderful imagination so expect to see quite a creation.

Find mats for outdoor playing. Children will be able to tumble and roll without getting hurt with the additional safety and padding of a mat. If your children are tumbling make sure the mats are in an open area away from trees, walls, stairs or buildings.

Swings can easily be added to a backyard. You can buy swings or a swing set or use an old inner tube or tire and hang from a secure rope from a tree branch. We always had a tire swing over by our picnic area. Place wood chips under the swing for a cushion if the child falls.

If you have young children you may want to add a baby swing with safety bars and a harness.

A small kiddie pool or water sprinkler can add water games that will be appreciated on a hot day.

And for a rest area or lunch after playing and running for few hours you may want to add a mini hammock, picnic table or table and chairs. If you place a waterproof box with hinges you can add a packet of paper, markers, coloring books and pencils for quiet relaxing activities.

The backyard should be a relaxing fun place for children to play and have fond memories of friends and family. With the addition of a backyard play gym you can add change and new games to the children’s play area.