Comments on: Backyard Ideas to Keep Kids Playing Outside All Summer

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 12 May 2021 02:24:01 +0000

Love this article!! What did this all look like for you when you had just one or two (young) kids? We have a 4 year old and a 10 month old. We live on a farm at the end of a road… so plenty of space, no “stranger danger.” But I feel like if I send my 4 year old out alone, she has no one to watch her back (like if she falls and gets hurt, there’s no sibling to run back to the house to get me). Do I just embrace this season of keeping an eye on her from a distance?

By: Mel

Mel — Sat, 08 May 2021 16:46:39 +0000

I built a large ceder wood sandbox for my 20 month old son in our backyard but now I am unsure if it’s healthy for him. Do you have any suggestions for what I can fill it with besides the store bought sand I have in it now that might be a healthier option?
Thanks!

By: Ana

Ana — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 22:25:24 +0000

I never ever ever comment on blog posts but this article is by far my favorite of all time. I put every item you suggested on my wish list, so whenever budget allows…
Thanks!!!!!!

By: Angie

Angie — Thu, 30 May 2019 03:32:53 +0000

I give great-granddaughter (4) a container of water and paintbrushes, and she “paints” stuff outside: sidewalk, walls, gate, rocks, etc… She loves doing it, and last time, ended up pouring the water over her head!! (it was hot and sunny).

By: Kristen

Kristen — Sun, 10 Mar 2019 14:34:41 +0000

What an inspiring article and so many practical suggestions, thank you.
My daughter is 10yrs, going on 14! I feel I missed out on giving her the tree house childhood so what would you recommend most for backyard activities to capture her imagination at this age? We have a small garden but it does have a little plunge pool that we love.
Thanks Kristen

By: Katie - Wellness Mama

Katie - Wellness Mama — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 15:57:39 +0000

In reply to Kirsten. 1- Thankfully, there aren't many handheld devices in our neighborhood yet and they almost always are left at home because they are too much trouble to keep up with for the kids while playing. Even if they are there, the kids usually leave them on my counter while they are out playing and the kids are never on them. That said, I talk to my kids about technology and the fact that there are negative and inappropriate images, videos, etc and explain how those can harm their brain and affect the way their brains make important chemicals. In today's world, it isn't realistic to think I can keep them away from technology and all that it brings, and talking to them about this and making sure there are open lines of communication is a top priority for sure. 2- We have insurance and while this is something that has certainly crossed my mind, it isn't something I can completely prevent and it isn't worth it to me to keep kids from playing together.

By: Kirsten

Kirsten — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 21:58:59 +0000

With 20+ kids playing at your house I’m curious how you handle two issues.

1) inappropriate images/videos being shown to your kids from neighbor kids handheld devices.

2) liability from injury due to neighbor kids possible accidents/misuse of yard activities.

By: Vince

Vince — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 04:05:49 +0000

This is such a cool set of ideas. We often say that kids should be outside playing more but little thought goes into how we can encourage this behavior. Your options all sound great and it seems like they’d certainly be effective.

By: Katie - Wellness Mama

Katie - Wellness Mama — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 15:05:35 +0000

In reply to MARIA. Try to incorporate what you can based on the size yard you have...

By: MARIA

MARIA — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:56:22 +0000

NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE A BACKYARD LARGE ENOUGH TO ENCOMPASS ALL OF THESE ACTIVITIES.
DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING FOR THE MORE REASONABLE HOMEOWNER?
MANY THANKS
MARIA

By: Falynn

Falynn — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:26:50 +0000

In reply to Catherine.

Great response!! My son loves his slackline as much as he loves his iPad. Both inspire great amounts of creativity!

I appreciate that you point out that all things start with an idea and are created by a group of people and their work. These things all make the world a better place!

Great article Katie, thanks!

By: Lauren

Lauren — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 19:53:52 +0000

This is such a great post!!! Thank you! I’ve been trying to think of ideas for my children and will be referring to this list.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 13:26:45 +0000

Great article! Last Christmas, I bought the grandchildren a couple of gifts that were all about playing outdoors and they loved them.

Activities are really important for children, wether indoor or outdoor. Indoor activities can be mentally stimulating and outdoor activities keep their bodies healthy.

But a bit of a word about “things.” There is nothing wrong with things. It takes people to invent, design and manufacture things. These people earn their living with things. Many of these things actually give us more time to spend outdoors and with other activities we enjoy. Creating things are a way that many people express their ingenuity, talent and artistic abilities. When we acquire these things, we give other people an income and also the opportunity to develop and express their unique skills. Any “thing” from a hammer to a wooden chair to a scented candle to an iPhone to a car or even a beautiful piece of art or music is a gift. These take the hard work of many, many people and all of these things began with an idea.