Summer in the garden for parents and children: 6 design ideas

Oasis of peace and playground in one – is that possible? Sure, of course! The garden is a meeting place for the whole family. Everyone comes together here in summer to grill, chill and play. This article provides 6 ideas for transforming the green space around the house into a child-friendly garden, in which parents can also relax.

Creating retreats

Children like to play hide and seek – in their own garden too, of course. Good hiding spots can be planted and built. Maybe they are already there. Anyone who has a weeping willow in the garden will find a safe hiding place under the willow branches. But you can also plant bamboo in the round and leave a loophole open to create a rustling hiding place. But don’t forget the root barrier, because otherwise the bamboo will spread uncontrollably in the garden! While the kids run around in the garden and play hide and seek, the parents can take a breather and relax on the terrace in loungers.

Discover nature in the tree house

Those who are skilled in their craft can put a playhouse in the garden for the children, or even build a tree house for the little explorers. Small children can help with the design, older children help with the assembly. A healthy, strong tree with strong branches is important. Oak, maple and beech are often well suited. The boards used have to withstand wind and weather and should be comparatively light. Pine is often a good choice. The screws should be made of stainless steel.

Tip:

A permanently installed wooden staircase has less risk of accidents than a rope ladder.

Notice:

The tree house shouldn’t be too big. Otherwise it may be subject to approval from the building authority. In addition: If the plateau extends far beyond the girder branch, it must be supported by stilts.

Small play paradise

A climbing frame requires several square meters of floor space. Space-saving game ideas are often the better choice. How about a swing? Even a foldable soccer goal can be set up in no time and just as quickly dismantled. The only requirement: a green area that can be transformed into a football pitch. It is best to sow a grass seed mixture for sports and play lawns in advance. Here you can have a barbecue in the summer or even camp out if the weather cooperates.

Gardening with children

When gardening, it is expressly allowed to get your hands dirty. This makes children’s eyes light up and even replaces the mud kitchen. Gardening gives the children an understanding of the flora and fauna. Only non-toxic plants should be sown and planted so that the little ones can lend a hand without hesitation. Maybe the children get their own raised bed where they can grow lettuce, cucumber and strawberries and snack on them. Sunflowers or the climbing nasturtiums are also great to look at. The matching garden accessories, from plant plugs to bird houses, round off the child-friendly bed in a colorful way and ensure that one or the other animal garden dweller is also happy about the mini gardeners.

Water features

Fruit and vegetables have to be watered regularly, but the little ones also have fun in a cool shower in the summer heat. If you don’t have space for a permanently installed swimming pool, you can refresh yourself in other ways:

• inflatable pool
• Garden hose and watering can
• Garden shower
• Lawn sprinkler

And the grown-ups can also run through the paddling pool or feel like a child again when they hop over the sprinkler.

A shady place to relax

After so much action, the little ones fall into bed tired in the evening or doze off in the hammock in the afternoon. In the garden, young and old can relax on loungers, in the garden lounge or in a beach chair. Important: don’t forget sun protection!