Happy kids mean happy parents. But keeping kids happy in these challenging times is no small feat. While “go outside and play” has become a standby for parents, it’s also important to provide children with a safe place to play, and offer enough opportunities for creative play that will keep the kids from coming back inside with pleas that there’s nothing to do. Here are our landscape design tips for keeping the kids safe and entertained during quarantine in Stony Brook, NY.
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Fun Water Features
A pool goes a long way toward all-day entertainment, whether you have a spacious family-friendly pool, a small dipping pool, a lap pool, or even a naturalistic lagoon-style pool. If you have an existing pool, consider adding fun features like a waterfall. Imagine the fun of swimming under a sheer-descent waterfall (the perfect grotto to hide behind a curtain of water). A sheer-descent waterfall is a great addition to a pool: it requires a large slab for the water to flow over, and this slab can extend out over the pool to create an amazing water feature that is just as entertaining from the yard as it is from the pool.
If you’re considering adding a pool and have a modestly sized backyard, a dipping pool could be a great option. Dipping pools are somewhere between hot tub sized and pool sized—enough to play and cool off in, but not so large that they take up the entire yard. They can be perfect for tucking into a corner, so you can still have plenty of lawn for the kids and dog to run around on.
Pool slides are always a fun addition, and today’s designs offers multiple creative arrangements. They can be part of a waterfall, or they can snake through lush vegetation on a hillside lot.
A baja deck is a shallow, gradual entry into a pool that also doubles as a fantastic kiddie pool for the little ones, or a “beach” for older kids.
Another fun option is to install an elevated spa beside the pool; this spa can have both a waterfall and a slide going down to the pool, for a waterpark-like experience.
Poolside safety is of course paramount. If your pool deck is in need of repair or replacement, consider concrete pavers. Concrete pavers are non-slip even when wet, resistant to pool chemicals, and come in a huge variety of design styles to complement your home.
Game Areas
If your side yard isn’t being used, consider turning it into a dedicated game area. Games like horseshoes or bocce are fitting for side yards. Sandboxes, swing sets, and forts are other fun options to consider. You can fit a lot of playtime into a narrow side yard and still enjoy a beautifully landscaped backyard.
Simple Hangout Spots
Older kids love having their own space to hang out—this may prompt you to dedicate a side yard just for their use. Consider a small paver patio, some hammocks or a porch swing, a bubbling fountain, and a tall privacy fence decorated with string lights. Such features will delight older kids and make them feel special for having their very own getaway.
Shade from the Hot Sun
Be sure to include shade in your landscape design, so your kids can play outside and minimize their risk of sunburn. A stylish pergola or pavilion could do the trick, providing them with their own designated enclosure by day and giving you a place to entertain at night.
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