How Landscaping Companies Create Outdoor Living Spaces Fit for Kids in Newport and Portsmouth RI Areas
With the social distancing brought about by COVID-19, parents are often frustrated at how to keep kids happy at home. “Go outside and play” can be boring if the space isn’t designed with kids in mind… but you also don’t want your backyard to look like a kiddie theme park. Here’s how landscaping companies create outdoor living spaces fit for kids in Newport and Portsmouth, RI, areas.
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Providing your kids with a safe yet stimulating place to be creative and burn off energy will make everyone’s lives easier. Best of all, these solutions can grow with the kids and eventually translate into adults-only spaces when the kids move out.
Play/Game Area
Make use of your side yard(s) to create game areas for the kids. When they’re little, this could mean a sandbox and jungle gym. As they grow, the sandbox could become a raised bed planter where they can grow their own food (a great introduction to healthy eating); and, a jungle gym space could be transformed into a private area just for teens. Outdoor games like horseshoes, bocce, lawn darts and corn hole all stand the test of time, and they’re made more fun when they have their own area so they don’t have to constantly be shuffled around.
A Teen Hangout
Nothing is more frustrating for teens than to constantly be around their parents. They just want their own space to hang out and this is another excellent use of an otherwise neglected side yard or corner of the yard. Start with a paver patio and a privacy fence… add a few colorful hammocks or porch swing, a beverage fridge, festive string lights, and even a small pergola for shade. This space won’t even need to be transformed once the kids are grown and gone! It might just become your favorite place to work, or to escape from work!
A Spacious Flat Lawn
Kids need to burn off energy on a daily basis. A large, flat lawn is perfect for games, races, and active sports.
Water
A full sized pool keeps kids entertained for hours. But, if you don’t want the expense or maintenance of a large pool and don’t want to sacrifice so much space, you can get just as much enjoyment out of a dipping pool (or “cocktail pool”) or spa. It’s not big enough for swimming laps, but plenty big enough for splashing and soaking (and, it’s an elegant look that stands the test of time, unlike cheap above-ground pools). Add a waterfall, fountain, and even a slide, and you’ll have all the elements of a water park. Finish the look with stylish, non-slip concrete pavers that are available in any style you like. Every day will feel like summer vacation!
If the thought of a pool or spa is too much, consider a splash pad if you have small children. This shallow wading pool with a few spouts can offer endless entertainment for the little ones. And when the kids are too big for it, the space could be turned into a chic fire pit area!
Shade
Pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions offer shelter so kids can be outdoors more often. Outdoor curtains instantly transform the space into a fort. The addition of a beverage cooler will keep them outdoors longer
Pizza Oven
Who can resist fresh homemade pizza? Nobody we know! Encourage family gatherings and al fresco dining by adding a pizza oven to your grill station or outdoor kitchen.
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