We’ve had summer on the brain all week around here. I blame the 75+ degree temperatures.
But seriously, summer will be here before we know it. As part of my effort to gear up for summer nature fun, we’ve been busy cleaning up the backyard. I’m exhausted but excited to see our outdoor space is starting to look a little more summer-ready.
Last year, I invited you to come take a peek inside our backyard space; this year I hope to have some fun new spaces to share with you.
Before I unveil any of the specifics, I thought I’d give you an idea what sorts of outdoor play spaces we’re planning:
1. Sand play area
We inherited a plastic sandbox from our neighbors. Although perhaps not my first choice, the price was right and it was a serious upgrade from our backyard beach space of years passed. In fact, this one’s big enough for both of The Explorers to sit in. Bonus is that it comes with a cover.
2. Nature play station
A couple of unused wood planks and some tree stumps are now a makeshift shelving unit serving as our nature play station. Here, we keep our sand and dirt toys (buckets, shovels and the like), plus other natural elements like acorns, shells, sticks and rocks.
3. Water play zone
Once the temperatures start to rise, water play takes over the entire backyard. But for now, we have a dedicated area where we keep a large galvanized tub that’s perfect for filling with water. Alongside the tub we’ll keep our water play tools – squirt guns, spray bottles and sponges. And of course, a large dirt pile.
4. Creative expressions wall
A previously blocked wall space will serve as a creative expressions area this summer. A large expanse of butcher paper set up at a kid-friendly height will be the backdrop for all sorts of masterpieces. I’ve got at least one Explorer begging to get painting out there already.
5. A kids-only space
Be it a fancy clubhouse, an unused tent or even a cardboard box, this summer we will have a space in the backyard that’s reserved just for The Explorers.
Of course, our backyard remains a work in progress, evolving as the kids’ interests change. And there are some serene grown-up spots, too. Which means everyone can be outside together enjoying long summer days and nights. Really, I can’t wait.
Need more ideas? Check out my outdoor nature play spaces board on Pinterest, where I collect inspiring ideas from around the web.
Your boys seem to love your yard in spite of you! I am sort of anal in the organization department (which isn't always a good thing). This time of year I'm all about anticipating summer fun. It always seems like it's over before it really began.
I'm impressed at how organized you are. I am a more of an "I have an idea. let's do it now" kind of person. Our yard probably could have used some forethought. At least I have all my raised beds. The rest of them can fend for themselves 😉
Awww … thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing how the kids like/use/ignore each of these spaces. Play spaces are always evolving!
One thing that really make kids enjoy any activities is when these are specifically designed for them and its actually what they want(not to spoil them). The outdoor play spaces you're planning makes me excited about it, not too fancy but happiness is 100% guaranteed. Makes me feel like a child again.
You have such an amazing space, Abbie! Stick to what interests your kids & remind your hubby that most of these elements are temporary – & certainly worth the enjoyment your girls would get from them. 🙂
We don't have exactly these same five stations but I am super excited that we have added some similar elements to our backyard as well. The husband has been very reluctant to change/add things so it has been an uphill battle for me. He hates the idea of a water wall but I am convinced that since he now sees the awesomeness that is our mud kitchen I can get him to come around on the water wall