If you have outside space, then now is the time to start thinking about how you can utilise it to its full potential for the spring and summer months. Gardens can provide a much-needed space for children to explore and learn and gives them somewhere to burn off their endless energy!
Whatever space you have, there are plenty of ways you can transform it into a child-friendly area. And, whether your garden needs an extra bit of TLC or it needs a total overhaul, our top tips can help.
Secure your space
It’s important to ensure that your outdoor area is safe, secure and hazard-free, especially if you have young ones. A secure gate and fencing around the perimeter of your garden can prevent young children from adventuring where they shouldn’t. These additions can be particularly useful if you live near a road and can help you and your young ones to enjoy the outdoors without the worry. Just make sure the gate and fence are tall enough to prevent children climbing over.
Grow and learn together
Gardens are fantastic spaces for teaching children about nature. Plant seeds together and watch flowers bloom in the summer months. You might also consider cultivating a vegetable patch and growing your own food together. Children love discovering insects so why not create a bug hotel or hedgehog house and teach them about different species? There are plenty of ways to attract wildlife into your garden too, which is always a big hit with children. If you have plenty of space, you might also think about including a small pond and filling it with fish.
Add lighting
From fairy lights to lanterns and light-up characters, adding lighting to your garden can help create a magical space for you and your children in the evenings. Choose solar lights that are environmentally friendly and watch your space come to life. Add another dimension to a fairy garden with pretty lights. You could even create a dedicated picnic area and treat your children to dinner outdoors on those warm evenings.
Create a play space
All children love to play so it makes sense to add a play area to your space. Consider their interests and hobbies, whether it’s playing in a sand pit, ball games or getting creative with nature crafting, and provide a space to suit their needs. This can help encourage imaginative play and allows them to have their very own section of the garden. It can also provide a useful activity area for when their friends come round.
Whatever the size of your outdoor space, there are plenty of ways to promote play and learning and encourage imagination in those young minds.
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