While the yard often serves as a quiet retreat, it also serves as an area where the children are free to roam around and explore the world around them. To encourage your children to spend time outside the house and in the yard, check out some of these ideas to create a garden that’s perfect for kids and for kids at heart.

Whether in a pool or simply through a sprinkler you’ve set in the backyard, kids will always want to frolic wherever water is. This is especially true during the summer months or if you live in a place that’s sunny for most of the year. But aside from creating a pool, why not create a water feature where your children can learn more about the world around them? A small backyard pond offers you and your children a space to observe fish. At the same time, this kind of feature also attracts more birds and butterflies to your garden.

Wide open spaces are great for all kinds of yard activities from picnics to a simple game of catch or Frisbee. Choose a good mix of soft yet hardy grasses to create a lawn perfect for playtime, especially during the summer. You can even supplement this with a trike path if you want to encourage your kids to bike or scoot in the safety of your backyard. Don’t keep the shape simple, though. A winding path will make the yard a more interesting space not just for your child, but for you and your guests as well.

Finally, don’t forget to keep the trip outdoors convenient. Choosing the right array of furniture for your patio can help. Simple  toy chests for keeping balls, Frisbees or bike helmets close at hand helps to encourage kids to come out and play whenever they feel like it. Don’t forget to make it easy to keep things tidy. A sturdy open storage bench and a few plastic bins for shoes will definitely do the trick.

What aspect of the garden do your kids love the most? We’d love to hear what you have to share here on the Fifthroom Living blog!