With so much of our adult lives being spent indoors, remembering back to childhood and the freedom of being outdoors that it offered, we naturally want to offer that same rewarding experience to our children. But outdoor space where you can play and be free is not as easy for a child to find today as it was for past generations. Turning toward our own homes where a garden can offer this elusive space, here are 3 tips for creating an engaging garden for children.
1, Incorporate Excitement And Movement
Children of all ages love excitement and movement, this is why children’s playgrounds are such a hit. Of course, we can’t all have a merry-go-round in our gardens, but smaller play structures can have the same effect. One of the best choices is a swing set, children have been swinging around blissfully enjoying the thrill of wooshing through the air for countless generations and they provide a hard-to-beat experience time after time for the space they occupy. Even things like funky seating and a hammock stand can help make the garden a really fun place to be.
They do need to be strong and well made, swing sets are subject to all the forces of our children’s weight and momentum. Another consideration that must be taken is the correct swing seat should be chosen for your children’s age range. Wickey offers a selection of swing seats suitable for babies, which can be installed side by side on a twin swing set with a standard seat, of course, once your child grows changing to the standard seat means the swing set grows with them. Choosing a reputable brand like Wickey gives you confidence that your swing set has what it takes to bring a smile to your children’s faces year after year.
2, Let Them Create
Giving your child a creative outlet in the garden is a great way of encouraging their engagement while letting their imaginations guide them. From a simple sand pit can come so many ideas, stories of castles, great rivers, and of course the battles and quests their own imagination brings. Urban living brings with it a plethora of neighbourhood pets to any garden with an uncovered sand pit, so it is good to know Wickey supplies sand pits with purpose-made lids so your children never have any nasty surprises. When it comes to sand, a competent manufacturer will state the required weight of sand needed to fill the pit. Always fill your sand pit with purpose-sold play sand as it is clean and consistent to ensure the best experience for your children.
3, Introduce Nature
Giving your child a deeper understanding of nature is easily accomplished in a garden. Placing food for wild birds can give an educational spectacle time after time. Going further, within sight of their bedroom, try placing nesting boxes. Choosing the most suitable box will be down to the wildlife in your area and what you are hoping to attract. With our children now used to learning with the aid of technology, a webcam can often yield amazing sights for a child and family to learn further about the birds and mammals around us.
Helping them reclaim a little of the garden from nature’s rule, and growing a selection of their own plants, flowers, or vegetables gives an enormous sense of achievement and teaches them a valuable understanding of the world around us and how important nature is to us. Giving your children these opportunities to see the garden as a fun and interesting place to be will help get them outside willingly and that can only be a good thing.