If you’re lucky enough to live in a house with some exterior space, you need to use this space and make the most of it. One of the best ways to do so is by encouraging your kids to spend more time in the open. This is great for their mental and physical health, as well as their social skills, so spending more time in nature is precisely what every kid needs. So, if you too want to spend more time in the open with your loved ones, here are a few great ideas you could look into.
Create a reading nook
It doesn’t matter if your children love reading or not – creating an exterior reading nook will definitely inspire them to hang out there more often. This is where they can be isolated from their parents, read in peace and actually enjoy their newly-found freedom. Designing and equipping this reading nook shouldn’t be too hard, so get right on it and give your kids a chance to enjoy their favorite books outside the house. They’ll be surrounded by fresh air and natural sunlight too, so it’s a win-win scenario for you.
Plant a garden
If your kids are skillful and practical, you need to encourage their skills and plant a garden they can work in every single day. This might take some time, depending on where you live and how big this new garden is, so try to be patient. Your kids should start with a few simple herbs such as thyme, basil, and rosemary, and continue developing their skills in the months to come. Introduce some proper plants into the mix too, and keep encouraging your loved ones to take care of them. That will teach them responsibility and they’ll be better prepared for life after they take part in every step of this process.
Use string lights
In case you love spending time with your kids outside in the evening as well, you’ll need some lighting. The best way to make that happen is by using those cool string lights that look great and are every kid’s favorite. This isn’t something you should be doing on your own, though, especially if you have no experience, so consider hiring an expert instead. That’s something parents all over the world do, while those from Australia, for instance, even hire a professional electrician from Campbelltown who knows everything about these lights. Relying on an expert is always better, so don’t risk your kids’ safety.
Spice up your patio
If your family is into eating your meals in the open, creating an outdoor cinema or simply hanging out in your backyard, having a patio is a must. This space will give you all the comfort you need, but only if you design it correctly. Insist on some cozy patio furniture, but don’t forget some protection against too much sunshine either. This is easy to accomplish with a pergola or some shade sails that give your kids just the right amount of sunshine. These will make your patio look amazing as well, and will inspire your kids to spend more time there than before.
Build a playground
No matter how old your kids are and what their preferences are, they’ll surely enjoy having their own private playground in the backyard. This is great for their health and could even help them make more friends than ever. Building this playground could take some time, but it’s definitely worth the money and energy you’ve investing in this project. Don’t forget to ask your kids for input as well because they’re the ones who know what they do and don’t like when it comes to playgrounds. So, ask them for help and encourage them to express their opinion. This is something all kids love doing, and they’ll appreciate you for including them in the project. What’s even better is that this will inspire them to use their new playground even more, which is the best outcome you could’ve hoped for.
Spending more time with your kids in the open comes with a number of benefits, and it’s one of the best ways to make sure they’re always healthy and happy. So, start exploring these ideas, find out what works for your loved ones the most, and start maximizing your outdoor area right now!